The Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise

We enjoy 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 meet a retired member of the Canadian Mounted Police Force, or Mountie, who gives us a fascinating talk about their time in service.

We depart by coach along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road that links Jasper with Lake Louise and passes through some incredible scenery. We travel past many of the highest and most rugged peaks in the Rockies, pausing to admire the views over 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

Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer, we begin the first of our superb daylight journeys 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 crossing the Continental Divide as we soak in the sights of rolling rivers, the cascading Pyramid Falls and mighty Mount Robson. 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. Arriving in Kamloops, we disembark for a night at a local hotel.

On Day 5, our Rocky Mountaineer experience continues on another dramatic stretch of the line that takes us along the Thompson and Fraser Canyons, past the sinisterly-named Hell's Gate, as we keep our eyes open for native Canadian wildlife. The line begins its descent towards the Pacific Coast, and before long we arrive in Vancouver for a two-night stay.

Our day begins with 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 European settler roots stem from the Gold Rush of 1858. Since then, Vancouver has evolved into a thriving and lively coastal city and is regularly ranked as one of the world's top three most desirable places to live. Our tour includes the old Gastown Quarter - an area of stylish coffee shops, galleries, native art stores and home to the famous Gastown Steam Clock - Chinatown, with its colourful, traditional architecture, and leafy Stanley Park, home to a set of unique totem poles that honour the city's Native American background.

We say goodbye to mainland Canada, boarding MS Volendam for an incredible seven-night Alaskan cruise. After settling into our cabins, we enjoy our first dinner on board this evening. Day 8 takes us on the first section of our journey through the famous Inside Passage to Alaska, an area of pristine waters, snow-capped mountains and deep fjords that are renowned as a haven for marine animals.

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

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. Home to a number of incredible creatures, from whales and seals that inhabit the water, to bears, mink and moose that stalk the shores, 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 and tribal houses are all accessible via the town, at most a short walk or taxi ride away. Here, the Totem Heritage Centre is not to be missed, with its large display of poles that were found in abandoned villages. A little further north, you'll find Totem Bight State Park, which boasts another collection of famous poles, along with a native community house.

We begin our return journey, sailing 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 or visit one of the world-class galleries or museums. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving in London Heathrow on Day 15.