Bales launch dedicated Alaska programme

Bales Worldwide has introduced its first dedicated programme to Canada and Alaska for 2008/9 travel. Opportunities include the chance to drive the ‘Top of the World Highway’, cruise the icy waters of the Arctic on an expedition vessel and witness the untouched wilderness of the Bering Sea. Suggested itineraries start from just £1090 for a 12 day Eastern Explorer trip (excluding international flights).

Clare Moore, product manager for Bales Worldwide commented, “Demand at Bales for Canada and Alaska has been steadily growing over the past few years so it is the perfect time for us to launch our dedicated programme here. We are concentrating on independent travel options and have incorporated many suggested itineraries including self-drive itineraries, rail journeys, city breaks, Arctic and Alaska cruising options, the choice is extensive. In addition we are featuring just one escorted group journey with two departures for the celebrated Polar Bear Migration.”

The full programme is available as a printed brochure as well as to read online via Balesworldwide.com.

INTREPID TRAVEL – ALASKA AND THE ARCTIC
Experience the culture and amazing wildlife of the Arctic with ‘once in a lifetime’ cruise options. The 13 day Arctic Odyssey from £4355 per person and the 14 day High Arctic cruise from £4995 both explore the cultural landscapes and natural wonders of the High Arctic on board an expedition vessel. Highlights include the chance to see an array of wildlife- Arctic fox and wolf, musk oxen and polar bears, as well as an abundance of marine life. In addition, observe the Indigenous Inuit peoples and their culture whose day to day survival (they believe) is in the hands of the favourable spirits.

Another sea based adventure introduced for 2008 is the 19 day Voyage to the Bering Sea from £6990 per person. Travellers will journey to the remote stretch of water separating Russia and Alaska on board the luxury small ship, Spirit of Oceanus, experiencing the remote vastness of the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea.

DRIVING ADVENTURES
Back on terra firma, Bales is also offering a range of year round suggested self-drive itineraries such as a fantastic drive for the more adventurous, through Canada’s rugged Yukon in a 4WD on a 16 day self-drive adventure from Whitehorse to the amazing ‘Top of the World Highway’ in the Arctic Circle.

The Rockies Self-Drive itinerary takes travellers into the heart of Alberta’s stunning national parks and the Splendid Nature of Quebec Self-Drive following the course of the St Lawrence River’s spectacular Gaspe Peninsular, is superb for birds and whale watching.

POLAR BEAR MIGRATION
The popular nine day Polar Bear Migration journey is priced from £3495 per person, operating on the 11th and the 18th October. This tour provides a good opportunity to witness one of the world’s most wonderful natural phenomena from the shores of the Hudson Bay - the ‘Polar Bear capital of the World’.

TUNDRA BUGGY LODGE
Bales is offering the unique experience to stay up close to the polar bears in Churchill at the Tundra Buggy Lodge. The lodge is transported to the best viewing areas where you will stay three nights in specially adapted sleeping cars. The experience allows you as much time as possible with the bears. An eight day itinerary including three nights staying in the Tundra Buggy Lodge is priced from £4990 per person and includes two nights in Winnipeg and one night in Churchill for departures between 31st October and 3rd November 2008.

NEW OPENING IN BANFF
Recently opened this summer, The Fox Hotel and Suites is situated in the heart of the Rockies, a five minute walk from Banff town centre, and combines comfort and charm with facilities that include the hotel’s centre piece, a naturally inspired hot pool. This hotel offers the perfect location to relax after exploring the surrounding area.

RAIL ADVENTURES
Travelling by rail is a great way to enjoy the diverse beauty of Canada and Bales offers a range of rail orientated holiday choices including the renowned Rocky Mountaineer described as ‘the most spectacular train trip in the world’. The Bales 10 day suggested itinerary is priced from £3075 per person and takes guests on a luxury tour of Canada’s famous Rockies, including travel on both the Rocky Mountaineer and the Whistler Mountaineer.

QUÉBEC ICE HOTEL
The Ice Hotel, located 45 minutes from Québec City, is truly a unique experience. Open from January to March, the hotel is a dazzling structure of ice and snow offering 36 individually crafted rooms and suites. Guests are provided with an arctic sleeping bag, blanket and a pillow to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep on the bed of ice.

Bales also offers a selection of city escapes, coach tours, adventure experiences including heli-hiking in the Rockies and countless tailor made travel ideas suitable for all year round.

For reservations go to Balesworldwide.com.