Road to the Rockies and Alaskan Explorer

Day 1 UK to Banff

After taking Saga’s included UK door-to-door travel service to the airport, fly to Calgary then transfer to Banff and stay two nights at the locally rated 4-star Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge (4Q). Right on Banff's main street, the hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and has its own restaurant, a mineral pool, a hot tub and a steam room. All 99 rooms have a television, telephone, kettle, coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, bathrobe, safe, iron and ironing board.

Day 2 Banff

Enjoy an included gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for the first of many fantastic panoramic views. B, D

Day 3 Banff to Jasper

Head to Jasper, pausing at Lake Louise where you can take in the spectacular mountain views before continuing past the splendid scenery of the Icefields Parkway.

There’ll be an unforgettable snow-coach ride to the Athabasca Glacier before you arrive at the locally rated 3-star Chateau Jasper (3Q), your base for the next two nights. About ten minutes walk from the town centre, The Chateau Jasper’s facilities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, a gym, and a combined grill restaurant and lounge bar. All 119 guest rooms have a television, telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge, hairdryer and safe.

Day 4 Lake Maligne

Today you may want to join the optional excursion to Maligne Lake (weather permitting), a sight that epitomises the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. B

Day 5 Jasper to Kamloops

Travel by coach to Kamloops where you can explore the city’s natural surroundings on organised walks. Stay overnight at locally rated 3-star DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Kamloops (3Q). This charming hotel is located in the central downtown area and features an on-site fusion restaurant, outdoor seasonal pool with hot tub, plus complimentary 24-hour fitness centre. All guest rooms have a flat-screen television, fridge, safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.B, D

Day 6 Kamloops to Vancouver

Continue to Vancouver, a bustling coastal city whose skyscrapers are dwarfed by its mountainous backdrop.

This afternoon there will be time to explore some of the sights independently. Enjoy an overnight stay at locally rated 4-star The Georgian Court Hotel (4Q) located in the heart of downtown Vancouver's 'Theatre and Sports Entertainment District' and just steps away from Robson Street's chic shops and Yaletown's charming restaurants. The hotel has a fitness centre with a fully equipped exercise room, whirlpool and a steam room. Each of the 180 guest rooms has a television, telephone, clock radio, kettle, coffee maker, mini fridge, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. B

Day 7 Embark Volendam

There will be an included city tour in Vancouver before you board Holland America Line's Volendam for your seven-night full-board cruise along the Alaskan coast. B, D

Day 8 Inside Passage

Sail through the Inside Passage, past sweeping pine forests, ethereal glaciers and towering mountains. This is considered by many to be the most scenic sea-lane in the world. If you can take your eyes off the rugged coastline, you may catch a glimpse of a sea lion, whale or eagle. B, L, D

Day 10 Skagway

Skagway, was overrun by prospectors during the gold rush era, and still features many buildings dating back to this time. This town grew during the Klondike gold rush, selling supplies to the prospectors about to set off, pan in hand, on a 500-mile treasure hunt. B, L, D

Day 11 Glacier Bay National Park

Today’s visit will be a true highlight of your tour. The bay encompasses 16 tidewater glaciers, and crystal boulders that float in the 65-mile long fjords. Humpback whales often frequent the icy blue depths, and the bay brims with wildlife, including harbour seals, mountain goats, bears, and over 200 species of bird. An on-board naturalist will explain the phenomena of glaciers as you savour this unique spectacle. B, L, D

Day 12 Ketchikan

Your cruise pauses at Revillagigedo Island, allowing you to visit Ketchikan, situated amid steep hills in the Tongass National Forest, with some of its buildings propped-up on wooden stilts. An optional excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument by float-plane may be available. B, L, D

Day 13 Inside Passage

You’ll have a final chance to admire the amazing scenery of the Inside Passage as you cruise southwards today. Enjoy a last look at the vast glaciers, ice-cold waterfalls, islands and fjords that make up some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world. B, L, D

Day 14 - 15 Vancouver to UK

Disembark Volendam and travel to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning for your included UK VIP door-to-door travel service. B