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| Cruising the Rockies |
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 Imagine a serene place at the top of the world where the air is crisp and clear, where wildflowers sprawl across Alpine meadows in wild profusion and where mountain pinnacles dusted with snow are girded by deep, lush valleys. The extravagantly beautiful vista of neighbouring peaks stretches off into the endless blue sky and the sun glints off the polished ice of a nearby hanging glacier. From your comfortable post-picnic perch beside the luminous blue waters of a glacier-fed lake you spot a small silver bullet rapidly moving through the trees in your direction. The quiet is momentarily interrupted by the sonorous purr of the in-line six-cylinder engine as your ravishing companion pulls up beside you in a gleaming silver Z4 Roadster. You slide into the passenger seat, slip on your sunglasses, turn up the music, and let your imagination roam free.
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Twenty spectacular weeks of summer in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Three magnificent fairytale properties of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. One sleek and sexy BMW Z4 Roadster. Don’t miss your one and only chance to enjoy the trip of a lifetime this summer. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, BMW Canada and Horizon & Co have teamed up to offer the unforgettable experience of exceptional cars, grand resorts and the magnificent Rocky Mountains all together in one place. With your BMW Z4 Roadster, spend six glorious days exploring the pristine wilderness and five equally glorious nights at the area’s historic Fairmont resorts. The itinerary for this drive allows ample time for exploring on your own. | |
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Trip Overview:
Day 1: Lake Louise
Day 2: Jasper
Day 3: Jasper
Day 4: Banff
Day 5: Calgary |
2008 Dates:
May-Oct |
Prices from:
$2,995 | |
| Immerse |
Your Senses in the Rockies |
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BMW Z4 Roadster brings you closer than ever to the sun, wind and road. Its blend of agility, performance and fresh-air feeling makes for a truly involving driving experience. With its classic proportions and revolutionary styling, the BMW Z4 is the latest expression in an illustrious line of BMW Roadsters.
As in the classic 1935 BMW 315 two-seater, a six-cylinder engine powers the 2007 BMW Z4. But while the ancestral spirit lives on, the similarities end with the engine configuration. The Z4 3.0i offers up an impressive 215hp, while the Z4 3.0si delivers an even more exhilarating 255hp. Both engines also feature BMW’s ground-breaking Valvetronic technology, which increases power and improves fuel efficiency.
Perfect 50:50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control, and a sophisticated suspension system combine to produce amazingly precise, predictable, and sporty handling characteristics. Adding Dynamic Driving Control further improves performance, as the sport mode offers two levels of throttle and steering responsiveness. But even with its myriad of technological innovations, the Z4 remains true to its origins as a quintessential driver’s car.
"BMW" and the BMW logo are registered trademarks. Reproduced with the permission of BMW Canada Inc.
©2007 BMW Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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| Sleep |
Luxury Castle Hotels |
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Fairmont Lake Louise: Situated on the banks of a breathtaking lake with the majestic Rocky Mountains providing an astounding backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise combines beautiful scenery with unrivaled service to make your stay a moment to cherish. Tucked deep within the Banff National Park, the Chateau invites you to escape to a retreat of welcoming grandeur. Only a two hours drive west from Calgary, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is enveloped by some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet and is situated within UNESCO World Heritage Site Rocky Mountain Parks.
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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: On the shores of Lac Beauvert in the Canadian Rockies, and bounded on two sides by Lake Mildred, Lac Beauvert, untouched forest, snow-capped mountains, untamed rivers, and a world-class 18-hole golf course, this remarkable heritage resort seems to offer everything for a traveller seeking adventurous activity in pristine environs, international cuisine and luxurious hospitality. |
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The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. Experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness. |
| Experience |
Nature, Wildlife & Culture | |
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
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 The male Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep has a muscular body with a thick neck and massive horns that curl close to the head, back over the ears and around below the cheeks, tapering at the end. It has a dark grayish-brown coat. The bighorn sheep lives near rocky cliffs, on mountain ridges, alpine meadows and foothills and can be found throughout the Rockies of British Columbia and Alberta as well as in the Rockies of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and other isolated areas.
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CULINARY DELIGHTS
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 The Waldhaus is The Fairmont Banff Springs’ ‘House in the Forest’. The menu consists of authentic German and Swiss dishes such as venison ragout, mountain smoked meat platter, mimosa salad, roasted beet salad, goulash soup, sweet potato veloute, Swiss cheese fondue, farmer fondue, beef fondue, jager schnitzel, wiener schnitzel, roasted duck, braised lamb shank, roasted pheasant breast, pan fried rainbow trout filets, Alberta beef short rib, chocolate fondue, dark chocolate pudding, mixed berry cobbler and warm apple strudel.
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NATURAL WONDERS
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 The Athabasca Glacier is a 7-km (4½-mi) tongue of ice flowing from the immense Columbia Icefield almost to the highway. A century ago the ice flowed over the current location of the highway; signposts depict the gradual retreat of the ice since that time. Several other glaciers are visible from here; they all originate from the Columbia Icefield, a giant alpine lake of ice covering 325 square km (125 square mi), whose edge is visible from the highway.
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DAY 1 (Sunday) - Calgary to Lake Louise (200 kms)
Arrive in Calgary, pick up your BMW and drive off into the magnificent panorama of the Canadian Rockies. With a fully automatic softtop that opens in a mere 10 seconds, you can embrace the sights, sounds, and sensations of the open road with the simple push of a button. Continue to Emerald Lake, a beautiful glacial lake in a stunning setting. Try out the lunch at the magnificent post and beam Emerald Lake Lodge, where you can peruse the gourmet delights of Rocky Mountain cuisine, the roots of which go back to both the lavish Victorian cooking from the CPR rail cars.
In the afternoon, take a stroll around the lake or hike up to the Burgess Shale Formation, a UNESCO world heritage site which contains the fossilized remains of more than 120 marine animal species dating back 515 million years. Alternatively, hop into your Roadster and drive a short distance to the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, a tiny gem encircled by ten peaks. The lake, set in the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a dramatic and striking ‘’little sister’’ to larger Lake Louise.
In the late afternoon, drive to your hotel for the night, the romantic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Check in to your room and then consider treating yourself after a vigorous day in the captivating wilderness and relax in the calming ambiance at Escape Spa & Salon, where you can choose from an extensive selection of Aveda products and treatments that will leave you relaxed, refreshed and revitalized.
Dinner tonight is in the Chateau’s Fairview dining room. Using the soaring mountains and shimmering lake as an enchanting backdrop to one of Lake Louise’s premier dining experiences, the Fairview dining room celebrates the freshest treasures of North America’s fields, seas and rivers. Choose from distinctive and modern dishes like Cream of Jeruslam Artichoke or Roasted Venison Loin in elderberry demi glace.
Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Meals: D. Driving: 2-3 hours
DAY 2 (Monday) - Lake Louise to Jasper (300 kms)
After sampling the delights of the morning breakfast buffet, climb into your BMW Z4 and set off for one of the most spectacular drives in the world along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Parkway is virtually unparalleled for beauty as it runs alongside a chain of massive Icefields straddling the Continental Divide. Stop at tranquil Bow Lake for an easy walk along the glacial blue lake through fields of rare alpine flowers, evergreen forests and sparkling creeks. Enjoy lunch at majestic Num-Ti-Jah lodge, where the chefs use local organic produce to create original Canadian cuisine against a stunning backdrop of mountains.
After lunch, return to your Z4 Roadster and continue along the Icefields Parkway, keeping an eye out for large herds of graceful Caribou. Stop at the Columbia Icefield, an area of glacial ice that is the hydrological apex of North America, covering some 200 square km with a maximum depth of 365 m (1210 ft). Explore the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide, in a specially designed ice buggy, then return to your Z4 to continue on to Jasper.
