Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Tours |
|---|---|
| Country |
Canada |
| Travel type |
Fly |
| Price range | From £2859 |
| Travel partner | Riviera Travel |
| Duration | 15 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6751 |
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
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The Canadian Rockies, coupled with an Alaskan cruise, must surely rank amongst the very finest scenic and wildlife holidays on earth! Combining Canada, the world’s second largest country, with a cruise to Alaska, the largest state in the US, our tour has been designed to showcase the very best that such an enormous area can offer. The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada’s crowning glory: home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver with vast forests that seem to go on forever. Opaque lakes of stunning emerald green and turquoise glassy waters reflect the magnificent scenery like no other place on earth as they sparkle in the sunlight. Carpets of wild flowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow, contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks.
We stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains then travel along the monument to man’s engineering prowess, the ‘road of steel’ that is the great Trans-Canadian railway, on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train. Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
Finally, we arrive in Vancouver, nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, which ranks alongside Sydney, Cape Town and San Francisco as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful panoramas. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean, Canada’s third-largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and mountains.
We then continue our trip of a lifetime aboard Holland America Lines MS Zuiderdam on its seven day journey to Alaska. The cruise includes two days at sea sailing the calm, sheltered waters of the famed Inside Passage. In Alaska, we visit the historic ports of Skagway and Ketchikan, where the prospectors of the 1890’s Klondike gold rush took their first steps towards riches or heartache! We spend a whole day cruising the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, travelling through a landscape that was completely covered by a 20-mile wide glacier just 200 years ago! The park contains eight tidewater glaciers, extraordinary twelve-storey walls of ice in countless shades of blue and white, creaking and groaning their way to the sea where huge blocks of ice up to 200 feet high break loose and crash into the chilly waters. On board, you will enjoy unparalleled service and extraordinary sights coupled with exciting and unique experiences via the many shore excursions on offer. So, come join us on this wonderful tour and explore one of the most exciting places in North America, located in truly awesome scenery, with enchanting wildlife and welcoming people. You are sure to return with some truly amazing lifelong memories!
We stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains then travel along the monument to man’s engineering prowess, the ‘road of steel’ that is the great Trans-Canadian railway, on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train. Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
Finally, we arrive in Vancouver, nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, which ranks alongside Sydney, Cape Town and San Francisco as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful panoramas. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean, Canada’s third-largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and mountains.
We then continue our trip of a lifetime aboard Holland America Lines MS Zuiderdam on its seven day journey to Alaska. The cruise includes two days at sea sailing the calm, sheltered waters of the famed Inside Passage. In Alaska, we visit the historic ports of Skagway and Ketchikan, where the prospectors of the 1890’s Klondike gold rush took their first steps towards riches or heartache! We spend a whole day cruising the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, travelling through a landscape that was completely covered by a 20-mile wide glacier just 200 years ago! The park contains eight tidewater glaciers, extraordinary twelve-storey walls of ice in countless shades of blue and white, creaking and groaning their way to the sea where huge blocks of ice up to 200 feet high break loose and crash into the chilly waters. On board, you will enjoy unparalleled service and extraordinary sights coupled with exciting and unique experiences via the many shore excursions on offer. So, come join us on this wonderful tour and explore one of the most exciting places in North America, located in truly awesome scenery, with enchanting wildlife and welcoming people. You are sure to return with some truly amazing lifelong memories!
