May 24, 2008 - Saturday / Arrival Vancouver

Upon arrival at Vancouver Airport at 08:30am group is met by a local guide who will be with them until they depart for Anchorage. City tour of Vancouver showing sites such as English Bay, Stanley Park, Canada Place, Chinatown and Gastown, Marine Building, Public Library, Provincial Law Court and Robson Street which will end at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the Pacific Palisades Hotel in Deluxe Rooms.

May 25, 2008 – Sunday / Vancouver – Whistler

This morning at 7:30am, we have a coach transfer to North Vancouver, where we board the Whistler Mountaineer in Glacier Dome class and travel alongside scenic Howe Sound to Whistler. Breakfast is included on board. Coach transfer to the hotel upon arrival.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the small resort town of Whistler on own. Dinner at the Whistler Brewhouse (approx. 10 min. walk)
Overnight at the Summit Lodge in Deluxe Studios. (B, D)

May 26, 2008 - Monday / Whistler – Lac Le Jeune

Full American breakfast at the hotel.
Departure after breakfast on scenic Duffy Lake Road through the Coastal Mountains to reach the so-called former Gold Rush Country. It was here where in old times the early settlers searched for the precious metal. Continue through the Cariboo Mountains to Lac Le Jeune. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Lac Le Jeune Resort in Cabins. (B, D)

May 27, 2008 - Tuesday / Lac Le Jeune – Banff

Full American breakfast at the hotel.
Today’s journey leads to Kamloops and further on towards the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Crossing Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park with the Continental Divide, Spiral Tunnels and Takakkaw Falls, many stops will be made en route. The journey bypasses Lake Louise until finally Banff is reached late afternoon. Lunch at a restaurant in the area of Golden.
Overnight at the Rimrock Resort in Superior Rooms. (B, L)

May 28, 2008 – Wednesday / Banff

Full American breakfast at the hotel.
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.
Dinner at Melissa’s Restaurant in town. Transportation to/from the restaurant in taxis.
Overnight at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Superior Rooms. (B, D)

May 29, 2008 - Thursday / Banff - Lake Louise

Full American breakfast at the hotel.
Short drive on the scenic byway 1A to Johnston Canyon for a walk on the elevated walkway high above the gorge and gushing waters of the river to the Lower Falls. Continue to Valley of Ten Peaks leading to the turquoise shimmering waters of Moraine Lake. The tour ends in nearby Lake Louise. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy time at the famous lake. Perhaps a walk to the Falls at the end of the lake or an hour in a canoe exploring.
Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake View Rooms. (B)

May 30, 2008 – Friday / Lake Louise – Jasper

After breakfast the journey continues on the most scenic road of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefield Parkway, to Jasper. 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. Check-in at the hotel with a short time to change before the bus transports the group back to downtown Jasper for dinner at Papa George’s Restaurant. Return to the hotel after dinner by taxi.
Overnight at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Fairmont Rooms. (D)

May 31, 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 (depending on winter conditions Maligne Lake cruises only start end of May/beginning of June. In case it is not operating yet tour includes Jasper Tramway instead, reduction would then be per person $15.00. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Fairmont Rooms.

June 01, 2008 – Sunday / Jasper – Kamloops

Early morning transfer at 7am to the Jasper train station.
Depart Jasper on board of the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Class. The train journey reaches Mount Robson, highest peak of the Canadian Rockies before it follows the Thompson River Valley to Wells Gray National Park. Kamloops is reached early evening. Breakfast and lunch are included on board of the train. Dinner show in Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops in the GoldLeaf designated hotel (B, L, D)

June 02, 2008 - Monday / Kamloops – Vancouver

Transfer to the train station by Rocky Mountaineer coach.
Departing Kamloops early morning the train enters the Fraser Canyon and finally reaches the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the peaks of the Coastal Mountains. Arrival in Vancouver is at approximately 17:00. Breakfast and lunch are included on board of the train. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the Pacific Palisades Hotel in Deluxe Rooms. (B, L)

June 03, 2008 – Tuesday / Vancouver

In the morning short transfer to Vancouver Aquarium for breakfast with the belugas followed by a visit of the Aquarium on own. Then we head to the north shore for the gondola elevation up Grouse Mountain to explore the wildlife refuge and lodge followed by a visit of Capilano Suspension Park & Bridge with Treetop Walk. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, rest of the day leisure time.
Overnight at the Pacific Palisades Hotel in Deluxe Rooms. (B)

June 04, 2008 – Wednesday / Vancouver – Victoria

Full American breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast group departs Vancouver to Tsawwassen for the 1 ½ hour scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival short drive to Butchart Gardens which is close to the ferry terminal for a visit of the famous botanical gardens and lunch at their restaurant. In the afternoon continue to Victoria for a short sightseeing tour to show amongst others The Parliament, Empress Hotel, Marine Drive and Beacon Hill Park with Mile 0 of Hwy 1, Chinatown and the Inner Harbour. (B, L)
Overnight at the Laurel Point Inn in North Wing Harbour View Rooms.

