Welcome to the edge of the wilderness – to a city surrounded by uninhabited landscapes and the perfect springboard to an epic adventure through Alaska. Spend the day recovering from your journey before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
Kickstart your day with a brief Anchorage City Tour before visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s translational territories of Alaska Native Cultures through storytelling and authentic demonstrations. We leave Anchorage bound for the untamed wilderness of Denali National Park where a Local Specialist will reveal insights into the rare subarctic flora and fauna of the park. The evening is then yours to spend as you like.
Embark on an extensive Denali Natural History Tour during which you’ll learn about the Alaskan natives who once lived in the park and the first ascent of Denali, North America’s highest peak. You’ll have the whole afternoon free to participate in an array of optional activities. See Denali’s incredible landscapes on an optional helicopter flight, battle the wild waters of the Nenana River or join one of the free Denali National Park Service Programs.
Tune into your beautiful surrounds as you’ll have the whole morning to connect with Denali on your terms. Later, we’ll board a deluxe dome railcar on the Alaska Railroad, and make our way to the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. A delicious Regional Meal is served aboard the train before our arrival in Alaska’s Northern Lights capital.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks. Then you'll be digging into insights of Alaska's Gold Rush. Dive into Culture with Fairbanks’ own Gold Daughters who will guide you through the process of panning for gold in real Alaskan paydirt. Then, you are boarding the Riverboat Discovery to visit a recreated Athabascan Indian Village. To conclude your day, enjoy a special visit to the home of David Monson, a local Dog Mushing celebrity, to learn about the sport of Dog Mushing in Alaska. Join him and his dogs for a Be My Guest dinner experience.
We journey south to the port community of Valdez located along Prince William Sound. As you carve your way through this rugged state you’ll view the snow-capped summits of the Alaska Range, expansive glaciers and the Trans Alaska Pipeline which runs parallel to the highway. Stretch your legs during a brief stop at the Historic Rika Roadhouse, an important crossroads for travelers, and the Wrangell St. Elias Visitors Center, before arriving in Valdez.
Delve into the heritage and culture of Valdez, the Copper River Basin and Prince William Sound during this morning’s visit to the Valdez Museum. Keep a keen eye out for seals, otters, sea lions and porpoises as you cruise around Prince William Sound, admiring the plunging ice cliffs of Columbia Glacier which have calved giant icebergs into the bay. Enjoy lunch against the backdrop of your wild surrounds before returning to Valdez, your home for a second night.
We begin our return journey to Anchorage this morning, crossing Thompson Pass. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® during your afternoon stop at the Musk Ox Farm. Here you’ll join a Local Specialist for a guided tour to view the Artic Musk Oxen and learn how this non-profit organization promotes sustainable agriculture practice. Continuing your journey west, arriving in Anchorage later today where you’ll toast to new friends over a memorable Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
We journey along the Scenic Seward Byway this morning to the port community of Seward. Our first stop is to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where a Local Specialist will reveal the role of this wildlife rehabilitation center. Next up is a sightseeing cruise, including lunch, into the icy heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Share the waters with Humpback whales and glacial icebergs.
Bid farewell to your Travel Director as you board your Holland America Line Cruise.
Enjoy the facilities on board ship today during this day at sea.
Watch as Glacier Bay National Park's immense glaciers pass you by.
Visit Haines which lies alongside the longest fjord in the U.S.
Stroll Juneau's picturesque streets.
See the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, intricately carved with native designs.
Slowly glide past a maze of bays, fjords and waterways.
Take your transfer to Vancouver International Airport or to the hotel if extending your stay. Airport arrival will be at approximately 10:30a.m, please be aware when booking your flights.
Thank you for your interest in this tour. If no dates are displaying, please call our reservations line at 1-877-622-9109 for more information
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 3
We offer the only flight that lands on glaciers at the base of Mt. Denali. The pilot will ensure everyone has ample opportunity for photographs, especially photos of Denali. Upon arrival at one of the glacier landing zones, passengers deplane and step into the "Ice Age." Passengers spend 20 minutes snowball throwing, snow angel making, picture taking, or just being awed by the beauty of the "otherworldly" surroundings. 100-minute flight roundtrip, 20-minute landing.
Adult Price: $649
"This scenic whitewater excursion travels 11 miles through the Alaska wilderness on Class II and II+ rapids. This trip is approximately three hours with a total of two hours on the glacially-fed Nenana River. Your guide controls the boat with oars so no paddling is required as you enjoy the scenery and keep on the lookout for animals. The Scenic Wilderness run is perfect for the beginning rafter or those that simply want to enjoy Denali landscape!"
Adult Price: $140
"Fly Fish in Alaska! Experienced or beginner; you will fish for Arctic Grayling on lakes in the heart of the Alaska Range. The catch and release fly fishing package offers half-day opportunities with no experience necessary. This personalized and fully outfitted trip includes gear, guide, equipment, and transportation. Fishing License additional. 4.5 hour tour with 2.5 hours on the water fishing."
Adult Price: $205
"Travel like the Bush pilots of Alaska! Enjoy a 60-70 minute fixed wing flightseeing journey following the Alaska Range out to about one mile from Mt. Denali (Weather dependent)."
Adult Price: $400
"Step into another world most people never see. Walk upon an ancient glacier tucked away deep in the Alaska Range. Blue ice, stunning views, and towering peaks combine to make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fly east, away from Denali National Park. Glacier walking boots are provided."
Adult Price: $536
Don’t just fly over the mountains. Get out in them. Enjoy this short helicopter ride through the peaks and valleys that make up the Alaska Range. Explore the hills just outside of Denali National Park. Look down below for wildlife, keep your eyes on the horizon for a chance at viewing Mt. Denali. After a gentle landing, step out into this magical landscape. Sink your feet in the tundra, snap a flurry of photos, or just breathe in that crisp mountain air. Includes 15-20 minutes of flight, with a 15-20 minutes tundra landing.
Adult Price: $249
"Enjoy a warm welcome and experience a true Alaskan lifestyle at a kennel with an Iditarod expert. Learn what it is like to live with the world’s greatest athletes as you visit with our puppies, witness sled dogs in action, and virtually experience running the Iditarod. Enjoy stories of the adventures of living both on and off the trail."
Adult Price: $56
Available on Day 7
This action-packed, aerial tour offers beautiful views of the spectacular glaciers and the stunning Chugach Mountains around Valdez. Within minutes of taking off, you will see glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls and more. You will have ample time and opportunity to get photos and video to create lasting memories. 30-minute total duration.
Adult Price: $295
"Not only will you get to explore multiple glaciers and look for wildlife, but your pilot will also take some time to find the perfect spot to land. You will have plenty of time to take pictures and drink some of the pure glacier water. 1-hour flight includes 30-minute landing."
Adult Price: $375