Arrive at the world renowned Jasper Park, one of Canada’s first national parks, home of the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It is difficult not to become overwhelmed by the rustic elegance and surrounding natural beauty of the hotel, which invites you to take a stroll to admire the lake, spectacular scenery and wildlife that inhabit this natural paradise. Enjoy a leisurely wander in the isolated splendour of the Park before returning to the Lodge for the evening. Tonight you are own your own for dinner, and thus you can either explore the hotel’s intimate restaurants or head over to Tekarra Lodge, which sits atop a ridge overlooking the convergence of the Miette and Athabasca Rivers in a mountain setting that has inspired artists, poets and countless guests.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Meals: BL. Driving: 4-5 hours
DAY 3 (Tuesday) - Jasper (0-250kms)
This morning is at leisure, and with the extensive selection of activities you will have your hands full trying to take in all that Jasper National Park has to offer. After breakfast, play a challenging round on the hotel’s 18-hole golf course, or cruise the placid emerald green waters of Maligne lake. Explore Maligne Canyon, which has been carved by the Maligne River to create one of the most spectacular gorges to be found in the Canadian Rockies. Alternatively, take a hike through the vast 6,000+ square kilometer forest to see some of the most beautiful, untouched ecosystems left on earth, or drive down the picturesque roads in your BMW as you travel to Miette Hot Springs, the hottest outdoor baths in the Rockies.
After lunch we have planned a gentle walking excursion through the Valley of Five Lakes. This guided nature walk features rolling hills, forest, meadows, marshes, streams and beautiful glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead the 4km walk as you explore the abundant flora along the route. A great opportunity to spot wildlife! The walking pace is leisurely and perfect for all ages.
At the end of a full day of activities in the wilderness of Jasper’s National Park, relax at Insignia Salon & Spa with a hot basalt stone massage. The heat of the stones penetrates the body gently at a deeper level to bring total peace and relaxation to your mind, body and spirit. Dinner tonight is in the Moose’s Nook Northern Grill, where rustic decor, wildlife paintings and artifacts create a dining atmosphere that celebrates the explorer spirit coupled with wildly inspired cuisine. Comfort foods pay homage to regional ingredients and Canadian specialties. Wild mushrooms, Arctic char and world famous Alberta beef are features of the menu.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Meals: BD. Driving: 1-5 (depending on preferences)
Day 4 - Banff (350kms)
Enjoy breakfast in bed and then a morning at leisure. If you didn’t get round to it the day before, take a ride up the Jasper Tramway. Boasting some of the best views in the Rockies, you’ll gaze out on lakes, mountains, glaciers, and the town itself from a vantage point of more than 7,400 feet above sea level. When you arrive at the summit, you’re free to wander along the boardwalk or hike in the area, also accompanied by a guide, if you’d like. Trees don’t grow this high, but there’s low vegetation and an assortment of wildlife, including the small mammals (hoary marmots) known as ‘whistlers’ for which the mountain was named.
After lunch, climb into the driver’s seat and head off down the pastoral Ice fields Parkway for the return journey to Banff. Some people never have the opportunity to drive this road even once in their life - you get to do it twice from two different angels! Take your time stopping en route to gaze at the majestic eagles that glide high above in the vivid blue sky.
Arrive in the late afternoon at your hotel for the next night, the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. Immerse your body in a treatment at the spa and then stroll across the grounds in the early evening to the Waldhaus, Banff Springs’ "House in the Forest". The Bavarian cottage-style building was built in 1927 to be used as the Banff Springs Clubhouse and is set on the edge of the Golf Course and the Spray River. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old hunting lodge with a large fireplace and a beautiful, temperature controlled wine cabinet which houses and excellent wine selection. The menu consists of authentic German and Swiss dishes such as venison ragout, Swiss cheese fondue, roasted pheasant breast, pan fried rainbow trout filets and warm apple strudel.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs. Meals: BD. Driving: 5-6 hours
Day 5 - Calgary
After a relaxed breakfast, get into your Z4 Roadster for the last time and drive through the mountains on your way out of the Rockies and back to the rolling hills of Calgary. Drop your car off at the Calgary airport and say goodbye as your journey comes to an end.
