Day 1 UK - Calgary
You'll depart on your scheduled flight to Calgary today. On arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Calgary - Banff
This morning we'll leave Calgary and head to Banff. Staggering views appear at every turn in Banff National Park, and this morning we'll head out together to explore. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams and swathes of forest are just some of the attractions in this stunning destination. The wildlife is equally impressive, so look out for black and grizzly bears, wolves, elk and deer on land, then keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks and ospreys in the sky. Other breaktaking sights will be the Hoodoos of Bow Valley, imposing spires of rock carved by the forces of nature which stand guard over the Bow River, and Surprise Corner. As the name suggests, sensational picture-postcard views are waiting for you here, so remember to bring your camera!
Day 3 Lake Louise
Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Lake Louise – a glacial, jade-green lake surrounded on all sides by towering peaks. You'll see it in all its glory this morning, and will have plenty of time to take in the views from hiking trails along the shore. The lake is often described as one of the most beautiful places in Canada – today you can decide if you think it lives up to its reputation.
Day 4 Kelowna
Today we're taking to the road and heading through the Rockies via Revelstoke and Vernon to the Kelowna area in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery that we pass through on this thrilling journey.
Day 5 Vancouver
The beauty of Vancouver is beckoning today, and on the way you can just relax and take in the views - you won't want to miss a thing. As we make our way across British Columbia we'll pass mountains, lakes, valleys and forests, and keep a lookout for wildlife too.
Meals included: BDay 6 Vancouver - at leisure
There's a huge amount to see and do in Vancouver, so it's up to you how you spend this free day. The city boasts one of the most beautiful settings in the world, surrounded by mountains, forests and islands.
If you would like to enjoy an optional guided excursion, you've the chance to visit Victoria. We'll take the ferry across to the capital of British Columbia, where highlights include the renowned Butchart Gardens, Parliament building and the impressive Empress Hotel.
Day 7 Vancouver
Your tour takes a new twist today, as we transfer you to Vancouver harbour to join your cruise ship, Volendam, which sets sail at 5pm. On board, once you've unpacked and settled into your comfortable stateroom, why not explore your wonderful floating hotel.
Day 8 The Inside Passage
Ahead lie days of luxurious relaxation and exploration as your ship traces the outline of North America's most scenic coastal landscape. As well as enjoying the ship's facilities, make sure you spend plenty of time on deck keeping a watchful eye for wildlife. If you're lucky you could see whales and seals in the water, eagles soaring overhead and grizzly bears on the shoreline.
Day 9 Juneau
Early this afternoon we'll dock in the Alaskan capital, Juneau, which stands on one of the largest wilderness areas of the United States. No roads lead into or out of the city, and it is surrounded by nature. Step ashore for a day of discovery in the great outdoors, with a visit to the 12-mile-long river of ice known as the Mendenhall Glacier just one recommendation. You might also see bears on the shore and bald eagles soaring above you.
Day 10 Skagway
This morning we arrive in Skagway, a lively relic of the Klondike Gold Rush, when gold was discovered here in 1896. With its wooden sidewalks and turn-of-the-century buildings, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you head off to explore at your own pace.
Day 11 Glacier Bay
Get ready for one of the scenic highlights of your cruise as we head to Glacier Bay. You'll see enormous icebergs floating in the blue-green water, and if we're lucky, we might catch sight of a glacier 'calving', sending thousands of tons of ice thundering into the bay. Don't put your camera down for a minute, as this area is a popular hangout for an incredible range of wildlife too. You might see humpback whales and sea otters in the water and grizzly, brown and black bears on the shore.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 12 Ketchikan
Today our journey takes us to Ketchikan, a quaint, weathered town clinging to a mountainside. Known as the 'salmon capital of the world', it's a lovely place to explore, and of course, it is the best place to sample some fresh Alaskan salmon. There's also an option to discover Totem Pole Park - Ketchikan is home to the world's largest collection of these fascinating works of art.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 13 The Inside Passage
It's your final day on board, so take every opportunity to appreciate the scenery as we cruise the Inside Passage. This series of deep fjords and tiny islands shaped by nature offers views that will simply take your breath away. As we make our way back to Vancouver, there's also plenty of time to catch up with your new-found friends and relive the amazing moments you've shared on this trip of a lifetime.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 14 Vancouver - UK
We'll disembark the ship this morning and set off on a tour of Vancouver. Sightseeing highlights include its original historic core, known as Gastown, the magnificent harbour, Chinatown and the remarkable 1,000-acre Stanley Park with its famous totem poles.
Later, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Additional Information
Vancouver
2 nights
Extend your holiday with an extra two nights in Vancouver and explore more of the city at your own pace. Includes 2 nights room only in a hotel of a great standard.