Canada & Alaska Guided Tour

;

17 July - 7 August 2018

We begin in the vibrant city of Vancouver, including tours to Victoria and Whistler. We take in majestic mountains, glacial lakes and glaciers in Banff, Lake Louise and the ice fields. We transverse the Rocky Mountains in luxury in gold leaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, wondering at nature’s triumphs while sipping pina coladas and tasting gourmet morsels. And then we cruise through some of the most breath taking scenery in the world on one of Holland America’s newest and most luxurious ships.
....All this as well as enjoying the culture and music of the region and the musical delights and fun from our fabulous duet of Karl and Lynette.

$19,320 NZD

Single Room Supplement

- ADD $3,880 NZD

Initial Deposit On Booking

$2,000 NZD

Second Deposit Due 23 January 2018

$4,000 NZD

Final Balance Due 3 April 2018

Canada & Alaska

(3 nights) ~ Sutton Place Hotel
Vancouver is a vibrant city. Besides the natural beauty of its mountain backdrop and blue Pacific waters, it is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS in Vancouver include:
• Welcome dinner with music from Karl and Lynette in a private room at our beautiful five star hotel.
• Discover why Vancouver is one of Canada’s most popular destinations with a city tour which includes Stanley Park, with 1000 acres of majestic evergreens and 10 kms of scenic seawall.
• Experience the cultural heritage with visits to West Coast Native Totem Poles, British-flavoured Gastown with its unique steam clock, and colourful Chinatown, second in size only to San Francisco.
• Afternoon and evening is at leisure.
• Free day to enjoy your own tours.
(3 nights) ~ Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Situated on the banks of a breathtaking lake with the majestic Rocky Mountains providing an astounding backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise combines beautiful scenery with unrivalled service to make our stay stunning with Deluxe Mountain View rooms.
HIGHLIGHTS travelling to and in Lake Louise include:
• We fly to Calgary and enjoy an incredible mountain drive through to Lake Louise. Be on the lookout on the way for bears as we drive for three hours through the Canadian Rockies! Last time we were here we saw a mother bear with her cub, luckily from the comfort of our coach.
• Local restaurant for lunch in Calgary and city tour.
• Experience the Ice Age along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, to one of the largest bodies of ice south of the Arctic, the Columbia Icefield. Feeding a chain of eight glaciers, the Icefield reaches a depth of 250 - 320 metres and covers almost 325 square kms.
• A day of spectacular scenery including Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
• Ice Explorer Tour which includes driving onto a glacier!
• Full free day at leisure.
(2 nights) ~ Rimrock Resort Hotel
Situated in the mountains and a popular ski region, Banﬀ is a beautiful, thriving town, with activities all year round. We travel to Banff on another amazing scenic drive, which includes the Bow River Valley, Castle Mountain and Hole-in-the-Wall, and a visit to Johnston Canyon.
HIGHLIGHTS in Banff include:
• Private room for dinner and music in Banff.
• Tour of Banff and surrounds including Bow Falls, the Hoodoo Lookout, Lake Minnewanka and Surprise Corner.
• Afternoon is at leisure.
• Banff Gondola and sightseeing
• Dinner/theatre show (dependent on availability).
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN JOURNEY ~ (2 days)
KAMLOOPS (1 night) ~ Hotel 540
HIGHLIGHTS on the Rocky Mountaineer Train include:
• 2 full days of the Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Service which is the best of the best.
• Enjoy a custom designed Gold Leaf Dome Coach which puts you right in the middle of the awe inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies with high dome windows so you can see the mountains looming above you.
• Journey through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by the spot where the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
• Enjoy stunning scenery throughout.
• Enjoy stunning hospitality with five star food, service and all drinks, even at 9am if you like!
• Dinner at Hoodoos in Kamloops.
• Second day highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon.
(2 nights) ~ Sutton Place Hotel
HIGHLIGHTS in Vancouver include:
• Full day tour to the coastal mountain resort of Whistler which includes a spectacular drive along the Pacific Highway.
• Free time at leisure in Whistler.
(7 nights)
We are transferred to the MS Nieuw Amsterdam for our seven night cruise of Alaska. We have reserved upper deck, balcony cabins on board. Launched from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice on July 4, 2010, the 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam, with its inspired interior design and art collection. The ship presents shows every night in its fabulous theatre, plus bars and restaurants showcasing music including BB Kings!
HIGHLIGHTS on our cruise include:
TRACEY ARM INLET to observe the magnificent Glacier face.
JUNEAU, ALASKA (IN PORT 2 PM -10 PM)
• Surrounded by dark-blue waters, deep green forests and majestic mountains, Juneau is one of America’s most beautiful state capitals. Explore Juneau’s gold mining past, fly over Mendenhall Glacier or spend a pleasant day exploring curio shops and art galleries, the choice is yours.
• Shore excursion no 1 (included in the cost of your trip).
Evening whale watching: on a deluxe catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing, we explore Stephens Passage, a pristine marine wilderness of snowcapped mountains and glaciers. This area is world-renowned as a favoured summer feeding ground for humpback whales. As whales are sighted, our skilled captain will gently manoeuvre the vessel to allow exceptional viewing opportunities. The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe.
SKAGWAY, ALASKA (IN PORT 7 AM – 9 PM)
• Shore excursion no 2 (included in the cost). Best of Skagway: an unforgettable journey along the eastern side of White Pass aboard the world-famous narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, built more than 100 years ago.
• Pass through some of the North’s most rugged terrain on board a comfortable, old-fashioned parlour car as we retrace the original route through breathtaking scenery beyond the summit of White Pass at 2,865 feet.
• Journey down the west side of White Pass Canyon and the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls en route.
GLACIER BAY, ALASKA
• Marvel at nature’s unrelenting power in Glacier Bay National Park, with more actively caving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else on earth.
• Time to relax and cruise at sea in Glacier Bay.
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (IN PORT 10 AM - 6 PM)
• Shore excursion no 3 - Bight and City Highlights tour (tour included in our tour price).
• An action-packed experience at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where the world’s best lumberjacks go head to head in more than a dozen exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling and a 50-foot speed climb.
• Stroll the Totem Bight Trail under a canopy of majestic hemlock and cedar trees. Through lively stories we learn about the culture and lifestyle practiced by the Northwest Coastal Natives.
• Visit an authentic Native clan house and the quaint Alaska Totem Trading Store.
• An entertaining city tour shows us the industries that made Ketchikan the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
• Time at sea at leisure.
• All meals included with time to meet and enjoy drinks, dinner and shows together as well as time at leisure to watch the world go by!
(1 night) ~ Fairmont Empress Hotel
HIGHLIGHTS on Vancouver Island include:
• Travel through the rich farmlands of the Fraser River delta to Tsawwassen where we board a B.C. Ferry bound for Vancouver Island.
• Visit the world famous Butchart Gardens with over 50 acres of gardens including the fragrant Rose Garden, the relaxing Japanese Garden, the unique Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn, and Ross Fountain.
• Time at leisure to enjoy the magnificent Fairmont Empress Gardens Hotel.
• Time to wander around picturesque Victoria.
• Farewell Dinner in Palm Court private room with our own pianist and entertainment from Lynette and Karl.

