ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE. Welcome to Alaska! Meet your Tour Director this evening between 5 pm and 8 pm in the hotel reception area.
2
ANCHORAGE - DENALI NATIONAL PARK. Travelling north into the majestic wilds of Alaska, visit the IDITAROD HEADQUARTERS, home of the world-famous dogsled race. Arrive in Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for climbers attempting to summit Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at 6,194 metres (20,320 feet). Board the historic ALASKA RAILROAD for a scenic trip to Denali National Park. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)
3
DENALI NATIONAL PARK. This morning, a guided tour takes you into the 6-million-acre DENALI NATIONAL PARK to explore the majestic wilderness and seek out grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and other wildlife! Your afternoon is free for optional adventures such as float trips, a dogsled demonstration, a helicopter ride over the park, or a delicious dinner and rollicking musical comedy performed in a camp house reminiscent of the Gold Rush era. (B,L)
4
DENALI NATIONAL PARK - FAIRBANKS. Travel into the heart of Alaska to Fairbanks, where you will enjoy lunch at the historic Pump House restaurant on the banks of the Chena River. The afternoon and evening are at leisure in Fairbanks. (B,L)
5
FAIRBANKS. This morning, board the sternwheeler Discovery for a CRUISE on the Chena and Tanana Rivers with a stop at a recreated Chena Indian Village to learn about Athabascan native culture. Later, visit the UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA - FAIRBANKS MUSEUM during your Fairbanks city tour, and also stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline. (B)
6
FAIRBANKS - DAWSON CITY. Continuing the journey into Gold Rush history, motor over the Top of the World Highway and enter the Yukon. Passing through the village of Chicken, today promises to be filled with breathtaking scenery. Tonight, you have reservations at DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIE'S, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino. (B)
7
DAWSON CITY. Today, step back in time at the site of CLAIM #1, where the first gold strike was made. Continue to an old GOLD DREDGE to learn how gold changed this land forever and to try your own hand at gold panning! Next, stop at the DANOJA ZHO CULTURAL CENTRE for a tour on the First Nations' traditions and culture over the past 100 years. (B)
8
DAWSON - WHITEHORSE. Today, trace the trail of the gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. View the Five Finger Rapids, which once posed a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers stampeding into the Yukon. Your day concludes in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon. (B,D)
9
WHITEHORSE. A city tour stops at the YUKON BERINGIA INTERPRETIVE CENTRE, where you can meet the ice-age giant mammals that once ruled the ancient subcontinent. Stop at the SS KENO RIVERBOAT and learn about its importance on the Yukon River in the Gold Rush days. Later, head to Whitehorse's premier dogsled facility, UNCOMMON JOURNEYS, where you will personally meet the huskies and their trainers. Here, learn about the training and care of Alaskan Huskies as well as the lifestyle required to race in world-famous competitions such as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. (B)
10
WHITEHORSE - TOK. Return to Alaska, travelling through the rugged mountains of KLUANE NATIONAL PARK, home to 5,985 metre (19,625 foot) Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak. Continue on the Alaska Highway to Tok, the "Dog Sled Capital of the World". (B)
11
TOK - VALDEZ. Head to Alaska's southernmost ice-free port, Valdez, home of the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal. As you travel toward some of the highest coastal mountains in the world, enjoy views of Thompson Pass, Worthington Glacier, and Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the "Switzerland of Alaska" - Valdez. Visit the unique VALDEZ MUSEUM late this afternoon. (B)
12
VALDEZ - WHITTIER - ANCHORAGE. Board a BOAT today and get a closer look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal, the 4.8 kilometre (3 mile) face of Columbia Glacier, and the playful sea life of PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND. Keep your eyes open for eagles, whales, mountain goats, dolphins, and sea lions! This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Alyeska Prince Hotel before returning to Anchorage. (B,L,D)
13
ANCHORAGE - SEWARD (EMBARKATION). Transfer to the pier to embark on your Holland America cruise ship, the MS Statendam or MS Zaadam. (B,D)
14
SCENIC CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA Only one place in Alaska surrounds you on three sides with flowing rivers of ice. This fjord is home to the largest number of tidewater glaciers in the world. Cruise past one dramatic tidewater glacier after another - an awesome assemblage of Ice Age wonders. (B,L,D)
15
SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY. This Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in an ever-changing glacial landscape. Here, witness an amazing spectacle of thunder and flying spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and "calve" into the sea - making for lasting memories. National Park rangers accompany the ship to add expert commentary to the day's events. (B,L,D)
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HAINES. Nestled on the shores of America's longest fjord, Haines enjoys a spectacular setting. You may choose to fill your day with a float trip through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the largest annual gathering of Bald Eagels, the nation's avain symbol. Or, visit the Sheldon Museum, art galleries, and local shops in town. (B,L,D)
17
JUNEAU. Visit one of the most scenic and remote capital cities - Juneau. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska's Inside Passage, and is home to a rich Gold Rush history, Native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Step ashore to shop for gold nuggets; visit the stately Governor's Mansion; saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, the city's famous watering hole; or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice that is 19.3 kilometres (12 miles) long and 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) wide. (B,L,D)
18
KETCHIKAN. Experience Native Alaska firsthand. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, explore Creek Street, now home to contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques. (B,L,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
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VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION). Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after 11.30 am. (B)
TALKEETNA-DENALI: Journey aboard the Alaska Railroad
DENALI NATIONAL PARK: Welcome dinner; guided wilderness tour
FAIRBANKS: City tour; cruise aboard the sternwheeler Discovery; visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum and the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
DAWSON CITY: Visit Diamond Tooth Gertie's, Claim #1, a gold dredge, and the Danoja Zho Cultural Centre
WHITEHORSE: Visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, riverboat SS Keno, and Uncommon Journeys
KLUANE NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing
VALDEZ: Visit the Valdez Museum; private cruise on Prince William Sound
ALYESKA: Farewell dinner
Meals American breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 three-course dinners (D) including welcome and farewell dinners; Alaska Cruise Extension: 20 additional meals
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
Meals Breakfast - 19 Lunch - 9 Dinner - 10
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
90
USD
Name:RAFTING THE NENANA RIVER Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Enjoy a scenic trip or wild canyon run on the Nenana River. Each trip is approximately three hours with a total of two hours on the water. The scenic Wilderness Run is perfect for the family and travels 13 miles through the Alaska wilderness. Perfect for the beginner rafter! The Canyon Run is an exciting whitewater adventure with Class III and IV rapids. This is one ride where you will get wet!
