Itinerary

Day 1:
Seattle. (Sun.) Welcome to the Emerald City! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6:30 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2:
Seattle–Kelowna. (Mon.) A sightseeing tour of Seattle introduces you to this city including historic Pioneer Square. Next, travel through the Cascade Mountains to the resort city of Kelowna, attractively set on the shores of a lake. Arrive at the Grand Okanagan, the area’s premier lakefront resort. (B)

Day 3:
Kelowna–Glacier National Park–Yoho National Park–Banff. (Tue.) This morning, enjoy a visit to KELOWNA LAND AND ORCHARD, one of the largest family-owned orchards in Canada. Upon arrival, receive farm-fresh apple juice and then hop on the farm wagon for a behind-the-scenes, interactive look at the working farm. You might even have an opportunity for a hands-on experience of an orchard technique. Travel through the agricultural region of the Okanagan Valley to Canada’s Glacier National Park. On Rogers Pass, enjoy panoramic vistas of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet, then continue on to Yoho National Park. View Natural Bridge before scaling Kicking Horse Pass. Then, enter the province of Alberta and BANFF NATIONAL PARK, the scenic heart of the Canadian Rockies. (B,D)

Day 4:
Banff National Park. (Wed.) Sightseeing today includes a ride on the BANFF gondola up Sulphur Mountain and stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and at Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the tranquil setting of this mountain resort. Maybe take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies and, in the evening, join our optional excursion to the Oh Canada Eh? dinner show. (B)

Day 5:
Banff–Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper. (Thu.) Follow Icefields Parkway and head for JASPER NATIONAL PARK. First stop is Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Scale Bow Pass with views of Peyto Lake, then climb Sunwapta Pass. Next, stop at the 1,000-foot-thick Columbia Icefield for an ICE EXPLORER RIDE before reaching the resort village of Jasper. Time this afternoon allows for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. (B,D)

Day 6:
Jasper National Park. Excursion to Maligne Lake. (Fri.) A short sightseeing tour to see Jasper’s unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise to Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B)

Day 7:
Jasper–Mount Robson–Sun Peaks. (Sat.) Head back into British Columbia via the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies). Then descend the Yellowhead Highway hugging the mighty North Thompson River, a route pioneered by fur trappers more than a century ago. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. You may take advantage of an optional canoe trip on Lake McGilvary where, surrounded by beautiful scenery, you learn about Canada’s fur trade. (B) Note: The operation of the canoe trip is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Day 8:
Sun Peaks–Whistler. (Sun.) Journey south today through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Arrive at the alpine resort of Whistler, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 9:
Whistler–Gulf Islands–Victoria. (Mon.) Depart Whistler for the Pacific coastline. Sail this afternoon across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria. Sightseeing today includes Marine Drive, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. (B,D)

Day 10:
Victoria. (Tue.) Full day at leisure. Maybe discover some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Royal British Columbia Museum and afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, or join one of our optional excursions highlighting marine wildlife and whale watching or a flightseeing trip over Vancouver Island. (B)

Day 11:
Victoria–Vancouver. (Wed.) This morning, visit BUTCHART GARDEN S, 50 acres of floral extravagance subdivided into different themes: the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the formal Italian Garden, and the showpiece Sunken Garden. Afterward, take the ferry and sail through the Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its mediterranean-type climate. Arrive in Vancouver for a city tour including the harbor and beaches, Chinatown, historic Gastown, and Stanley Park with its towering evergreen forests and totem poles. (B)

Day 12:
Vancouver–Seattle. (Thu.) Some time at leisure this morning before traveling to Seattle for time to explore Pike Place Market, famous for its seafood-slinging fish mongers., Later, join your Tour Director who will host a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER at Seattle’s famous Space Needle, the perfect finale to your vacation. (B,D)

Day 13:
Seattle. (Fri.) The vacation ends after breakfast this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)

Dates & Prices

SEATTLE:
Welcome reception; city sightseeing; Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner at the Space Needle

KELOWNA:
Kelowna Land & Orchard behind-the-scenes

BANFF NATIONAL PARK:
Gondola ride up Banff’s Sulphur Mountain

LAKE LOUISE–JASPER:
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield

JASPER NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing and cruise Maligne Lake

