Alaska: State 49

Your journey begins as you meet your tour leader at Malta International Airport and check in for your flight to Calgary, with transit. Upon arrival, you are greeted by our representative and whisked away on a scenic drive into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Soon you arrive at the charming alpine town of Banff, often called the “Little Switzerland of North America,” where your unforgettable adventure begins. Overnight in Banff.

The day starts at Surprise Corner, where sweeping views of the Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River await. A ride on the Banff Gondola takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramas, followed by a stop at Bow Falls. Later, you continue to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies,” before ending the day at the turquoise Moraine Lake, framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Overnight in Banff.

This morning begins with a photo stop at the shimmering turquoise waters of Bow Lake, followed by Peyto Lake’s striking hues. You then journey along the legendary Icefields Parkway, pausing at Athabasca Falls before reaching the Columbia Icefield. Here, board the Ice Explorer for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and step onto ancient ice. The adventure continues with the thrilling Glacier Skywalk above the Sunwapta Valley. Overnight in Hinton.

Depart Hinton in the morning and travel west through the scenic Jasper region, following the Yellowhead Highway towards British Columbia. Continue to Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, where a stop at the Mount Robson viewpoint or Visitor Centre area offers an opportunity to admire the spectacular mountain scenery and take photographs, subject to local access and weather conditions. Continue along the scenic Yellowhead corridor, before travelling through the picturesque North Thompson Valley towards Kamloops. Arrive in Kamloops in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, depart Kamloops and travel south via the scenic Coquihalla Highway, enjoying spectacular mountain and forest landscapes along the way. Following a comfort stop en route, continue to Harrison Hot Springs, beautifully
situated on the shores of Harrison Lake. Enjoy some free time to take a leisurely lakeside stroll, browse the local boutiques and have lunch independently in the village. Continue onwards to Vancouver, with approximately two hours of free time for shopping in downtown Vancouver before checking in at your hotel in Vancouver.

Today, experience the best of both nature and city life. Start with a photo stop at Lions Gate Bridge before crossing the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, surrounded by temperate rainforest. Explore Granville Island’s lively Public Market, then enjoy a scenic drive through Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Gastown and the green oasis of Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.

Continue your journey to the Seattle cruise terminal, allowing sufficient time for boarding formalities and cruise check-in. Embark Voyager of the Seas, scheduled to depart at 16:00.

While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the on board restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.

Juneau is the largest U.S. state capital- and one of the hardest to get to, flanked by mountains, tundra and rainforests. Once you arrive you’ll find adventure in every corner. Go dogsledding over Mendenhall Glacier, or prospecting along centuries-old mining trails. In Juneau, the thrills are as endless as the surrounding wilderness.

Once the starting point for gold stampeders heading for the promised land of the Yukon, Skagway symbolizes the spirit of Alaska. Embark on the trail of the fortune seekers on a vintage train ride with dramatic, sweeping views at every turn. Trek through the dense rainforest and windswept valleys of Chilkoot Trail and follow in the footsteps of Klondike pioneers. Or stroll the charming downtown streets studded with historical buildings.

Marked by majestic waterfalls, plunging valleys and rugged mountains, Endicott Arm offers a perfect snapshot of Alaska’s wild beauty. This long, narrow fjord in the Tongass National Forest culminates at the monumental Dawes Glacier, an active tidewater glacier towering hundreds of feet high and half a mile across. It’s a spot that hardly ever sees cruise ships, making it the ultimate off-the-beatenpath adventure.

Today is all about relaxation. As the ship sails towards its next destination, take advantage of everything on board, lounge by the pool, indulge at the spa, explore the ship’s venues or simply unwind with a good book.

Discover the highlights of Victoria on a scenic sightseeing optional tour featuring the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Fairmont Empress, Beacon Hill Park, Mile Zero, Dallas Road waterfront, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley and Fisherman’s Wharf. Continue to the renowned Butchart Gardens to explore its spectacular seasonal displays and conclude with some free time in downtown Victoria before returning to ship.

Arrive back in Seattle and disembark Voyager of the Seas. Transfer to Seattle Airport for your return flight to Malta with transit, bringing your Alaskan adventure to a close.

Arrive back in Malta with memories of towering glaciers, untouched wilderness, wildlife and some of the most extraordinary scenery in North America.