Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Meeting the Tour Manager at London Heathrow this morning, your adventure gets under way as we board a flight across the Atlantic to Calgary. Arriving around midday local time, we check in to our hotel and spend the night in this shimmering city of the Canadian west.

Calgary has a modern skyline but is steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname 'Cowtown.' Heading out for dinner independently you'll find a diverse choice of cuisine, from upscale steakhouses to stylish cafes.

Today we travel along the Trans-Canada Highway. We pass through Native American reservations, before the imposing foothills of the Rocky Mountains gather round the route. Our destination is Banff, a quintessential Rockies town nestled beneath the imposing Cascade Mountain. We check into our hotel in mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

As one of the main tourist destinations in the Canadian Rockies, there are many things to do in Banff, with many shops and restaurants in its walkable town centre. Dining independently this evening, you could pop into one of the attractive eateries.

Our day begins with a Gondola journey up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy views across beautiful Banff.

We then take a coach excursion to astonishing Lake Louise. This turquoise glacial lake is framed by towering snow-capped mountains often reflected in the serene waters. As one of the most photographed sights in the Canadian Rockies, this remarkable view has become intrinsically linked with the region but is equally impressive in person. There is time to soak up this glacier-fed lake and its spellbinding backdrop before spending free time over lunch in Lake Louise village.

We continue to the vivid Emerald Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yoho National Park - stopping enroute at Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint. On returning to our hotel, we meet a retired member of the Canadian Mounted Police Force in uniform, affectionately known as a 'Mountie', who talks about their time in service, before we dine independently.

With a day at leisure, you can explore the mountain resort town of Banff at your own pace.

Founded in 1883 near a planned railway tunnel, Banff is surrounded by wonderful wilderness and spectacular scenery. As Canada's premier year-round destination, there are various excursions available from here (payable locally), including guided visits to Lake Minnewanka - a glistening turquoise lake, known by the First Nations people as the 'Lake of the Spirits' - and the wide, low, but powerful Bow Falls.

Banff itself attracts many tourists, for shopping as well as nature and, with its creative community, has an alternative side to it. You may prefer to stay local and soak up the charms of the Main Street, a row of half-timbered independent shops and a variety of restaurants.

This town is renowned as one of Canada's foodie capitals with its 'mountain-to-table' movement and wild game dishes. Enjoy innovative local cuisine in a cosy and stylish eatery of your choice as we dine independently.

Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer early this morning, we begin the first of our superb daylight journeys through some of Canada's most jaw-dropping scenery. Our trip to Kamloops is named the 'First Passage to the West' route. Travelling in SilverLeaf Class, in unique, glass-domed cars with breakfast and lunch included at our seats, we marvel at panoramic views of Canada's spectacular scenery unfolding in front of us on this relaxed journey.

Leaving Banff, we pass Castle Mountain, known for its castle-like appearance with flat-topped peaks. We then climb into the Kicking Horse Pass, an important route that was key to the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway before travelling through the Spiral Tunnels.

Crossing the Continental Divide, the train moves from Alberta into British Columbia. This point marks the division between rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean and those that flow eastward to the Atlantic. We then descend into Yoho National Park, where we are treated to views of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and waterfalls.

Leaving the rugged terrain of the mountains behind, the landscape begins to soften and we arrive in Kamloops for a night at a local hotel. After checking in, there is time to explore and dine independently.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Our wonderful Rocky Mountaineer experience continues this morning on another dramatic stretch of the line through varied landscapes. Enjoying breakfast and lunch on board, we journey along the impressive Thompson and Fraser Canyons, past the rushing waters of Hell's Gate, as we keep our eyes open for native Canadian wildlife.

From the rugged Rockies and dense forests, through arid, desert landscapes and into the Fraser Valley's fertile fields, the scenery is as dazzling as it is varied. From the Cascade Mountains, the route begins its descent towards the lush rainforests of the Pacific coast, before we arrive in Vancouver for a two-night stay.

The city is considered one of the world's most desirable places to live, thanks to its incredible setting. Blending the vibrancy and culture of a cosmopolitan city with spectacular scenery, Vancouver quietly impresses its many visitors.

Our hotel is a short distance from both Downtown and the harbour. After check in there is a free evening to try some of western Canada's cuisine, like seafood.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We get to know the city this morning as a local guide joins us on a four-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver's most characterful districts.

As Vancouver's original Downtown, the area known as Gastown is the city's most historic area. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding pretty Maple Tree Square. Many coffee shops, art galleries, upmarket fashion boutiques, and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found in this area named after talkative Hull-born sailor and barman 'Gassy' Jack Deighton.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in Chinatown - the largest in Canada - where we take in the sights and sounds of the streets and squares. From here, we venture to Stanley Park, a green oasis with magnificent scenes of water, mountains, sky, and trees along its famous Seawall. While here, we view colourful totem poles that celebrate the region's Native American history.

The rest of the day is free to explore independently. You could travel to Granville Island to sample its food markets or view the boutique shops and cafés. This evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy Vancouver's restaurants at leisure.

