September 01, 2008 - Monday / Sydney to Vancouver and Fairbanks

Today we start our journey with a flight to Vancouver and connect to Fairbanks, Alaska

Upon arrival in Fairbanks, we transfer to our hotel for the next 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight – Pike’s Waterfront Inn or similar

September 02, 2008 – Tuesday - Fairbanks

Fairbanks
Cruise aboard the sternwheeler Discovery and tour Gold Dredge No. 8 (lunch included).
Overnight Westmark Fairbanks.

September 03, 2008 – Wednesday – Fairbanks to Denali

This morning we join the McKinley Explorer® rail to Denali National Park
Gracious service underscores breathtaking scenery from train to inviting Denali lodge.
Overnight McKinley Chalets Resort or similar

September 04, 2008 - Thursday - Denali

Denali National Park
Take full advantage of wildlife and Mt. McKinley viewing on an 8 hour guided Tundra Wilderness Tour. Overnight McKinley Chalets Resort or similar (L)

September 05, 2008 - Friday – Denali to Anchorage

Morning at leisure for optional tours. Perhaps enjoy a flightseeing trip to Mt McKinley, white water rafting or a raft float trip down the river. This afternoon we board the McKinley Explorer rail to Anchorage. Enjoy the largest domed railcars on the Alaska Railroad. Overnight Anchorage Westmark Hotel or similar
September 06, 2008 - Saturday – Anchorage to Seward

Soak up the stunning scenery as we head south to Seward on glorious Resurrection Bay, then overnight at a beautiful wilderness lodge.
Overnight Seward Windsong Lodge or similar

September 07, 2008 - Sunday – Seward and join ship

Your highlight today is a 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise on a small vessel, to allow you to see the wildlife and glaciers “Up Close & Personal”. Whales, sea otters, seals and Puffins are a few of the wildlife you will be watching for. Hover at the face of Holgate Glacier and watch for the explosive calving right before your eyes!! This evening you will board your Holland America ship ms Zaandam for your 8 day Alaskan cruise to Vancouver. Sail at 8pm (L, D)

September 08, 2008 - Monday – Scenic cruising in College Fjord

Only one place in Alaska surrounds you on three sides with flowing rivers of ice. Imagine cruising past one dramatic tidewater glacier after another - an awesome assemblage of Ice Age wonders named after the nation’s leading Ivy League colleges. Linger here for an in-depth lesson in nature’s power.
The Harriman Expedition that discovered College Fjord in 1899 was funded by Ivy League colleges. All of the glaciers in College Fjord were named for the various schools in their honor. As you travel into the Fjord, the glaciers on the left are named for women's colleges and those on the right are named for men's colleges. (B, L, D)

September 09, 2008 - Tuesday - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising

As Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park; protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in concert with an ever-changing glacial landscape. How does it feel when a monumental chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of feet into the air. You hold your breath as you catch the moment on film. Then you wait for it all to happen again. And it does. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. (B, L, D)

September 10, 2008 – Wednesday – Haines/Skagway

Nestled on the shores of America's longest fjord, Haines is in a spectacular setting. Fill your day with a float trip through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve which protects the habitat of the nation's avian symbol, or visit the Sheldon Museum, art galleries and local shops in town. Optional high speed catamaran access for shopping and excursions in Skagway will also be available. (B, L, D)

September 11, 2008 - Thursday - Juneau

Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the town of Juneau has the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the immense Juneau Icefields at its back door. Juneau is the place to let your imagination run wild. Explore the lush Tongass National Forest. Visit the rustic shops in town. Or get out and kayak, dogsled, raft, hike, whale watch, flight-see or fish. There’s no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. Climb aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for a great spot to hike and shoot a souvenir photo. (B, L, D)

