Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
Plan your Holiday
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This tour is ideal for travellers with a reasonable level of fitness who have a passion for the outdoors, an adventurous spirit, and a love of active exploration.
Day 1 | Fri 21 Aug AUCKLAND - SEATTLE
You will be met at Seattle airport and transferred to hotel. Air NZ flight arrives late afternoon.
Overnight: Seattle 4* hotel 2 nights
Day 2 | Sat 22 Aug SEATTLE
Spend the day exploring by Hop-On Hop-Off bus. Discover Seattle’s most popular sights and attractions, including the Puget Sound waterfront, Space Needle cobblestoned Occidental park and everything in between.
Day 3 | Sun 23 Aug SEATTLE - JUNEAU
Early morning flight up to Juneau, arriving in midday.
Welcome to Alaska! On arrival in to Alaska’s capital city this afternoon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Alaskan Dream ship.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 4 | Mon 24 Aug LISIANSKI INLET & PELICAN
Set sail today for Lisianski Inlet, a narrow body of water between Yakobi Island and Chichagof Island. These islands are home to dense populations of coastal brown bears and other Alaskan wildlife species. Explore the unique boardwalk “road” of Pelican during a port call to this small fishing community of just 60 to 70 year-round residents.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 5 | Tue 25 Aug GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day's program and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins us to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 6 | Wed 26 Aug TRACY ARM & ORCA POINT LODGE
Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, referred to as, "A wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbour seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state. Both of these dramatic glacial fjords offer stunning views of tidewater glaciers. End the day's adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, our own exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy a Tlingit cultural presentation, as well as the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on wild Alaska salmon, Alaska king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 7 | Thu 27 Aug THOMAS BAY & BAIRD GLACIER
Visit Thomas Bay, a wilderness location shrouded by curious Alaska Native legends and mysterious stories told by early gold miners. Enjoy one of several trekking options in the bay, such as the Cascade Falls trail, Scenery Cove, or the outwash plain leading to the terminal moraine of the Baird Glacier. Witness the power of glacial ice in shaping even the most rugged landscapes.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 8 | Fri 28 Aug WRANGELL & PETERSBURG
Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags and ruled by four nations- the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colourful history, including a guided tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing state historic park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. Later, discover the charming Mitkof Island fishing town of Petersburg. Founded by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1880s, Petersburg is nicknamed Alaska’s “Little Norway.” Experience this Scandinavian culture with a folk dance show by local youth at the iconic Sons of Norway Hall. Enjoy a narrated bus tour and take time to explore the vibrant community at your own leisure.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 9 | Sat 29 Aug WILDERNESS BAY & KAKE
Enjoy kayak and skiff exploration in a northern Kuiu or Kupreanof Island bay. Beachcomb or hike along a secluded coastline of the area. View the world's tallest totem pole, a carving demonstration, and experience the intriguing culture of the Tlingit in the Native village of Kake.
Overnight: Alaskan Dream ship
Day 10 | Sun 30 Aug SITKA – VANCOUVER
This morning disembark and transfer to the airport for flight to Vancouver. Transfer to accommodation.
Overnight: Vancouver 3.5* downtown hotel 2 nights
Day 11 | Mon 31 Aug VANCOUVER
The choice is yours today to explore at your own pace. Your tickets to the Vancouver Hop-on Hop-off bus will take you to all the major sites around Vancouver. Stops include Stanley Park, Vanier Park, Space Centre, Granville Island, False Creek, Gastown, Chinatown and lots more.
6pm this evening meet with your Tour Leader and any other guests on the tour.
Day 12 | Tue 01 Sep VICTORIA
This morning is a short visit to Gastown and Stanley Park before heading to the ferry and crossing over to Vancouver Island. On arrival in Victoria there will be a short orientation walk then free time to explore on your own.
Overnight: Victoria 3.5* downtown hotel 2 nights
Day 13 | Wed 02 Sep VICTORIA
Morning visit to Butchart Gardens with it’s incredible 55 acres of gardens tended to by 50 full-time gardeners. There are over 900 plant varieties and 26 greenhouses for you to wander through at your leisure. Victoria is a lovely town perfect to ambling around too – perhaps treat yourself afternoon high tea at the historic Empress Hotel.
