West Coast Discovery with Alaska

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to San Francisco, California

  Fly from the UK to San Francisco for your 3-night hotel pre cruise stay

• Day 2-3: San Francisco, California

  This hilly city is located in northern California on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its year-round fog, the main attraction to visit here is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is characterised by its culturally rich neighbourhoods and this 7x7 mile city is best explored on foot. Alcatraz, America’s most famous prison, can be seen on a rock in the middle of the bay; take a tour and see the inescapable cells. Haight-Ashbury, also known as ‘The Haight’, was home to the city’s hippie movement in the 1960’s and is now the place to go for high-end boutiques and uber-chic cafes. Sip coffee by the waterfront in North Beach, or join the keen joggers and cyclists who make the most of the massive green parks. Rest your legs and ride the cable cars up the city's sharp inclines.

• Day 4-5: San Francisco, California > Seattle, Washington

  Overnight Amtrack from San Francisco to Seattle

• Day 6-7: Seattle, Washington

  The city of Seattle sits on Puget Sound in America's Pacific Northwest. Uber-trendy and cosmopolitan Seattle is not only the home of great coffee but is also a Mecca for sporting enthusiasts and art and music buffs. Visit the iconic Space Needle and take the lift to the Observation Deck for 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Stop by the vast Pike Place Market to indulge in retail therapy, before paying a visit to the nearby Seattle Art Museum. See the glass sculptures on display at Chihuly Garden and Glass or explore the world aviation at Seattle's Museum of Flight. Get up close to the wildlife at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo or delve into Native American cultures and the Gold Rush era at The Museum of History and Industry. Escape to the ambient surrounds of the 550-acre Discovery Park overlooking Puget Sound; home to West Point Lighthouse and an environmental learning centre.

• Day 8: Seattle, Washington (Embark) > Puget sound

  Embark onboard Noordam for your 7-night cruise

• Day 9: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 10: Stephens Passage > Juneau, Alaska

  Scenic cruising

• Day 11: Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier

  Scenic cruising

• Day 12: Sitka, Alaska

  Sitka is an Alaskan city and borough close to the state capital of Juneau; it's located on Baranof Island and was once the capital of Russian America. The main attraction here is Sitka National Historical Park which was established in 1804 and, since then, has preserved the culture of the local Tlingit people and Russian and American settlers. The park houses a collection of rare artefacts including the preserved remains of the Tlingit fort and a Russian house. A visit to the Sitka Cultural Centre will allow insight into the region’s history and a vast display of film presentations, walking trails lined with totem poles, and artwork enhance this experience. If you're a thrill seeker; perhaps explore the pristine bays by kayak or hike through one of the many forest trails.

• Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska

  Ketchikan can be described as the first city of Alaska. Situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's iconic Inside Passage and surrounded by deep fjords and lush forests; this small fishing town is a popular stop with cruise lines. Take a walk down the waterfront and admire the awe-inspiring views. Enjoy a tour to the 40-acre Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary to view bald eagles, wolves, and black bears. Visit the totem poles at Totem Bight State Historical Park and Potlatch Totem Park or journey to the glacier-carved wilderness at the Misty Fiords National Monument. You can also ride an off-road vehicle and try zip lining, kayaking, and hiking.

• Day 14: Victoria, British Columbia

  Also known as the 'The Garden City' of Canada; Victoria sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island. The area is a hotspot for whales which can often be seen from the harbour or take a boat trip for a close-up view. The city's British Colonial past comes to life in its Victorian buildings, including the stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Admire the 55 acres of colourful floral displays and water features at Butchart Gardens and view the butterflies at Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Step back in time at Royal British Columbia Museum or observe worldwide destinations in miniature form at Miniature World.

• Day 15: Seattle, Washington to UK (Debark)

  Disembark your cruise and make your way to the airport for your return flight back to the UK