Sightseeing:In Dawson City and Fairbanks; College & Harriman Fjords cruise in Prince William Sound, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon, authentic Alaska roadhouse, Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III, world-famous Alaska Railroad, and Iditarod Visitor Center.
Scenic Highlights:Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Denali National Park, Matanuska Valley, scenic Tahneta Pass, Matanuska Glacier, Tok: the “Dog Sled Capital of the World,” Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Kluane National Park, Trail of ’98, Five Finger Rapids, and Top of the World Highway.
Guides:
Services of a professional Tour Director.
NOTES:
- While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen, early season (May & early June) and late season (September) departures offer even greater opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife. Departures after mid-August should enjoy blazing fall colors.
- Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.
Day 1Anchorage
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2Anchorage
Journey to Whittier and board your deluxe catamaran for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. CRUISE to College and Harriman Fjords in Prince William Sound, and view as many as 26 tidewater and hanging glaciers. There is a good chance you’ll spot whales, seals, and eagles during the cruise. (CB,L)
Day 3Anchorage–Tok
Travel through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, a lush farming region where cabbages can grow to weigh more than 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight. Up over scenic Tahneta Pass with spectacular vistas of Matanuska Glacier. Travel along WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE, the largest park in the United States. The area boasts glaciers larger than the island of Manhattan, and is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in North America. Overnight in Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.” (CB)
Day 4Tok–Whitehorse
Join the Alaska Highway and follow along the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Skirt the shores of Kluane Lake, once a meeting place for crews constructing the Alaska Highway. Behold spectacular vistas of the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,625-foot-high Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. The next two nights are in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Day 5Whitehorse. Excursion To Skagway
Follow the Trail of ‘98 over the same mountains that thousands of determined gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter while heading for the Klondike. From Carcross, your Tour Director will suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway. Otherwise, continue through the mountains by motorcoach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colorful saloons.NOTE: Operation of the White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway is subject to seasonal conditions.
Day 6Whitehorse–Dawson City
Head northwest through the town of Carmacks, once an important supply station for gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. A stop at the fiery Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers that passed this way. Reach Dawson City, the center of excitement after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896, which led to the world’s largest gold rush. Tonight, enjoy the high-flying entertainment of DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIE’S SALOON, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.
Day 7Dawson City
A full day to soak up the exciting history of this Gold Rush town. Highlights on your morning tour include Bonanza Creek, site of Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made; Robert Service’s cabin; and a photo stop at the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse.
Day 8Dawson City–Fairbanks
A long day and well worth it, as the scenery is magnificent. Motor over the Top of the World Highway and re-enter the state of Alaska. Travel through the village of Chicken and west along the Alaska Highway. Make a stop at an authentic Alaska roadhouse before your early evening arrival in Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city.
Day 9Fairbanks
Morning sightseeing features the highlights of this historic Alaskan city and includes an up-close visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Board the STERNWHEELER RIVERBOAT Discovery III for a leisurely cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Listen as the ship’s guides discuss the wildlife, history, geology, and customs of the region.
Day 10Fairbanks–Denali National Park
Board the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD for a memorable journey through untamed wilderness. Sit back in comfort and enjoy spectacular scenery through wide windows. Be sure to take advantage of the domed-roof car. Today’s ride ends in DENALI NATIONAL PARK. North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley dominates the park’s 6 million acres of glacial streams, river valleys, and expanses of multicolored tundra. The afternoon is free for exploring on your own.
Day 11Denali National Park
A free day for independent activities. A hike along the many wilderness trails might be good fun. Also take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour to seek out grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or a helicopter ride over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of other suggestions.
Day 12Denali National Park–Anchorage
Continue your exploration of DENALI NATIONAL PARK as you head south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at the IDITAROD VISITOR CENTER, home of the great dogsled race. The motorcoach continues to Anchorage and the Ramada Inn Anchorage Downtown for guests extending their stay in Alaska. For guests with homebound flights, the trip ends at Anchorage International Airport. Please schedule flights after 3:30 pm.
Transportation: Journey on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
2 continental breakfasts, 1 lunch