Highlights
- Small Group Experience of a Lifetime
- Gold Leaf Rocky Mountaineer – Rainforest to Gold Rush rail journey from Banff to Vancouver
- 7 Night Cruise onboard the ms Nieuw Amsterdam enjoying Verandah Staterooms
- Port Calls including Juneau, Skagaway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan
- Stunning Accommodation including Fairmont Hotels (in most cities)
- Banff sightseeing including Banff Gondola & Lake Minnewanka
- Scenic Sightseeing from Banff to Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
- Scenic Sightseeing from Lake Louise to Jasper including Icefield Parkway
- Glacier Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer Adventure & Glacier Skywalk
- Vancouver to Victoria Sightseeing including ferry crossing
- Victoria Sightseeing including a visit to the Beautiful Butchart Gardens
- Fly Over Canada Experience including Vancouver City Tour
- Vancouver Capilano Suspension Bridge and Skyride
- Visit to the Theatre at Grouse Mountain
Inclusions
- Personally Escorted from Australia, your SWT tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
- Return Economy Airfares with Qantas/Air Canada to Calgary/Vancouver #
- Private Touring Coach with Professional Driver & Guides at each destination
- 3 Day Rail journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer in Gold Leaf including lunch daily
- 7 Night Cruise onboard Holland America ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Cat V Verandah Cabins
- Private Airport, Rail and Hotel Transfers throughout
- All meals whilst cruising
- All Accommodation as detailed in itinerary
- Tipping for Driver & Hop On Guides
- All Gratuities whilst onboard Rocky Mountaineer
- Amazing Sightseeing as per our itinerary
- Wiling to Share Option (subject to availability)
- Meet & Greet prior to departure (subject to minimum numbers attending)
- Sisterhood Documentation and Ticket Wallet
- Assistance with booking onshore cruise excursions
- # Taxes subject to change
Notice
A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate. As a minimum you will need to be able to walk 2km on uneven ground, carry your own luggage and walk up a few flights of stairs.
Visa Requirements:
You will need to obtain a VISA Waiver for entry into the USA (Alaska)
You will need to obtain a VISA Waiver for entry into Canada
We are happy to assist with this process
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday 8 Septmber 2017
Melbourne - Vancouver (D)
Join your Sisterhood Womens Travel tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport at the designated time for our flight to Canada. Transiting via Sydney to Vancouver where upon arrival we'll be trasferred to our hotel for early check in. Today we'll see Canada like never before with a 'Flyover Canada'. This is a breathtaking flight simulation ride like no other. Take off into a huge dome screen with the latest in projection and ride technology creating a true flying experience complete with wind, scents and mist. Tonight dinner at Notch8 to celebrate the beginning of our adventure. Welcome to Canada. Overnight at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 2 - Saturday 9 September 2017
West Coast Whistler & Shannon Falls (B,L)
After breakfast we'll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour to Whistler and Shannon Falls. Highlights include Sea to Sky scenic touring, Shannon Falls Park, Tantalus Glacier Range and Whistler Village. Our Whistler & Shannon Falls Tour drives along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and features various stops and viewpoints inlcuding Shannon Falls, the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. With towering mountains, an ancient glacial fjord Whistler Village is a Canadian gem and offers everything from relaxing spas and scenic strolls. Enjoy free time to explore and shop. Returning to Vancouver tonight with dinner at leisure.
Day 3 - Sunday 10 September 2017
Vancouver - Calgary - Banff (B)
Afer breakfast we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Calgary. Upon our arrival we'll then be transferred to our accommodation in Banff with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel! Your hostess will suggest a place to meet for dinner.
Day 4 - Monday 11 September 2017
Banff (B,L,D)
Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and teeming with wildlife. Watch for moose, elk, grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Experience the Canadian Rockies from a new perspective while cruising beautiful Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in the National Park, on a panoramic 1 hour cruise. Bask in the breathtaking mountain scenery and emerald green waters as you survey the landscape for wildlife. Ride with the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in the breathtaking views. Surrounded by six mountain ranges, see the town site of Banff nestled far below. Tonight dinner at our hotel. Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 5 - Tuesday 12 September 2017
Banff - Lake Louise (B,L,D)
This morning after breakfast, we'll depart for the Icefield Parway, one of the world's most beautiful highways. Along this highway you will find more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. We'll stop at Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and pass by Peyto Lake before reaching the Columbia Icefield with an experience of a lifetime. a visit to a Columbia Icefield! Shuttle to the Athabasca Glacier to board specially designed ‘Ice Explorer’ vehicle for a guided tour on the surface of the Glacier - a true Ice age adventure! Later a visit to the Glacier Skywalk, an awe-inspiring experience featuring the only unobstructed, completely accessible glacier view in the world! It provides an interpretive, guided experience focusing on the wonder of the unique ecosystem, glaciology, natural and aboriginal history of the Columbia Icefield area in the Canadian Rockies. A Buffet Lunch is served at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. In the afternoon we'll continue on our way to Lake Louise for our overnight accommodation at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Dinner at our hotel tonight.
Day 6 - Wednesday 13 September 2017
Rocky Mountaineer (Banff to Kamloops) (B,L)
Today we travel onboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer from Banff in the majestic Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Colombia's interior. Upon arrival at the Kamloops Station you will be transferred to our overnight accommodation. **As Goldleaf Guests our checked luggage will travel separately from the train and will be waiting for us at our Kamloops accommodation. Please note all accommodation in Kamloops is considerate moderate.
