Experience bucket-list highlights and hidden gems of “The Last Frontier” by rail, sail, and coach! From Anchorage to Vancouver, you’ll travel the beautiful Alaskan landscape on the Yukon railroad, aboard Holland America’s gorgeous MS Zaandam, and by coach through sites like Denali National Park. En route, meet mushers and fishermen, discover native cultures, and marvel at agriculture in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!
Fly to Alaska where you’ll enjoy a complimentary transfer to our hotel. Later, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Anchorage. D
DAY 2—AWCC/PORTAGE GLACIER CRUISE/ALYESKA RESORT
Travel south along Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountain Range on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn how this facility takes in orphaned and injured animals. Next, cruise across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan. You’ll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age, watch for fractures of ice to break off from the glacier and crash into the water below. A delicious lunch awaits us at Alyeska Resort followed by a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska. We return to Anchorage for our overnight. B, L
DAY 3—HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS/MCKINLEY EXPLORER/DENALI
An Alaskan visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing sled dogs in action! Meet the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels, where veteran Iditarod racer Martin Buser will share stories of his races, and give a dog sled demonstration. Then, climb aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we head to Denali for a two-night stay at this magnificent national treasure. See the wide open tundra and watch out for wildlife such as eagles and bears. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or choose an optional excursion, such as a nature walk, rafting trip down the Nenana River, a flight-seeing tour over Denali, or a Ranger talk. B, L
DAY 4—DENALI NATIONAL PARK
You’ll be snapping plenty of photos during a spectacular five-hour guided tour of Denali National Park, home of majestic Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), lush forests and crystal-clear waters. Be on the lookout for wildlife, such as “The Big 5” mammals: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and grizzlies. B, L
DAY 5—RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY/ALASKA PIPELINE/SALMON BAKE & SALOON SHOW
Today, coach to Fairbanks for a ride along the Chena River on the Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler. Then get up close to the famous Alaska pipeline. Tonight you’re in for a treat at Pioneer Park. Enjoy generous portions of prime rib, beer battered cod and grilled salmon grilled over an outdoor alder wood fire and rounded out with roasted potatoes, baked beans, salad and blueberry cake. Then sit back and enjoy songs, stories, and historical highlights of Fairbanks, also known as “The Golden Heart City”. B, L, D
DAY 6—WHITEHORSE/MACBRIDE MUSEUM
This morning, fly from Fairbanks into Canada’s majestic Yukon Territory. This afternoon visit MacBride Museum, a nod to all things Yukon. Learn the fascinating stories, see gold rush equipment, and more. Our home this evening is Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. B
DAY 7—SKAGWAY/GOLD PANNING
Travel from Whitehorse to Skagway passing Emerald Lake and Carcross in the Yukon. Upon arrival into Skagway, we’ll be treated to an authentic barbecue lunch including ribs, chicken and various side-dishes. Then, get ready to find your own fortune! Experience a glimpse of the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters to learn the art of gold panning. Practice your technique in warm-water troughs—gold is guaranteed in every pan. Haul your swag into the Gold Shack to have it weighed and browse among a collection of gold-nugget jewelry and mining-related souvenirs. We spend the next two evenings in Skagway. B, L
DAY 8—WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILROAD
Today we travel on the captivating White Pass Trail aboard an old-fashioned narrow gauge train roundtrip from Skagway. Relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore more of Skagway, perhaps visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, have a bite to eat at the famous Red Onion Saloon or browse the shops for souvenirs. Later, we gather for dinner. B, D
DAY 9: SKAGWAY/MS ZAANDAM
Stroll the wooden sidewalks of this famous Gold Rush town, do some last minute souvenir shopping, or take in a Ranger-led walking tour before embarking on our home away from home the next four nights, the MS Zaandam. Get acquainted with the ship’s amazing amenities before dinner; and don’t miss the evening entertainment, which includes everything from Broadway reviews to stand-up comedians. B, D
DAY 10: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
Cruise the ice-studded fjords of this national treasure for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates on board the ship. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. B, L, D
DAY 11: KETCHIKAN
Explore this uniquely Alaskan port, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords. Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. And leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art. B, L, D
DAY 12: INSIDE PASSAGE AND SHIPBOARD FUN
Today, glide through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world. You’ll see steep mountain walls on both sides of the ship, brilliantly colored forests, blue glaciers and seaside villages dotting the coastline. Take a break from the beautiful sights and partake in one of the ship’s many activities such as bingo, cooking demonstrations and naturalist talks. B, L, D
DAY 13: VANCOUVER
Alas, we must say farewell as we disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, and head for home— carrying enough “midnight sun” memories to last a lifetime! B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-2: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
Nights 3-4: McKinley Chalets, Denali NP
Night 5: Westmark Fairbanks
Night 6: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse, YT
Nights 7-8: Westmark Skagway
Nights 9-12: MS Zaandam
Dates:
Jul 5-17, 2024
Jul 26-Aug 7, 2024
Aug 9-21, 2024
Price Per Person:
Inside Cabin (Double) - $4,497
Inside Cabin (Single) - $7,355
Outside Cabin (Double) - $4,697
Outside Cabin (Single) - $7,755
Verandah Cabin (Double) - $5,197
Verandah Cabin (Single) - $8,795
Mandatory taxes (per person): Double: $325 / Single: $395
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Pre-Hotel Anchorage: $398/night
Post-Hotel Vancouver: Call for rates
Depart/Return:
Depart: Anchorage, AK
Return: Vancouver, BC
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Vancouver Int’l Airport any time after Noon on Day 13.
Returning to the United States
Vancouver Int'l Airport allows US Residents to clear Passport Control/Customs in Canada rather than upon your first point of entry into the US. This allows for a convenient and quick entry at your returning U.S. airport, similar to arrival on a domestic flight.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Complimentary shuttle service provided by Holland America Line from the Anchorage Int’l Airport to the starting hotel and returning to the Vancouver Int’l Airport is included in your tour package.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
July - high of 70°, low of 52°
August - high of 67°, low of 49°
Time Zone
Alaska (-3 hours from Central Time)
Vancouver (-2 hours from Central Time)
Hotel Amenities
Hair dryer, iron, ironing board at all hotels. Guest laundry is available at McKinley Chalets, Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks, Best Western Gold Rush in Whitehorse and, for a fee, on board the MS Zaandam. Exercise room & swimming pool on board the MS Zaandam and at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
"Country Club" casual attire (excluding jeans and shorts) is recommended for dinners on your cruise. However, the last night is the Captain's Farewell Dinner and it is required that men wear a dress shirt & suit coat and ladies should bring along a nice dress, skirt & blouse or a nice pants suit. If you do not feel comfortable dressing for dinner in the formal dining room, there are alternate casual dining choices while on board. You may eat in the Lido Restaurant or choose room service, both are complimentary.
The flight from Fairbanks to Whitehorse is included in your tour package and also includes luggage handling.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
