Spectacular Alaska with Alaska Cruise
Fully Escorted Tour plus Alaskan Cruise
Experience thrilling adventures in Matanuska Valley, Denali National Park, and more with a knowledgeable tour guide at your side. With excursions, transportation, accommodations, and most meals included, you'll need no time for planning and have all the time for fun! Tou'll also enjoy a 7-night Alaskan Cruise that'll take you along the Inside Passage to see the stunning Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, and more!
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system.
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare to Anchorage (ANC) and from Vancouver (YVR)
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Anchorage at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
- 2 nights in Valdez at the Totem Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Fairbanks at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
- 2 nights in Denali National Park at the Denali Park Village Lodge
- 2 nights in Anchorage at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Meeting with Alaskan fishing expert
- Scenic cruise on Prince William Sound to Columbia Glacier & Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal
- Fairbanks train ride on narrow-gauge railroad, with panning for gold
- Sternwheeler Discovery cruise on the Chenai River, with an Athabascan Native culture visit
- Scenic Alaska Railroad train trip to Denali National Park
- Denali Tundra Wilderness tour in the park with a naturalist driver/guide
- Visit to Happy Trails Kennels to meet Iditarod champion and sled dogs
- Scenic glacial cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (including Alaska salmon bake)
- Services of a professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class air conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
- 7 nights on Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam (or similar), including:
- Inside cabin room (upgrade available at time of booking)
- Stops in Skagway, Juneau & Ketchikan
- A wide range of delicious dining options, world-class entertainment, and fun activities
- Wi-Fi package of 250 minutes
- Onboard credit of $75 per stateroom
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily
Interested in a 9-night version of this vacation without the cruise? Click here!
Please Note: Cruise itinerary and times are provided by Holland America Line. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.
Please Note: When selecting return flights, please do not choose one that departs Vancouver earlier than 12:00 noon, to allow time for the complete ship disembarkation process.
Please Note: Children traveling on this tour must be a minimum of 5 years old at the time of travel; and at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Please Note: While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year-round, May through early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are most visible late August and September, weather permitting.
Please Note: The Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver (Canada), so passports will be required for all travelers, to return to the United States.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Journey through the vast Denali National Park.
Indulge in Alaskan cuisine like delicious Alaska salmon bake.
-
Visit Happy Trails Kennels and meet the sled dogs!
-
Enjoy a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
-
Take pictures of humpback whales on your Alaskan Cruise!
Alaska is home to some of the world's wildest and most majestic landscapes, which is why it's on most travelers' bucket lists. This escorted vacation makes it possible (and easy!) for you to experience the abundant natural beauty and culture of the USA's largest state.
As part of this exciting 16-night guided vacation you'll be sailing alongside awe-inspiring glaciers, riding the Alaska Railroad, meeting local fishermen, indigenous artists and the world-famous Iditarod champion sled dogs, spotting the varied wildlife inhabitants of Denali National Park, and so much more!
Finally, you'll embark on a sensational 7-night Alaskan cruise where you'll visit some of Alaska's most vibrant cities and stunning landmarks.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare to Anchorage (ANC) and from Vancouver (YVR)
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Anchorage at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
- 2 nights in Valdez at the Totem Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Fairbanks at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
- 2 nights in Denali National Park at the Denali Park Village Lodge
- 2 nights in Anchorage at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Meeting with Alaskan fishing expert
- Scenic cruise on Prince William Sound to Columbia Glacier & Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal
- Fairbanks train ride on narrow-gauge railroad, with panning for gold
- Sternwheeler Discovery cruise on the Chenai River, with an Athabascan Native culture visit
- Scenic Alaska Railroad train trip to Denali National Park
- Denali Tundra Wilderness tour in the park with a naturalist driver/guide
- Visit to Happy Trails Kennels to meet Iditarod champion and sled dogs
- Scenic glacial cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (including Alaska salmon bake)
- Services of a professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class air conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
- 7 nights on Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam (or similar), including:
- Inside cabin room (upgrade available at time of booking)
- Stops in Skagway, Juneau & Ketchikan
- A wide range of delicious dining options, world-class entertainment, and fun activities
- Wi-Fi package of 250 minutes
- Onboard credit of $75 per stateroom
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily
Interested in a 9-night version of this vacation without the cruise? Click here!
Please Note: Cruise itinerary and times are provided by Holland America Line. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.
Please Note: When selecting return flights, please do not choose one that departs Vancouver earlier than 12:00 noon, to allow time for the complete ship disembarkation process.
Please Note: Children traveling on this tour must be a minimum of 5 years old at the time of travel; and at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Please Note: While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year-round, May through early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are most visible late August and September, weather permitting.
Please Note: The Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver (Canada), so passports will be required for all travelers, to return to the United States.
-
Journey through the vast Denali National Park.
Indulge in Alaskan cuisine like delicious Alaska salmon bake.