VANCOUVER–VICTORIA:
Ferry ride through Gulf Islands

VICTORIA:
Orientation tour; Butchart Gardens

VANCOUVER:
City sightseeing
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Vancouver. (Tue.) Welcome to Vancouver! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. (WR)

Day 2:
Vancouver. (Wed.) This morning’s city tour of Vancouver includes the harbor area, Chinatown, and Stanley Park. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a tram ride up Grouse Mountain, rent a bike and ride around the seawall of Stanley Park, or explore the Museum of Anthropology. For shoppers and browsers, consider taking a water taxi to Granville Island or visit historic Gastown. (B)

Day 3:
Vancouver–Kelowna. (Thu.) This morning, start out through British Columbia’s fertile valleys and rich mountain forests to Lake Okanagan. Travel along the lake to the resort city of Kelowna, attractively set on the lake shore and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Enjoy a visit to KELOWNA LAND AND ORCHARD, one of the largest family-owned orchards in Canada. Upon arrival, sample some farm-fresh apple juice, then hop on a farm wagon for a behind-the-scenes, interactive look at the working farm. (B)

Day 4:
Kelowna–Glacier National Park–Yoho National Park–Banff. (Fri.) This morning, travel through the Okanagan Valley agricultural region to Canada’s Glacier National Park. On Rogers Pass, enjoy panoramic views of peaks taller than 10,000 feet, then continue on to Yoho National Park. View Natural Bridge before scaling Kicking Horse Pass. Continue on to enter the province of Alberta and BANFF NATIONAL PARK, the scenic heart of the Rockies. (B,D)

Day 5:
Banff National Park. (Sat.) Sightseeing today includes a ride on BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain and stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the tranquil setting of this mountain resort. Maybe take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. In the evening, join our optional excursion to the Oh Canada Eh? dinner show. (B)

Day 6:
Banff–Waterton Lakes National Park. (Sun.) Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Just outside the town of Fort Macleod, visit HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP, a World Heritage Site. Then, it’s on to scenic WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, and a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B,D)

Day 7:
Waterton Lakes National Park. Glacier National Park Excursion. (Mon.) Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of GLACIER NATIONAL PARK. Get ready today for a trip aboard the famous vintage red “JAMMER BUSES” along one of North America’s most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass, enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery, where jagged mountain peaks, green forests, pristine lakes, and meadows dominate the landscape. (B)

Day 8:
Waterton Lakes National Park–Helena. (Tue.) Continue south along the foothills of the Rockies past the Gates of Mountains Recreational Area. Arrive in Montana’s historic capital city, Helena, and enjoy a drive through the impressive mansion district before arriving at your hotel. After dinner, stroll along Last Chance Gulch, the historic pedestrian center downtown. (B,D)

Day 9:
Helena–Yellowstone National Park. (Wed.) From Helena, head for Three Forks, where Lewis & Clark made a critical choice on their journey west, then into YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Marvel at the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs and stop at Fountain Paint Pots to see the bubbling mud. Watch Old Faithful Geyser erupt before settling into your hotel tonight. (B,D)

Day 10:
Yellowstone National Park–Grand Teton National Park–Jackson. (Thu.) Travel along Grand Loop Road to Artist Point for splendid views of Yellowstone Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. Journey south into breathtaking GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore before ending the day in the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, enjoy dinner at the BAR-T-5 CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (B,D)

Day 11:
Jackson. (Fri.) A full day at leisure gives you time to enjoy this incredible American playground. Options include strolling along the downtown boardwalks, relaxing with a drink at one of the swing-door saloons, or taking a scenic float trip on the Snake River to view wildlife and brilliant scenery. (B)

Day 12:
Jackson–Salt Lake City. (Sat.) Today’s journey continues alongside some of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges and into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. (B)

Day 13:
Salt Lake City–Bryce Canyon. (Sun.) Travel through sagebrush landscape to BRYCE CANYON, a national park with a beauty all its own. Take a leisurely drive this afternoon with photo stops to capture the bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” The balance of the day is at leisure, with an overnight at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. (B,D)

Day 14:
Bryce Canyon–Grand Canyon. (Mon.) Make a short stop this morning in Kanab, where many Hollywood westerns were filmed. Afterward, cross the Painted Desert with its ever-changing colors and catch your first glimpse of the world-famous GRAND CANYON , one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savor the magnificent sunset. (B,D)

Special Feature: Your hotel tonight is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra by traveling with Globus.