Included
- Explore some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world on a stunning two day journey through the majestic Rockies on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train between Banff and Vancouver
- Return, direct flights from London Gatwick and connections from Manchester
- Excellent hand-picked superior three-star accommodation
- Travel on the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways and walk on the 300-metre thick Athabasca glacier
- Stay, and tour, in Vancouver, a vibrant, sophisticated city overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Enjoy a 7-night Alaska luxury cruise through the ‘Inside Passage’ with Holland America Line, visiting the awe-inspiring World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park
- Experience optional glacier helicopter flights, bear and whale-watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking and even dog-sledding, amongst the huge selection of shore excursions on our Alaska cruise
- Two lunches and two breakfasts included on the Rocky Mountaineer, plus seven days full board on the Alaska cruise
- Escorted by an experienced Riviera tour manager (excluding cruise portion)
Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement of £745 to £908 per person. The price includes flights to Calgary, returning from Vancouver; 7 nights on room-only basis, staying in superior three-star hotels (medium class in Kamloops, arranged directly by the Rocky Mountaineer); guided visits to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier aboard a Snocoach; two breakfasts, two lunches, selected drinks and staff gratuities aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train; tour of Vancouver; all transfers and porterage of one item of luggage per person; the services of a Riviera tour manager.
Manchester departures
Departures from Manchester include standard class rail ticket on the day before your flight to Calgary from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Stockport, Stoke, Stafford & Crewe to Gatwick Airport and one night at the 4-star Sofitel Gatwick Airport on bed and breakfast basis. Applies to trains arriving in Euston after 16.00 hrs. On your return from Vancouver the flight will return you direct to Manchester Airport, arriving at 09.05 hrs.
Alaska Cruise
7 nights in an inside K or J category cabin with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; transfers on return to Vancouver. Please note your Riviera tour manager will not normally accompany you on the cruise. Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Onboard currency is the US dollar. Extras: Subject to change, US$11 per person per day will be added to your onboard account for cruise staff gratuities and a 15% service charge is added to drinks bills.
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from £599
Upgrade to the double-decker GoldLeaf Dome Coach with its panoramic wrap-round windows that make you feel right in the middle of the breathtaking scenery! Guests also have access to the open-air observation vestibule at the end of each carriage. Impeccable service is complimented with 3-course gourmet dining in the lower-level dining room. GoldLeaf upgrade is not bookable online, please call us on 01283 742300 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to book this option.
Visas and Health Matters
Canada - UK & Irish nationals do not require a visa. However, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the intended return date.
Alaska, USA - British passport holders do not require a visa under the USA Visa Waiver Programme. Please ensure your passport is machine-readable (i.e. a red passport with two lines of letters, numbers and ‘>>>>’ at the foot of your personal details page) and is valid for at least six months after your departure date from the US.
Please note British passport holders qualifying for the Visa Waiver programme must now apply online for authorisation to enter the USA, for which there is now an administration fee of $14 per person. This may only be submitted online by logging on to: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and registering at least 72 hours prior to travel. It is now a requirement that all passengers apply in this way. Without authorisation prior to travel, admission may be denied at a US port of entry. For the latest information, please visit the ESTA website, as detailed. Holders of non-British passports will need to contact the American Embassy in London for details at least three months prior to departure. Details can be found on: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html.
Day 1
Check in for your flight to Calgary. Following our afternoon arrival we transfer to the three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel in central Calgary for one night.
Day 2
Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, where we stay for the next three nights, is the three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a easy 15-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive town.
Day 3
This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles, at depths of over 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4
Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Day 5
This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, as we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in RedLeaf Class include airline-style ‘chilled’ breakfast and luncheon on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Service and its impressive Dome Coach. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6
We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon. We criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our hotel for the next two nights is the brand-new three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, close to the main shopping areas and the harbourfront promenade.
Day 7
Vancouver regually features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. here you can visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters - a delightful experience! The path continues along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot from which to watch the sunset.
Day 8
This morning is at your leisure. Embarkment begins on the MS Zuiderdam at 11:30am and cabins are normally available from around 1pm. Our ship sails a 5pm, passing below Vancouver's spectacular Lion's Gate suspension bridge.
Day 9
Our first full day at sea and there’s plenty of time to ease into shipboard life and take in the amazing scenery of the Inside Passage. For anyone who prefers a little more activity, there are a huge variety of onboard talks and activities available. This evening is the first formal night of the cruise.