June 05, 2008 – Thursday / Victoria

The morning is at leisure. Early afternoon group boards either a zodiac or covered boat (decisions to be made 1 month prior tour start) to enjoy a 3 hour whale watching cruise to see orcas and other coastal marine wildlife. Dinner at the Restaurant Vista 18 on 18th floor of the Hotel Chateau Victoria within walking distance (approx. 15 minutes walk)
Overnight at the Laurel Point Inn in North Wing Harbour View Rooms. (D)

June 06, 2008 – Friday / Victoria to Vancouver and Anchorage

A 6am departure from the hotel to Swartz Bay to board the first morning ferry (7am) back to mainland BC. Breakfast at own expense at a restaurant of your choice on board the ferry. Continue to Vancouver International Airport, which will be reached at approximately 9am for check-in to flight AC538 to Anchorage at 11:10am. (L)
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore this vibrant city.
Overnight at the Westmark Anchorage Hotel

June 07, 2008 - Saturday / Anchorage

Transfer to the Railroad Station and board your train for Seward. You may wish to have a breakfast on the train, a real treat. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the wharf to board your Kenai Fjords vessel for the 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Lunch is included. Return to port and transfer by coach back to your Anchorage hotel. Your Tour Director will welcome you this evening. (L)
Overnight at the Westmark Anchorage Hotel

June 08, 2008 – Sunday / Anchorage to Denali on the McKinley Explorer

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the largest domed railcars on the Alaska Railroad route for leisurely sightseeing, fine dining and gracious service. Breakfast & lunch are reasonably priced & available. Upon arrival, transfer to your Denali Chalets. You are free to explore the area with a number of options available. Tonight enjoy a fun show and dinner at Cabin Night Dinner Theatre. (D)
Overnight at the McKinley Chalets

June 09, 2008 – Monday / Denali National Park

Full American breakfast at the hotel. Embark on the 8 to 10 hour Kantishna Wildlife Tour for the most comprehensive wildlife viewing and Mt. McKinley viewpoints. Your guide will share natural history and native culture insights all along the way as you travel 90 miles into the park. Lunch is included. (B, L)
Overnight at the McKinley Chalets

June 10, 2008 - Tuesday / Denali to Fairbanks

Enjoy a visit to Jeff King’s Husky Kennels before re-boarding the McKinley Explorer for sightseeing to Fairbanks. Check into your hotel this evening for frontier hospitality.
Overnight at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel

June 11, 2008 - Wednesday / Fairbanks to Tok

Full American breakfast at the hotel. Today's tour takes in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Gold Dredge No. 8 for an in-depth view of local history (lunch included). Then continue on the Alaska Highway, with a brief stop at the town of North Pole, before heading to Tok. (B, L)
Overnight at the Westmark Tok Hotel

June 12, 2008 - Thursday / Tok to Eagle then to Dawson City

Full American breakfast at the hotel. Travel the Taylor Highway to historic Eagle for a guided tour and a visit to the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Visitor Center. Then embark our mv Yukon Queen II catamaran for a cruise up the Yukon River to Dawson City (dinner included on the vessel). Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of this Klondike National Historic Site. (B, D)
Overnight at the Westmark Dawson City Hotel

June 13, 2008 - Friday / Dawson City

You will have a full day at leisure to explore on your own or join an optional Dawson City or Tombstone Park adventures tour. You can visit the remote wonders of Tombstone Park and hike with local interpreters for a personal glimpse of natural marvels two billion years old. Or stay in Dawson City and soak up gold rush color. A free night to explore and perhaps eat at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the Westmark Dawson City Hotel

June 14, 2008 - Saturday / Dawson City to Whitehorse

Full American breakfast at the hotel. Experience true wilderness on your way to Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon (lunch included). Tonight, kick up your heels at the uproarious Frantic Follies Vaudeville Revue. (B, L)
Overnight at the Whitehorse Westmark Whitehorse Hotel

June 15, 2008 - Sunday / Whitehorse
Day at leisure or to join an optional tour. There is a full day wilderness tour into Kluane National Park, with views of Canada’s highest mountain, Mt Logan. Perhaps you would like to do some fishing or just explore Whitehorse.
Overnight at the Westmark Whitehorse Hotel

June 16, 2008 - Monday / Whitehorse to Skagway
Full American breakfast at the hotel. This Klondike Trail adventure features the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Carcross to historic Lake Bennett. Enjoy lunch (included) and a park ranger walking tour. Then re-board the train to Skagway, a Klondike National Historical Park. (B, L)
Overnight at the Westmark Skagway Hotel