Day 15:
Grand Canyon–Las Vegas. (Tue.) For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Then, travel on part of legendary Route 66 to Las Vegas, one of America’s most famous cities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour while en route to your hotel, located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and amusement parks. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINER. (B,D)

Day 16:
Las Vegas. (Wed.) Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Las Vegas McCarran Airport. (B)

Dates & Prices

VANCOUVER:
Welcome reception; city sightseeing

KELOWNA:
Kelowna Land & Orchard behind-the-scenes

BANFF NATIONAL PARK:
Banff Gondola ride and sightseeing

HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP:
Visit the World Heritage Site

WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK:
Orientation Tour

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:
Red Jammer ride on Going-to-the-Sun Road

HELENA:
Orientation tour

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing tour

JACKSON:
Grand Teton National Park tour; chuck wagon cookout

SALT LAKE CITY:
Sightseeing tour

BRYCE CANYON:
Sightseeing tour

GRAND CANYON:
Sightseeing tour

LAS VEGAS:
Orientation tour; Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Toronto. (Sun.) Welcome to Toronto! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2:
Toronto. Visit Niagara Falls. (Mon.) Drive south along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. For the adventurous, your Tour Director will suggest optional flightseeing over the falls. Then board the MAID OF THE MIST for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Before leaving the area, see the Floral Clock. Then return to Toronto for an orientation tour of the downtown area. Tonight, you may opt to join the optional dinner atop the 1,815-foot CN Tower—the world’s tallest free-standing structure. (B) Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.

Day 3:
VIA Rail® The Canadian–Ontario. (Tue.) This morning, transfer to the train station for your departure on THE CANADIAN. Watch the scenic countryside from your windows as you relax in first-class refurbished art deco cars from the 1950s. Travel through “Cottage Country,” a favorite retreat for the city dwellers of southern Ontario. (B,L,D) Note: For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Jasper. Checked baggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight bag with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including any medications, eyeglasses, and other important items.

Day 4:
VIA Rail The Canadian through Northern Ontario & Manitoba. (Wed.) Continue past the sparkling lakes and sun-dappled forests of northern Ontario today. Try the observation dome for unparalleled views or enjoy quiet conversation in one of the comfortable lounges. Enter Manitoba with its endless golden prairies and vast cultivated fields. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
VIA Rail The Canadian through Saskatchewan & Alberta–Jasper. (Thu.) From Winnipeg to Jasper, the train roughly parallels the famed Yellowhead Route, Canada’s historic trail of westward expansion. Arrive in Jasper this afternoon with the remainder of the day free. Alternatively, you may join an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, followed by dinner. (B,L)

Day 6:
Jasper–Columbia Icefield–Lake Louise–Banff. (Fri.) This morning, travel through JASPER NATIONAL PARK on Icefields Parkway to the 1,000-foot-thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers, then scale Bow Pass with splendid views of Peyto Lake. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B,D)

Day 7:
Banff. (Sat.) Sightseeing includes a visit to Sulphur Mountain for a ride on BANFF GONDOLA, complete with panoramic views of Banff ’s spectacular scenery. Also visit Bow Falls and the hoodoos. The balance of the day is at leisure, or perhaps choose an optional float trip excursion on the Bow River or a helicopter flightseeing trip, offering bird’s-eye views of the Rockies. (B)

Day 8:
Banff–Rocky Mountaineer®–Spiral Tunnels–Yoho National Park–Kamloops. (Sun.) Depart this morning from Banff ’s train station and board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER for a 2-day, all daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Begin by crossing the Continental Divide and climbing Kicking Horse Pass before winding through the engineering feat of the Spiral Tunnels. Continue through the dramatic domain of Yoho National Park and enter the heart of the Selkirk Mountains before passing the spectacular sights of Glacier National Park, the Monashee Mountains, and Shuswap Lake. End today’s journey in Kamloops, where you may opt to experience frontier dining at Two River Junction, complete with a musical review tonight. (B,L) Note: For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Vancouver. Checked baggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items. (GoldLeaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel.)

