From Fairbanks to Anchorage, see what the "Great Land" of Alaska has to offer on this exhilarating vacation. You’ll have an opportunity to ride the thrilling, world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness into Denali National Park, where North America’s highest peak—Mount McKinley—dominates the park’s six million acres. In Denali, enjoy a wilderness expedition in search of grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and more. You’ll also mine for gold in Fairbanks and visit Happy Trails Kennels near Anchorage, where you’ll learn about the Iditarod and meet the sled dogs.You’ve seen photos of glaciers calving into the sea, but nothing compares to being there in person. During your cruise on Kenai Fjords National Park, watch the glaciers crash into the sea and hear the thunderous roar. It’s a spectacular sight! Along the way, watch for wildlife, including sea otters, seals, birds, and more.Enjoy a 7-night cruise on your Holland America ship with ample opportunity to take in Alaska’s awe-inspiring glaciers and majestic scenery. Explore the remote and rugged beauty of Alaska’s majestic Inside Passage. Watch for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. Marvel at glaciers and witness the amazing spectacle of thunder and spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea.Alaska is a destination that should not be missed. So grab your camera, sit back, and let Globus handle all the details on this vacation of a lifetime.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Fairbanks. Welcome to Fairbanks, the state’s second-largest city. Meet your Tour Director this evening for a welcome between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Day #2 Fairbanks. Visit GOLD DREDGE #8 and ride the narrow-gauge railroad. Try your luck as you pan for gold. Later today, board the sternwheeler DISCOVERY for a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers with a stop at the Chena Indian Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! This evening, enjoy a special Alaska Salmon Bake. (B,D)
Day #3 Fairbanks–Alaska Railroad–Denali National Park. Board the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends at DENALI NATIONAL PARK, where North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley, majestically dominates the park’s 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Murie Science Center followed by an exclusive [LF] PRESENTATION on Denali National Park by a local Naturalist. (B,D)
Day #4 Denali National Park. Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Then, dress comfortably for a WILDERNESS EXPEDITION into Denali National Park to seek out grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and other wildlife. (B,L)
Day #5 Denali National Park–Big Lake–Anchorage. Continue your exploration of Denali National Park as you head south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at [LF] HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS, home of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser and his dogs. See a demo on mushing, complete with a mock Iditarod checkpoint, and get a chance to play with the sled dogs! Upon arrival in Anchorage, take a city sightseeing tour. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Anchorage–Seward (Embarkation). Witness one of the world’s most scenic drives as you follow the south shore of lovely Turnagain Arm. Upon arrival in Seward, board your vessel for a cruise of KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK and the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more!After your cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park, transfer to the pier to embark on your Holland America cruise ship, the MS Statendam or MS Zaandam. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Scenic Cruising: Gulf of Alaska. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as we travel the route of Alaska’s Marine Highway. The entire shoreline of the Gulf of Alaska is a rugged combination of forests, mountains, and tidewater glaciers. Be on the lookout for Alaska’s wildlife including whales, seals, otters, puffins and more. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park. This Biosphere Reserve and UNES CO World Heritage Site protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in an ever-changing glacial landscape. Here, witness an amazing spectacle of thunder and flying spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea— making for lasting memories. National Park rangers accompany the ship to add expert commentary to the day’s events. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Haines. Nestled on the shores of America’s longest fjord, Haines enjoys a spectacular setting. You may choose to fill your day with a float trip through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the largest annual gathering of bald eagles, the nation’s avian symbol. Or, visit the Sheldon Museum, art galleries, and local shops in town. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Juneau. Visit one of the most scenic and remote capital cities—Juneau. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and is home to a rich Gold Rush history, Native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Step ashore to shop for gold nuggets; visit the stately Governor’s Mansion; saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, the city’s famous watering hole; or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice that is 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. (B,L,D)
Day #11 Ketchikan. Experience Native Alaska firsthand. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, explore Creek Street, now home to contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day #13 Vancouver (Disembarkation). The vacation ends this morning. Guests depart on individual schedules; airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after Noon. (B)