National Parks Explorer (Incl Grand Canyon) Escorted Tour
13 Nts Tour: San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno, Twin Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons, Jackson, Salt Lake City, Moab,
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff, Seligman, Las Vegas
1 Nt Post Tour stay Las Vegas
Flight Las Vegas - Seattle
1 Nt Pre Cruise stay Seattle
Overseas Transfers
Return UK Flights
Signature of Excellence - a Holland America Hallmark
Ensuite, spacious stateroom
Extra fluffy Egyptian cotton towels
Plush bathrobes
Televisions with DVDs
Complimentary 24 hour room service
All meals inc daily afternoon tea service
Fitness centre & sports courts
Award winning onboard entertainment
Gratuities are automatically added, but can be adjusted.
Hotel Included
Transfers Included
Your itinerary
DAY 1
Fly UK/San Francisco
Your flight details will be confirmed closer to departure
DAY 2
San Francisco - City Tour
More info
DAY 3
San Francisco - Lake Tahoe - Sierra Nevada Mountains - Reno
DAY 4
Reno - Black Rock Desert - Twin Falls
DAY 5
Twin Falls - Craters of the Moon - Yellowstone
DAY 6
Yellowstone National Park
DAY 7
Yellowstone - Grand Tetons - Jackson - Salt Lake City
DAY 8
Salt Lake City to Moab (Motorcoach)
DAY 9
Moab - Arches National Park - Canyonlands - Moab
More info
DAY 10
Moab - Capitol Reef - Bryce Canyon
DAY 11
Bryce Canyon - Lake Powell - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff
More info
DAY 12
Flagstaff - Seligman - Route 66 - Las Vegas
More info
DAY 13
Las Vegas
More info
DAY 14-15
Las Vegas Hotel Stay - 1 Night
DAY 15
Fly Las Vegas/Seattle
Your flight details will be confirmed closer to departure
DAY 15-16
Seattle Hotel Stay - 1 Night
DAY 16
Cruise departs from Seattle
More info
DAY 16
Puget Sound
More info
DAY 17
At Sea
DAY 18
Scenic Cruising Stephens Passage
DAY 18
Juneau
More info
DAY 19
Hubbard Glacier
More info
DAY 20
Sitka
More info
DAY 21
Ketchikan
More info
DAY 22
Victoria, British Columbia
More info
DAY 23
Seattle
More info
DAY 23
Fly Seattle/UK
Your flight details will be confirmed closer to departure
DAY 24
Arrive in UK
Your flight details will be confirmed closer to departure
We don't know the hotel yet but it will be centrally located, a minimum of 4 stars, selected from our list of preferred hotels & based on a 'room only' board basis. Local government city taxes & local resort fees may be payable.
Seattle Hotel Stay - 1 Night
We don't know the hotel yet but it will be centrally located, a minimum of 4 stars, selected from our list of preferred hotels & based on a 'room only' board basis. Local government city taxes & local resort fees may be payable.
Ship Facilities
Amsterdam - By Holland America Line
Good For CouplesOver 50sFormalLuxury Ship
Year: 30/10/2000
·
Refurbished: 02/04/2011
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10 Decks
·
Max capacity: 1380 people
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets with retro trolleys letting you hop on and off around the city in style and infamous Alcatraz, San Francisco is northern California’s hub for arts, cool cuisine in Chinatown and a myriad of film settings around Fisherman’s Warf. Visitors can marvel at the charming “postcard row” of delightful Victorian houses, and choose from a number of riverside bars to relax in.
San Francisco - City Tour:
Alcatraz
Situated on an island out in the San Francisco bay, Alcatraz was probably the world’s most famous high-security prison. Serving as a high-security jail for the US’s most hardened criminals it was said the facility was impossible to escape from- luckily, today the destination is a fascinating museum.
Golden Gate Bridge
Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate suspension bridge is one of the USA’s most iconic pieces or architecture. Spanning one mile across San Francisco bay out towards the Pacific, around the constructional marvel there is also got a gift shop and tourist facilities to match the stunning views.
Napa and Sonoma Valleys
The most famous international wine growing region in the whole of the USA, these scenic valleys of vineyards are a must for anyone who loves wine-tasting in some of the world’s most beautifully manicured landscapes.
Moab - Arches National Park - Canyonlands - Moab
DAY 9
Moab is the only destination in Utah with five National Parks within easy reach of its small warm and welcoming city. The gorgeous weather provides a fantastic setting for festivals year round, while the plethora of local restaurants, breweries and boutiques are a must-visit for a taste of Moab culture. With so many outdoor pursuits nearby in stunning settings, it’s an excellent home and base for thrilling rafting, hiking, climbing and more.