Day 9:
Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Fraser Canyon–Vancouver. (Mon.) Board your train this morning and witness dramatic changes in scenery en route to Vancouver. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Upon arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 10:
Vancouver. (Tue.) This morning’s city tour of Vancouver includes the harbor and beaches, Chinatown, and Stanley Park. Balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps rent a bike and ride around the seawall of Stanley Park or for the shoppers and browsers, take a water taxi to Granville Island or visit historic Gastown. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 11:
Vancouver. (Wed.) The vacation ends this morning after breakfast with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)

Dates & Prices

TORONTO:
Welcome reception; orientation tour

NIAGARA FALLS:
Maid of the Mist Cruise

TORONTO–JASPER:
Private bedroom on VIA Rail’s The Canadian (travel in Silver & Blue class)

JASPER–BANFF:
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield

BANFF NATIONAL PARK:
Gondola ride up Banff’s Sulphur Mountain

BANFF–VANCOUVER:
2-day journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

VANCOUVER:
Sightseeing tour; Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Toronto, ON. (Thu.) Welcome to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. This evening, join your Tour Director at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (WR)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Spend the next two nights at the celebrated Fairmont Royal York Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and once considered the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth. When opened in 1927, the hotel quickly set the standard of the day and continues to epitomize gracious hospitality.

Day 2:
Toronto. Niagara Falls Excursion. (Fri.) After an included breakfast atop the CN TOWER , enjoy a full-day tour to magnificent Niagara Falls, including an exciting CR UISE aboard the Maid of the Mist. Return to Toronto to savor a wonderful dinner at the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic dining room. (B,D)

Day 3:
Toronto–VIA Rail’s The Canadian. (Sat.) After breakfast, board VIA Rail’s THE CANADIAN for a 2-night journey to Jasper. As you ride the rails west you will enjoy VIA’s renowned “Silver & Blue” class service, featuring linen and china dining and single or double bedroom accommodations. (B,L,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Traveling across Canada by rail lets you see the country much as the first travelers did more than a hundred years ago. Every day will show changes in the landscapes, climate, and lifestyles, as well as a historic perspective of Canada by rail. To enhance traffic on the rails, the Canadian Pacific Railway envisioned a succession of lavish resort hotels along the railway line through Western Canada. Today, many of these resorts still exist and you’ll experience them as you journey across Canada and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. By the end of your trip you will have a new understanding of the history and peoples of Canada and how the landscape shaped this nation.

Day 4:
VIA Rail Travel. (Sun.) Relax in comfort as you cross the Great Plains of Canada. This is a day to unwind and get to know fellow travelers. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
VIA Rail–Jasper. (Mon.) After a leisurely morning onboard, disembark at the town site of Jasper. On arrival, your Tour Director will point out highlights, including Maligne Canyon and the “Sleeping Man in the Mountain.” (B,L,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Overnight at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes.

Day 6:
Jasper–Icefields Parkway–Banff. (Tue.) The spectacular Icefields Parkway threads through the very heart of the Canadian Rockies. Stop to view thundering Athabasca Falls, ride an exciting “ICE EXPLORER” on Athabasca Glacier, and gaze in silent wonder at sapphire Peyto Lake. Day’s end finds you in the picture-book setting of Banff. Enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. (B,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an internationally recognized symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this chateau-style hotel developed into one of the top three getaways in North America.

Day 7:
Banff. Lake Louise Excursion. Choose Your Experience. (Wed.) This morning, travel to see two of the crown jewels of the Rockies: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. First, visit the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which frames picturesque Moraine Lake. Then, continue to Lake Louise. A GLOBUS PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, select how you spend your morning. Enjoy a leisurely TRAIL RI DE or paddle across world-famous Lake Louise on a CANOE excursion. Later, enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. (B,L)

Day 8:
Banff–Kelowna. (Thu.) Today, travel west by motorcoach through Kicking Horse Pass and through the Selkirk Range over Rogers Pass into the fabulous Thompson Okanagan Valley. This area of Canada is blessed with a mild climate and sunny days. Pass through landscapes dotted with pristine lakes, orchards, and vineyard laden hillsides to Kelowna, situated at the shores of Okanagan Lake. Before arriving at our hotel, we’ll stop to visit the VILLAGE CHEE SE CO MPANY, where you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of an old-time cheese company and sample some of their award-winning products. (B,D)

