Enjoy this unforgettable 16 days Alaskan cruise through the Inside Passage including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Denali National Park.
Day 1. Spectacular Vancouver
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an informal and friendly Welcome Dinner.
Day 2. Alaska Princess Cruises Cruise
After a leisurely breakfast, make your way to the waterfront and board your ship for your cruise of the magnificent Inside Passage.
Day 3. Cruising the Inside Passage
Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, watching the scenery slip by and enjoying the ship’s amenities. Enjoy the views as your ship sails past rocky headlands and glides over the still blue waters of the Inside Passage. Take the time to explore your cruise ship and its facilities – perhaps stroll the teak decks, work out in the ship’s fitness centre or be pampered in the spa. Or simply sit back, relax and watch the stunning landscapes drift past.
Day 4. Ketchikan
Widely regarded as the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the place to indulge in all things salmon. Perhaps join a tour of the town, visiting the busy fishing harbour and totem park, or immerse yourself
in the Tlingit Indian culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense).
Day 5. Juneau
Today visit Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Settled by gold miners in 1880, Juneau is a trade centre of the Panhandle area. You can experience a dog sled ride over a glacier, sample salmon baked over a fire, or pan for gold. You might also like to visit the Alaskan State Museum, featuring Tlingit and Athabascan Indian and Eskimo exhibits (own expense).
Day 6. Skagway
Located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway’s history as a frontier town and gold rush gateway remains evident today. Possessing one of the oldest narrow-gauge railroads in the world, Skagway retains the flavour of days gone by and remains an important link to Alaska’s rich history. Choose to take in the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges and waterfalls from the comfort of vintage passenger coaches as you traverse cliff-hanging turns, bridges and trestles.
Day 7. Glacier Bay
Wake to Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks. Rangers come aboard to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the wildlife and marine mammals that call this place home.
Day 8. College Fjord
Cruise College Fjord, with its five tidewater glaciers, five large valley glaciers and dozens of smaller glaciers - most of which were named after Ivy League schools by the Harriman Expedition of 1899.
Day 9. Whittier, Anchorage, Mt McKinley
Disembark today in Whittier and board the Princess Rail Service for a memorable rail journey to Talkeetna, at the base of Mt McKinley. Travel on to your splendid wilderness lodge that borders the south side of Denali National Park near the Chulitna River.
Day 10. Mt McKinley
Enjoy a full day at leisure today, exploring the surrounds of North America’s highest peak, Mt McKinley, a high pyramid of glacial rock. Choose from a selection of optional excursions (own expense) or just relax at the lodge.
Day 11. Princess Rail Service to Denali
Board the Princess Rail Service dome car through the Alaskan tundras to Denali National Park. (Guests cruising aboard the Diamond Princess will travel from Mt McKinley to Denali by luxury coach.) Tonight, enjoy the Music of the Denali Dinner Show.
Day 12. Denali
Today, enjoy a Natural History Tour, delving deep into Denali’s 400,000 hectare expanse. The park abounds with wildlife, including caribou and grizzly bears. Tonight, dine at the King Salmon Restaurant.
Day 13. Denali, Fairbanks
Reboard the Princess Rail Service and journey to Fairbanks.
Day 14. Fairbanks
Today, board a light aircraft and fly north from Fairbanks. Wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below as the flight traverses past and present goldfields, the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline, and the mighty Yukon River. Thrill at the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range as the flight route passes just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Land in Coldfoot and then travel north on the Dalton Highway and visit the only year-round community on the Dalton Highway – Wiseman, Alaska. First learn the history of this region and then learn how and why people live here year round today. Receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.
Day 15. Fairbanks, Anchorage
Enjoy a morning sternwheeler riverboat cruise, then Fly to Anchorage for the night.
Day 16. Depart Anchorage
Enjoy time at leisure, then transfer to Anchorage airport for your flight home.
