Springtime in the Canadian Rockies
Join us on a one-time holiday next Spring to the Canadian Rockies, combining travel aboard one of the most acclaimed ships of our time, the ms Rotterdam of Holland America Line, visits to lovely Victoria and Vancouver plus a full week in the Canadian Rockies, all at the perfect time of the year when crowds are less, spring wildflowers are abundant and the waterfalls are roaring.
Our guests enjoy two evocative modes of transport from the golden age of travel: a rare Pacific Coastal cruise aboard the superb MS Rotterdam, flagship of Holland America Line with
a rare 12-hour port call in charming, very British Victoria on a special voyage that departs San Diego, a unique opportunity to sample travel aboard one of the most acclaimed ships of our time. The second marvelous conveyance is travel from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, with the Rockies segment
timed for daylight viewing, aboard Via Rail’s ‘Canadian’, the last great train in North America. With its classic vista-dome cars, comfortable Pullman sleeping cars, excellent dining, and the iconic end of train ‘Park Car’ with its Mural and Bullet Lounges, there is no finer way to see the Canadian Rockies.
Once in the Rockies, guests enjoy the rare luxury of a five night stay with two nights in quaint Jasper and three nights in Banff, with complete and comprehensive sightseeing included. As always, grand dining is featured including Afternoon Tea overlooking English Bay in Vancouver, a special welcome dinner in Banff at superb Le Beaujolais, breakfast at Chateau Lake Louise and much more. This holiday operates only once and will sell out so prompt reservations are encouraged.
- Itinerary
Itinerary
May 10, 2010 - San Diego
Guests arrive in San Diego today by plane or train and board Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam this afternoon . This evening we set sail for our four-night Pacific Coastal voyage to British Columbia. (D)
May 11 - Cruising the Pacific Coast
At Sea aboard ms Rotterdam. A special cocktail party is held today for our guests, a chance to meet your fellow travelers! (B,L,D)
May 12 - Cruising the Pacific
At sea off the coast of Oregon, sailing North. All day at sea to sleep in, savor Afternoon Tea, see a movie and enjoy life aboard one of the finest ships afloat. (B,L,D)
May 13 - Victoria BC
Glorious enchanting Victoria is our port of call today with plenty of time for Butchart Gardens, a visit to the magnificent Royal British Columbia Museum or afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. (B,L,D)
May 14 - Arrive Vancouver
We arrive in Vancouver this morning and disembark the Rotterdam after breakfast. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city including Queen Elizabeth Park along with ample free time before afternoon tea and an evening boarding of the legendary ‘CANADIAN’ bound for Jasper. The train is a perfect 1950’s time capsule with its famed Vista-dome cars, a real old-fashioned dining car with first rate dining and service. Tonight there is time for cocktails in the swank, end of train ‘Bullet Lounge’ as we roll east over the Canadian Pacific Rwy. Tonight is spent on board. (B,AT,D)
May 15 - Arrive Jasper
After breakfast, the ‘CANADIAN’ begins its ascent of the western slope of the Rockies, a not to be missed spectacle. After lunch, we arrive in gorgeous Jasper and transfer to Chateau Jasper where we enjoy a two-night stay. The evening is at leisure to enjoy this quaint town (B,L)
May 16 - Jasper
All morning to sleep in with a midday excursions to stunningly beautiful Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake with its haunting views of Spirit Island. A final overnight in Jasper to enjoy the unhurried charm of this small town. (B,L)
May 17 - Banff
A stunning day of sightseeing as we travel to Banff via the Columbia Icefields Parkway and enjoy a ride on the Glacier itself on a ‘Sno-coach’ stopping for lunch en route before our arrival at the Banff Park Lodge with its oversized rooms and great location. (B)
May 18 - Banff
A full day to enjoy Banff beginning with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain followed by a visit to the Banff Hot Springs that have made this village famous. Later tonight, our special dinner at Le Beaujolais. (B D)
May 19 - Banff
Another magical day with a sightseeing tour to Yoho National Park that takes in Bridal Veil Falls, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with all afternoon at leisure to further enjoy Banff. (B,L)
May 20 - Journey Home
We depart Banff this morning arriving at Calgary airport by 11am with easy connections possible to all North America points. We recommend not booking flights that depart before 1pm to allow time for Customs and checking-in.