-
Visit Happy Trails Kennels and meet the sled dogs!
-
Enjoy a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
-
Take pictures of humpback whales on your Alaskan Cruise!
Alaska is home to some of the world's wildest and most majestic landscapes, which is why it's on most travelers' bucket lists. This escorted vacation makes it possible (and easy!) for you to experience the abundant natural beauty and culture of the USA's largest state.
As part of this exciting 16-night guided vacation you'll be sailing alongside awe-inspiring glaciers, riding the Alaska Railroad, meeting local fishermen, indigenous artists and the world-famous Iditarod champion sled dogs, spotting the varied wildlife inhabitants of Denali National Park, and so much more!
Finally, you'll embark on a sensational 7-night Alaskan cruise where you'll visit some of Alaska's most vibrant cities and stunning landmarks.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Day 1. Welcome to Alaska!
Welcome to Alaska! Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel. Your Tour Director will be available to meet with you in the hotel lobby that afternoon, and you can enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, exploring Anchorage on your own.
Check-in - Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Discover the mesmerizing beauty that is Anchorage, Alaska, by staying at the city's premier accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. An elegant and crafty glimpse into how architecture can combine with natural wonders to create the vacation experience of a lifetime, this hotel is set in the heart of Anchorage and offers unique experiences that can't be acquired anywhere else.
The hotel has recently remodeled their rooms and open spaces with a highly-creative, modern touch that promotes both relaxation and excitement. Guest rooms are well-decorated, air conditioned, and come with a variety of luxury amenities such as a private bathroom, flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, cloud-soft mattresses, and sunning window views of the Cook Inlet and nearby mountains. An on-site restaurant, bar/lounge, wellness spa, and fitness center are available for guests to use at their leisure. You'll feel even more refreshed waking up to glimpses of the beautiful Alaskan environment (and the bewitching northern lights if you're lucky) right from your hotel window.
The excitement doesn't stop at the alluring environment — this hotel is less than a mile away from the city's top-rated attraction, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art. Other notable attractions include the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Dimond Center, and the H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark upon a handful of others. Pack your bags and get ready to be amazed by this off-the-beaten-path city located in a real life winter wonderland, as this stay will surely be one for the books!
Day 2. Anchorage - Valdez
This morning your Tour Director will provide a welcome orientation to your traveling group. You'll then set out by coach to Valdez, along the way you'll view the spectacular landscapes of the Matanuska Valley, and the iconic Bridal Veil Falls!
Check-in - Totem Hotel & Suites
Set at the "bottom of the totem pole" down the slope of the Chugach Mountains, Totem Hotel & Suites is a unique way to experience all the magic that is Alaska. By combining modern technology and décor with the essence of traditional cabin lifestyle, this eco-friendly hotel has everything any guest could ever need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Immerse yourself in comfort in the wild environment of Valdez, Alaska! Guest rooms are all decorated to match their exquisite purpose, all the while kept clean and air conditioned. Other amenities include a flat screen television, kitchenette, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and accessible accommodations for guests with extra needs. A pool, fitness center, breakfast buffet, and complimentary parking are also provided amongst a handful of other luxurious amenities.
Guests can then take their journey outside of the hotel to venture through the mysterious wonderlands of Alaska by visiting popular attractions. Some notable options are the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive, the Dock Point Park and Trail, and the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Day 3. Valdez & Prince William Sound Cruise
Today, you’ll meet a local Alaskan fishing expert who’ll share fascinating insights into the industry. Later, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise on Prince William Sound.
Day 4. Valdez - Fairbanks
This morning you'll depart Valdez for Fairbanks, traveling along scenic Richardson Highway. Along the way, you'll see the historic Delta Junction Roadhouse and Museum. Your evening is free in Fairbanks.
Check-in - Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
The outstandingly beautiful Pike’s Waterfront Lodge features 180 rooms and 28 cabins! Just minutes from the Fairbanks International Airport, the lodge is also located next door to the iconic Pike's Landing Restaurant!
The property is equipped with scenic views, riverside decks, an aromatherapy steam room, WIFI, and comfortable lounge areas for guests to enjoy. Additionally, visitors can utilize the fitness center and sauna during their stay! If you're looking for a wonderful accommodation to enjoy beauty and nature to the fullest, Pike's Waterfront Lodge is a perfect choice.
Day 5. Fairbanks
Today, step back in time and experience a slice of Alaska’s gold rush history with a ride to the historic Gold Dredge #8 Mine. Later, board the authentic Alaska sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise along the Chena River, where you'll learn about Athabascan Native culture and meet Alaska’s famed sled dog mushers and their hardworking dog teams.
This evening, cap off your day with a hearty Alaskan salmon bake dinner in a rustic outdoor setting.
Day 6. Fairbanks - Denali National Park
Climb aboard the legendary Alaska Railroad for a breathtaking journey through wild, untouched landscapes. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a presentation on Denali National Park led by a local naturalist.