September 12, 2008 - Friday - Ketchikan

Built out over the water and climbing weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a cheerful air. Besides the main attractions - Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village, try a flight-seeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument--a transformational adventure not to be missed. These deep water fjords left by retreating glaciers left granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls cascading into placid waters. The souvenir photos you'll take from the pontoons of the plane are worth the trip alone. (B, L, D)

September 13, 2008 - Saturday – Scenic Cruising

Inside Passage Scenic Cruising (B, L, D)

September 14, 2008 - Sunday – Vancouver to Victoria

Arrival in Vancouver this morning at about 8AM and disembark to join your coach & ferry to Victoria. Sail through the beautiful Gulf Islands and enjoy an afternoon exploring Victoria.
Overnight – Laurel Point Inn or similar (B)

September 15, 2008 – Monday – Victoria to Vancouver

The morning is free to explore the BC Museum before joining your coach to visit Butchart Gardens. After a few hours enjoying the flowers, we head to the ferry terminal and sail back to Vancouver.
Overnight Pacific Palisades or similar

September 16, 2008 - Tuesday - Vancouver

Today enjoy an orientation tour of Vancouver, visiting the major points of attraction. After that we visit Capilano Canyon and the suspension bridge that crosses the Canyon. There is a wonderful First Nations Interpretive Center and the largest private collection of Totem Poles in Canada to see. This afternoon, keep exploring.
Overnight Pacific Palisades or similar

September 17, 2008 - Wednesday – Vancouver

Today we have a day at leisure. Perhaps take the optional excursion to Whistler, the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Whistler Mountaineer takes you along the spectacular coastline in total comfort, allowing you time to explore the all pedestrian townsite, before heading back to Vancouver. This tour can also be done in both directions by coach.
Overnight Pacific Palisades or similar

September 18, 2008 – Thursday – Vancouver to Kamloops

Today board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel through the fertile Fraser River valley to Kamloops for our overnight stay. Tonight enjoy the Two River Junction Musical Revue.
Overnight Kamloops hotel. (B, L, D)

September 19, 2008 - Friday – Kamloops to Jasper

Board the train early this morning to travel into the heart of the Rockies. Pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies before heading into Jasper for the evening.
Overnight at the Lobstick Lodge (B, L)

September 20, 2008 - Saturday - Jasper

Today’s excursion (5 hours) starts early morning to see some of the local wildlife such as deer, elk, wolves, coyotes, big horn sheep which roam the area frequently. Bring own binoculars! It will lead to Maligne Canyon for a short walk alongside the gorge. Bypassing Medicine Lake group reaches Maligne Lake for a boat cruise on the lake. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the Lobstick Lodge

September 21, 2008 - Sunday – Jasper to Lake Louise

After breakfast on your own, the journey continues on the most scenic road of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefield Parkway, to Lake Louise. Passing by turquoise shimmering lakes there is usually an abundance of wildlife to be seen: bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, bear and elk are only some of the species found in the Rocky Mountains. Stops will be made en route, amongst others at Bow and Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield for a ride on the Ice Explorer as well as at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls.
Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake View Rooms (D)

September 22, 2008 - Monday – Lake Louise to Banff

Today we have a short drive on the scenic byway to Banff. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy time at this famous townsite. Perhaps a walk to the Indian Trading Post to check out the authentic crafts.
Overnight Fox Hotel & Suites or similar (B)

September 23, 2008 - Tuesday – Banff

In the morning sightseeing tour of Banff and area to see sites such a Cave & Basin, Tunnel Drive, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley and Bow Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Surprise Corner, the tour ends at the base of Banff Gondola. Ride up Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the view of Banff, the valley and surrounding mountains. Walk back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Fox Hotel & Suites or similar

September 24, 2008 – Wednesday – Banff to Calgary

Accommodation at the Conference Hotel – Hyatt Regency Calgary

September 25, 2008 - Thursday - Calgary

Conference program. Accommodation at the Conference Hotel – Hyatt Regency Calgary

Conference Program Schedule

September 26, 2008 - Friday - Calgary

Conference program. Accommodation at the Conference Hotel – Hyatt Regency Calgary

