Conference Program Schedule

September 05, 2008 - Friday – Sydney to Vancouver and Seattle

Today we leave Australia and arrive in Vancouver and then take a short flight to Seattle for an overnight stay to explore this exciting city. Overnight Mayflower Hotel or similar

September 06, 2008 – Saturday – Seattle

This morning enjoy what Seattle has to offer on a morning sightseeing tour. Afternoon id free for the optional Boeing Factory tour or to continue to explore this exciting city. Overnight Mayflower Hotel or similar

September 07, 2008 – Sunday – Cruise Inside Passage

Morning at leisure before you make your way to the Pier to board Holland America’s Westerdam for your 7-night voyage through the famed Inside Passage. Boarding begins at 1PM for 4PM Disembark. (D)

September 08, 2008 – Monday – Cruise Inside Passage

Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located right along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales as you cruise the passage to the historic Alaskan ports of Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

September 09, 2008 – Tuesday – Cruising Glacier Bay

This protected national park is home to 15 active glaciers, numerous seabirds, otters and humpback whales. If you’re lucky, you may even witness enormous walls of ice crashing thunderously into the sea. (B, L, D)

September 10, 2008 – Wednesday – Juneau

See what many consider to be the most beautiful capital in the nation, Juneau, Alaska. The terrain is hilly and winding, and narrow streets present a small-town quaintness existing side-by-side with cosmopolitan sophistication. You’ll find great shopping, fine restaurants and superb museums. (B, L, D)

September 11, 2008 – Thursday – Sitka

Today we visit the old Russian Capital of Alaska, prior to the area being sold the US in 1867 for a mere $7.2Million Dollars (2cents an acre!!) While in port, visit the Old Russian Orthodox Church and the Raptor Center, where they look after wounded Birds of Prey. Maybe even take an optional Kayaking Tour to look for whales (B, L, D)

September 12, 2008 – Friday – Ketchikan

Ketchikan is teeming with Native American culture. Home of the largest concentration of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people in the state, this extraordinarily beautiful city on Revillagigedo Island boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles, and an equally impressive selection of museums and cultural centres featuring Native dance, carvings and artifacts. (B, L, D)

September 13, 2008 – Saturday – Victoria

A relaxing day aboard ship as you travel through the Inside Passage, shaped by glaciers millions of years ago. Spend time with new found friends and recall the many awe inspiring sights and experiences of your Alaskan Adventure. Tonight enjoy a sumptuous dinner on your elegant ship. After dinner, disembark the ship in Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Overnight – Laurel Point Inn or similar
(B, L, D)

September 14, 2008 - Sunday – Victoria

Today is a leisure day to explore Victoria and enjoy this lovely city.
Overnight – Laurel Point Inn or similar

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 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 optional 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

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
• 12 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.
• 8 Day/7 Night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise in a D Category Outside Stateroom on ms Statendam including all meals & entertainment.
• 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/Victoria – 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

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 26 days approximately $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 $460 per person), Statendam 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.

$ 9,845 per person on a twin share basis
$ 3,765 Single Supplement

Extras to be pre-paid:

Air tax - $490 per person
Fuel Surcharge - $190 per person
Port taxes - $515 per person
On-board gratuities on Alaska Cruise - (US$10 per day per person)
QBE Travel Insurance for 26 days approximately $303 per person ($601 per couple)

Deposit Required:

• A deposit of $1,500 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 02 June, 2008.

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Go to TOUR A // Go to TOUR B // Go to TOUR C //

// Go to TOUR A + Alaska