Best of Alaska

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!

Arrive in Anchorage and enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and a relaxed introduction to the journey ahead. D

DAY 2: AWCC/PORTAGE GLACIER CRUISE/ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

Travel along Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise beside the water, on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn how orphaned and injured animals are cared for up close. Continue to Portage Lake and board the mv Ptarmigan for a cruise toward Portage Glacier. Stand just 300 yards from this Ice Age remnant and watch for chunks of ice breaking away and crashing into the lake. Return to Anchorage for time on your own for lunch, then explore exhibits at the Anchorage Museum that trace Alaska’s history and culture. B

DAY 3: HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS/MCKINLEY EXPLORER/DENALI

Visit Happy Trails Kennels and meet the energetic sled dogs that power Alaska’s most iconic sport. Iditarod racer Martin Buser shares stories from the trail and presents a live dog sled demonstration. Then settle into the glass-domed railcars of the McKinley Explorer and travel toward Denali, watching the wide tundra for wildlife such as eagles and bears. This evening, enjoy Music of Denali, where hearty Alaskan dishes are paired with songs and stories celebrating the first climbers to reach the summit of Denali. B, L, D

DAY 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Set out on a five-hour guided tour through Denali National Park, where Denali rises above forests and open wilderness. Keep your camera ready for sightings of the Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. B, L

DAY 5: ALASKA PIPELINE/RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY

Travel by coach to Fairbanks, stopping for a close look at the Alaska pipeline stretching across the landscape. Then board the Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler, and cruise along the Chena River. Along the way, learn about Alaska’s history, indigenous culture, and riverboat traditions through engaging onboard presentations. Overnight in Fairbanks with the evening free for dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 6: WHITEHORSE

Fly into Canada’s Yukon Territory and arrive in Whitehorse, once a key stop for Klondike Gold Rush prospectors traveling the Yukon River. Today, the town blends frontier history with local character. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace before settling in for the evening. B

DAY 7: MACBRIDE MUSEUM/YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE/SKAGWAY

Begin with a visit to the MacBride Museum for an introduction to Yukon history. Then travel along the Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Skagway, passing the vivid waters of Emerald Lake and the small community of Carcross. Stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge and take in views high above the rushing Tutshi River. While here, enjoy a meal featuring regional flavors, surrounded by the rugged landscape. B, L

DAY 8: WHITE PASS AND YUKON RAILROAD

Board a vintage narrow-gauge train for a journey along the historic White Pass Trail. Relax in restored coaches as the train climbs toward White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Look out over steep mountain slopes, glacier-carved valleys, and cascading waterfalls along the route. Spend the afternoon exploring Skagway before gathering for dinner. B, D

DAY 9: SKAGWAY/ MS ZAANDAM

Stroll along Skagway’s wooden boardwalks, browse local shops, or join a ranger-led walking tour before boarding the MS Zaandam, your home for the next four nights. Settle in and explore the ship’s amenities before dinner, followed by evening entertainment including Broadway- style performances and stand-up comedy. B, D

DAY 10: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Cruise through Glacier Bay for eight hours with narration from a Park Service ranger. Watch as ice-studded fjords and forested shorelines unfold around you in one of Alaska’s most protected environments. This stretch of the Inside Passage reveals glacier-carved landscapes extending from Misty Fjords National Monument to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. B, L, D

DAY 11: KETCHIKAN

Arrive in Ketchikan, a coastal town known for its native heritage and salmon fishing. Discover the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples as you view intricately carved totem poles. Take time to explore the town, including historic Creek Street, where colorful buildings stand on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. B, L, D

DAY 12: INSIDE PASSAGE AND SHIPBOARD FUN

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, where forested islands, glacier-cut fjords, and coastal villages line the route. Between time on deck, enjoy onboard activities such as cooking demonstrations, bingo, and naturalist talks. B, L, D

DAY 13: VANCOUVER

Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, and begin your journey home with lasting memories of Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. B

QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS

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 9-21, 2027
Jul 23-Aug 4, 2027

Price Per Person:

See table below

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

Pre-Hotel Anchorage: $468/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

Pricing Table

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, view Travel Protection Information.