September 27, 2008 - Saturday - Calgary

Conference program. Accommodation at the Conference Hotel – Hyatt Regency Calgary

September 28, 2008 - Sunday

Fly Calgary to Vancouver & Sydney

September 29, 2008 - Monday – In Air

September 30, 2008 - Tuesday – Arrive Sydney

Inclusions and pricing

COST INCLUDES:

Canada Section
• 10 nights accommodation in twin rooms at the hotels listed in the room categories listed, depending on availability at time of booking
• 4 nights accommodation at the conference hotel, the Hyatt Regency Calgary.
• Transfers and transportation on 47 – 54 passenger highway coaches with drivers as listed including highway tolls, deadheads and drivers accommodation where needed
• Local English speaking driver/guide on all sightseeing tours.
• Transportation for coach and passengers on BC Ferries Vancouver to Victoria & return
• Airfares with Air Canada based on flying Sydney/Vancouver/Anchorage/Fairbanks – surface – Calgary/Vancouver/Sydney
• Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Jasper in RedLeaf Class including 1 night accommodation in Kamloops in a moderate hotel and 2 breakfasts + 2 lunches on board as well as 1 dinner show in Kamloops
• Luggage handling in and out at the hotels – mandatory (1 bag per person)
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners inclusive gratuities as listed, no drinks included
• National Park fees, Vancouver Parks fee
• Admissions to attractions/activities as listed: Butchart Gardens, Banff Gondola, Ice Explorer, Maligne Lake cruise, Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Applicable local sales, hotel taxes and 3% GST(all taxes as per April 2007, GST rebate for Non-Canadians has been applied

Alaska section
• 6 nights accommodation in twin rooms at the hotels listed in the room categories listed, depending on availability at time of booking
• Transfers and transportation on 44 - 54 passenger highway coaches with drivers as listed including highway tolls, deadheads and drivers accommodation where needed
• Transportation on the McKinley Explorer Domed Railcars
• Local English speaking tour guide or driver/guide during the trip from arrival in Fairbanks until we board ms Zaandam in Seward.
• Luggage handling in and out at the hotels – mandatory (1 bag per person)
• 7 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners inclusive gratuities as listed, no drinks included
• National Park fees
• Admissions to attractions/activities as listed
• 8 Day/7 night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise on ms Zaandam or similar in an E Category Outside Stateroom or similar

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Cost of Conference fees for the 8th World Plumbing Conference from 24 – 28 September. Registration forms will be sent to you under separate cover.
• QBE Travel Insurance for 30 days - $303 per person ($ 601 per couple)
• Excess luggage – 1 Suitcase (Max 23 Kg. allowed plus airline carry-on bag)
• Other meals than listed as included, drinks
• Other fees and admissions than listed as included
• Anything stated as optional
• All rates are based on 2008 rates
• Items of a personal nature
• Airline taxes (approximately $490 per person), Fuel Surcharges, Port taxes and Alaska tax (approximately $699 per person), Zaandam on-board gratuities (US$10 per person per day on your room account). These are listed separately.

Prices

The prices below are based on initial Earlybird 2008 prices. In discussions with the operators concerned, most feel these prices will hold for 2008. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation, and can be altered at any time up to the date of departure.

$11,795 per person on a twin share basis
$ 5,295 Single Supplement

Extras to be pre-paid:

Port taxes & Alaska Tax - $699 per person
Air tax - $490 per person
Fuel Surcharge - $190 per person
QBE Travel Insurance for 30 days - $303 per person ($ 601 per couple)

Deposit Required:

• A deposit of $2,000 per person is required to secure a space on the tour.
• A further $3,000 per person is required by 30 April 2008.
• The balance of monies due for the tour is required by 01 June, 2008.

~ Download Itinerary PDF ~ Booking Form ~

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// Go to TOUR A + Alaska // Go to TOUR B + Alaska