For September, we have created a one-time special holiday that is very special indeed since it combines in one stylish and relaxed journey three items that should be on every traveler's bucket list: The majestic Canadian Rockies, a short but delightful voyage aboard Holland America Line from Vancouver to San Diego with a stop en route in San Francisco with its cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz and great shopping. To this delightful trio are added a few other treats. Daylight travel through the Canadian Rockies by train aboard Via Rail Canada, fine hotels, superb dining, including brunch at the storied Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, and complete sightseeing in the Canadian Rockies, all included in the fare.

One of the many nice aspects of this special holiday is that virtually everything is included: a transfer from the airport in Calgary to our hotel, complete sightseeing in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, all transfers between hotels, trains and the ship, some great dining with breakfast included daily, a professional tour manager to handle all of the details and special parties and events aboard Holland America Line. We offer this trip every fall, and it always sells out, due to a great itinerary in the Canadian Rockies and what is a sampler ‘mini cruise’ aboard Holland America Line. We invite you to join us. All Aboard!

Guests arrive in Calgary and our hotel, the four-star Westin Calgary Airport features a complimentary transfer shuttle from the airport. Tonight is a casual welcome reception, a nice way to meet your fellow travelers.

After breakfast, we depart on the short drive to Banff via the Trans-Canada Highway, passing by the Rundle, Fairholms, and Three Sisters ranges en route. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff that will highlight lovely Bow Falls, the Hoodoo Corner, and Surprise Corner. A highlight in every way this afternoon is a trip on the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain with stunning views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and Banff. Later is our welcome dinner. Brewster Mountain Lodge, or similar.

Today offers a luxury all too rare when traveling, an entire free day to spend as you like in Banff. You might wish to visit Cascade Gardens, walk along the Bow River or tour the highly rated Whyte Museum. Golf, ride, hike, raft or take in the soothing warm waters at Banff Hot Springs with its wonderful views. We have left the evening at leisure for you to enjoy one of the dozens of fine restaurants around the hotel.

Today is a visual sensation that almost defies the English language. We begin with a visit to Lake Louise, legendary for its turquoise, glacier fed lake and one of the most photographed sites in the world. A treat this morning is brunch at the fabled Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel and you will want to have your camera ready. Lake Louise is just the warm up for a drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, beneath towering mountains and alongside dozens of glaciers. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Maligne Canyon are just some of the spectacular sights on our way to Jasper over the parkway. We spend overnight in the quaint alpine resort village of Jasper, a far cry from the activity of Banff. Becker’s Chalet, or similar.

This morning we board Via Rail Canada's 'Canadian' for a daylight passage through the Canadian Rockies over the Canadian National Railway. Guests enjoy spacious seating as well as access to the vista-dome car and Skyline cafe car. The journey is timed for scenic viewing of the Rockies and we disembark tonight in Kamloops for an overnight hotel stay. The Sandman Inn, or similar.

We depart Kamloops for the short scenic drive to Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we board the Nieuw Amsterdam, and at 5 pm, the whistle booms across Vancouver harbor. We set sail for San Diego, passing by lovely Stanley Park and under the majestic Lions Gate Bridge. Later tonight, the lights of Victoria twinkle off the starboard bow as you enjoy your first taste of Holland America’s celebrated cuisine, followed by a show, drinks, a visit to the Casino, or our favorite, a drink in the wonderful top of the ship Crow's Nest Bar.

A full day to explore this fine ship, perhaps taking in a lecture, seeing a movie, enjoying lunch in the elegant main dining room or simply relaxing on deck as beautiful scenery goes past. Tonight, a huge choice of restaurants, nightclubs, bars and lounges to choose from.

We arrive in San Francisco this morning for a day in this glorious setting with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic waterfront, cable cars, wonderful shopping and a picturesque bay. Many people rate it the finest California city and we do not disagree.

A final day at sea off the coast of California.

Guests travel home by air or train or may extend their stay in San Diego.