Day 14 | Thu 03 Sep VICTORIA – WHISTLER
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the village of Whistler, host of some of the events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Here we visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and explore the grounds and museum with an Indigenous guide.
Overnight: Whistler 3.5* downtown hotel 2 nights
Day 15 | Fri 03 Sep WHISTLER
Today is at your leisure. Whistler and its surrounding provincial parks are places you will love discovering.
Peak-to-Peak Gondola tickets are included. Soak up the scenery with 360-degree views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Hop out at the top and take a short hike or grab a coffee and snack at the mountaintop restaurant. In the afternoon you might choose to hike one of the many beautiful trails in the Whistler area. The scenery here is stunning. Head to Shannon Falls or the Stawamus Chief and enjoy the sight of the waterfall. Or hike to Brandywine Falls for incredible views of Daisy Lake, the mountains, and of course the waterfall. Your Tour Leader can assist you to plan your day.
Day 16 | Sat 05 Sep WHISTLER – BLUE RIVER
Pass through dramatic scenery today as we travel from the Coastal Mountains into the Caribou Mountains, following an extraordinary route once marked by the gold prospectors and enjoy stops at the emerald coloured Joffre Lake and Marble Canyon before arriving in the small community of Blue River.
Overnight: Blue River 3.5* lodge 1 night
Day 17 | Sun 06 Sep BLUE RIVER - JASPER
This morning enjoy a river safari tour through Grizzly Bear Valley and the world’s only inland temperate rainforest. Spot wildlife, which can include grizzly bears, moose, and eagles. In the afternoon a scenic journey to Jasper National Park, crossing the Rockies, and view the highest peak, Mount Robson, with a stop at the visitor centre.
Overnight: Jasper 3.5* inn 2 nights
Day 18 | Mon 07 Sep JASPER
Jasper's friendly mountain hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and the promise of real adventure make any visit unforgettable. Spend the day at leisure with the option to hike at Maligne Canyon, enjoy a boat cruise, or perhaps go kayaking. This evening, have a soak in one of the four scenic pools at Miette Hot Springs whilst enjoying the peaceful panoramic views.
Day 19 | Tue 08 Sep JASPER – LAKE LOUISE
Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, travel the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake with a stop at the Columbia Icefield. Walk with an expert guide on the lower Athabasca Glacier to explore and understand the life of this active glacier. Walking on this glacially carved landscape is an experience you won’t forget! As we continue towards Lake Louise, a spectacle unfolds before your eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. Numerous stops along the way for photos, observation, and wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Lake Louise 3.5* lodge 1 night
Day 20 | Wed 09 Sep LAKE LOUISE - BANFF
Visit postcard perfect Lake Louise and take time to savour the emerald blue waters and breath-taking scenery on a hike to the Tea House. Originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving fine loose-leaf teas to visitors for over one hundred years. Hike along a forested trail as you make your way past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls, to the shores of Lake Agnes. This lovely log building serves up a great cuppa (over 100 loose-leaf teas to choose from) as well as finger food. This afternoon continue to Banff where we take a walk back in time with an expert from the Whyte Museum, exploring the historical town of Banff.
Overnight: Banff 3.5* lodge 2 nights
Day 21 | Thu 10 Sep BANFF
Free day to enjoy this incredibly scenic town. You might like to ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain (CAD42pp) for spectacular views or hike one of the many trails to the top. Highly recommended is a hike to Johnston Canyon - an area that certainly shows the power of nature and time; rushing water carves a path through the limestone canyon and potholes form over the years from plunging waterfalls.
Day 22 | Fri 11 Sep TOUR ENDS CALGARY
Transfer from Banff to Calgary airport for your onward flight today. Air NZ departs mid-afternoon.
COST
$15,685 per person Twin share (willing to share with same gender options may be available)
$24,730 Single
Price is in NZ$ and subject to change until confirmed and paid in full.
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
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