Book Now

Canada and Alaska Operatunity 2018.pdf.page 1

Download Brochure

This trip includes

22 day absolute five star tour of Canada and Alaska including five star centrally located period hotels, lake or mountain view rooms, Gold Leaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer and upper cabins with balconies on MS Nieuw Amsterdam.
Return airfare: Air New Zealand direct flight - Auckland to Vancouver plus Vancouver/Calgary one way flying Air Canada including taxes.
7 night Alaskan cruise on board the elegant MS Nieuw Amsterdam with Holland America Line. Many wonderful sights and excursions including the stunning Glacier Bay & Alaska’s wonderful inside passage. The cruise includes 3 special shore excursions - whale watching, best of Skagway tour, Bight and City tour, Ketchikan.
2 days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train Banff to Vancouver with spectacular Rockies viewing with Gold Leaf seating in glass domed luxury carriages.
5 nights in Vancouver at the five star Sutton Place including tours of Vancouver & Whistler.
Victoria, Vancouver Island for 2 days, 1 night stay at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel including the fabulous Butchart Gardens and final dinner at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
3 nights stay at Lake Louise at the fabulous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in deluxe lake view rooms! (subject to final confirmation).
2 nights in Banff and surrounds - including a half day tour of Banff.
All tours as per itinerary, all entrances, special flavours including 2 shows, and 3 concerts presented by escorts.
1 night stopover in Kamloops.
Breakfast included every day, plus 16 dinners and 11 lunches.
All tips, porterage and appropriate gratuities included.
Important Information
• For further information please ring our office or visit our website.
• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.
• All deposits are refundable up until final payment date minus any costs that the company has incurred.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on our booking form.
• While we carefully plan our trips to be well paced, all travellers need to possess a certain level of fitness. Some trips are more arduous and carry an advisory note in the itinerary that a specific level of fitness is required.
• Operatunity Travel requires all travellers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
Please be sure to ring our office if you require any information or clarification about insurance or any questions regarding travelling with Operatunity Travel.

PLACES WE STAY AND ENJOY

Sutton Place, Vancouver is a five star, privately owned hotel, impeccably furnished and centrally located within easy walking of main shopping area and restaurants.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This iconic hotel is all about yesteryear charm and has been accommodating the rich and famous for over 100 years. We enjoy mountain view rooms in this prestigious hotel.

The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers exceptional views of the Canadian Rockies, and is located in the Banff National Park. It offers luxury lodge like decor and experience, including fine dining.

Rocky Mountaineer Train with Gold Leaf service is the best of the best as we journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, through the inaccessible majestic terrain in the Canadian Rockies. We enjoy this luxurious train with gourmet meals and all drinks included. (Please note we stay in the 4 star Hotel 540 in Kamloops. It is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Kamloops, they do not offer a five star hotel here).

Nieuw Amsterdam is one of the newest ships in the Holland America Fleet, only launched in 2010. It boasts superb art, (over $3 million worth), shows, entertainment, bars with live music, and great food. We will enjoy upper deck cabins with balconies.

Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria. We will spend our final night here in this award winning hotel, honoured with the Travel + Leisure distinction as a top Canadian hotel. The Fairmont Empress graces Victoria’s sparkling inner harbour with an iconic presence with its distinctive French chateau style.

MUSICAL HIGHLGHTS

Welcome dinner with music from Karl and Lynette in a private room at our beautiful five star hotel.

Private room for dinner and music in Banff.

Dinner/theatre show (dependent on availability).

Farewell Dinner in Palm Court private room with our own pianist and entertainment from Lynette and Karl.

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd.

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.

INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.”

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.”

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.”

4. EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.”

Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else
Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.
If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.
It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours.
No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.
We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.
We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.
Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.
There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides.
Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.
All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.
After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.
Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information. We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made.
For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.
Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.
We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.
Contact Operatunity Travel
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz