Grand Alaska and Canada Tour, 17 Days from Istanbul

We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport and, after baggage and passport formalities, depart for Paris on Air France flight AF1391. Following the connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, we continue on to Seattle on flight AF338. After landing in Seattle local time, we complete passport and baggage formalities and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. Along the way we get a panoramic look at the modern skyline and harbor of Seattle, one of the key cities of the Pacific Northwest. Flight details: Air France AF1391 Istanbul to Paris, AF338 Paris to Seattle. Accommodation: Ramada Kent Seattle, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast the Seattle city tour begins, taking in the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Waterfront district, Kerry Park and the Gum Wall. Known for its green setting and modern lifestyle, Seattle is considered one of the most livable cities in America. The tour continues to Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington State's most striking natural landmarks. Surrounded by forest, the site offers photo stops that capture its distinctive atmosphere. Accommodation: Ramada Kent Seattle, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the direct Delta Airlines flight DL928, departing Seattle at 13:39 for Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. On arrival at 16:28 we transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. Set between mountains, glaciers and the ocean, Anchorage marks the start of the Alaskan leg of the trip. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Flight details: Delta Airlines DL928, Seattle 13:39, Anchorage 16:28. Accommodation: Inlet Tower, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we set off along the Seward Highway, considered one of Alaska's most scenic drives. Following the shore of Turnagain Arm, the route offers close views of Alaska's wilderness. On arrival in Seward we explore the harbor area and downtown, an intimate look at Alaska's maritime culture. Later in the day we check into the hotel. Accommodation: Gateway Hotel Seward, 3-star or similar.

We set off early for the harbor and the boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska's most striking natural regions, with massive glaciers, fjords and rich wildlife. Cruising around Aialik Glacier, Holgate Glacier and Resurrection Bay, we have the chance to spot sea lions, sea otters, eagles and whales. A memorable day showing Alaska's nature at its most dramatic. Accommodation: Gateway Hotel Seward, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we leave Seward and head back toward Anchorage. The return drive along the Seward Highway brings Alaska's scenery back into view, with stops where the mountains meet the sea along Turnagain Arm. Arriving in Anchorage around midday, the panoramic city tour takes in Lake Hood, where floatplanes take off, Earthquake Park, which carries the traces of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, downtown Anchorage, 4th Avenue and the view over Cook Inlet. After hearing about Alaska's history and culture from the guide, we transfer to the hotel. In the evening, guests who wish can spend time downtown or try Alaskan cuisine at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Inlet Tower, 3-star or similar.

