Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Vancouver, Embark Cruise
Transfer to board your premium cruise ship. Enjoy time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with life on board before savouring a delicious dinner in the evening.
Day 3: Inside Passage
Enjoy a full day at sea today. Relax and take in the majestic scenery as your ship cruises through the Inside Passage.
Day 4: Ketchikan
Arrive today in the Alaskan town of Ketchikan, regarded as the salmon capital of the world and renowned for its idyllic scenery and rich Alaskan Native cultures. Here, you will have free time to relax and explore the town at your leisure. Alternatively, perhaps choose to join a walking tour of the town or learn about the history of Tlingit culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense), where you’ll be fascinated by the collection of Native American totem poles found on display.
Day 5: Juneau
Today, your journey brings you to Alaska’s capital, Juneau. There is time to explore the region’s glacial terrain and gold rush history or perhaps choose to make your way to the town and explore the rustic shops located here. You may also like to experience an exhilarating dog sled ride over a glacier or try one of the other activities available to you. These include sampling delicious salmon baked over a fire or even trying your hand at panning for gold in this former gold rush town (own expense).
Day 6: Skagway
This morning, you’ll dock at the port of Skagway, which is located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Skagway was once a frontier town and gateway to the Klondike and still celebrates its gold rush past to this day. You will find a variety of stores and saloons in town that capture the excitement and history of the gold rush days. Here, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about gold prospecting or view some of the fascinating local wildlife (own expense).
Day 7: Glacier Bay
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park this morning, with its formidable rivers of ice, wild coastline and sheltered fjords. As you cruise through the national park, it is easy to see why the area has received World Heritage status. Today, you’ll gain a more detailed insight into the unique nature of this national park as local rangers join you on board to impart their knowledge, explaining the geological wonders and diverse wildlife found in this remarkable region.
Day 8: Day at Sea
Today, you’ll cruise north to the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, stopping at College Fjord.
Day 9: Disembark Cruise, Whittier, Anchorage
Disembark in Whittier and travel to Anchorage, stopping on the way to enjoy an Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Moose Encounter
During an up-close encounter at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, enjoy the chance to feed the resident moose. Learn about their diet, behaviour and wild counterparts as you snap a picture of this magical creature.
Day 10: Anchorage, Denali
Enjoy a scenic journey to Denali on your Insider Experience today.
Insider Experience – McKinley Explorer
Travel aboard the McKinley Explorer to the township of Denali. Expansive glass-domed windows offer 360-degree views, while a host guide accompanies each rail car. Witness the breathtaking expanse of the pristine Alaskan wilderness unfolding before you as you traverse the magnificent Hurricane Gulch and journey through Broad Pass. Admire the majestic peak of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Day 11: Denali National Park
Today begins with a special Insider Experience. With the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure, you may like to relax and unwind at McKinley Chalet Resort. Perhaps spend time at the social hub of Denali Square and enjoy a ranger talk.
Insider Experience – Tundra Wilderness Tour
Explore the tundra wilderness country of Denali National Park, accompanied by a knowledgeable local ranger. Look out for native wildlife, such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears and wolves. Learn about the work of wildlife biologists and see why conservation is so paramount to this part of Alaska.
Day 12: Denali, Fairbanks
Depart Denali today and travel to Fairbanks for a cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler.
Day 13: Depart Fairbanks
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