Moab - Arches National Park - Canyonlands - Moab:
Capitol Reef
Located in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park was established in 1971 to preserve its stunning desert landscape. Visitors can explore the park on foot thanks to over 200 miles of marked hiking routes, though horse riding and biking is also available.
Arches National Park
Just 5 miles from Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 stunning arches as well as an abundance of other spectacular rock formations. Visitors can drive a scenic route or hike to the major viewpoints of the park, including Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden Arch and Balanced Rock.
Canyonlands National Park
Cut out of the sandstone by the Colorado River, Canyonlands National Park boasts a myriad of unique rock formations to explore on your cruise tour such as the impressive Needles, Maze formations and ‘Island in the sky’, as well as white-water rapids and Native American cave paintings.
Mesa Verde National Park
With some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in the US, it’s no wonder Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering guided tours, hikes, camping, dining and shopping, a trip to Mesa Verde National Park will be both educational and thrilling for all ages.
Bryce Canyon - Lake Powell - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff
DAY 11
Located in Northern Arizona, the city of Flagstaff has a population of over 70,000 and is a popular destination for avid outdoor-adventurers due to its location. Just 80 miles away is the Grand Canyon as well as seven national parks, providing endless opportunities for thrilling outdoor pursuits, while Flagstaff is a comfortable, stylish home base with plenty of locally-owned boutiques, eateries and hotels.
Bryce Canyon - Lake Powell - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff:
Grand Canyon National Park
A tour of the Grand Canyon is on everyone’s United States bucket list. Take a coach tour across the park, stopping at Native American sites while an expert guide provides brilliant insight. For the more adventurous, take a helicopter ride down into the canyon itself or a boat trip along the Colorado River.
Monument Valley
Lying within the Navajo Nation Reserve, Monument Valley is a must for any fans of classic western films with its world-famous sandstone rock formations reaching up to a thousand feet high. The reserve is home to diverse hiking routes suitable for a variety of levels.
Flagstaff - Seligman - Route 66 - Las Vegas
DAY 12
Located in Northern Arizona, the city of Flagstaff has a population of over 70,000 and is a popular destination for avid outdoor-adventurers due to its location. Just 80 miles away is the Grand Canyon as well as seven national parks, providing endless opportunities for thrilling outdoor pursuits, while Flagstaff is a comfortable, stylish home base with plenty of locally-owned boutiques, eateries and hotels.
Flagstaff - Seligman - Route 66 - Las Vegas:
Grand Canyon National Park
A tour of the Grand Canyon is on everyone’s United States bucket list. Take a coach tour across the park, stopping at Native American sites while an expert guide provides brilliant insight. For the more adventurous, take a helicopter ride down into the canyon itself or a boat trip along the Colorado River.
Monument Valley
Lying within the Navajo Nation Reserve, Monument Valley is a must for any fans of classic western films with its world-famous sandstone rock formations reaching up to a thousand feet high. The reserve is home to diverse hiking routes suitable for a variety of levels.
Las Vegas
DAY 13
Nestled in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is world-famous for glitzy casinos, glamorous entertainment shows, classic restaurants and living life up in the fast line. With scenes from the movies on almost every street corner, Las Vegas is a must on the way to see the dramatic Grand Canyon and staggering Hoover Dam- just make sure to avoid the Little White Chapel during the early hours!
Las Vegas:
Fremont Street
A stroll down Fremont Street will prove to be a fun-filled walk, particularly at night when the vibrant signs really light up. Alternatively, visitors can zipline along the ceiling with SlotZilla, and enjoy the free Viva Vision light shows.
Caesars Palace
The renowned hotel and resort, Caesars Palace, has no shortage of luxurious attractions and features. Visitors can relax at the Garden of the Gods Oasis, and enjoy cocktails at a number of different bars, as well as shopping and even a wedding venue.
Mob Museum
Based in Downtown Las Vegas, this fascinating and quirky museum tells the history of organised crime in the United States, including an exhibition of the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre featuring the wall where it took place.
Hoover Dam
The incredible Hoover Dam is located at the intersection of Nevada and Arizona. Completed in 1936, this expert example of engineering is rich with history and tours of the area are a great way to learn all about its creation and purpose today.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
From the Las Vegas Strip visitors are able to spot this vast landscape of bright-red rock formations and open desert. This is a popular area for scenic hiking and cycling with over 26 marked trails, while climbing is also available with the highest point belonging to La Madre Mountain.
High Roller Ferris Wheel
Standing at 550 feet tall, the High Roller offers unrivalled 360-degree views of Las Vegas from the Las Vegas Strip. In spacious cabins visitors can admire the landscape, enjoy sweet treats and a drink, and even practice yoga. A rotation takes approximately 30 minutes.
