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9 Day Western Canada & Rocky Mountaineer
Low Cost Coach Tour starting in Calgary and finishing in Vancouver
Countries Visited: Canada 
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 9 Days (8 Nights)
From: Calgary to Vancouver
Tour Code: 8930
Operator: Cosmos
from AU $1,959 pp
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Tour Description

Take a snowcoach ride on Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, enjoy ferry crossings to/from Vancouver Island-these are just a few of the many highlights on this 9 day western Canadian journey. Begin your travels in Calgary with overnights in Banff, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. This is truly an unforgettable holiday with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Included Features

  • Sightseeing: In Calgary and Vancouver; orientation tour in Jasper; Columbia Icefield (Ice Explorer ride); Stanley Park and Butchart Gardens. Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable.
  • Scenic Highlights: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Thompson River, Monashee Mountains, and Fraser Canyon.
  • Guides: Services of a professional Tour Director.
  • Transportation: 2-day, all-daylight, rail journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf Service; ferry crossing to/from Vancouver island; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
  • Hotels: Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling. Listed hotels or equivalent.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Classifications: First Class (F), Moderate First Class (MF), Superior Tourist Class (ST), Tourist Class (T)
  • Calgary Sandman Hotel City Center (F); Banff Bow View Lodge (ST); Jasper Lobstick Lodge (F); Kamloops Comfort Inn or similar (ST); Vancouver Quality Hotel Vancouver False Creek (MF); Victoria Royal Scot Hotel & Suites (F)

Tour Meals

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Day
1
Calgary.
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day
2
Calgary - Banff.
The discovery of oil converted this all-Western cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. See many of the city's attractions this morning on your sightseeing tour, including downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies and into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. Upon arrival, take the optional gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff's spectacular scenery. Then, enjoy a visit to sparkling Bow Falls.
Day
3
Banff.
Full day at leisure. Banff is one of Canada's favourite resorts, with summer activities that include hiking, boating, and fishing. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.
Day
4
Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper National Park.
First stop is Lake Louise, its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as the motorcoach scales two mountain passes. Another highlight on today's agenda is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 1,200-feet (365-metres) thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional raft trip down the historic Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper, an orientation tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in JASPER NATIONAL PARK.
Day
5
Jasper.
Join the optional trip to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise. On the return journey, you'll be mesmerized by the dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, you might consider hiking or exploring Jasper's local town charm with its occasional wandering wildlife!
Day
6

Jasper - Via Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops.
An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass by Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.

Note: It will be necessary for all Red Leaf travellers to pack an overnight bag for the train journey. Suitcases for SilverLeaf & Gold Leaf travellers will be delivered in Kamloops, but suitcases for Red Leaf travellers will be checked and unavailable for the overnight in Kamloops. No porterage service is available in Kamloops. Continental breakfast and a cold lunch are included on board the Rocky Mountaineer in Red Leaf (hot meals in Gold Leaf); snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also provided free of charge. (CB/L)

Day
7
Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver.
Reboard the train and head through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell's Gate. Then, pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snowcapped Coast Mountains. Arrive in Vancouver at the Rocky Mountaineer Station in early evening and transfer to your hotel. (B/L)
Day
8
Vancouver – Ferry Crossing – Victoria.
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's Chinatown, Gastown, the beautiful beaches and harbour, and lovely STANLEY PARK. Afterward, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
Day
9
Victoria – Ferry Crossing– Vancouver.
Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.
Cosmos Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Cosmos Sale! Save up to $430 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
22 May 2012 30 May 2012 AU $2,139 AU $2,794 Save $180 AU $1,959
29 May 2012 06 Jun 2012 AU $2,439 AU $3,094 Save $205 AU $2,234
05 Jun 2012 13 Jun 2012 AU $2,439 AU $3,094 Save $205 AU $2,234
12 Jun 2012 20 Jun 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
19 Jun 2012 27 Jun 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
26 Jun 2012 04 Jul 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
03 Jul 2012 11 Jul 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
10 Jul 2012 18 Jul 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
17 Jul 2012 25 Jul 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
21 Jul 2012 29 Jul 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
21 Aug 2012 29 Aug 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
28 Aug 2012 05 Sep 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
04 Sep 2012 12 Sep 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
11 Sep 2012 19 Sep 2012 AU $2,519 AU $3,174 Save $215 AU $2,304
25 Sep 2012 03 Oct 2012 AU $2,439 AU $3,094 Save $205 AU $2,234
29 Sep 2012 07 Oct 2012 AU $2,359 AU $3,014 Save $200 AU $2,159

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVE2.5 % Early Payment Discount
SAVE5% Journeys Club Discount
SAVEExtra Tour Discount On 2nd Tour
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

Flights:

Book your tour and flights together to SAVE!
  The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of! Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.



General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours

Cosmos holidays combine the freedom of independent travel with the benefits of group travel, all at an unbelievable value. If you have never taken a package holiday, consider this: travelling with Cosmos is less expensive, more comfortable and far easier than going it alone. Our expertly planned tour packages combine all the benefits of group travel with much of the freedom of an independent tour to create a balanced experience for each and every traveller. You travel hassle-free knowing that we've taken care of all the details. Once you have discovered the special advantages of Cosmos, you'll never want to travel any other way again. Cosmos turns your dreams into reality.