Day 10
We spend the morning cruising the narrow 25-mile long Tracy Arm fjord to view the massive twin Sawyer Glaciers. Hemmed in by near vertical ice-scoured granite mountainsides, the glaciers are surrounded by a wild and barren landscape – reminiscent of the last Ice Age! Look out for harbour seals basking on the many ice floes in the bay. After lunch we arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. From here there’s a widely varying selection of shore excursions on offer, ranging from flying to a glacier by helicopter and dog-sledding with teams of huskies, to whale-watching, kayaking, a typical Alaskan salmon bake, fly fishing by sea plane and a variety of hikes in the surrounding area.
Day 11
An early start today as we arrive in Skagway at 7am. Our ship remains here all day allowing plenty of time to explore this historic gateway to the Klondike, originally a lawless tented city during its gold rush days. The shore excursions include a number of helicopter glacier sightseeing opportunities, but what makes Skagway unique is it being the start of the White Pass & Yukon railroad and there are a number of excursions that include a fascinating ride on the restored carriages of this 100-year old route through the Alaskan wilderness. The most striking feature of Alaska, is the sheer sense of isolation and tranquil beauty. People are a rarity, settlement less so; the land is not farmed or used by man in any way and the forests, seemingly, unmanaged! There's wildlife galore, safe in sanctuary of this pristine wilderness - there are few places like this left on the planet.
Day 12
Today is yet another tour highlight as your cruise-ship slowly enters the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park, with eight actively calving glaciers, more than anywhere else on Earth, access to this amazing spectacle is strictly controlled by the US Parks Service. Surrounded by snow-clad 10,000-foot peaks of the Fairweather Range, the nutrient-rich waters teem with salmon and humpback whales. On-shore it’s also home to black bears, moose and wolves. Our ship will spend the day cruising this huge area comprising 900 square miles of marine waters and although we do not actually dock anywhere, National Park Service rangers will come on board to provide specialist commentary and answer any questions.
Day 13
After a morning’s cruising, we arrive at the small town of Ketchikan after lunch, where a number of breathtaking trips are available, via seaplane, into the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument or the remote Tongass National Forest - a perfect environment, only accessible by air, where bears can be spotted fishing for salmon. Amongst the many other activities available, there’s salmon fishing, a crab feast, sea kayaking, and for the really adventurous, a ‘zip-line’ descent through the forest canopy!
Day 14
Our last full day is spent at sea returning through the Inside Passage.
Day 15
We arrive back in Vancouver in the morning, where you disembark and transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.
Day 16
We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.
Book now
Check in for your flight to Calgary. Following our afternoon arrival we transfer to the three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel in central Calgary for one night.
Day 2
Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, where we stay for the next three nights, is the three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a easy 15-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive town.
Day 3
This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles, at depths of over 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4
Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Day 5
This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, as we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in RedLeaf Class include airline-style ‘chilled’ breakfast and luncheon on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Service and its impressive Dome Coach. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6
We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon. We criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our hotel for the next two nights is the brand-new three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, close to the main shopping areas and the harbourfront promenade.
Day 7
Vancouver regually features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. here you can visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters - a delightful experience! The path continues along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot from which to watch the sunset.
Day 8
This morning is at your leisure. Embarkment begins on the MS Zuiderdam at 11:30am and cabins are normally available from around 1pm. Our ship sails a 5pm, passing below Vancouver's spectacular Lion's Gate suspension bridge.
Day 9
Our first full day at sea and there’s plenty of time to ease into shipboard life and take in the amazing scenery of the Inside Passage. For anyone who prefers a little more activity, there are a huge variety of onboard talks and activities available. This evening is the first formal night of the cruise.
Day 10
We spend the morning cruising the narrow 25-mile long Tracy Arm fjord to view the massive twin Sawyer Glaciers. Hemmed in by near vertical ice-scoured granite mountainsides, the glaciers are surrounded by a wild and barren landscape – reminiscent of the last Ice Age! Look out for harbour seals basking on the many ice floes in the bay. After lunch we arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. From here there’s a widely varying selection of shore excursions on offer, ranging from flying to a glacier by helicopter and dog-sledding with teams of huskies, to whale-watching, kayaking, a typical Alaskan salmon bake, fly fishing by sea plane and a variety of hikes in the surrounding area.
