Australia, Asia & Alaska

Disembark your ship and enjoy a guided tour of Vancouver’s highlights. See Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre haven of beaches, gardens, totem poles and forest trails that is considered one of the greatest urban parks in the world. In Gastown, you will admire the restored Victorian architecture, galleries, shops and pubs that comprise the city’s old district. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Vancouver on your own before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B, D)

Set out today to explore Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Take a ferry to Vancouver Island and enjoy a visit to Butchart Gardens, a tranquil oasis of lush greenery and colorful blooms. After free time to stroll its pathways and have lunch at the cafe, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Inner Harbor and the iconic Empress Hotel. In Downtown Victoria, explore a mix of heritage buildings, eclectic shops and cozy eateries before returning to Vancouver. (B, L)

Today, you can enjoy a full day at your leisure. Immerse yourself in Vancouver’s diverse culture as you explore the modern downtown area on foot. Return to your hotel this evening for dinner, or delve into the West Coast’s seafood at a local restaurant. (B)

Enjoy a day of picturesque landscapes on board the Rocky Mountaineer’s plush, glass-domed railcar. Marvel as the scenery changes from lush green fields and a temperate rainforest to semidesert grasslands. Your route follows the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River, passing old frontier towns and traversing Fraser Canyon. Our destination is Kamloops, where you will disembark for your overnight stay. (B, L)

Ride into the heart of British Columbia during your second day on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Pass by Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885, and cross the Continental Divide. Enjoy refined service and fine dining as your route takes you into pristine wilderness that would otherwise be inaccessible—scaling peaks, weaving along silver canyons and tracing jewel-like lakes. Disembark in Banff and check in to your hotel. (B, L)

Today, check out of your hotel in Banff and journey to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. Here, you will take in a panorama of waterfalls, sheer vertical rock walls and snowcapped mountains, and see the turquoise waters of Lake Louise ringed by dramatic mountain peaks. En route to your hotel, visit Bow Falls for photos. This evening, arrive at your hotel in Calgary and enjoy a farewell cocktail with your fellow guests. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer by motor coach to Calgary International Airport for your return flight home. (B)

Arrive in Sydney and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax or begin exploring the city on your own after a Welcome Briefing. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Sydney so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, join a guided walk of The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest and most culturally rich precincts. As you stroll through this district, known as Tallawoladah by its earliest inhabitants, learn about its history prior to European settlement and view its historic architecture, some of which dates back to the early 19th century. Later, you may explore Sydney further on your own or you may join an optional excursion to view the city’s highlights during a panoramic drive. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship. Or you may choose to join an optional tour. (B)

Arrive in Cairns and transfer to your hotel in Port Douglas after driving along the beautiful coastal road. Check into your room and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring the city on your own.

This morning, transfer to the marina, where you will board your Viking-chartered vessel for a cruise to two different snorkeling sites. At each stop, enjoy the opportunity to swim, snorkel or view the breathtaking coral formations and marine life. Lunch will be served on board before returning to shore. Later, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, followed by a welcome dinner at the resort this evening. (B, L, D)

Today, set out from your hotel for a small group excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will board a boat for a scenic eco-cruise in search of giant saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. After, explore the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center and discover the rich culture of the Kuku Yalanji people before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast, then depart for the airport and your flight to Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch. Later this afternoon, travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its remarkable red rock formations, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), and the changing colors of the 1,141-foot-tall Uluru at sunset while enjoying sparkling wine and snacks. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B, L)

Witness the sunrise at Uluru and see the desert come to life in the morning light. After breakfast, return to Uluru for the park’s Mala Walk. Your guide will highlight the ancient rock art and traditional “bush tucker” of the Anangu, as well as the cultural and geologic significance of this site. This afternoon, gain insight into the culture and customs of the local Aboriginal custodians. Tonight, take in views of desert oaks and Kata Tjuta during an outback dinner under the stars. (B, D)

Today, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel and spending the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, admire views of Sydney Harbour at night during a farewell dinner on board your Viking-chartered sightseeing vessel. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your motor coach for a panoramic drive through Sydney. Stop for a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic city landmark. Following your visit, you will transfer to your ship and begin your cruise. (B)

Disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel. Travel to Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks. Here, you will view well-known landmarks and learn about the carvings on the First Nations’ totem poles. Explore China Town and the Gastown district before heading to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Vancouver so you can make the most of your visit. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a second day to experience British Columbia on your own. Nestled between the Strait of Georgia and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver offers an array of outdoor opportunities to explore. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to see the sights of Victoria or travel to Whistler, a famed mountain resort town that was a key venue during the 2010 Winter Olympics. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)