Early in the morning we transfer to the airport for Delta Airlines flight DL833, departing Anchorage at 08:00 and arriving in Seattle at 12:36. From Seattle we continue by private vehicle toward the Canadian border. The roughly two-hour drive through Washington State's forests, lakes and countryside brings us to the Bellingham area, close to the border. We check into the hotel and rest ahead of the border crossing the next day. Guests who wish can explore the area in the evening. Flight details: Delta Airlines DL833, Anchorage 08:00, Seattle 12:36. Accommodation: Oxford Suites Bellingham, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we leave the hotel and head for the Canadian border. Following passport and customs formalities we enter British Columbia and soon reach Vancouver, one of Canada's most celebrated cities. The panoramic city tour takes in Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, historic Gastown, Canada Place, home to the Olympic torch, the busy Robson Street shopping district and Coal Harbour with its modern marinas. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver shows a striking balance of nature and modern city life. Accommodation: Best Western Burnaby, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we set out to explore Vancouver's key natural landmarks. The first stop is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, home to one of the world's most famous suspension bridges. Crossing the bridge, about 70 meters high and 137 meters long, offers a bird's-eye view over the rainforest. The Tree Tops Adventure walkways and the Cliffwalk platform are further highlights of the park. A cable car then takes us up Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver's landmarks, for a panorama over downtown, the Pacific Ocean, the coastal islands and the surrounding peaks. After the tour we return to the city center, with the rest of the day free. Accommodation: Best Western Burnaby, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for Air Canada flight AC110, departing Vancouver at 11:00 for the flight east. After roughly five hours in the air we land in Toronto, Canada's largest city, at 18:29. A private vehicle transfers us to the hotel. Toronto stands out as Canada's economic and cultural center, known for its skyline, multicultural makeup and lively city life. After checking in, there is free time ahead of the Niagara Falls excursion the next day. Flight details: Air Canada AC110, Vancouver 11:00, Toronto 18:29. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we set off for Niagara Falls, one of the world's most striking natural wonders. The roughly ninety-minute drive follows the shore of Lake Ontario. In the Niagara region we first take in panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, watching millions of liters of water cascade down in seconds, with time for photos. Guests who wish then join the Hornblower boat tour, approaching close to the heart of the falls and feeling the force of the water and the mist it throws up. The tour continues to the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, its 19th-century architecture still intact. We take a walking and photo break among its flower-lined streets and boutique shops, then learn about Canada's Ice Wine at a local vineyard, with an optional tasting for those who wish. After a lunch break we head back to Toronto, arriving in the late afternoon and transferring to the hotel. Meals: Lunch included. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast the panoramic city tour of Toronto, Canada's largest and most cosmopolitan city, begins. Highlights include the CN Tower, the Provincial Parliament Building, University Avenue, Harbourfront, Nathan Phillips Square, Old City Hall and Yonge Street, one of the longest streets in the world. The guide shares insight into Toronto's history, multicultural character and modern life along the way. The rest of the day is free. Guests who wish can shop at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, spend time in the historic Distillery District, or experience Toronto's cafe culture. We return to the hotel at the set time to rest ahead of the journey to Ottawa the next day. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we check out and board Canada's VIA Rail network for the journey to the capital, Ottawa. The roughly four-and-a-half-hour trip runs through Ontario's countryside, lakes and forest. On arrival at Ottawa's train station, a private vehicle takes us on a panoramic city tour. As Canada's political and administrative center, Ottawa is one of the country's most elegant cities, known for its historic buildings and generous green space. The tour takes in Parliament Hill, the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall, the Supreme Court of Canada, and ByWard Market, one of the city's liveliest spots. There is free time around ByWard Market for shopping or a stop at one of its cafes, alongside the guide's account of Canada's history and government. In the evening we arrive at the hotel and settle in. Accommodation: Ottawa, 4-star.

After breakfast a roughly two-hour drive by private vehicle takes us to Montreal, the cultural capital of Quebec. Founded in 1642, Montreal is one of Canada's most distinctive cities, its historic buildings, cobbled streets and lively city life reflecting a blend of French and English culture. The panoramic city tour takes in the Notre-Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal), Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d'Armes, the Old Port, McGill University, Place Ville Marie, Saint Joseph's Oratory and Mount Royal Park, the highest point in the city. From the Mount Royal lookout there are sweeping views over Montreal and the Saint Lawrence River. The tour is followed by free time around Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal's liveliest shopping street. Guests who wish can browse boutique shops, sit in a historic cafe, or try local specialties such as poutine, the Montreal bagel and the smoked meat sandwich. Accommodation: Hotel Faubourg Montreal Centre-Ville, 4-star or similar.

After breakfast the day is left free to explore Montreal at its own pace. Guests who wish can walk the historic streets of Old Montreal, spend time along the Old Port on the Saint Lawrence River, browse art galleries and boutiques, or try French-inflected Canadian cuisine in one of the city's cafes. Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Eaton Centre Montreal and the underground shopping network known as RESO are among the city's most popular spots for shopping. We return to the hotel at the set time after a day spent in Montreal's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Accommodation: Hotel Faubourg Montreal Centre-Ville, 4-star or similar.

After breakfast we check out of the rooms. Free time before the flight allows for last-minute shopping, a final walk through Montreal's streets, or time at a local cafe. At the set time we transfer to the airport. After baggage and passport formalities, KLM flight KL672 departs Montreal for Amsterdam at 18:50. After a roughly seven-hour overnight flight we arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport the following morning. The night is spent in the air. Flight details: KLM KL672, Montreal 18:50, Amsterdam. Accommodation: Overnight on the plane.

We land at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at 07:45 and, after passport and security formalities, proceed to the connecting flight. KLM flight KL1959 departs for Istanbul at 12:00. After landing at Istanbul Airport at 16:20 local time we collect our luggage and close out a 17-day route that ran from Seattle's modern skyline to the glaciers of the Kenai Fjords, from the force of Niagara Falls to the French-inflected streets of Montreal. Flight details: KLM KL1959, Amsterdam 12:00, Istanbul 16:20 local time. ---