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Tailor Made launches 2012 programme of holidays to Canada & Alaska

18th December 2011 Print

Tailor Made Travel, the upmarket specialist operator, has unveiled its programme of holidays to Canada and Alaska for 2012 covering British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, Yukon and the US state of Alaska.

Designed to offer an extensive menu of options from which clients can custom build their perfect itinerary, the brochure features everything from flexible multi-centre and self-drive itineraries to wildlife-watching, cultural experiences, journeys by rail and even cruises though Alaska's famed Inside Passage. Particular highlights include the introduction of "motorhome" self-drive itineraries through the wilds of Western Canada, plus the chance to share in the excitement of the Calgary Stampede (which celebrates its centenary in 2012 and is widely considered to be the 'greatest outdoor show on Earth') or spot beluga whales, grizzly bears and their ethereal cousins, the spirit bears, all in their natural environment.

This new brochure follows their recent ‘CTC Explorer Award’ at the British Annual Canada Travel Awards in recognition of the work that Tailor Made Travel has done to promote innovative holiday itineraries to Canada.

Being such a scenic, vast and sparsely-populated country, Canada is ideal for exploring by rail. The new brochure leads with a selection of truly remarkable journeys by train (including an epic coast-to-coast odyssey from Toronto to Vancouver) as well as some suggested rail/coach and rail/self-drive combinations. New for 2012 is the nine-day Western Explorer itinerary (from £2,899 per person), a fully inclusive tour that includes two days aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service. The journey begins in Vancouver and continues via beautiful Lake Louise and the Jasper and Banff National Parks and on to the cowboy city of Calgary. Other highlights along the way include a sightseeing trip in a helicopter and of course the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains themselves. Also new is the 12-day Eastern Explorer, which tours from Toronto to Halifax, travelling by train for the entire journey. The itinerary benefits from guided tours in Toronto and Montreal, plus a chance to climb aboard the famous Maid of the Mist to witness the mighty forces at Niagara Falls. This package costs from £2,039 per person, with both prices including flights, accommodation, sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, and the exclusive VIP Home Departure service (which collects clients from - and returns them to - their own front door, no matter where they live in the United Kingdom).

For customers who prefer to travel under their own steam, the brochure's selection of flexible, self-driving itineraries offers a phenomenal choice of experiences. These multi-centre tour suggestions incorporate all ground arrangements including accommodation, car rental and recommended excursions, with each offering complete flexibility so that customers can mould the trip to their own specifications. New for 2012 is the Classic Yukon and Alaska itinerary, which delves deep into the lakes, glaciers and untouched wilderness of these far northern territories. With wildlife outnumbering people in much of this region, the opportunities for spotting such landmark species as grizzly bears, caribou and bald eagles are endless. Accommodation along the way is provided in deluxe lodges and B&Bs. This 17-day trip costs from £2,839 per person. Also new is the 16-day Wildlife, Flora and Fauna of the West itinerary, which takes in the staggering natural beauty of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Highlights here include hiking, whale-watching, wine-tasting and bear-viewing excursions, plus visits to key sites including Vancouver, Lake Louise and three national parks. This exciting tour costs from £2,399 per person. Flights are not included.

Those looking to really blaze their own trail can opt for one of the new motorhome itineraries in Western Canada. The brochure suggests three sample itineraries that take in some of the region's most amazing natural landscapes, with overnight stays in campsites along the way. The 9-day Fabulous Vancouver Island itinerary, for example, offers an enticing mix of coastal scenery, First Nations culture and vibrant cityscapes (from £589 per person). The more extensive, 15-day City and Views of the Canadian Rockies takes in some of the most incredible mountain scenery alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the lively cities of Vancouver and Calgary. This holiday costs from £949 per person, with both prices including motorhome rental and full driving directions. Campsite recommendations are suggested along each route but are not included in the price.

Thanks to popular demand, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure carries a greatly expanded selection of wildlife and adventure experiences. This section of the brochure offers some truly inspiring ideas for lovers of the great outdoors, covering everything from heli-hiking and ranch holidays to wildlife-spotting and even a search for the Aurora Borealis in the winter skies of the Canadian far north. One of the most exciting new additions is the unique opportunity to visit Spirit Bear Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest to search for the incredibly rare spirit bears (a pale-phase subspecies of the more common black bear). The lodge is only open for two months of the year (from early August until early October), which makes the chance to visit this beautiful region even more special. In addition to the hauntingly pale spirit bears, other wildlife in the area includes wolves and cougars in the forest and orcas and humpback whales in the waters just offshore. A five-day excursion (including flights from Vancouver, transfers, three nights at Spirit Bear Lodge, one night's additional accommodation and most meals) costs from £2,099 per person. Also new is the 7-day Lake Louise & Heli-Hiking package, which costs from £2,699 per person and includes accommodation, transfers, most meals, equipment hire and 2½ days of heli-hiking amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Another new addition is a 9-day cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the Innersea Discovery. This small expedition ship is the perfect vessel on which to discover these pristine waters. Activities such as rainforest hikes and sea kayaking are included in the price (from £1,435 per person), which also covers one night's pre-cruise accommodation, all onboard meals the services of an expert guide.

The brochure also features a large variety of hotels and other accommodation options that have been added to the programme for the first time. Options range from the upmarket luxury of the Ritz Carlton in Toronto to a selection of charming and very individual lodges and B&Bs.

Commenting on the launch of the 2012 brochure, General Manager, Rachel Cooper said, "This is our first brochure since the merger between Tailor Made Travel and sister brand Connections, which means that Tailor Made Travel will now be sold both via the travel trade and direct to consumers for the first time. With our wide range of adventure and wildlife experiences, epic rail journeys, magical self-drives and some excellent accommodation options spanning high-end hotels to unique lodges and B&Bs, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure is effectively an A-Z directory of the very best travel experiences and truly reflects our knowledge, passion and commitment to the region. What's more, with lots of added-value offers including free nights, free breakfasts and both car and room upgrades - plus hotel savings of up to £60 per room per night - this is surely one of our most definitive Canada & Alaska programmes yet."

For more information, visit tailor-made.co.uk.

All prices quoted are based on two sharing.