Alaska In-Depth
Treasures of Alaska & The Yukon
One of Ambassadair’s most popular land and cruise itineraries, this encompassing land tour is coupled with a four-night cruise that lets you experience more of the unspoiled wilderness in Alaska and the Yukon! Stay two nights in Anchorage and explore the city on your own before departing for Denali National Park via the McKinley Explorer train. Ride in a dome railcar and marvel at spectacular views along the way. Stay in the junior suites at McKinley Chalets and embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour to travel into the heart of Denali National Park. Glide on the Chena and Tanana Rivers onboard a sternwheeler and immerse yourself into the Athabascan Indian and Yupik Eskimo culture in Fairbanks, then fly to historic Dawson City in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Spend time in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, and ride a vintage narrow-gauge train past the steep Chilkoot trail to Skagway, your gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Board Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam for a cruise through Glacier National Park and the Inside Passage, stopping in Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver where you will spend your last night exploring this cosmopolitan city on the edge of nature.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
NOTE:
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.
Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
Itinerary
Sun, July 20: Fly to Anchorage, Alaska. Upon arrival, transfer to your downtown hotel and check-in for two nights. The extra daylight hours will allow plenty of time to wander, have dinner on your own, and catch a great photograph of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Mon, July 21: After an included breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to do as you please in Anchorage. 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 visit and demonstration at The Ulu Factory followed by a Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Tue, July 22: 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 comfortable Junior Suites at McKinley Chalets on the Nenana River for two nights. At the resort this evening, experience the Music of Denali Dinner Theater, a musical rendering of the first brave men to summit Denali. Find yourself clapping and singing along as you acquire an appreciation for the determined spirit of early Alaskan explorers and dine on a scrumptious family-style meal. (B,L,D)
Wed, July 23: This morning, wake early for breakfast before embarking on the Tundra Wilderness Tour—the premier tour of Denali National Park and Preserve—offering incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park, and the best opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Travel as far as the roads will take you 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, four-wheeling, hiking and more!* (B,Snack Box)
Thu, July 24: Travel by motorcoach north to Fairbanks. Enjoy an included lunch before an afternoon of gliding along the great Chena and Tanana rivers on the Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler. Stop along the cruise route at Trail Breaker Kennel, the home and kennel of the late Iditarod champion, Susan Butcher. Learn about kennel life from Susan’s husband and daughter. Continue down river to the open-air Chena Village Living Museum to learn about primitive Athabascan life and survival from centuries past. Following the cruise, get settled at your Fairbanks hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, savor dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Fri, July 25: Fly from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada and find yourself in the Klondike Valley alongside the Yukon River with the Ogilvie Mountains in the distance. Tour historic Dawson City and see some of the original gold rush era buildings that are still standing along its boardwalks. Pass by the historic cabin of Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon. Spend the next two nights here in the heart of the Klondike National Historic Site. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a ride to the top of the Midnight Dome for stunning views and an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Sat, July 26: A true frontier presence lives on in Dawson City, once the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. This afternoon, discover the inner workings of an authentic gold-digging machine, Dredge #4, guided by a Parks Canada Ranger located on the rough and rugged Klondike Gold Fields. Touch the ground where Klondike gold was first found at Discovery Creek. Enjoy the morning and evening as you wish; take a walk around town to admire all the historic and unique buildings, book an optional excursion at the tour desk*, visit the Jack London Museum, or pop into Diamond Tooth Gerties! (B)
Sun, July 27: 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. Rejuvenate in Minto, formerly known as “Land of Plenty” for lunch and picturesque views. Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. (B,L)
Mon, July 28: Continue by luxury motorcoach on a scenic drive through the Yukon and crossing the border to Skagway, Alaska. Board the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad* scenic train for an afternoon adventure. Whisk through the narrow passageways as the train car attendant dressed in vintage train attire narrates along the way. Every railroad has its own colorful beginnings and for the White Pass & Yukon Route, it was gold—discovered in 1896 by George Carmack and two First Nations companions, Skookum Jim and Dawson Charlie. Marvel at the stunning vistas as the train makes its way to White Pass Summit and returns to Skagway at the northern end of the Inside Passage. Much of this 1890’s Gold Rush town has been painstakingly restored and is now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Check in for an overnight stay and spend the balance of the day at leisure. (B)
Tue, July 29: Spend the morning at leisure on your own or on an optional 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 choose to have lunch on your own and spend more time in Skagway. Transfers will run from town to the ship throughout the afternoon. The ship departs this evening. (B,L,D)
Wed, July 30: 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, known as “white thunder”. National Park Rangers will board the ship and provide interesting and educational commentary. (B,L,D)
Thu, July 31: Spend the day in Ketchikan, located in the Tongass National Forest. The forest is named for the Tongass group of the Tlingit people, who inhabited the southernmost areas of Southeast Alaska, near what is now the city of Ketchikan. Choose to explore on your own or book an optional excursion.* Immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture and 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—now filled with delightful galleries and artisan shops. (B,L,D)
Fri, Aug 1: Spend a relaxing day partaking in the ship’s amenities and onboard activities as you sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Sail through the smooth water shaped by glaciers and snow-capped mountains, putting you closer to land that is home to native wildlife including whales, sea lions, bears, bald eagles, otters, and puffins. (B,L,D)
Sat, Aug 2: Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia and take the ferry to Victoria, on Vancouver Island to see the lush landscapes and vast array of stunning, colorful blooms at Butchart Gardens! Next, spend some leisure time at the vibrant downtown waterfront, home to the grand Empress Hotel and alive with buskers performing, historic walking areas, museums, boutique shops and restaurants. After a fun-filled day, return to Vancouver on the ferry for an overnight stay at a downtown hotel. (B)
Sun, Aug 3: Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel or explore the area on your own. After a farewell lunch, take in the renowned landmarks of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as you travel through the city to explore a Canadian National Historic Site, Stanley Park, with breathtaking views, iconic monuments, First Nations art and totem poles. Transfer to the airport in the late afternoon for evening flights home. (B,L)
Mon, Aug 4: Arrive in Indianapolis this morning.
*Note: Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
The Ship
ms Koningsdam. Launched in March 2016, this ship is the first of the Pinnacle-class cruise ships. The ms Koningsdam raises the bar for 21st-century elegance, with a mix of something contemporary and something classic. The beautiful architectural elements were inspired by music, and the ship is full of light-filled spaces. At the heart of the ship is a central atrium that soars three decks high. Upscale dining, family ocean-view cabins and a two-tiered Lido Pool area with an outdoor movie screen are just some of the exciting features. Highlights: staterooms with mini-refrigerators, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, use of bathrobes during your voyage, and bedside USB ports • eleven restaurants • seven bars/lounges • in-room dining • fitness center with fitness classes • two pools • three whirlpools • jogging track • sport court • Greenhouse Spa and Salon • Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, with classes, demonstrations and dining • theater • Lincoln Center Stage • casino • Club HAL youth program.
Pricing
*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge
Documents Required: Valid Passport, visit travel.state.gov for specific requirements
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