Day 7 - Thursday 14 September 2017
Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops to Vancouver (B,L)
This morning we reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue our journey back to Vancouver. We'll travel through river canyons, the Fraser Valley and lush coastal regions before arriving back into Vancouver for a transfer to our accommodation - Four Seasons Hotel - Vancouver.
Day 8 - Friday 15 September 2017
Vancouver Sightseeing (B,L)
Today we begin our sightseeing of Vancouver. We cross the Lions Gate Bridge, enter North Vancouver and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge which stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River. Experience Treetops Adventure, where seven suspension bridges through the evergreens takes us up to 100 feet above the forest floor and Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. Next you visit Grouse Mountain, “The Peak of Vancouver”. High above towering Douglas firs, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands and snowy peaks unfold as we journey up the mountainside with the Sky ride. Return to Vancouver with dinner at leisure tonight. Overnight - Four Seasons Hotel - Vancouver.
Day 9 - Saturday 16 September 2017
Vancouver - Embark ms Nieuw Amsterdam (B,D)
This morning we'll have the chance to visit the Vancouver Lookout. The Lookout provides a fascinating bird's eye view of the city of Vancouver. Lunch at leisure with an afternoon transfer to the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal to join the ms Nieuw Amsterdam departing at 5pm.
Day 10 - Sunday 17 September 2017
Cruising the Inside Passage (B,L,D)
Today is a day to familiarise ourselves with our beautiful ship and take advantage of all the onboard activities. Overnight on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 11 - Monday 18 September 2017
Cruising Tracy Arm and Juneau Alaska (B,L,D)
Today we sail the Tracy Arm fjord to see one of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier settings. Arrive in Juneau by 1pm. Explore the rustic shops in town or choose an optional excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Icefields, or go whale watching. Our ship departs Juneau at 10:00pm. Overnight on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 12 - Tuesday 19 September 2017
Port of Call Skagaway Alaska (B,L,D)
This morning we’ll arrive into Skagaway at 7:00am. Stroll into the past at the Red Onion Saloon, visit the Trail of 98 Museum or relive the “The Last Great Adventure at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or enjoy an optional excursion. We depart Skagaway at 9:00pm. Overnight on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 13 - Wednesday 20 September 2017
Glacier Bay Scenic Cruise (B,L,D)
Get your camera ready to capture a monumental chunk of ice as it splits from a glacier and crashes into the sea with a thunderous sound. Another day to enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cruise along the beautiful Alaskan Inside Passage. Overnight on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 14 - Thursday 21 September 2017
Port of Call Ketchikan, Alaskan (B,L,D)
Today we’ll marvel at deep water fjords crated by retreating glaciers have left stunning granite cliffs. Arrival to Ketchikan is at 10:00am. Explore Creet Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bright State Historical Park, or Saxman Village or enjoy an optional excursion. We’ll depart Ketchican at 6:00pm. Overnight on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 15 - Friday 22 September 2017
Cruise the Inside Passage (B,L,D)
Today we’ll cruise the inside Passage past Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) and Vancouver Island. We’ll enjoy our last night onboard the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Day 16 - Saturday 23 September 2017
Vancouver - Victoria (B)
Today we say farewell to ms Niew Amsterdam and disembark in Vancouver. This morning we’ll travel by ferry through the Gulf Islands and across the Strait of Georgia from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. Keep a look out for your chance to view some of the local wildlife inluding bald eagles, seals and even Orca whales. Continuing onto Victoria, with dinner at leisure tonight. Overnight at the Chateau Victoria.
Day 17 - Sunday 24 September 2017
Victoria - Butchart Gardens (B,D)
Today we’ll meet our guide and enjoy a full day Victoria city tour. Highlights include the exclusive residential areas of Oak Bay and Uplands, Marine Drive, Beacon Hill Park and the world renowned Butchart Gardens. With over 50 acres of gardens including the fragrant Rose Garden, the relaxing Japanese Garden, the unique Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn and Ross Fountain - just to name a few. A visit to Butchart Gardens is a treat for all our senses. Overnight at the Chateau Victoria.
Day 18 - Monday 25 September 2017
Victoria - Vancouver (B,D)
Returning to Vancouver today to continue our sightseeing of Vancouver. Highlights include a drive around Stanley Park with stops at interesting places, among them the famous Totem Pole Display at Brockton Point. Canada Place and the waterfront, historic Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with its 19th Century buildings, the Steam Clock, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways and Granville Island with its famous public market, art and craft shops, many cafes and restaurants. A farewell dinner tonight to celebrate our fabulous Sisterhood tour. Overnight at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver.
Day 19 - Tuesday 26 September 2017
Transfer to Vancouver Airport (B)
This morning breakfast is served at our hotel with a free day for some final exploring before being transferred to our late evening flight home. Sit back, relax and reminisce about great memories shared with friends.
Day 20 - Wednesday 27 September 2017
Inflight (Meals Inflight)
We cross the international date line and head towards home.
Day 21 - Thursday 28 September 2017
Arrive Sydney/Melbourne
Welcome Home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!