Sun, July 25: Fly to Anchorage, Alaska. Transfer downtown to the Hotel Captain Cook for two nights. The extra daylight hours will allow for plenty of time to wander and possibly catch a great photograph of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Mon, July 26: The day is yours to do as you please. Discover the city on a trolley tour, rent a bicycle and ride a coastal trail or visit one of many fantastic museums such as the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.* This evening, join up with fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. (Meal: Dinner)
Tue, July 27: Journey aboard Holland America Line’s award-winning McKinley Explorer train and marvel at the spectacular views from the dome railcars as you traverse the Great Land to Denali National Park. Lunch is included in the dining car. Check in to the new Junior Suites at McKinley Chalets on the Nenana River for two nights. Your leisure time can be used to relax or take advantage of the “Ambassadair Your Choice” excursion this evening. (L)
Wed, July 28: This morning, embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Travel 53 miles deep into Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). A light snack is included during the tour. The balance of the day is yours for optional activities such as flightseeing, river rafting, hiking and more!*
Thu, July 29: Travel by motorcoach north to Fairbanks. Enjoy an included lunch before cruising the great Chena and Tanana rivers on the sternwheeler riverboat, Discovery III. Watch a bush floatplane take off, stop along the river at the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and be immersed into the ancient Athabasca Indian culture on an informative tour of a recreated Chena Indian Village. Afterward, stop to see the one of the world’s engineering marvels, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant, The Pump House. Featuring “Alaskan Style” cuisine, all meals are crafted with the freshest ingredients possible. (L,D)
Fri, July 30: Fly from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada this morning. Lunch will be provided before an exclusive tour of historic Dawson City. See some of the original gold rush era buildings that are still standing along its boardwalks. Stop at the historic cabin of Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon before seeing Gold Dredge No. 4 and Discovery Claim where the first Alaskan gold was discovered. Cap off the tour by taking in the fantastic panoramic views from atop the Midnight Dome overlooking the Yukon River and Klondike Valley with the Ogilvie Mountains in the distance. Spend the next two nights here in the heart of the Klondike National Historic Site. (L)
Sat, July 31: A true frontier presence lives on in Dawson City, once the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Embark on a nostalgic, narrated river cruise on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler and soak up the atmosphere. Learn the story of Moosehide and the Klondike Gold Rush as you float along the Yukon River. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for an included dinner at a popular local restaurant. (D)
Sun, Aug 1: Travel via luxury coach along the Klondike Highway, passing the area where the Yukon River is divided by four islands into five channels; known as the Five Finger Rapids. Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. (L)
Mon, Aug 2: Depart for Fraser, to board the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad scenic train to Skagway. Whisk through the narrow passageways as the train car attendant dressed in vintage train attire narrates the history along the way. Savor an Alaskan barbeque lunch, then experience interactive Dredge Town to learn the rough and tumble history of mining during the Gold Rush. Colorful characters show you the town and period costumes are available for some memorable photos. Overnight in Skagway, home to gold-rush-era buildings now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (L)
Tue, Aug 3: Spend the morning at leisure on your own or on an excursion*, before boarding Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam, your home for the next four nights. Have lunch on board and explore the ship or see more of Skagway. The ship departs this evening. (L,D)
Wed, Aug 4: Cruise Glacier Bay National Park. Spend the day on deck to see seals and sea lions and keep an eye out for whales! Sail up close to some of the most actively calving glaciers. National Park Rangers will board the ship and provide interesting and educational commentary. (B,L,D)
Thu, Aug 5: Spend the day in Ketchikan, located in the Tongass National Forest. Choose to explore on your own or book an optional excursion.* Immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture, view the world’s largest collection of totem poles, see the Lumberjack Show or stroll the boardwalk through Creek Street, the former “red light” district. (B,L,D)
Fri, Aug 6: Spend a relaxing day as you sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage. (B,L,D)
Sat, Aug 7: Disembark the ship after breakfast. Afternoon flights home from Vancouver. (B)
* Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
Option to extend your stay! Vancouver and Victoria
Sat, Aug 7: After disembarking the ship, board the ferry to lovely Vancouver Island. Arrive in Victoria, and explore on a narrated city tour including a visit to world-famous Butchart Gardens. Overnight at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Sun, Aug 8: Enjoy a morning at leisure, then ferry back to Vancouver. Check in to your deluxe downtown hotel and enjoy the balance of the day in beautiful Vancouver.
Mon, Aug 9: Transfer to the Vancouver airport for your return flight home.
Call for pricing. Book early, subject to availability.