Unforgettable Celebrations Canada May 2009

Grand Canadian Rockies & Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Departs: 22nd May 2009
Price:  $11599 per person sharing twin/double in a Verandah Suite on Inside Passage Cruise

Canadian CelebrationUNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATIONS!!


22 May 09 - Day 1: Australia to Vancouver

Join your friends and family today as you begin that long awaited holiday to Canada & Alaska.  Make your way to the International airport for your flight to Vancouver.  Enroute cross the International Dateline where you gain time.    On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where accommodation has been booked for the next two nights at the Fairmont Waterfront offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and close by to many attractions. This evening you are invited to join your Tauck Tour Director for a  Welcome Reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver

Gas Clock23 May 09 - Day 2: Vancouver/Stanley Park 

Chosen as the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics Games and steeped in charm, Vancouver is home to a vibrant cultural scene, rich history and abundant natural resources. View the city's landmark attractions, including historic Gastown (seen here), China town and trail-laced Stanley Park.  Rest of the day at leisure for you to explore and dine out at one of the many bustling cafes and fine restaurants that Vancouver is renowned for.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver

24 May 09 - Day 3: Ferry, floatplane, and train

Board a ferry early this morning and cruise through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, where you will discover a bit of England amidst the rustic beauty of the Pacific Coast, including stately Victorian architecture and rose gardens.  Visit the famous Butchart Gardens, home to acres of themed gardens and floral displays (don't forget your camera).  Later in the day take a scenic floatplane flight over the Gulf Islands as you head back to Vancouver.  On arrival, it is all aboard "The Canadian" for an overnight rail excursion that takes you from the Pacific coast to Canada's awe-inspiring National Parks.  Dine on the train enroute to the majestic alpine sanctuary known as the Canadian Rockies.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard The Canadian, VIA Rail Canada

The Canadian25 May 09 - Day 4: Canadian Rockies by rail

As a Tauck exclusive, you can enjoy some of North America's most spectacular alpine scenery from a private domed observation car.  Enjoy a relaxing ride as the train winds along the North Thompson River and through the valleys of the mountain ranges.  Towering peaks and glacial remnants line the route of this wilderness area that, until just 30 years ago, was only accessible by rail.   Cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta, arrive in Jasper National Park for a two-night stay at a Fairmont resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper National Park

26th May 09 - Day 5: A day in Jasper

Day at leisure to relax at what can only be described as a Country Club. Be sure and take your swim wear for the heated pool or,  if you prefer take in a game of golf on Jaspers scenic golf course.  For the romantics perhaps take a canoe ride on the Lake. ( Be sure and resist the temptation to retrieve the many hundreds of golf balls laying on the Lake bed). Listen carefully and you may hear Scottish bagpipes from afar.  Note:  Jasper Lodge is renowned for its wildlife.  At the time you are travelling you may encounter Moose with new born.  Please exercise caution and ensure that you avoid getting between the mother and its babe.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper National Park

ChateauLakeLouise27th May 09 – Day 6: Icefields Parkway & Glacier ride

The Icefields parkway, linking Jasper and Lake Lousie, is one of North America's most spectacular drives, winding between snow-domed peaks and immense hanging glaciers.  You may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep or bears.  A specially designed Ice Explorer takes you for a ride on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield whose waters flow into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans.  Arrive at Chateau Lake Louise with rooms overlooking Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

28th May 09 - Day 7: Yoho National Park & Banff

Enter Yoho National Park via Kicking Horse Pass to see the Natural Bridge, the Spiral Tunnels and the Continental Divide. Spend the afternoon enjoying the spectacular scenery of Lake Louise and Banff National Park before continuing on to The Fairmont Banff Springs.  After the accidental discovery of hot springs by several Canadian Pacific Railway workers led to the estblishment of Banff National part, the hotel was built in 1888 in the style of a Scottish baronial castle.  Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight. (Freedom of Choice dining) 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park

29 May 09 - Day 8: Bow River float trip

Keep an eye out for wildlife during a morning raft trip along the Bow River before spending the rest of the day as you wish.  Banff National Park encompasses over 2,500 square miles of valleys, mountains, glaciers, meadows and forests.  Take a short walk to downtown Banff before joining your Tauck Tour Director this evening for a farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park

Vermillion Lakes30 May 09 - Day 9: Calgary to Vancouver – Board the Cruise ship

This morning we head out of the Canadian Rockies travelling  from Banff  to Calgary, Alberta.  Sit back and watch the dramatic change in scenery.  Your journey is approximately 80 miles. On arrival into  Calgary you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to  Vancouver. On arrival, you will be  met and transferred to Vancouver Pier to board your cruise ship the luxury MS Zuiderdam and your home for the next 7 days.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska offer up breathtaking natural wonders: soaring eagles...breaching whales...shimmering glaciers.  Here, too, are charming coastal towns and fascinating glimpses of native clulture.  All in seven days

31 May 09 - Day 10: At Sea

Spend to-day at sea familiarising yourself with your luxury surroundings.  Perhaps visit the gymnasium or the health spa, or simply adjourn to one of the many bars and meeting places on board.  Be sure to keep a watchful eye out for Wales.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1 June 09 - Day 11: Juneau, Alaska