Day 9:
Kelowna. (Fri.) Start your day with a visit to KELOWNA LAND AND ORCHARD and sample some of the local ciders. We’ll then visit OK ANAGAN LAVANDER FARM, where there’s time to stroll through the fragrant fields and enjoy breathtaking views. We’ll stop by two VINEYARDS and you’ll have a chance to taste some of the wines for which this area is so well known. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy a stroll around beautiful Lake Okanagan, shop in the unique boutiques, or to perhaps visit the Wine Museum. This evening, join us for an optional dinner at a local vineyard. (B)

Day 10:
Kelowna–Vancouver. (Sat.) Travel to the scenic coast of British Columbia via the Coquihalla Route through the Cascade Mountains. Arriving in Vancouver, visit the soaring CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE and enjoy an included lunch near the canyon. Later, tour the highlights of Vancouver, including immense Stanley Park. Tonight is at leisure to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants this cosmopolitan city offers. (B,L)

Day 11:
Vancouver. Victoria & Butchart Gardens Excursion. (Sun.) Departing Vancouver you will travel by motorcoach and BC Ferry through the pastoral Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Your destination is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Nearby, visit colorful BUTCHART GARDENS and its floral displays. Then board a FLOATPLANE to soar over the lovely Gulf Islands back to Vancouver on the mainland. Tonight, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 12:
Vancouver. (Mon.) Your grand journey through five provinces comes to a conclusion today with breakfast this morning. (B)

Dates & Prices

TORONTO:
Sightseeing including CN Tower; Welcome reception

NIAGARA FALLS:
Maid of the Mist Cruise

VIA RAIL:
Spectacular train journey across Canada on The Canadian

BANFF AND JASPER NATIONAL PARKS

ATHABASCA GLACIER:
Experience Columbia Ice Fields “Ice Explorer” Glacier Tour

LAKE LOUISE:
Enjoy lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; a “Choose Your Experience” activity

KELOWNA:
Guided sightseeing including visits to two vineyards, a cheese factory, and a lavander farm

VICTORIA:
Guided sightseeing including world-famous Butchart Gardens

VANCOUVER:
Guided sightseeing; Farewell Dinner

NOTE
Operated with Brennan Vacations
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Los Angeles. (Sun.) Welcome to the Golden State! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6:30 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2:
Los Angeles. (Mon.) Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Mann’s Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios or Historic Hollywood. (B)

Day 3:
Los Angeles–Lake Havasu. (Tue.) Leave the “City of Angels” and travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is the home to the historic London Bridge. This evening you may opt to take an evening sound and light cruise on the Colorado River through the canyons of Topock Gorge. (B)

Day 4:
Lake Havasu–Grand Canyon. (Wed.) Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams, which sits astride historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5-million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)

Special Feature: Your hotel is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra when traveling with Globus.

Day 5:
Grand Canyon–Lake Powell. (Thu.) This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. There’s free time later for a leisurely stroll along the Wahweap Marina, located on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)

Day 6:
Lake Powell. (Fri.) Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. Or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell, including famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting, or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)

Day 7:
Lake Powell–Bryce Canyon–Zion National Park. (Sat.) Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: “Little Zion.” (B,D)

Day 8:
Zion Canyon–Las Vegas. (Sun.) Tour Zion this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B)

Day 9:
Las Vegas. (Mon.) A full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)

Day 10:
Las Vegas–Fresno. (Tue.) A day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” (B,D)

Day 11:
Fresno–Yosemite National Park. (Wed.) Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Inside the park you’ll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains. (B,D)

Day 12:
Yosemite–Wine Country–San Francisco. (Thu.) This morning’s journey takes you from California’s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country. Today’s highlight is an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and WINE TASTING under olive trees and grape trellises at Viansa Winery. Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing including cocktails and dancing? (B,L)

Day 13:
San Francisco. (Fri.) Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Options of interest may be a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippy-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. (B)

Day 14:
San Francisco–San Simeon–San Luis Obispo. (Sat.) Heading south this morning, stop in San Simeon and visit HEARST CASTLE, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Here you’ll see splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. The tour shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate. Continue to San Luis Obispo. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWEL CELEBRATION DINER. (B,D)

Day 15:
San Luis Obispo–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles. (Sun.) From San Luis Obispo drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop at the impressive 200-year-old MISSION, with its world-famous twin bell towers, and a visit to the pier. Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 p.m. (B)

Dates & Prices