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25 Day Conducted Tour
       
Western Canada and Canadian Rockies
with Alaskan Cruise

For only $6,385
per person twin share
This price includes airport taxes and levies

Tour departs Australia August 25 and returns September 18, 2012
This is superb value for a tour of this magnitude as all of the following are included: 
  • Return Air fares from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne into Vancouver with Korean Air. 
  • A wonderful 8 day Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage in a great cruise ship, Holland America's MS Zuiderdam in an inside cabin. An outside cabin would cost an extra $367 per person twin share. A verandah cabin would cost an extra $684 per person twin share. 
  • A 12 day tour of Western Canada and the Rockies.     
  • A 2 night stopover in Seoul, South Korea on the way over and a 1 night stopover on the way back. 
  • Good accommodation, mainly 3 - 4 star. 
  • All meals while on the cruise. 
  • Port Charges and fees. 
  • All transport and transfers. 
  • Services of local tour guides, and if there are 14 or more tour participants there will be an Australian tour leader. 
If you don't have someone to twin share with, we will do our best to match you up with someone of the same gender, but this is not guaranteed. If you require a single room there will be an extra charge of $1,975 for an inside cabin or $2,427 for an outside cabin.

Tour Itinerary

Terms and Conditions

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 Itinerary for Western Canada & Canadian Rockies with Alaskan Cruise 
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
25.08.12




 Australia - Seoul
Depart Melbourne at 7.45am on KE 126, arriving in Seoul at 5.55pm.
Depart Sydney at 7.55am on KE 122, arriving in Seoul at 5.35pm.
Depart Brisbane at 8.25am on KE 124, arriving in Seoul at 5.35pm.
Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the Capital Hotel for a two night stay.
26.08.12
(B/L)		 Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we visit the Korean Folk Village, which is home to numerous collections of Korean cultural artifacts. The folk village provides an opportunity for Korean children to experience and learn the culture of their ancestors first hand. The site provides a venue to promote traditional Korean culture to both domestic and international visitors, and provides an open-air learning place for succeeding generations. Lunch will be at a Korean restaurant.
After lunch, visit the Jogyesa Temple, which is the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Then visit Changdok Palace, which was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. It has been treasured by Koreans for centuries. There is also a stop at Insadong, which is frequently visited by tourists and natives year round. It is a cultural Mecca lined with art galleries, souvenir shops, tea shops and antique shops selling many kinds of traditional Korean products. Afterwards you are returned to the Hotel.
27.08.12
(B)