June 17, 2008 - Tuesday / Skagway and board your ship – ms Statendam
A morning to sleep in or go out and explore. The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98. 21st-century summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort. Biking, walking, shopping and flight-seeing adventures are also available from Skagway. Embark your cruise. Say "good-bye" to your Tour Director in Skagway and transfer to your Holland America ship, ms Statendam. (L, D)

June 18, 2008 - Wednesday / Cruising Glacier Bay National Park

As Biosphere Reserve and 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. Join us tonight for an Exclusive Kareela Probus Cocktail Party hosted by the ship. (B, L, D)

June 19, 2008 - Thursday / Cruise to Ketchikan

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 - there's one other thing we highly recommend you do. A floatplane flight-seeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument is a transforming adventure not to be missed. The souvenir photos you’ll take from the pontoons of the plane are worth the trip alone. (B, L, D)

June 20, 2008 - Friday / Inside Passage Cruising
Today you can relax and watch the world go by as you cruise in the protected waters between Vancouver Island and the western coast of British Columbia. Watch for pods of Orcas or take in the last Bingo game to see the jackpot go off! (B, L, D)

June 21, 2008 – Saturday / Arrival in Vancouver

You pass under the Lion’s Gate Bridge in the early hours of the morning and will be tied up at Canada Place by 8:00am. Group B (pax departing to Toronto) are picked up with their luggage and transferred directly to Vancouver International Airport for check-in and departure on AC180 at 12pm to Toronto. (B)

Group A will have a full day at leisure. Your luggage will be stored and there will be a variety of optional tours that you can pre-book to finish your explorations of this fantastic city. In the early evening, around 07:30pm, you will be transferred to Vancouver International Airport to check-in for you flight departing at 11:15pm.

June 22, 2008 – Sunday / In air

June 23, 2008 – Monday / Arrival in Sydney

Inclusions and pricing

COST INCLUDES:

Canada Section
• 13 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 47 – 54 passenger highway coaches with drivers as listed including highway tolls, deadheads and drivers accommodation where needed
• Local English speaking tour guide with group during whole trip, not overnighting with group at hotel in Vancouver or joining them on their cruise
• Transportation for coach and passengers on BC Ferries Swartz Bay – Tsawwassen
• Airfares with Air Canada based on flying Sydney/Vancouver/Anchorage – surface – Vancouver/Sydney
• Gratuities to drivers and driver-guides
• Whistler Mountaineer Vancouver – Whistler in Glacier Dome Class inclusive 1 breakfast on board as listed
• Rocky Mountaineer Jasper - Vancouver in GoldLeaf Class, package inclusive 1 night accommodation in Kamloops in moderate hotel and 2 breakfasts + 2 lunches on board as well as 1 dinner show in Kamloops as listed
• Luggage handling in and out at the hotels – mandatory (1 bag per person)
• 9 full American breakfasts or breakfast buffets, 5 three-course lunches and 6 three-course dinners inclusive gratuities as listed, no drinks included
• National Park fees, Vancouver Parks fee
• Admissions to attractions/activities as listed: Butchart Gardens, 3 hour whale watching tour on covered boat in Victoria, Vancouver Aquarium, Banff Gondola, Ice Explorer, Maligne Lake cruise, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain gondola
• Applicable local sales, hotel taxes and 3% GST(all taxes as per January 2007, GST rebate for Non-Canadians has been applied – please note that as of April 01, 2007 6% GST may apply as the Canadian Government has announced to end the GST rebate program for foreign visitors). This is still to be passed by the Canadian Government.

Alaska & the Yukon section

• 11 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 with group during the trip from arrival in Anchorage until we board ms Statendam or similar in Skagway.
• Luggage handling in and out at the hotels – mandatory (1 bag per person)
• 10 full American breakfasts or breakfast buffets, 9 lunches and 6 dinners inclusive gratuities as listed, no drinks included
• National Park fees
• Admissions to attractions/activities as listed
• 5 Day/4 night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise on ms Statendam or similar in a BA Category Verandah Stateroom or similar
• Exclusive Kareela Probus Club Cocktail Party
• Exclusive on-board ship credit of US$ 50 per person
• Gratuities to drivers and driver-guides

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Travel Insurance
• 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
• Extra Canada GST after April 01, 2007 (if passed by the Canadian Government.)
• All rates are based on 2008 rates
• Items of a personal nature
• Airline taxes, Fuel Surcharges, Port taxes, Alaska tax, 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 fluxuation, and can be altered at any time up to the date of departure.

$16,495 on a twin share basis
$ 4,995 Single Supplement

Extras to be pre-paid:

Port taxes & Alaska Tax - $640 per person
Air tax - $490 per person
Fuel Surcharge - $150 per person
Travel Insurance approximately $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 01 December 2007.
• The balance of monies due for the tour is required by 25 February, 2008.

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