Tour Type: Regional

Our most popular style, Regional Discoveries, are well-planned, in-depth escorted vacations that provide one-of-a-kind opportunities to experience the character, personality, and flavour of a specific region or country.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we choose a Cosmos Tour?

  • Our famous value with complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing and services of a professional Tour Director
  • Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price
  • Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations
  • Cosmos hotels are selected with care - three star or better hotels with private facilities, so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment
  • Optional excursions at an unbeatable value - diverse enough for unique interests and at reasonable prices
  • A dynamic blend of transportation, including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise - we make getting there part of the fun
  • Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or to sit back and take it all in
  • Porterage included - not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on a holiday
  • Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93% satisfaction rating on our customer's post-vacation surveys

I'm leaving in 4 weeks, when will I get my travel documents?

Travel documents, including any air tickets, tour itinerary, hotel lists, and helpful hints and other information are sent approximately four weeks prior to tour departure.

Who else will be travelling with me, and how many will be on tour with me?

Cosmos attracts a wide range of clientele of many ages from all over the English speaking world. Cosmos offers an affordable way to travel and as such the size of the Cosmos group can vary from departure to departure. A Cosmos coach can carry up to 51 passengers however on many tours the number of passengers is below 50 people.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable, and how many will be on tour with me?

Your Cosmos coach is a quiet smooth-riding high cruiser, equipped with soft, semi-reclining lounge seats, huge pan windows, a high-fidelity sound system, and air-conditioning. There is a no smoking policy enforced on the coach, but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops. Cosmos uses the custom of daily seat rotation which gives every tour member a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenery.

What hotel standards can I expect on a Cosmos tour?

Our experienced hotel contractors carefully select hotels that provide the best value for money. Of course, different countries have different standards, but Cosmos endeavours to provide our clients with the best available in cleanliness and comfort. They are mainly 'superior tourist' and 'tourist' class establishments that follow the standards set by the independent Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards.

Where are Cosmos hotels located?

When Cosmos selects its hotels, it does so with you in mind. A great deal of effort goes into ensuring that the hotels are suitably located to meet the needs of the tour. Some hotels are more centrally located than others. In bigger cities (particularly in Europe), we sometimes use hotels that are located in the suburbs rather than using overpriced hotels or hotels in less desirable areas. In these instances, we make every attempt to locate hotels near public transport and with good access to shopping and/or meals.

Are breakfasts included in the tours?

Breakfast is not included on our American tours but Cosmos does offer the option to pre-pay breakfast supplements on selected North American tours to have a full breakfast daily. On Cosmos European tours a daily continental breakfast is provided. In London and on the Continent, you can expect to start the day with cereal, croissant, yoghurt, bread, butter, jam, cold cuts (cheese, ham, salami) and juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a fully cooked breakfast is provided.

What about dinners?

The number of dinners provided varies from tour to tour, check your itinerary for details. Where dinners are on offer, they tend to have an 'international' flavour. For clients wanting to sample some of the 'local' fare, there are optional excursions which feature dining out at local restaurants. Alternatively, clients can discover the local cuisine when there are free evenings without scheduled meals.

What is the difference between a tour director & a local guide? What are they like?

Your tour director will accompany you from the start to the end of your tour, educating you on the places and the history of the destination. Local guides are included in many cities to give you in-depth information on the culture, history and attractions of the city. Both Tour Director and Local Guides have a passion for travel, people and the destination and look forward to sharing their passion with you.

I'm finding it difficult to match two tours together?

Have you considered pre or post tour accommodation? We offer fantastic rates hard to find elsewhere and this may enable you to select sequential tours with minimal disruption to your intended travel plans.

What does the tour cost include?

Our packages take in each destinations's most popular highlights. They are carefully planned to include visits to places of interest and panoramic drives through areas of natural beauty. There's so much for you to look forward to! In North America you can ride a snocoach on Alberta's Columbia Icefield, tour Washington DC and Québec City with expert Local Guides, and cruise the swampy waterways of Louisiana's bayous. Please refer to the itineraries for a complete description of what is included in the holiday of your choice.

Do coach tour prices include tips to Tour Directors, Drivers & Local Guides?

It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations and these are not included in your quote. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible however. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation.

Are there optional excursions & is there much free time?

In addition to included sightseeing, we offer a rich program of optional excursions, all full of interest and very reasonably priced. Optional activities can be booked through your Tour Director. Many optional excursions are mentioned in the package descriptions. Your pre-vacation literature will specify cost and content of the optional highlights that may be offered during your trip. This enables you to budget accordingly before you leave home.

Do you have a share program for singles?

More than one third of Cosmos' clients travel alone. We can provide clients with a 'guaranteed share' facility. This means that we charge singles the basic price and match up singles of the same gender in twin-bedded rooms. If we cannot find a roommate for a tour member who has booked on a 'guaranteed share' basis, we will absorb the single room supplement. For mutal comfort, we do adopt a no-smoking rule in shared rooms. Please note that 'guaranteed share' cannot be offered for pre and post tour accommodation.

Where can I find out more information on Cosmos?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Cosmos including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Airport transfers are included when vacation is booked air-inclusive. Airport transfers are available for purchase up to five days prior to departure, any day year round, when vacation is booked as land-only.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Yvonne Brooks

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Yvonne Brooks
Tour Consultant
Email: yvonne@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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