17 Day Western Canada Small Group Tour & Alaska Cruise

• Incredible sightseeing, including the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields, enjoy expansive views from Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff, join a winery tour in the Okanagan Valley, and cruise the remote Inside Passage to Alaska
• Small Group touring with only 24 guests
• 9 nights in quality 3-4 star hotels 
• Fully escorted by an expert tour leader throughout Canada
• Breathtaking 7-night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise 
• Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Rockies over 4 nights 
• Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners
• Indigenous Experience & Salmon BBQ Lunch
• Ride the custom-built Ice Explorer vehicle and walk on the Athabasca Glacier
• Guided sightseeing and wildlife tours in Jasper and Banff
• Winery tour and tastings in the Okanagan Valley 
• Dedicated, comfortable coach transportation
• All national park fees

• Whistler – Visit this famous ski town home to the 2010 Winter Olympics
• Lillooet – Visit the Bridge River Fishing Grounds, where you'll learn about the traditional wind-dried salmon preservation method before a delicious indigenous lunch
• Jasper –Experience the unmatched natural beauty of Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake during a guided tour
• Columbia Icefield – Board the iconic Ice Explorer and traverse the the Athabasca Glacier
• Icefields Parkway – Enjoy a dazzling display of vast icefields, deep canyons, dense forests and glacier-fed streams on this iconic drive
• Banff – Enjoy a tour of Banff National Park, featuring the Banff town site, Tunnel Mountain, a spectacular view of the Banff Springs Hotel, Johnston Canyon, the Hoodoos and the Bow Valley Parkway
• Banff – Ride the Banff Gondola and experience a world of adventure and beauty at the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain
• Banff National Park – Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Grizzly Bears, wolves, cougars, black bears and moose during your sightseeing tours
• Enjoy a winery tour and tasting in the Okanagan Valley town of Kelowna, known for its world-class wines
• Alaska Cruise – Board a deluxe cruise to travel the Inside Passage to Alaska
• Alaska Cruise – Get an up-close view of Alaska’s wild seascapes 
• Alaska Cruise – Feel the pioneer spirit of Alaska, from First Nations tribes to early Russian settlers to Gold Rush prospectors

Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, where Serenade of the Seas serves up snow-capped scenery everywhere you look. Onboard, panoramic views and acres of glass ensure that you’ll never miss a moment of the wilderness – from breeching humpback whales to calving icy blue glaciers. You’ll find some of the best scenic views from the cruise ship in the Main Dining Room, which offers two levels of glass windows. This means that every course comes served with a side of stunning Alaska landscapes. 

The pool onboard Serenade of the Seas has a retractable glass roof, so you can soak up long hours of sunlight on summer days that seem to last forever – all while watching snow-capped mountains and misty forests roll gently by.

Whether you’re craving Far East flavours at Izumi or elevated Italian comfort food at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, bold and delicious is always on the menu onboard Serenade of the Seas. And if you want to really dial up date night, there’s the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Stateroom Details
Each stateroom aboard Serenade of the Seas includes the following services and amenities;

Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
Daily housekeeping
Nightly turndown service
Daily stateroom attendant
Generous storage
Safes for your valuables

INSIDE STATEROOM - Included
Two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed, with seating and a desk. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).

OCEAN VIEW - FROM an additional $599 per person, twin share (Single from an additional $1,198)
These staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed—includes seating and a desk, with a window allowing natural light into the room. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).

OCEANVIEW BALCONY  - FROM an additional $1,499 per person, twin share (Single from an additional $2,998)
Sliding glass doors open onto your private balcony from this comfortable stateroom, which includes two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. — (Approximately 18 square metres with a 4sqm balcony).

Please note your upgrade request in the 'Special Request' field whilst making your booking. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”

Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Tipping

Tipping in Canada is a complex cultural practice. While not technically mandatory, it's deeply ingrained in the service industry and considered a crucial part of an employee's income. Understanding the tipping etiquette can be confusing for visitors, as it varies depending on the type of service, location, and even the bill amount. Here is some information to assist you with tipping in the Canada.

Tipping in the Canada is expected, but not mandatory. Generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) is considered standard for good service, while higher tips are customary for exceptional service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully. 

Tipping your tour leader in the Canada is not as common as tipping in restaurants, but it's certainly a kind gesture and a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and guidance throughout your trip. If you had a good experience, CAD$5-$10 per person per day is a decent starting point. For exceptional service or longer tours, aim for CAD$10-$20 or a lump sum at the end.

Ultimately, tipping your tour leader is a personal decision. If you felt they provided a valuable service and made your trip more enjoyable, a tip is a thoughtful way to express your thanks. Remember, even a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.

While navigating the intricacies of tipping can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the basics will ensure you navigate this cultural practice confidently during your visit to Canada.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $4,603.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Luggage Requirements
Please note that to enhance everyone's comfort during the tour we have a strict luggage allowance of one suitcase per person. This policy helps us ensure a more spacious and enjoyable travel experience for all. If you have excess luggage, please contact our sales team as soon as possible, for arrangements to be made.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

 Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Group Size
Minimum: 8
Maximum:24

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package, different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveler has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:

• Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $748.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $748.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

Post Tour Accommodation

• $748.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $748.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

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