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/ANCHORAGE MUSEUM
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. Return to Anchorage for lunch on your own before exploring the story of Alaska through numerous exhibits at the Anchorage Museum. B
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 for wildlife such as eagles and bears. Tonight, you’re in for a treat at the Music of Denali. Enjoy generous portions of Alaskan favorites while experiencing songs, stories, and historical highlights of the first people to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley. B, L, D
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 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. Enjoy putting Denali Dollars towards the dining options offered at the Denali Lodge. B, L, D
DAY 5: ALASKA PIPELINE/RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY
Today, coach to Fairbanks for a ride along the Chena River on The Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler. Along the way, get up close to the famous Alaska pipeline. Onboard the sternwheeler you will witness a showcase of Alaska’s history, indigenous culture, wildlife, and riverboat navigation in an immersive experience. Overnight in Fairbanks with dinner on your own. B, L
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/YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Travel from Whitehorse to Skagway passing Emerald Lake and Carcross in the Yukon. Along the Klondike Highway, we will visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge and outdoor museum for an impressive view over the white-water rapids of the Tutshi River. While there, you will be treated to the rustic charm of a meal that highlights the taste of the Yukon with spectacular views surrounding us. 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, AK
Nights 3-4: Denali Lodge, Denali NP
Night 5: Westmark Fairbanks, AK
Night 6: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse, YT, Canada
Nights 7-8: Westmark Skagway, AK
Nights 9-12: MS Zaandam
Dates:
Jul 10-22, 2026
Aug 14-26, 2026
Price Per Person:
Inside Cabin Double - $4,999
Inside Cabin Single - $8,779
Outside Cabin Double - $5,199
Outside Cabin Single - $9,119
Verandah Cabin Double - $5,799
Verandah Cabin Single - $10,229
Plus $370 in port taxes and fees (per person).
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Pre-Hotel Anchorage: $439/night
Post-Hotel Vancouver: Call for rates
Depart/Return:
Depart: Anchorage, AK
Return: Vancouver, BC
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle
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, starting at 6:30 pm. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 pm.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart 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 U.S. 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 from Anchorage 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 Denali Lodge, 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.
“Casual wear” is recommended, and you will need to pack appropriately for the expected weather at your destination. For women, we suggest casual tops, sweaters, sweatshirts, slacks, jeans, and knee length skirts or dress shorts. For men, casual pants, jeans or dress shorts along with a shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt is appropriate. Due to the relaxed nature of our trip, suits, ties, and formal dresses are not needed. Please keep in mind that we often visit people in their homes and places of business, therefore, out of courtesy, tank tops and similar clothing are not recommended attire.
You may want to bring a warm coat/jacket and gloves and rain gear “just in case”. We also highly recommend a pair of broken-in shoes, so you can comfortably walk at our tour stops. Finally, you may wish to pack your swimsuit as some hotels will have pools or saunas.
During the daytime on board the ship, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard the ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Evening dress on board the ship falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks, and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts are not allowed in restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive formal evenings, ladies may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown, or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo. 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 also want to pack orange clothing and accessories, as Holland America will host an Orange Party to celebrate their Dutch heritage.
Optional Excursions are available for purchase on the Holland America website. Once you have made your booking with Country Travel Discoveries, contact our office to inquire about your Holland America Booking Number to begin adding excursions to your cruise itinerary.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
