Rockies, Alaska & Calgary Stampede 2024 with Silversea

Start the day with your complimentary airport lounge access before boarding for your transatlantic flight to Calgary. After arriving this afternoon, you'll be met by a private driver who will take you to your upscale hotel in downtown Calgary, just a stone's throw from the city's best shopping malls, musical theatres and museums. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Begin with an immediate highlight today, as you’re invited to attend the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Held annually, professional cowboys compete in a series of rodeo events including bull riding, roping chuckwagon racing, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Don your western duds, saddle up and join the experience for Stampede breakfasts galore, square dancing, parades, the fun of the midway, great exhibits, a spectacular Grandstand show, fireworks and of course, heaping helpings of Western hospitality. You'll enjoy admission for two days to Stampede Park, reserved seating for one evening at the Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show, reserved seating for one afternoon's Rodeo events, a Skyride over the Stampede Park, and to top it all, a Stampede Cowboy Hat. Away from the Stampede – and if time permits – take in the views from Calgary Tower and enjoy the greenery at Prince's Island Park.

Say farewell to bustling Calgary this morning as you set off on a scenic drive towards Banff. Located just minutes from the heart of Banff, your hotel sits on Sulphur Mountain in the heart of Banff National Park, blessed with beautiful panoramas over the Rocky Mountains. You'll be conveniently situated to enjoy the many attractions on offer, including the Banff Upper Hot Springs as well as numerous other activities such as golfing, hiking and biking. Over the next couple of days, enjoy the serene nature and activities available, making sure you take advantage of the hotel's spa treatments and therapies.

This morning, you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer early at Banff Station, settling in as you begin your memorable journey through one of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges. Travelling between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, you'll pass through winding tunnels, stretching mountain passes and carve through rocky lakeshores towards the ranchlands of the interior, taking in majestic landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Highlights of the journey will 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. On board, you'll be treated to breakfast and lunch, served by your friendly hosts. Arrive in Kamloops in the early evening, with the perfect opportunity to explore the city before heading to your centrally located hotel. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking.

Stay: Kamloops accommodation

Another early start this morning will see you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer at Kamloops Station in time for your onward journey towards Vancouver, the gem of the Pacific Northwest. As you enjoy breakfast on board, you'll begin journeying west, as the desert-like scenery of the interior transforms to winding river canyons and pristine forests and finally to the coast, Cascade Mountains and lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. You will be served lunch as you enjoy the many highlights of this epic journey, from the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. You'll arrive in Vancouver as the evening draws in, before settling in to your hotel in Coal Harbour – just a short walk from the shops of Robson Street, Stanley Park and the seawall - for a two-night stay.

Spend the following day exploring some of the many activities Vancouver has to offer. Why not visit the Vancouver Aquarium, its numerous art galleries or the classical Chinese gardens. That's not to mention the city's endless green spaces, calm beach shores and selection of interesting shops and buzzing nightlife. Everything here is framed by snow-capped, steely mountains and the glorious views you've become used to in your Canada adventure.

Following a free morning and afternoon, a private transfer will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the port, ready for the next leg of your adventure. Board Silver Nova – Silversea's latest state-of-the-art ship – and settle in to your spacious suite. All of Silver Nova's suites include the services of a butler, and almost all have a private teak veranda, allowing you to enjoy the fresh sea air from the comfort of your suite. As you settle in to your surroundings, you'll be invited to choose where you dine from a choice of eight restaurants – with everything from Asian to Italian cuisine – as the ship sails away from Vancouver's city lights.

Today you'll have a full day to explore the ship as you navigate your way through the intricate outlays of the Inside Passage, a network of pristine waterways snaking through some of the most jaw-dropping wilderness of Alaska, and indeed the world. You'll pass clutches of isolated craggy islets, mesmerising glaciers and impossibly scenic mountain backdrops. Keep an eye out for resident wildlife accompanying you as you sail through these remote icy passages, whether it's giant killer whales on the hunt, or harbour seals catching a break on floating chunks of ice. While powerful displays of Mother Nature take the shape of calving glaciers and the thunderous splashes as they hit the water, the tranquil beauty of this passage is often understated, with still waters broken only to reveal the smooth backs of breaching humpback whales. Your journey through this 500 mile stretch of glaciers, hidden villages and jagged fjords is a sign of things to come as you move deeper into the USA's last frontier, Alaska.

Fittingly know as the "Salmon Capital of the World", this morning you'll anchor into the world-famous forested shores of Ketchikan, set at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage. Discover Ketchikan's colourful history and rich heritage with a city tour accompanied by a native guide, learning more about the iconic totem poles. For something a little more adventurous, take in the full majesty of the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument with an optional sightseeing plane. Whatever you choose, the wildlife spotting opportunities in this majestic corner of Alaska are spectacular. Once back on board, relax by The Dusk Bar with a cocktail or head to the Observation Lounge for full views of the ocean as you head out towards your next port of call.

Today, extraordinary adventures await as you sail into Juneau – Alaska's state capital. One shouldn't be fooled by its city status however; this remote metropolis is lost amid the harsh Alaskan wilds, surrounded by captivating mountains and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier which sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, offering an icy note to the region's rip-roaring scenery. After docking, take the chance to explore with a boat ride, learning about the area's famous gold mining history, or even walk across the Mendenhall Glacier itself, keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orca, moose and bears. A late departure today means maximum opportunities to enjoy this stunning city and its surroundings.

Arrive in Skagway this morning, a small gold rush-era town sitting on the northernmost end of Lynn Canal. Whilst the gold may now be gone, a treasure trove of natural glory waits to be discovered here. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, we recommend a rainforest bicycle trip through a portion of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, all while experiencing the natural beauty and history of the Taiya River Valley. Alternatively, explore Alaska's inner natural beauty on a rail journey aboard the world-renowned White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Historically one of Alaska's most important settlements, Sitka was originally inhabited by the indigenous Tlingits. In fact, the native culture holds an important presence, with elaborate totem poles rocketing up in Sitka National Historical Park. You may also notice the onion-shaped dome atop St. Michael’s Church – a relic of the area's Russian history before the territory was sold to the United States in 1867 – the handover ceremony itself taking place here in Sitka. Today you'll pick from a number of excursions including a cruise through Sitka Sound, one of the world's most beautiful coastal environments searching for local marine life such as sea otters. Perhaps combine this with a guided tour through the world-renowned Alaska Raptor Centre – a rehabilitation centre for bald eagles – and a visit to the Fortress of the Bear, a sanctuary for orphaned Alaska brown and black bears. Kayaking and 4x4 tours are also possible to book prior to arrival.

Make sure you wake up early today, as your final day at sea offers the chance to marvel at the colossal Hubbard Glacier as you cruise alongside what is considered the largest tidewater glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. If you're not admiring the view from your private in-suite veranda, opt for a prime viewing spot on one of the decks or the Observation Lounge. Today is also your final chance to explore the ship, perhaps browsing the luxury boutiques, or enjoying a selection of games at the Silversea Casino before your final gourmet dinner in your chosen restaurant.

After a final breakfast, you'll arrive in Seward where you'll say farewell to the ship and disembark. A transfer will be ready and waiting to take you to your accommodation in Anchorage for your final overnight stay.

Stay: Anchorage accommodation

Enjoy your final breakfast in Alaska, before a transfer will take you to Anchorage airport ready for your connecting overnight flight back to the UK.