Description

 Your Fly, Drive & Rail package includes: 

·      Economy class flights from Sydney to New York, returning from Seattle

·      3 nights accommodation in New York

·      Full day Washington DC excursion

·      Economy class flight from New York to Calgary

·      8 day Coastal Passage First Passage to the West Discovery Self Drive with Rocky Mountaineer

-      Includes 7 nights accommodation, 3 day car hire, 3 day Rocky Mountaineer + much more

·      Transfers throughout

·      Flight taxes and fees

Coastal Passage First Passage to the West Discovery Self Drive Itinerary

1 September 19:  Discovery Drive Start - Calgary

Arrive in Calgary and collect your rental car. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Calgary on your own. Overnight in Calgary.

2 September 19: Calgary to Lake Louise with Yoho National Park Tour

Today’s two and a half hour journey from Calgary to Lake Louise takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos, Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The day is yours at leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise.

3 September 19: Lake Louise to Banff - Discovery Drive

Today, drive the scenic one-hour journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way, watch for deer and elk crossing the specially constructed wildlife bridges over the highway. Alternatively, take a more leisurely drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for views of Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon (requires a short walk). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the shops, restaurants, pristine scenery and plentiful wildlife of magnificent Banff National Park. Overnight in Banff.

4 September 19: Banff to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Banff Station at 7:40am MT. Enjoy the spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. Arrival in Kamloops between 6:30pm and 8:00pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the city of Kamloops or relaxing in your hotel room. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking.

5 September 19: Kamloops to Vancouver

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 7:35am PT. On today’s journey west, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. You will arrive in Vancouver between 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT.

6 September 19: North Shore Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a six-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore. Travel across the Lions Gate Bridge and into the Coast Mountains. Experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Treetops Adventure, discovering the coastal temperate rainforest and British Columbia’s First Nations heritage. Next, visit Grouse Mountain (gondola admission included), the Peak of Vancouver, and take in breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Vancouver.

7 September 19: Vancouver to Seattle

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s Coastal Passage route from Vancouver to the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, the “Emerald City” of Seattle. A motorcoach will transfer you from your hotel to the Rocky Mountaineer station this morning, where you will board your dome coach at 7:50am PT for the southbound rail journey to Seattle. After boarding, toast the voyage ahead and indulge in a delectable hot breakfast as you cross the mighty Fraser River and depart Vancouver. Highlights include the community of White Rock as the train hugs the Pacific Coast, views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands beyond, the fields at the foot of the Cascade Mountains near Mount Vernon, the fishing fleet (and Boeing jets) of Everett, and a unique view of the Chittenden Locks linking Puget Sound to Lakes Union and Washington as the train nears Seattle. Upon arrival in Seattle at King Street Station between 1:15pm and 2:15pm PT, you will clear US customs and immigration, disembark, and transfer to a motorcoach which will take you (and your luggage) to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours.

8 September 19: Tour End - Seattle

Your vacation ends upon checkout from your Seattle hotel.