Still uncharted a century ago, Alaska may be our last frontier. What better way to explore this vast and undisturbed region than with a Collette vacation that combines the best of both land and sea. Your first stop is Fairbanks, where you will enjoy a home hosted dinner, where you can expect warm hospitality, local food and plenty of interesting conversation. At Denali National Park, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay, and tread the permafrost with a local naturalist as you watch for grizzlies, moose and caribou. Relax on a luxurious, seven-night glacier cruise aboard Holland America’s grandly proportioned Veendam and Ryndam, through College Fjord and beautiful Glacier Bay. Alaska's lively history comes alive on totem poles carved with Native history and in the port town of Ketchikan. Explore Alaska's capital city of Juneau and sail the lush Inside Passage known for is natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver where you'll take with you lifelong memories of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Fairbanks, Alaska - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in Fairbanks, in the great state of Alaska. What better way to explore such a vast and undisturbed region than with a tour group vacation that combines the best of both land and sea, highlighted by accommodations confirmed in a balcony cabin, on an unforgettable 7-night Princess cruise!
Day #2 Fairbanks - Begin your day on an amazing cruise aboard the popular Stern Wheeler, Discovery, an unforgettable journey showcasing Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. The remainder of your day is at leisure to discover Alaska’s second largest city on your own.
Day #3 Fairbanks - Denali National Park - Depart Fairbanks for a scenic motorcoach ride to Denali National Park. Tonight, enjoy an entertaining evening at the Music of Denali Dinner Theater which tells the story of the first ascent of Mount McKinley.
Day #4 Denali - This morning, join a park expert and embark on a natural history tour into Denali National Park. This tour teaches you about the six million acres that make up this pristine wilderness. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but you may be lucky enough to view some wildlife as well! The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day #5 Denali Rail Station - Whittier - Board Cruise Ship - Transfer to the rail station and ride the Denali Express direct to Whittier for an unforgettable journey. As you relax in the Domed car, the views are so spectacular that you feel as though you can touch the sky. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, bears, whales and more! Once in Whittier, embark the ship to begin your 7-night cruise aboard Princess’s Island or Coral. The Island Princess is a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay onboard truly memorable. You will be dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and a myriad of dining options. The Coral Princess is a luxurious way to escape completely, with all the amenities for an amazing cruise. It features an impressive array of dining options, as well as a European-style casino, cigar lounge and retro martini bar. While on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner and nightly entertainment are included.
Day #6 Cruising - Hubbard Glacier - Your ship cruises past the mammoth Hubbard Glacier, Alaska’s only advancing glacier. Your day is filled with amazing natural sights as you linger along its shimmering five-mile long face.
Day #7 Cruising - Glacier Bay - Cruise through Glacier Bay, a spectacular national park and preserve that is a treasure trove of tidewater glaciers and scenic coastal islands. Its rich world of marine life and large concentration of tidewater glaciers is Alaska at its best.
Day #8 Cruising - Skagway - Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in this “Gateway to the Klondike” and home of the famed Chilkoot Trail. In historic Skagway, Alaska’s past lives on in a spectacular natural setting and cries of “gold in the Yukon!” can still be heard.
Day #9 Cruising - Juneau - From massive scenic mountains to historic buildings, explore Juneau, Alaska’s gorgeous capital city with something for everyone.
Day #10 Cruising - Ketchikan - Your port of call today is Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the “City of Totems.” Located on the tranquil Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
Day #11 Cruising - Inside Passage - A wonderful day of sightseeing is in store for you as your ship sails along the amazing Inside Passage, an extensive stretch of land known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. You will be awe-struck with this natural wonder.
Day #12 Vancouver, B.C. - Disembark Cruise - Seattle, WA Airport Area - Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver. Choose an optional city tour featuring Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown, home to the world-famous steam-powered clock. Or, explore this lovely city on your own. Next, board your coach for your drive to the Seattle airport area for an overnight stay.
Day #13 Seattle Airport Area - Tour Ends - Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories of your vacation to the last of the great frontiers.