63
USD
Name:DENALI PARK DINNER THEATER Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Enjoy a night of fun, food and frivolity! Go back in time and join a group of unforgettable characters as they treat you to hilarious stories of living in Denali National Park featuring foot-stomping, knee-slapping music. The all-you-can-eat, family style meal will let you feast on Alaskan salmon, BBQ ribs, potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, sourdough rolls, and a tasty dessert.
345
USD
Name:MT. MCKINLEY BY HELICOPTER Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Get an up close view of Mount McKinley, "the Great One!" Enjoy a helicopter thrill as you soar high above the land and view wildlife, alpine glaciers, the Alaska Range, and Mount McKinley. This tour is highly recommendable for our "once in a lifetime" adventurers. $345 for 50 minutes Denali Excursion, $445 Denali Glacier Expedition, $475 for Heli-Hiking Adventure.
375
USD
Name:FIXED WING IN DENALI Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Enjoy a 60 to 70-minute fixed wing flightseeing journey following the Alaska Range out to about one mile from Mount McKinley (weather dependent). Flights depart on every even hour from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and transportation departs the hotel on every odd hour (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
59
USD
Name:HUSKY HOMESTEAD Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Step back from the crowds and join an intimate group for a personal tour of the homestead kennel of two-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King and his wife, well-known wildlife artist, Donna Gates King. Meet champion sled dogs, visit with puppies and see summer training in action. One and a half-hour narrated kennel tour.
70
USD
Name:BLACK DIAMOND GOLF Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Golf in the midnight sun! Golf packages include green fees, club rentals, course balls and tees, a personalized certificate, logo ball, and transfer. Includes Power Cart or Pull Cart.
175
USD
Name:FLY FISH DENALI Location:DENALI NATIONAL PARK Details:Personalised and fully outfitted fly fishing excursions. Fish for Arctic Grayling and Rainbow Trout in Denali. Cost: $175 per person for a half day and $275 per person with Jet Boat.
35
USD
Name:FAIRBANKS SALMON BAKE Location:FAIRBANKS Details:Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Alaskan style meal as you dine on salmon, halibut or ribs with accompaniments. Afterwards, stroll through the neighbouring Pioneer Park, an Alaskana theme park featuring historical buildings, transportation venues and shops.
469
USD
Name:ARCTIC CIRCLE AIR ADVENTURE Location:FAIRBANKS Details:Fly above the Arctic! Travel north out of Fairbanks by fixed-wing plane over the Arctic Circle. View the remarkable Trans-Alaska Pipeline, remnants of gold mining, the expansive Yukon River Valley, and the magnificent Brooks Mountain Range. Guests will land in a wilderness community and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. NOTE: Refunds are not available for missed sightseeing and applicable meals in Fairbanks while on tour.
82
USD
Name:WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILROAD Location:WHITEHORSE Details:Travel back in time and relive the Klondike Gold Rush. Follow the original route of the hopeful stampeders of 1898 in comfort aboard refurbished train cars. This three-hour, fully narrated railroad experience travels between Whitehorse and Skagway over a 3,000-foot pass. View cascading waterfalls, spectacular mountains, valleys, and the Lynn Canal. This historical adventure is one you won't soon forget.
250
USD
Name:FLIGHT SEEING Location:ANCHORAGE Details:Explore Knik Glacier/Wildlife Tour - Take off over the expansive Knik Glacier rimmed with spectacular hanging glaciers. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land, then fly over the winding Knick Glacier Gorge. Spot mountain goats and moose. Add a landing at a lakeside inn for refreshments. Cost: $250 per person for 1 1/2 hours; or $300 per person for 2 1/4 hours with Lakeside Stop. Also available for pre-tour and post tour days in Anchorage.
Optional Excursions
