Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco

Arrive San Francisco and make own way to hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf; overnight San Francisco

Day 2: San Francisco

Spend the day at leisure, exploring San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, maybe take the cruise boat to Alcatraz or just look around China Town and Union Square!  Overnight San Francisco.

Day 3: Wineries, Bridges, Beaches and Redwoods

Today we head North from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge into to the US wine growing regions of the Sonoma/Napa Valley. Overnight Sonoma Valley

Day 4: Wineries, Geysers and mud

We meander through the Vineyard valleys to see some of the hot Geysers and end up at Calistoga for the opportunity to experience the health virtues of the hot clays (which apparently remove toxic buildup in the body). Overnight in Calistoga area.

Day 5: Redwoods

Head northwards along the coast today, keeping a lookout for whales and other sea life on our way to Crescent Beach and the Redwoods. Overnight near Humboldt National Park in Crescent City

Day 6: Redwoods

Continue along the coast through Redwood country. These trees have not let up growing for over 1000 years and it shows. Explore Redwood National Forest.and then we start off along the dramatic coastline to Newport; overnight Newport

Day 7 + 8: Mount St. Helens

Continue north, stopping along the way to the fascinating geological phenomenon of Mt St Helens, which erupted as recently as 1982 and continues to attract the attention of volcanologists worldwide. See how, coal and stratified canyons were formed in just a few hours during this cataclysmic event. We will spend the day exploring the wealth of sights of nature and power in the Mt St Helens area. Overnight in Woodland.

Day 9 + 10: Olympic National Park

Continue exploring Mt. St. Helens today and end with a drive out to Olympic National Park with its rugged mountains and refreshing beaches. We will explore the ecology of the rainforest and Travel to Hurricane ridge. Overnight Olympic Peninsula

Day 11: Victoria BC

Ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada through the famous Juan De Fuca Straights. A chance to see whales and other marine life on and about the islands. Overnight Victoria.

Day 12: Victoria BC

We’re relaxing today in the Inner Harbour of Victoria. It’s a free day. There’s time to take a whale watching tour, or see the gardens Victoria is famous for (Butchart and Hadley Gardens). Overnight Victoria

Day 14: Vancouver

Today is free for you to explore Vancouver. Whether it’s shopping or sightseeing Vancouver has something for everybody. We’ll see you tomorrow when we meet you at your hotel to begin your Canadian journey. Overnight Vancouver

Day 15: Vancouver - Whistler - Kamloops

We head out this morning along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway which winds its way along the oceanfront to the Coast Mountains. We will stop in Whistler and explore this winter olympic renowned town! Continue on over the mountain pass of the Coast Mountain Range to the dry side and the desert of the Lillooett area. Overnight Kamloops

Day 16: Jasper

Today is an early start as we catch the first train out to Jasper. We will travel the day time through the most spectacular section of the tracks through the Rockies. You will have access to the rear lounge car or the observation domes, or just relax and watch it happen! Wind up the day in Jasper. Spend the rest of the day exploring the many sites and activities of he Jasper Park Lodge. Overnight at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 17: Ice Fields Parkway / Lake Louise / Banff

Today we travel the famous Ice Fields Parkway stopping along the way to capture the sights and sounds of placid lakes, rushing glacier water and the local wildlife! See Athabasca and Dome Glaciers as well as Peyto and Bow Lakes. End the day with a tour of Banff.  Overnight in Banff.

Day 18: Lake Louise / Banff

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with a stroll along their shores. Take a mountain walk to the famous Lake Agnes Tea House; return to Banff for free time or optional tours of the Banff Springs Hotel, the Cave and Basin, or Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Banff.

Day 19: Yoho and Glacier National Park / Rogers Pass / Revelstoke

Leave the wide valleys of the Rocky Mountain National Parks to discover the equally magnificent Glacier National Park with its deep, rugged valleys and Spiral Railway Tunnels. Depending on the weather and snow we will venture off the road to see the Takakawkaw Falls. We continue along along the Canada #1 highway through historic Rogers Pass and the Columbia Mountains. Overnight in the Revelstoke area.

Day 20: Revelstoke - Okanagan

This morning we drive high above the tree line to Mt Revelsoke. We are able to explore the sub alpine high up the mountains and possibly catch some early morning wildlife! We then continue to leave the Rockies and head into the fruit basket of BC, the Okanagan. Overnight south Kelowna, Okanagan

Day 21: Okanagan

The Okanagan has a history of ranching. Gold and silver, and more recently the vineyards and wineries. We spend the day exploring these; we will visit some wineries and see some of the historic trestles of the old Kettle Valley Railroad. Overnight in the Penticton area.

Day 22: Vancouver

We head out of the valley and back towards Vancouver. We will see the Fraser river and the farming area of the Fraser Delta. Overnight downtown Vancouver

Day 23: Vancouver

Check out this morning for the next adventure or flight home!