Meals: B Driving: 1-2 hours |
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| Trip Format: |
Independent Trips are designed for independent-minded travellers who like to travel on their own (without a Horizon escort), but still want to experience our superbly designed itineraries at reasonable prices. The itinerary and prices are always fixed, and the departure dates may be flexible or fixed depending on the specific trip. |
| Trip Series: |
Our Exploratory Series of trips are designed for travellers who are over 35, luxury-conscious, risk-loving, spiritually-curious and non group-travel oriented. The itineraries are built with a focus on personal freedom to allow you to savour experiences, haggle in the marketplace, linger over meals, or imbibe wine with the locals at the cafe. |
| Group Size: |
Minimum/Maximum of 2. Since there is only 1 car available for the 2007 summer season, the maximum group size is 2 people. If you wish to travel as a single traveller, please note that there is a significant single supplement involved since you will be paying for the entire car by yourself. |
| Guides: |
There are no guides on this trip. Local guides are available in each location for guided walks and activities. |
| Level of Activity: |
Light: Strolling through village streets, country walking, hiking, rafting (optional...). Suitable for all ages and abilities, with some opportunities for extended walks or alternate activities. The minimum age for drivers is 25. |
| Level of Luxury |
Indulgent - This trip is designed with a focus on indulgence and creature comforts. The accommodation is the best available, which usually means a combination of well-known luxury hotels (Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Design Hotels, etc) and lesser known gems with plenty of regional character and charm (from wilderness lodges to converted 17th century monasteries). The food is always first rate, with a blend of haute cuisine and regional delicacies, the transportation is discrete and comfortable, the guides are knowledgeable and charming and the events are unique and memorable. |
| Start: |
Calgary, Alberta |
| Finish: |
Calgary, Alberta |
| What’s Included: |
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all accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
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all car rental arrangements (including up to 300kms per day)
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24-hour BMW Roadside Assistance
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meals as indicated in the itinerary
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all events and tours as indicated
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all pre-departure materials, including documents wallets and destination details |
| Insurance & Security Deposits |
All drivers must have damage waiver insurance. We have negotiated a rate of $300 per person which you can purchase through Horizon; otherwise you must arrange your own coverage. In light of the value of the cars being driven, our car partners require our travellers to post a security deposit of $3,000. This amount will be approved on your credit card as a guarantee, but will not be processed unless there is a claim. |
| NOTA BENE |
We build all of our itineraries as exhaustively as possible; however, we also leave room for the spontaneity of the group, the creativity of the leader, and the unpredictability of the elements. Thus, all itineraries are subject to modest modification, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group. |
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Flights: |
We generally encourage our travellers to arrive the day before the trip starts on Day 1 in order to catch your breath and get your bearings. On this trip, however, you can also arrive early in the morning on Day 1 and set out immediately from the airport in your car. Since these trips all start on a Sunday, you will have the following weekend at leisure to explore Calgary if you choose to extend your trip (which we generally recommend). |
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Travel Services: |
For the convenience of our travellers, we would be happy to assist you with flights to get to and from the trip. If you require assistance beyond the flights (i.e. if you wish to extend your journey or arrive earlier), or if you wish to make special private or custom travel arrangements, please call us to discuss your needs. Please note that a service transaction fee of $150-$250 will be charged for arrangements such as flights, transfers and hotel rooms that are outside the planned itinerary. |
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PRICES FROM
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Per Person |
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| Low Season: |
$2,995 |
| High Season: |
$3,495 |
| Insurance: |
$255 |
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Single Supplement |
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| Low Season: |
$1,470 |
| High Season: |
$2,075 | |
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Seasonality
| Low: |
May & Oct |
| High: |
Jun - Sep |
Suite Envy
Our prices are generally based on a hotel's deluxe or superior rooms (although most rooms are anything but standard, especially in the smaller boutique properties), since we find that most people don't intend to spend much time in their rooms. If you do intend to spend more time in your room (or simply prefer to have space to sprawl out in), we can easily arrange for suite upgrades at a supplemental cost. | | |
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