Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Our holiday begins with a flight from London Heathrow to Calgary, where we are met by a coach for our transfer to Banff, a scenic town set in Canada's oldest national park. On arrival, you are free to settle in and unwind as you wish.

Day 2 begins with an excursion to crystal-clear Lake Louise, one of the most photographed and iconic sights in the Canadian Rockies. This region is famous for its picture-perfect vistas, from snow-covered mountain peaks to the aquamarine waters of this idyllic lake. Later, we continue to Emerald Lake, the largest of Yoho National Park's lakes, and known for its vivid colours. Following a day of spectacular natural wonders, this evening we are introduced to a Mountie, who gives us a fascinating talk.

We depart by coach along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road that links Jasper with Lake Louise and passes through incredible scenery. We travel past many of the highest and most rugged peaks in the Rockies, pausing for a photo opportunity above the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, before making our way to the Icefields Centre at the foot of the Columbia Icefields. Here we stop to marvel at the Athabasca Glacier, and you have the option to enjoy a ride over the ice field by giant Snocoach (payable locally). Afterwards, we continue to Athabasca Falls, where thundering waters carve their way through the peaceful mountain scenery. We spend the night in Jasper.

Today we board the Rocky Mountaineer for a superb daylight journey through some of Canada's best-loved scenery. Our 309-mile trip to Kamloops takes in the scenery of the 'Journey Through the Clouds' route, passing through Banff National Park and across the Continental Divide. We travel in SilverLeaf Class, with plenty of time to watch the unfolding story of Canada's landscapes, as breakfast and lunch are served at our seats. We overnight at a hotel in Kamloops. You can also choose to Upgrade your experience to Gold Leaf.

On Day 5, our Rocky Mountaineer experience continues on another dramatic stretch of the line, travelling along the Thompson and Fraser Canyons. As we keep our eyes open for Canadian wildlife, the line begins its descent towards the Pacific Coast.

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver, one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is among Canada's largest cities, and its port is the largest on North America's west coast. With its European settler roots stemming from the Gold Rush of 1858, Vancouver has developed over the centuries and is now consistently ranked as one of the planet's top 3 most desirable places to live.

Our tour includes the old Gastown Quarter - an area of coffee shops, galleries, native art stores and home to the famous Gastown Steam Clock, and Chinatown, with its colourful traditional architecture, as well as beautiful Stanley Park, home to a set of unique totem poles.

Late this morning, we say goodbye to mainland Canada and we board the MS Volendam for our incredible 7-night Alaskan cruise. After settling in, we enjoy our first dinner on board this evening.

Day 8 takes us on the first step of our journey through the famous 'Inside Passage' to Alaska, an area of pristine waters, snowcapped mountains, and deep fjords that's famous as a haven for wildlife.

This morning, our ship arrives at Tracy Arm, a fjord surrounded by high-rock cliffs and plunging waterfalls, that's home to the ice-blue North and South Sawyer Glaciers. As the ship sails through the Tracy Arm Inlet, we enjoy lunch on board before arriving into the Alaskan state capital, Juneau, this afternoon. Completely inaccessible by road, this former gold rush city is set against a backdrop of mountains and our time here is at leisure.

On Day 10 we call at Skagway, famed for its association with Jack London's 1903 novel, 'The Call of the Wild.' With free time here, you may wish to take a stroll along the town's historic boardwalk.

Today is spent on board as we cruise through some of the most amazing scenery in Alaska. The ice formations of Glacier Bay are thought to be 4,000 years old and are protected by UNESCO as part of the 3.3 million acres of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The bay is home to a number of incredible creatures, from whales and seals that inhabit the water, to bears, mink and moose that stalk the shores. With ample opportunity to capture the icy scenes, this is the perfect time to pop up to the upper decks with your camera.

On Day 12, we dock at Ketchikan, where you have the option to disembark and explore. Native culture and art flourishes throughout Alaska and perhaps no more so than here. Totem poles, dances, and tribal houses are all accessible via the town, most a short walk or taxi ride. In town, the Totem Heritage Centre is not to be missed, with its large display of poles that were found in abandoned villages. North of town is Totem Bight State Park, which boasts another collection of famous poles, along with a native community house.

Our ship begins its return journey today, taking us back along the Inside Passage to Vancouver. After breakfast on Day 14, we disembark in Vancouver, where you have some free time. Vancouver combines its breathtaking setting with beautiful architecture and a perfectly-pitched way of life; perhaps sample some world-class cuisine. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving in London Heathrow on Day 15.