Day 11
An early start today as we arrive in Skagway at 7am. Our ship remains here all day allowing plenty of time to explore this historic gateway to the Klondike, originally a lawless tented city during its gold rush days. The shore excursions include a number of helicopter glacier sightseeing opportunities, but what makes Skagway unique is it being the start of the White Pass & Yukon railroad and there are a number of excursions that include a fascinating ride on the restored carriages of this 100-year old route through the Alaskan wilderness. The most striking feature of Alaska, is the sheer sense of isolation and tranquil beauty. People are a rarity, settlement less so; the land is not farmed or used by man in any way and the forests, seemingly, unmanaged! There's wildlife galore, safe in sanctuary of this pristine wilderness - there are few places like this left on the planet.
Day 12
Today is yet another tour highlight as your cruise-ship slowly enters the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park, with eight actively calving glaciers, more than anywhere else on Earth, access to this amazing spectacle is strictly controlled by the US Parks Service. Surrounded by snow-clad 10,000-foot peaks of the Fairweather Range, the nutrient-rich waters teem with salmon and humpback whales. On-shore it’s also home to black bears, moose and wolves. Our ship will spend the day cruising this huge area comprising 900 square miles of marine waters and although we do not actually dock anywhere, National Park Service rangers will come on board to provide specialist commentary and answer any questions.
Day 13
After a morning’s cruising, we arrive at the small town of Ketchikan after lunch, where a number of breathtaking trips are available, via seaplane, into the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument or the remote Tongass National Forest - a perfect environment, only accessible by air, where bears can be spotted fishing for salmon. Amongst the many other activities available, there’s salmon fishing, a crab feast, sea kayaking, and for the really adventurous, a ‘zip-line’ descent through the forest canopy!
Day 14
Our last full day is spent at sea returning through the Inside Passage.
Day 15
We arrive back in Vancouver in the morning, where you disembark and transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.
Day 16
We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.
Book now
- Calgary - three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel
- Banff - three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge
- Kamloops - three-star hotel to be allocated locally by Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver - three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
Alaska Cruise - MS Zuiderdam
The first of Holland America Line’s Vista-class ships, the 1,900-passenger MS Zuiderdam has more outside oceanview staterooms and verandas than most other ships in Alaska. The Promenade deck goes right round the ship with plenty of classic teak deck chairs to relax in, whilst its stunning
8-deck atrium and spacious public rooms are adorned with a wide variety of art and antiques. Dining options include the two-tier Vista dining room serving 5-course meals with impeccable service and an extensive wine list. A more intimate option is the Pinnacle Grill (US$30 pp supplement), which features sterling-silver beef served on top of the range china and linens. The informal Lido restaurant has free seating and buffet-style service for lunch and breakfast and waiter service for dinner. You may also enjoy daily Afternoon Tea, complimentary hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and late night snacks – there’s even a demonstration kitchen featuring gourmet cookery classes. There are two formal evenings when gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie.
The spacious, elegantly-appointed staterooms all feature complimentary 24-hour room service, fresh fruit daily, flat-panel TVs, bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels and Elemis bath products. The Deluxe Veranda staterooms are particularly popular and early booking is recommended.
Other ship facilities include a three-tier theatre, the Crow’s Nest observation lounge, a piano bar and sports bar, the Explorer’s Lounge where complimentary newspapers, books and internet are available, the Greenhouse Spa and hair salon with its steam room and ‘hydro’ pool, a covered pool and a large open observation deck right at the very top of the ship.
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| Departure date | Departing point | Departure UK | Arrive in UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-Sep-2012 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2859.00 | please call |
Our tour manager was Steve who was well organised and efficient and contributed in no small measure to our enjoyment of the experience. We have travelled with Riviera many times and have never been disappointed. The forethought in your planning, the tour managers, the hotels etc... have always been of a very high standard.
Jul 2011
Mr & Mrs Davies
Mr & Mrs Davies