Neon Museum
Created in 1996, the Neon Museum is home to iconic signs of Las Vegas which have been carefully preserved and studied. An exhibition of these fantastic signs is found in the ‘Neon Boneyard’, while a separate space is available for weddings and events.
Stratosphere Tower
The Stratosphere Tower offers a hotel, a casino and an exhilarating thrill-ride all in one place. Featuring X-Scream – the fourth highest thrill ride in the world – as well as multiple pools, parties and shops, the Stratosphere Tower offers something for everyone.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
For motor-enthusiasts, casual fans and everyone in between, Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers an action-packed day out. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a NASCAR race or jump into a classic stock car and go for a spin themselves.
Death Valley National Park
Ominously named due to its harsh conditions, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth famous for its rolling sand dunes and salt flats inhabited by the mysterious ‘sailing stones’. Despite its extreme weather, vibrant life thrives in this park and is well worth a visit.
Mojave Desert
Spreading out over 25,000 square miles over California, the Mojave Desert is one of the driest regions on the planet but actually the smallest of US desert regions. Teaming with national parks themselves, the most famous has to be the ominously named Death Valley.
Fly Las Vegas/Seattle
DAY 15
Seattle
DAY 16
Boasting the iconic, futuristic Space Needle, visitors to Seattle can enjoy fantastic views from the Great Wheel as well as try delicious food in the Pike Place Market, or take in one of the city’s popular museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Art or even the aquarium. Meanwhile, for those interested in horticulture and design, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must, while lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty of scenic hikes.
Things to do in Seattle:
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic symbol, the Space Needle towers 184 metres high over the city with jaw-dropping views from its observation area at the top. Completed in 1961, the Space Needle has been made world-famous by appearances in pop-culture, such as the hit film Sleepless In Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
“MoPOP” has regular exhibits celebrating everything pop culture and contemporary. Founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft in 2000, MoPOP is a great day of viewing original lyric notes, legendary instruments and even cinema, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi exhibits.
Seattle Center
If you only have a day in Seattle, the Seattle Center is ideal for getting a taste of the city in one go. Here, you’ll find the Space Needle, the pop culture museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the monorail and wander grounds boasting John T. Williams totem pole.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel is a great way to see the epic skyline of Seattle. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely ride a 53-metres up in the air - giving the London eye a run for its money - on pier 57 around Elliot Bay.
Puget Sound
DAY 16
An inland estuary in northwestern Washington, the Puget Sound spans 100 miles and is connected to the Pacific Ocean. With a shoreline over 1000 miles long, it has an array of activities to enjoy, from picturesque hiking trails to ferry rides and wildlife watching.
Things to do in Puget Sound:
Bloedel Reserve
Located on Bainbridge Island, which is accessible via a ferry ride from the popular city of Seattle, Bloedel Reserve is a 150 acre forest that features stunning gardens, distinctive landscapes and an array of structures.
Blake Island Park
Another picturesque attraction along the Puget Sound is the Blake Island State Park. Accessible by boat, it’s a popular destination for kayaking, walking and cycling. Particular highlights in the park include Tillicum Village and Olympic Mountain.
Gig Harbor
A seaside city in Puget Sound, it makes for a tranquil and picturesque visit. Perfect for all the family, Gig Harbor features an array of attractions, including the Donkey Creek Park and Harbor History Museum, amongst walking trails.
Juneau
DAY 18
The capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a plethora of national parks in its surrounding area, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teaming with iconic wildlife such as salmon, bears, and bald eagles. The city of Juneau is also well worth a stop in itself with such attractions as the Alaska State Museum and iconic cable car ride for breath-taking views. Visitors will love delectable locally-sourced seafood as well as a range of other cuisines in town.
Things to do in Juneau:
Stephens Passage
Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.
Tongass National Park
At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.
Inside Passage
Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.
Hubbard Glacier
DAY 19
Founded in 1895, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier located within North America. A popular stop off for cruise ships, it’s situated within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Named after the first president and founder of the National Geographic Society, Gardiner Hubbard, it’s a breathtaking glacier that’s surrounded by snow capped mountains and icebergs.
Things to do in Hubbard Glacier:
Local Wildlife
Whilst sailing to the Hubbard Glacier, make sure to have your camera at the ready to take some unforgettable photos of the local wildlife, from whales to sea lions and sea birds, the wildlife surrounding the glacier will take your breath away.
Exploration Tour
If your cruise offers it, and you have the time whilst stopping at the Hubbard Glacier, a wilderness exploration tour is well worth it. Giving you the chase to get up close to the glacier, you’ll be surrounded by towering icebergs and be able to see the calving displays from the comfort of a boat.
Icebergs
Whilst in Hubbard Glacier, you’ll most likely see ice breaking off the side of it. This is because it’s a calving glacier, which creates icebergs that then float off around the fjord. An impressive sight to see and to hear, watching the icebergs calve off of the glacier will make you feel like you’re in another world.
