Only rarely does an itinerary come together that offers the perfect blend of interest and beautiful places, at the right time of the year, combined with a great ship. With fantastic places in Alaska like Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, and our favorite, Glacier Bay, this is a magical itinerary. After an overnight in charismatic Seattle, you’ll head north to Vancouver for a pre-cruise afternoon and evening in this beautiful city. The Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth, heir to a proud tradition established by the original Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and later by the Queen Elizabeth 2, is your civilized conveyance to Alaska, the Great Land.

Aboard your superb ship, you’ll enjoy classic ocean liner comfort, viewing Alaska from its finest perspective, by sea up close. Marvel at the Queen’s lavish public rooms, including the grand two-deck-high Queen’s Room, complete with chandeliers, where traditional Afternoon Tea is served daily and big band music plays every evening. Best of all, as a grand finale Queen Elizabeth sails south on a rare Pacific Coastal cruise to San Francisco, with the ultimate Ocean Liner arrival, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Experience the majesty of America’s spectacular Western parks, carved over the eons into masterpieces of nature, from the soaring stone bridges of Arches to the mesmerizing spires of Canyonlands and from Monument Valley’s iconic vistas to the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Aboard the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, take in an extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, deep canyons, the Continental Divide and along the Colorado River, the same route once showcased by the original California Zephyr. 

As a special treat, marvel at the beauty of Dead Horse State Park, a rarely visited beauty just as stunning as the National Parks, and in the Grand Canyon, relish a panoramic ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Along the journey, magical touches abound, including an expert Navajo guide in Monument Valley, two nights in entrancing Moab, a farewell dinner at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Las Vegas and, of course, all hotels, transportation and sightseeing included along with your dedicated Uncommon Journeys professional tour manager.

Our new Glories of the West holiday offers up great vistas of some of the most extraordinary scenery in North America, on a leisurely paced and well-designed Western holiday. Begin in Denver with two nights in the ‘Mile High City’ which allows not only time to see the historic downtown center but a beautiful full day excursion that takes the storied Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, a short but fun ride aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad and last but not least a driving trip with an expert narrator through the epic Garden of the Gods.

Next we board the California Zephyr for a spellbinding day trip through the Rockies over the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the ”Main Line through the Rockies” to Utah, a visual feast of the highest order. Then we move on to two nights at lovely Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and then for a long time favorite of ours, the gorgeous Gates of the Mountain cruise on the Missouri River near Helena, made famous by Lewis & Clark on their great expedition west. After two nights in Helena, a scenic drive west to Coeur d’Alene Idaho and historic Spokane. Better still, as an early booking bonus, guests may continue to the grand spectacle of Alaska including Glacier Bay aboard Holland America Line for as little more as $199.00pp.

Join us for a remarkable train journey West from Salt Lake City over the historic Overland Route from Salt Lake City to Northern California, traveling through places that evoke the mystique of the Old West: The Overland Wagon Trail, Emigrant Gap, Donner Lake, Dutch Flat, Cape Hom, Gold Run, Blue Canyon, Hangtown and Sacramento – just some of the historically freighted places we pass through. Perhaps saving the best for last, we end up at San Francisco’s fabulous Fisherman’s Wharf.

Not only is this holiday a visual feast, but to travel West you’ll ride aboard a splendid private Streamliner, our very own Great Western Limited, complete with Pullman sleeping cars with real beds and soft pillows, fine dining (all meals, wines & spirits while aboard are included in the fare) and lovely little touches like fresh flowers, elegant menus, an attentive staff and a professional tour manager to make your journey a civilized passage. Since the capacity of the Great Western Limited is restricted to only 24 lucky guests, prompt reservations on this one-time excursion are highly recommended.

Our ‘Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton’ is the first of our new Uncommon Journeys Select departures featuring deluxe small-group touring with never more than 14 guests on a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with personalized attention, roomy 2-1 seating, upgraded complimentary snacks (including See’s candy) and best of all, the ability to see places and things not possible with a big bus.

We begin with a stay in one of America’s grandest hotels in Spokane and then enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton at the perfect time of the year, before crowds and hot weather. With comprehensive sightseeing included everywhere, well-chosen hotels, most meals and a professional travel manager, this is a supremely comfortable way to travel. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.