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The Canadian Rockies 2008 (9 days) - Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 of 9-Day Package Depart US/Arrive in Calgary

Upon arrival in Calgary, claim your luggage and clear customs, then exit through the sliding doors. Locate the transportation center and find the Checker Transportation Group's counter. Provide your voucher to the staff so they may locate a Checker vehicle for you. This vehicle transfers you to your first hotel (transfer time approximately 45 minutes). During your transfer, please arrange for your return trip to the airport. Please note: Be sure to schedule your pickup from the Delta Bow Valley Hotel 2½ hours prior to your flight departure to allow for travel time and airport check-in requirements. The remainder of the day and next morning are yours to explore Calgary on your own.

Hotel: Delta Bow Valley Hotel

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR All guests meet at Deer Lodge/7-Day Package begins)

9-Day Package guests: After breakfast, explore Calgary until 1:15 p.m., when you meet the group outside the front entrance of the hotel and board your included transfer shuttle. Superior Chauffeurs picks you up curbside, then departs promptly at 1:30 p.m. Your shuttle transfers you to the hotel (transfer time approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes). Please eat lunch in Calgary before you depart. Please Note: Your room at Deer Lodge is not available until 4 p.m. The front desk will store your luggage. You have free time to explore Lake Louise before meeting the rest of the group for a safety and bike-fitting session. 7-Day Package guests: Transfer on your own to Deer Lodge. Please see the Travel Information in your handbook for transportation options. Plan to meet your VBT Trip Leaders and other group members between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a safety and bike-fitting session. If you have reserved a bike, please arrive by 3:30 p.m. Your VBT Trip Leaders conduct an introductory meeting for all guests from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by dinner at the lodge.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Deer Lodge

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Ride to Moraine Lake/ Discover Lake Louise

Today, ride to the Lake Louise ski area, where you may opt for a 14-minute gondola ride to a top elevation of 2,088 m (6,850 ft.). At this altitude, where two eco-regions meet, you find a variety of plant life. You can also experience the panoramic splendor of the majestic Canadian Rockies. From the hamlet of Lake Louise, enjoy an optional shuttle up to the lake and chateau, or take the Tramline Trail. Eat lunch on your own. This afternoon, hike to Lake Agnes or ride uphill to Moraine Lake and back down to the lodge. Admire the views of Victoria Glacier while soaking in the rooftop hot tub before dinner.

Meals: B,D  Hotel: Deer Lodge

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Explore Bow Valley Parkway/ Hike to Johnston Canyon

Leaving Lake Louise, cycle on the quiet Bow Valley Parkway east towards Banff. Admire the rugged mountains, glaciers and indigenous wildlife. Meet up with the group at Castle Mountain for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, hike to Johnston Canyon and then cycle to Banff. Upon arrival at the Banff Caribou Lodge, enjoy the sauna and hot tubs. Dinner is in the lodge restaurant tonight.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Banff Caribou Lodge

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Discovery Day! Explore Banff, Lake Minnewanka and Tunnel Mountain/Optional white-water rafting

After breakfast, cycle through Banff past picturesque Bow Falls and around the famous Banff Springs Golf Course loop. Next, ride to Lake Minnewanka, Banff's largest lake and home to many bighorn sheep. Return to Banff for lunch on your own. If you prefer not to ride today, Banff offers many activities including fly-fishing, hiking, white-water rafting, gondola rides up to Sulphur Mountain and golf at the Banff Springs Golf Course (at your own expense).

Meals: B  Hotel: Banff Caribou Lodge

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Shuttle to Barrier Lake Visitors Center/Cycle to Boundary Ranch for an Alberta-style BBQ

This morning, shuttle to Barrier Lake Visitors Center, then begin cycling to Boundary Ranch. Once there, enjoy an Alberta-style BBQ. Ride on the Evan Thomas Path back to the lodge or take an optional hike to Troll Falls.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Discovery Day! Ride to Highwood Pass and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park/Downhill ride to Opal Creek

Ride to the base of the Highwood Pass and to Wedge Pond. Rest your legs during the downhill cruise back to Opal Creek, where a picnic lunch awaits. Then shuttle or bike back to the resort.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Calgary/Free time/7-Day Package ends

7-Day Package guests: After breakfast, transfer back to Canmore to pick up your car. Please note: 7-day program guests who do not have a car should contact Superior Chauffeurs for transportation between the last inn and Calgary. 9-Day Package guests: After breakfast, Superior Chauffeurs transfers you to your hotel in Calgary (travel time approximately 1 1/2 hrs). This shuttle departs promptly at 10 a.m. Please be sure to call and confirm your pick-up with Checker Transportation for tomorrow. The rest of the day is yours to explore Calgary.

Meals: B  Hotel: Delta Bow Valley Hotel

Day 9 Depart for home

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your scheduled pick-up time. Please be sure to be in the lobby with your luggage 15 minutes beforehand.

Meals: B