Welcome to Juneau the enchanting capital of Alaska. Although this friendly community is a gateway to innumerable natural attractions, the town itself is interesting in it’s own right.  Founded on the promise of gold in the latter part of the 19th century, Juneau eventually yielded immense profit before the last gold mine closed during the Second World War.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alaska2 June 09 - Day 12: Skagway, Alaska

Gateway to the great ‘Klondike Gold Rush’ of 1898.  Eager gold seekers congregated in Skagway on their way to the Klondike. Saloons were full of con men, such as the legendary scoundrel Soapy Smith, waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting gold seekers.  Experience the flavour of those days of “98”during your visit to Skagway. We recommend a rail tour on one of Skagways famous rail tracks renowned for its narrow gauge.  Enroute an informative commentary will highlight the experiences of many who perished getting to the Klondike. You will need to take your passports with you as you will cross between Canada & Alaska during this excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3 June 09 - Day 13: At Sea

No one can begin to describe the experience of cruising into Glacier Bay National Park.  Witness a world still emerging from the Ice Age - 16 tide water glaciers in action. Holland America provide a National Parks staff who are eager to share the history of this region.  Listen to the silence before the crack of thunder that indicates ice breaking.  A camera iis essential.  Truly a moving experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4 June 09 - Day 14: Ketchikan, Alaska

Arrive Ketchikan, a bustling town of wooden sidewalks, rustic buildings and cabins nestled high in the forested hills.  Whatever you do today be sure to visit the former red-light district known as CREEK STREET notable these days for its collection of quaint shops and art galleries.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5 June 09 - Day 15: At Sea

Cruising the Inside Passage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6 June 09 - Day 16: Vancouver - Australia

After sailing under the Lion’s Gate Bridge your memorable cruise comes to an end.
Your tour includes a transfer to Vancouver airport for your return flights to Australia.
Meals: Breakfast

7 June 09 - Day 17 - Cross the International Dateline

8 June 09 Day 18 – Arrive back into Australia.

Members on this group are free to extend to the USA. if you are planning internal travel in the USA please inform us at the time of booking so that we may take advantage of special air passes that are available in conjunction with your International flights.

Please note:  Group members are advised that Diploma Travel is utilising the services of Tauck Tours on their Grand Canadian Rockies Tour as per the brochure page 16.  Diploma has then requested Verandah suites n the MS Zuiderdam for all members and this is operated by Holland America.

We have chosen these operators because of their unique services.  Tauck tours escorts are all qualified  and employed by Tauck Tours.  Tauck use The World’s Best Hotels & Resorts, offering resort rooms with views where available.  Holland America (HAL) have been cruising the Inside passage for many years and their knowledge in this area is outstanding.

PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

The following conditions apply to your holiday (prices quoted are per person):-

PRICE: $11599 per person based on two sharing in a luxury Verandah Suite on MS Zuiderdam

            $ 9602 per person based on two sharing in a luxury Ocean view cabin on MS Zuiderdam

If you are already holding airfares or coming in from the UK you may purchase the tour component from Vancouver for $9602 per person in a Verandah Suite or $7672 in an Ocean view cabin.

Total Deposit due within 7 days from date of request is $1500 per person balance is due 20/2/09

Please click here for Registration Form

Cancellation Charges per person

  • Cancellation policy 75-57 days before deposit forfeited
  • 56-29 days before commencing travel 50% of gross fare
  • 28-16 days 75% of gross fare
  • 15 days or less total fare forfeited

INCLUSIONS:

  • Return economy airfares to Vancouver for fly cruise & tour package
  • 9 day Grand Canadian Rockies Tour with Tauck Tours
  • 7 day Holland America Cruise on Holland America's  MS Zuiderdam or similar
  • Verandah suites(unless Ocean view option taken)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Sightseeing as specified in the Itinerary

 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Luxury Touring
  • Luxury Cruising
  • Bow River Cruise
  • Gulf Island Floatplane sightseeing
  • Airport Taxes
  • Port Charges
  • Govt Taxes & Levies
  • Freedom of Choice dining

 DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport fees
  • Visa fees (if required - Australian passport holders do not require visa unless they have a criminal record)
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Tauck Tours & Holland America Cancellation Insurance


**AIR TRAVEL FROM AUSTRALIA

The timing on this special group fare is outside the IATA ticketing range which prevents the issue of  air tickets prior to June 2008.  Some variations may occur to flight schedules between now and your departure next year. In the event of schedule changes you may be required to pay for additional accommodation.  We will keep you informed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

It is a requirement that all passengers travelling on a tour program coordinated by Diploma World Travel Service obtain adequate travel insurance prior to departure.  Please be aware cancellation conditions are strict and cancellation fees apply.  Of priority is Travel Insurance with adequate medical cover which should also include cover for unexpected cancellation fees, medical emergencies, etc.  Please visit www.insuranceombudsman.com.au for independent advice.  Diploma Travel offers a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy through Travellers Assistance. Please ask for details when making your reservation. 

PRIVACY POLICY
Details of the Diploma World Travel Service Privacy Policy can be found at www.diplomatravel.com.au.

HOW TO CONTACT US: 1300 888 999  for your nearest Diploma Travel office
 

Diploma World Travel Service Booking Form is attached and should be read in conjunction with this tour.

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