Sitka
DAY 20
Formerly Novo-Arkhangelsk, Sitka has a more a Russian feel than other Alaskan towns with orthodox style buildings and churches. In fact, this was the location where Russia officially sold ‘Russian America’ to the US in 1867 to become what is now the state of Alaska. Sitka also has a deep affinity with the native Tlingit population and preserving culture, nature and history with the Sitka National Historical Park as well as bear and bird sanctuaries.
Things to do in Sitka:
Sitka National Historical Park
Famous for its numerous totem poles scattered among the trees of the scenic woodland, often with your cruise ship visible out in the bay, Sitka National Historical Park is a must for lovers of nature and indigenous history of Alaska alike, complete with woodcarving studio and experts talks.
Alaska Raptor Center
This wildlife sanctuary helps Alaska’s most beautiful birdlife such as owls, golden eagles and the iconic bald eagles as they are rescued and reared back to full rehabilitation. Here, experts give talks and educate visitors all about these impressive animals with flights displays and talks.
Fortress of the Bear
If you had tour heart set on seeing an Alaskan brown bear but didn’t manage to spot one on any tours so far, a trip to this bear sanctuary is a sure way to see some of the state’s most popular wildlife up close and personal.
St Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
The original orthodox cathedral in America, St Michael’s cathedral is a testament to Alaska’s original colonisation by Russia. With classic orthodox architecture typical of the Old Russian Empire, the cathedral displays typical triple crosses, domed roofs and interior artworks.
Ketchikan
DAY 21
Ketchikan is famous for the totem heritage museum, educating sightseers about the indigenous populations’ history and culture with an unrivalled display of native totems and artefacts. For those wanting to learn about the gold rush a visit to Dolly’s House Museum and downtown Creek Street is a good comparison along with the great Alaskan lumberjack show. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy dramatic sights at nearby misty fjords national monument.
Things to do in Ketchikan:
Totem Heritage Center
Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.
Lumberjack Show
Enjoy a fun-filled lumberjack show filled with tree climbing, log rolling, axe throwing and more. An exciting activity to enjoy in Ketchikan, you’ll feel fully immersed into this North American tradition.
Creek Street
A historic area that’s filled with pretty, stilt houses, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular place to visit whilst in Ketchikan. The perfect photo opportunity, the boardwalk is very picturesque.
Victoria, British Columbia
DAY 22
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits just below Vancouver looking south and east over the Salish Sea. The city has a number of attractions such as the old carousel, Royal BC Museum Craigdarroch Castle and Chinatown district. However, the highlight of Victoria is its surrounding natural beauty where a tour is a must to Thetic Lake Regional Park. Here, you can explore the wonderful nature by hiking trail and sport wildlife such as eagles.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia:
Royal BC Museum
This fascinating natural and human history museum boasts over 7 million exhibits as well as a giant IMAX cinema for out-of-this-world shows. A highlight has to be the exhibitions covering the culture and history of indigenous peoples of North America.
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1890 with investments in the local coal industry, this Victorian-style mansion is where you can learn all about the family and locals’ fascinating history, while exploring the quirky castle via artefacts displayed in each restored room.
Chinatown District
Originating in 1858, Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. With charming narrow, winding streets, Chinatown offers not only delicious food but an immersive look into the lives of its inhabitant past and present.
Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park offers pleasant walks around the banks of the lake and gorgeous evergreen woodlands, with easy yet beautiful hiking. Here, you get to spot such species as rainbow trout, red squirrels and the odd fellow hiker’s dog.
Seattle
DAY 23
Boasting the iconic, futuristic Space Needle, visitors to Seattle can enjoy fantastic views from the Great Wheel as well as try delicious food in the Pike Place Market, or take in one of the city’s popular museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Art or even the aquarium. Meanwhile, for those interested in horticulture and design, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must, while lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty of scenic hikes.
Things to do in Seattle:
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic symbol, the Space Needle towers 184 metres high over the city with jaw-dropping views from its observation area at the top. Completed in 1961, the Space Needle has been made world-famous by appearances in pop-culture, such as the hit film Sleepless In Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
“MoPOP” has regular exhibits celebrating everything pop culture and contemporary. Founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft in 2000, MoPOP is a great day of viewing original lyric notes, legendary instruments and even cinema, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi exhibits.
Seattle Center
If you only have a day in Seattle, the Seattle Center is ideal for getting a taste of the city in one go. Here, you’ll find the Space Needle, the pop culture museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the monorail and wander grounds boasting John T. Williams totem pole.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel is a great way to see the epic skyline of Seattle. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely ride a 53-metres up in the air - giving the London eye a run for its money - on pier 57 around Elliot Bay.