Day 1
Fairbanks
Fly into Fairbanks, Alaska and transfer to your accommodation. Settle in after your day of travel or explore the city. Fairbanks is a blend of modernity and history, features Pioneer Park with a Gold Rush Town and a City Hall-turned-museum. Serving as an Arctic gateway, it hosts summer cruises and vibrant festivals. The city is renowned for the aurora borealis, visible 243 nights annually.
Overnight: Westmark Fairbanks Hotel or similar
Day 2
Fairbanks - Denali National Park
This morning after a nostalgic journey on Fairbanks' Riverboat Discovery, complete with lunch, embark on a leisurely three-night stay in Denali, exploring this splendid national treasure.
Overnight: McKinley Chalet Resort
Day 3
Denali National Park
Embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a captivating six-hour wildlife-spotting adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Denali National Park. This immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse and untouched landscapes of the Denali wilderness. As you traverse the tundra, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and more, as they roam freely in their natural habitat. This afternoon spend at leisure taking in the McKinley Chalet Resort and its facilities.
Overnight: McKinley Chalet Resort
Day 4
Denali National Park
Enjoy today at leisure in Denali. How about visiting Denali Square at the McKinley Chalet Resort as it serves as the perfect base camp. Engage in leisurely sightseeing during the day at Denali, and in the evenings, unwind in the comfort of your surroundings. Delight in breathtaking views spanning the Nenana River into Denali National Park from virtually every corner of the grounds. Indulge in upscale dining, enjoy quality entertainment, and explore local shopping options for a complete experience.
Overnight: McKinley Chalet Resort
Day 5
Denali National Park – via McKinley Explorer Rail with stopover at Talkeetna – Anchorage
Relax as the Alaskan wilderness unfolds before you. Traverse Hurricane Gulch and Broad Pass, guided through the rugged scenery. Witness the majestic Mt. Denali emerging on the horizon. The luxury domed railcars provide a fully immersive experience, with 360-degree views, open-air platforms, and expert narration. Indulge in regional dishes and unique cocktails aboard Holland America's McKinley Explorer, a private train with a tailored schedule. Enjoy a seamless transition from the train to your accommodations or cruise, with luggage awaiting you upon arrival.
Overnight: Anchorage hotel
Day 6
Anchorage – Whittier
Embark on a delightful adventure with a scenic rail journey along the enchanting Turnagain Arm aboard the Cruisetrain. As you travel along this picturesque route, be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes that unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the rugged mountains, pristine waters, and the stunning interplay of light and shadow. The Cruisetrain offers a perfect prelude to the upcoming maritime voyage, setting the tone for a journey filled with natural beauty and anticipation. Take in the sights, feel the gentle rhythm of the train, and let the magic of the surroundings enhance the excitement of embarking on your cruise and sailing through Alaska for the next 7 nights.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 7
Hubbard Glacier
Sailing to Hubbard Glacier on an Alaska cruise feels like a journey to another world. Among vanishing Alaska glaciers, Hubbard's "Galloping Glacier" with its rapidly advancing ice margin and three-story icebergs draws cruise popularity. The longest tidewater glacier in North America, it dwarfs other glaciers, but its non-succumbing advance raises concerns about fjord entrance blockage.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 8
Glacier Bay
Embark on a Glacier Bay cruise and immerse yourself in nature's symphony. Close your eyes, listen to the living ice, the cries of gulls, and the splash of breaching whales. Encounter frosted peaks, tidewater glaciers, and diverse marine wildlife in this ever-changing biosphere. Glacier Bay National Park's majestic snow-flecked mountains and rich forests create a dramatic and unique experience. Keep binoculars and camera handy as you cruise to Margerie Glacier, where ice calving may unfold. Wildlife surprises abound, from humpbacks to lone brown bears, making each moment unforgettable in this awe-inspiring setting.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 9
Skagway
During the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway thrived as the main gateway to gold fields. Once a raucous frontier hub, it evolved, and now serves as a vibrant gateway for those exploring Alaska's rich history and stunning natural beauty. Explore Skagway's gold rush history at the Red Onion Saloon and journey through rugged landscapes via the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Skagway, the 'Garden City of Alaska,' boasts captivating beauty.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 10
Juneau
Discover the charm of Juneau, Alaska, the remote, beautiful, and unique state capital. Surrounded by water, forests, and mountains, enjoy outdoor adventures like glacier hikes, seaside dining, and touring the grand capitol building.
Overnight: Onboard Noordam, Full board
Day 11
Ketchikan
Nestled in Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a captivating blend of natural beauty and Native American culture. Known for its totem poles, explore Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historical Park. Wander historic Creek Street, visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, or embark on excursions to Misty Fjords National Monument.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 12
Inside Passage
The Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, a protected marvel of fjords and rainforests, offers a world-class cruising experience. From Misty Fjords to Glacier Bay, witness iconic wildlife—whales, eagles, bears. Ports like Sitka, Ketchikan, and Skagway narrate Alaska's rich history, from Russian influence to Native Alaskan heritage and the Klondike Gold Rush era.
Overnight: Onboard cruise, Full board
Day 13
Vancouver, BC
Arrive this morning into Vancouver at Canada Place Pier at 7am and explore the city at your leisure. Experience local attractions, outdoor adventures, and Vancouver's burgeoning culinary scene on a cruise excursion. The city's excellent restaurants and lively bars showcase a distinct local flair. Thriving music, theatre, and arts venues can be found in numerous museums and galleries. Venture beyond downtown to explore vibrant suburbs, pristine islands, and expansive wilderness.
Make your way independently to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home.
Alternatively, how about adding on a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to truly explore what this metropolitan city has to offer?