 Seoul - Vancouver
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning there is some free time for shopping at Itaewon or Insadong. In the afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Vancouver. Depart Seoul at 6.40pm on KE 71, arriving in Vancouver at 12.35am the same day (you cross the International Date Line). Upon arrival in Vancouver you are transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to do some independent exploring or recover from your flight. Your tour director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
28.08.12
 Vancouver
This morning an included city tour showcasing Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour and beaches and more. The remainder of your day is free for your further exploration of the city. Shoppers and browsers can take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, Or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries and street vendors.
29.08.12 Vancouver - Kelowna
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. Sample the local wines on the included Winery Tour this afternoon.
30.08.12 Kelowna - Four National Parks - Kicking Horse Pass - Banff
Motor north through the Okanagan Valley, famous for its peaches and vineyards. Then begin the journey through four of Canada's most spectacular National Parks: Mount Revelstoke, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park and Banff National Park. Take a break at Rogers pass, a perfect spot for photos of the impressively rugged mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Travel from primeval forests to ice Age Glaciers, from spectacular waterfalls to soaring peaks. At Kicking Horse Pass, cross the Continental Divide, where all of North America's rivers are diverted to the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. By early evening, reach Banff, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.
31.08.12 Banff
Banff is one of Canada's favourite year round resorts, with activities ranging from skiing in the winter to hiking, boating and fishing in the summer. With a free day, your tour director will suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.
01.09.12 Banff - Lake Louise - Columbia Ice field - Jasper
A day of scenic grandeur. First up, Lake Louise, its cold turquoise waters a perfect natural mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snow capped summits and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the motor coach scales two mountain passes on the journey northward into Jasper National Park. Another highlight on today's agenda is a stop at the Columbia Ice field to experience the Ice Explore, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice that is 1,200 feet (365 meters) thick. Enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper town site upon arrival.
02.09.12 Jasper
Today join our optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The rest of the day is free to join one of our guided hikes, to shop or canoe.
03.09.12 Jasper - Mount Robson - Sun Peaks
Leave Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, peaking at 12,972 feet. Follow the Yellow Head Highway south along the North Thompson River, a route pioneered by fur trappers a century ago. Overnight at the mountain resort of Sun Peaks.
04.09.12 Sun Peaks - Lillooet - Whistler
Head south following the once treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail, via Lillooet - "Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route". Your motor coach will follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes with an afternoon arrival in Whistler. Tonight, wander the many trails or relax in the plaza while enjoying the artists and musicians.
05.09.12 Whistler - Ferry Crossing - Victoria
Sail this afternoon across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean type climate. Afternoon arrival in Victoria. Sightseeing today includes Marine Drive, Bastion Square, and the Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. Tonight, stroll along the lovely waterfront.
06.09.12 Victoria
This morning visit world famous Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria's most celebrated sites and rated among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Once there, stroll through the colourful arrangements of the Sunken Garden, the Japanese and Italian Gardens. This afternoon is at leisure to discover some of the attractions of this splendid city, you might like to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, the IMAX presentation at the National Geographic Theatre, whale watching on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and fine shopping along Government Street. 
07.09.12 Victoria - Vancouver
Early this morning, board the ferry for a scenic crossing to the mainland for a mid-afternoon arrival. The afternoon is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia's premier shopping and entertainment location.
08.09.12
(D)		 Vancouver (Embarkation)
Today our tour guests are transferred to Canada Place to board Holland America's MS Zuiderdam for an unforgettable Inside Passage Cruise.
Ships Specification:
Ship's Registry: The Netherlands  Gross Tonnage: 82,305 grt  Guest Capacity:1916 Crew members: 817  Length: 936 feet  Beam: 105.8 feet  Maximum speed: 24 knots 
Ships Features:
The ms Zuiderdam began her inaugural season in 2002 as the first ship in the Visa -class series. She embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three- story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship.
Vista Dining Room: features impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options.
Lido Restaurant: offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.
Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times:
a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through the extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.
Vista Show Lounge: features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.
Crow's Nest: offers sweeping 270 degree views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening.
09.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Cruising Inside Passage
Spend the day cruising one of the world's most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Be sure to watch for orcas and humpback whales.  
10.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Juneau
An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a Gold Rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. 
11.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Skagway
Take your time and poke into every little store, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy's Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure-trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of '98 Museum.
12.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of feet into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment photographically. Then you wait for it all to happen again.
13.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Ketchikan
Built out over the water and up weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a hospitable air.
14.09.12
(B/L/D)		 Cruising Inside Passage
Return through the Inside Passage and cruise through more of this awe-inspiring scenery. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, and other wildlife. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and onboard entertainment.
15.09.12
(B)		 Vancouver - Seoul
Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your flight back to Seoul. Depart Vancouver at 2.15pm on KE 72, arriving in Seoul at 5.40pm the following day (you re-cross the international date line). 
16.09.12
(D)		 Seoul
Upon arrival in Seoul you are met and transferred to the Capital Hotel for an overnight stay. 
17.09.12
(B/L)		 Seoul - Australia
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Gyeongbok Palace, which was built in 1935 and is arguably the most beautiful and grandest of the five palaces. Visit the National Folklore Museum, which has over 4000 artifacts that were used in the daily lives of the ordinary Korean people. Then there is a photo stop at the Blue House which is the presidential residence. The first thing to catch your attention is the blue tiles and the smooth roof, which both blend beautifully with Mt Bugaksan in the backdrop. The included lunch will be at a Korean restaurant. Afterwards you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Melbourne passengers depart Seoul at 6.10pm on KE 125, arriving in Melbourne at 6.05am the next morning (18.09.12).
Sydney passengers depart Seoul at 7.10pm on KE 121, arriving in Sydney at 6.20am the next morning (18.09.12).
Brisbane passengers depart Seoul at 8.05pm on KE 123, arriving in Brisbane at 6.45am the next morning (18.09.12).  
Note: The ground operator in Canada & Alaska is Cosmos.
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Canada & Alaska Tour

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 10 weeks prior to departure. 
Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.
Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired. Macleay Valley Travel offers Suresave Travel Insurance.  Please note that we can only process  your travel insurance when we have received full payment for the insurance and the signed Suresave Travel Insurance application form, located on the last page of the Suresave Travel Insurance information booklet. Until this time the travel insurance cannot be processed and will not be valid. Macleay Valley Travel will bare no responsibility for any consequences that may occur as a result of an incomplete insurance application.    
Passports - All travelers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia.
A visas waiver is required for travel to the United States of America for all Australian passport holders. At present the cost for a visa waiver is USD $14 per person.
Basic Tour Price and Taxes-Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in Air taxes and Fuel Levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date.
Not  Included in the Cost -  Travel Insurance, visas and all items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), etc are not included in the cost. Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Breakaway Fee - All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of our tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. 
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveler with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.
Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Health and Fitness - Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.
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