After a relaxing morning, we are transferred to Vancouver's port to board the MS Celebrity Solstice for a spectacular seven-night cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska.

Our vessel is elegant and comfortable, featuring stylish accommodations, and is equipped with a relaxing spa and a variety of restaurants. After settling into our cabins, we wave farewell to the Canadian mainland as we head into the Strait of Georgia, surrounded by verdant islands as we head north towards Alaska.

All food is included on our cruise, and this evening we sit down for our first meal on board the ship - admiring the beautiful views of Vancouver Island and the coastline of British Columbia on our way to the Inside Passage. Historically an important sea route for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, it has since become one of the most popular and striking cruising routes in the world.

• Dinner

Awaking this morning in the extraordinary landscapes provided by the Inside Passage, we cruise onwards towards Alaska. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on board today as we wind through this UNESCO-protected network of waterways, following in the slipstream of adventurers and prospectors.

Passing stunning fjords and deep inlets along the wild and rugged coastlines of British Columbia and southeast Alaska, this is an area of pristine waters, snow-capped mountains and glacial waters. This region was first charted by King's Lynn-born sailor Captain George Vancouver between 1791 and 1795, for whom our port of departure was named. Vancouver, who sailed with James Cook's second voyage, was well thought of by indigenous peoples. His maps of the Inside Passage were so detailed and accurate that they were used by many future generations.

As well as its history and beautiful scenery, this is also renowned as a haven for marine animals - and we may be lucky enough to spot wildlife from the deck of our ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sailing into the breathtaking Icy Strait Point near the native Tlingit village of Hoonah, we admire stunning views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear waters. As we glide along, keep your eyes pealed to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and bald eagles.

Lunch is served as we travel to the Alaskan state capital, Juneau. Completely inaccessible by road, this former gold rush city is set against a backdrop of mountains, and you have a free afternoon here to explore its picturesque waterfront area and charming frontier-era streets. Dinner is served back on board this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depending on your departure date, today you will either visit Skagway or experience the Hubbard Glacier.

Once the lawless hub of the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway served as the entry point for the gold fields and people rushed here in the hope of making it rich. This frontier town quickly turned into Alaska's largest settlement, full of saloons and traders and while peaceful now, the town retains its authenticity as its buildings have been authentically preserved.

The Hubbard Glacier is located about 30 miles north off the coast of Yakutat and is one of Alaska's most exciting natural treasures. As we cruise, you can experience the wilds of Alaska as our ship makes its way through icy waters. Turning from Yakutat Bay into the narrow Disenchantment Bay, we come face-to-face with the towering Hubbard Glacier.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we cruise to the Alaskan state capital, Juneau. Completely inaccessible by road, this former gold rush city is set against a backdrop of mountains, and you have a free afternoon here to explore its picturesque waterfront area and charming frontier-era streets.

On board, you could relax by the outdoor pool or peaceful lawn. Alternatively, you could enjoy a drink in our beautiful surroundings at the on board Sunset Bar. Dinner is served on board this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Clinging to the forested banks of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan is known as the 'First City' of Alaska as it was the first main settlement most visitors reached on their way north.

We dock here, where you have the rest of the day to explore. Apart from being the Salmon Capital of the World, Native Alaskan culture and art flourishes here and, with the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, this may be one of the best spots on our cruise to see these intricately carved cultural artefacts. The Totem Heritage Centre is easy to reach and an interesting place to visit, with its large display of poles, retrieved from abandoned villages.

A little further north, you'll find Totem Bight State Park, which has another collection of famous poles, and a native community house. The town itself has a museum, souvenir shops and local art - and there are plenty of dining options to sample the town's celebrated salmon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the last full day onboard this fabulous Alaskan cruise, we set sail back to Vancouver today, passing through the legendary Inside Passage. Relax onboard as we glide through a maze of isolated islands blanketed in dense rainforests. Although appearing remote and inhospitable, these lands have been the home of many indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Tlingit.

Named after the British explorer who mapped this area, Vancouver Island is one of Canada's largest. It shelters the Johnstone Strait and Strait of Georgia from the wild Pacific and guides us towards our destination.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we leave our cruise ship and disembark in Vancouver, where you are free to explore until mid- afternoon. You could return to some of the neighbourhoods we explored on our guided tour to spend time at leisure in Gastown's galleries, museums or coffee shops, or take a stroll along the waterfront towards Stanley Park.

In the late afternoon, we bid farewell to Vancouver as we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the United Kingdom.

• Breakfast

As our plane touches down at London Heathrow this morning, our spectacular Canadian and Alaskan holiday comes to an end.

By road, rail and sea, we have traversed the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and sailed the Inside Passage to witness many jaw-dropping natural wonders. Exploring Banff and Vancouver revealed Canadian culture while a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer showcased incredible landscapes. Our cruise through Alaska's glacial bays, fjords and old Gold Rush towns was a perfect ending to our adventure.

As our expedition concludes, you are free to make your way home with these unforgettable new memories.