Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 ANCHORAGE
Welcome to Anchorage! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER–VALDEZ
As you enter Whittier from North America’s longest tunnel, the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains, and glaciers greet you. As the gateway to Prince William Sound, this is where you’ll board a GLACIER CRUISE for an up-close look along the 3-mile face of Mears Glacier, and the epicenter of the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. Watch for eagles, whales, mountain goats, dolphins, and sea lions! Overnight in Valdez, the “Switzerland of Alaska.”
Continental Breakfast
Day 3 VALDEZ–TOK
Leave Valdez, home of the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal, and enjoy views of Bridal Veil Falls, Worthington Glacier, and Thompson Pass. Visit the Wrangell–St. Elias Visitor Center and discover why this vast national park measures in size six times that of Yellowstone National Park, and rises from the ocean to 18,008 feet. Overnight in Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.”
Day 4 TOK–WHITEHORSE
Join the Alaska Highway and follow along the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Skirt the shores of Kluane Lake, once a meeting place for crews constructing the Alaska Highway. Behold spectacular vistas of the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,551-foot-high Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. The next two nights are in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Day 5 WHITEHORSE. EXCURSION TO SKAGWAY
Follow the Trail of ‘98 over the same mountains that thousands of determined gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter while heading for the Klondike. From Fraser, your Tour Director will suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway. Otherwise, continue by motorcoach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colorful saloons. NOTE: Operation of the White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway is subject to seasonal conditions.
Day 6 WHITEHORSE–DAWSON CITY
Head northwest through the town of Carmacks, once an important supply station for gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. A stop at the Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers that passed this way. Reach Dawson City, the center of excitement after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896, which led to the world’s largest gold rush. Tonight, enjoy the high-flying entertainment of DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIE’S SALOON, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.
Day 7 DAWSON CITY
Highlights on your morning sightseeing tour include Bonanza Creek, site of Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made; Robert Service Interpretive Centre, where you’ll get a first-hand glimpse into the life of this famous wordsmith, along with genuine Gold Rush era items. Enjoy a photo opportunity at the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse. The rest of your day is free to soak up the exciting history of this Gold Rush town at your own pace. Perhaps a return to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon is in order?
Day 8 DAWSON CITY–FAIRBANKS
A full day and well worth it, as the scenery is magnificent. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities at Dawson overlook and Top of the World Highway, where the motorcoach will re-enter Alaska. Visit one of the last surviving gold rush towns in Alaska before heading west on the Alaska Highway. Stop at an authentic Alaska roadhouse before your evening arrival in Fairbanks.
Day 9 FAIRBANKS
Morning sightseeing features highlights of Alaska’s second-largest city and a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Board the STERNWHEELER RIVERBOAT Discovery III for a leisurely cruise on the Chena River. You will see a bush floatplane take off alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the CHENA INDIAN VILLAGE.
Day 10 FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD-DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Board the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD for a memorable journey through untamed wilderness. Sit back in comfort and enjoy spectacular scenery through wide windows. Be sure to take advantage of the domed-roof car. The ride ends in DENALI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE. North America’s highest peak, 20,310-foot Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominates the park’s 6 million acres of glacial streams, river valleys, and multicolored tundra. After a short orientation tour of Denali, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Day 11 DENALI NATIONAL PARK
A free day for independent activities. A hike along the many wilderness trails might be good fun. Also take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour to seek out grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or a helicopter ride over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of other suggestions.
Day 12 DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ANCHORAGE
Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali before traveling south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at the IDITAROD HEADQUARTERS, home of the great dogsled race. After arrival in Anchorage, transfer to Seward to board Holland America’s MS Noordam or MS Westerdam for an unforgettable Inside Passage cruise.
Dinner
Day 13 CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA
A relaxing day at sea provides time to explore the ship’s many amenities. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and, with a little luck, you may spot a pod of mighty yet graceful killer whales.
Day 14 SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY
This incredible Biosphere Reserve protects a unique ecosystem, hosting an amazing spectacle as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea.
Day 15 HAINES
Nestled along a scenic fjord, Haines features the impressive Sheldon Museum, as well as galleries, shops, and Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles occurs each year.
Day 16 JUNEAU
Accessible only by air and water, history, native culture, wildlife, and nature come to life here. Shop for gold nuggets, saunter through the swinging doors at the Red Dog Saloon, or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier.
Day 17 KETCHIKAN
This self-proclaimed “Salmon Capital of the World” boasts the largest totem collection on the planet and a former redlight district-turned art district on historic Creek Street.
Day 18 SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
One of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world, the natural beauty here is unbelievable, featuring thick emerald-green forests and expansive turquoise glaciers.
Day 19 VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule homebound flights after Noon.
Breakfast