VANCOUVER AND CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL ITINERARY

June 14-21, 2008
$2,999 (Vancouver)

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1
Fly to Vancouver, British Columbia. The city boasts an enviable setting on the Pacific Ocean with mountains as a backdrop, and fuses Asian culture with North American sophistication. Check in for three nights at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel, a high-rise in the heart of the city. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant.

Days 2 and 3
Vancouver/Optional Excursion to Victoria. Explore Vancouver. You may want to ferry over to Victoria for an optional day excursion. Favorite stops are Butchart Gardens, a floral wonderland for more than 100 years, and the majestic Empress Hotel for afternoon tea.

Day 4
Rocky Mountaineer Train – Vancouver to Kamloops. Board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel along the Kicking Horse route, taking in glacial, mountain and rainforest scenery on the way. The journey takes about nine hours. Stop in Kamloops for the evening; many travelers enjoy the optional local musical revue.

Day 5
Rocky Mountaineer Train – Kamloops to Banff. Reboard the train. All passengers will be served a gourmet breakfast and lunch on board. Journey another nine hours to Banff, crossing the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, and the spot where the last spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway. Upon arrival in our destination, check in at the Banff Park Lodge for a three-night stay.

Days 6 and 7
Banff. Free days in Banff. Available activities cater to all interests and abilities. Adventurous travelers can hike for hours alone or with a group. Others may want to seek out scenic vantage points and tour the gorgeous lakes and glacial fields. The town hums with a rich arts and culture scene, boutiques and restaurants. No matter where you are, there’s no shortage of crisp mountain air.

Day 8
Transfer to Calgary by motorcoach for the flight home.