Check-in - Denali Park Village Lodge
Located on the Nenana River just about seven miles from Denali National Park, the Denali Park Village Lodge is a gorgeously rustic accommodation for anyone looking for a comfortable stay in Anchorage. The lodge covers over 20 acres and offers guests many hiking trails, all with varying difficulty levels.
The lodge features cozy decor with wood accents, with a variety of on-site dining options to choose from. The Gold Rush Dining Room offers an open room with unique Alaskan cuisine, while the Lucky Miss Saloon provides guests with a comfortable fireplace and casual eats. There's also Quigley's Coffee Cart, The Shack with fresh ice cream and donuts, plus the Cabin Nite Dinner Theater which offers delicious dining with live entertainment.
All of the rooms at the Denali Park Village Lodge are equipped with everything one needs for a homey stay, including a television, coffee maker, air conditioning, and more. There is a 24-hour front desk, bicycle rentals, as well as shuttle service to nearby areas.
Today, you’ll travel in style aboard the world-famous Alaska Railroad on a breathtakingly scenic journey to Denali National Park. Relax in comfortable railcars as you glide past towering mountains, pristine rivers, and vast stretches of untamed wilderness. This unforgettable ride offers a truly immersive introduction to the natural wonders that await you in Denali.
Day 7. Denali National Park
Accompanied by a Naturalist driver/guide, today you'll enjoy a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park.
Join a Naturalist driver/guide for an immersive Tundra Wilderness Tour through Denali National Park. As you journey along the park’s stunning road corridor, you'll learn about its fascinating history, diverse geology, and delicate ecosystems. Keep your camera ready — this scenic adventure offers the chance to spot wildlife all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
Day 8. Denali National Park - Anchorage
Today, you'll leave Denali, heading back towards Anchorage. Along the way you'll stop in Big Lake for a very special visit to Happy Trails Kennels.
Later in Anchorage, you'll get an in-depth look at Alaskan Native life at the Alaska Native American Heritage Center. Your last dinner as a group will feature a presentation from an Alaskan bush pilot.
Check-in - Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Discover the mesmerizing beauty that is Anchorage, Alaska, by staying at the city's premier accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. An elegant and crafty glimpse into how architecture can combine with natural wonders to create the vacation experience of a lifetime, this hotel is set in the heart of Anchorage and offers unique experiences that can't be acquired anywhere else.
The hotel has recently remodeled their rooms and open spaces with a highly-creative, modern touch that promotes both relaxation and excitement. Guest rooms are well-decorated, air conditioned, and come with a variety of luxury amenities such as a private bathroom, flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, cloud-soft mattresses, and sunning window views of the Cook Inlet and nearby mountains. An on-site restaurant, bar/lounge, wellness spa, and fitness center are available for guests to use at their leisure. You'll feel even more refreshed waking up to glimpses of the beautiful Alaskan environment (and the bewitching northern lights if you're lucky) right from your hotel window.
The excitement doesn't stop at the alluring environment — this hotel is less than a mile away from the city's top-rated attraction, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art. Other notable attractions include the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Dimond Center, and the H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark upon a handful of others. Pack your bags and get ready to be amazed by this off-the-beaten-path city located in a real life winter wonderland, as this stay will surely be one for the books!
Day 9. Anchorage
Set out on a scenic cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park, where towering alpine peaks meet the icy majesty of tidewater glaciers. As you glide through these pristine waters, you’ll experience the dramatic beauty of Alaska’s rugged coastline and witness the powerful forces that have shaped this spectacular region.
Day 10. Anchorage - Whittier
The land tour of your vacation ends today; you will be transferred to Whittier, to board and embark on your 7-night cruise! The ship will depart Whittier at 10pm.
Board Cruise at Whittier
Day 11. Cruising Hubbard Glacier
Get ready for an otherworldly experience as your Alaskan cruise takes you towards Hubbard Glacier. Nicknamed "the Galloping Glacier," the Hubbard is one of the fastest vanishing glaciers in Alaska, losing up to seven feet in a day.
Day 12. Glacier Bay
As you cruise, enjoy the spectacular views of Glacier Bay National Park with its dense forests and snowy mountains. Have your camera handy as you near the incredible Margerie Glacier, and keep your eyes out for diverse wildlife roaming the area.
Cruise to Glacier Bay where the sounds of creaking groans of living ice in constant flux, the shrill calls of gulls and soaring eagles, and the splash of breaching humpback whales are likely to greet you. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are main attractions, but every discovery in this dynamic biosphere is unique.
With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera at the ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier for the chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay, so stay ready—you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback rise out of the water or spot a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.
Day 13. Skagway, Alaska
Nicknamed the "Garden City of Alaska," it's no surprise that Skagway is filled with beautiful spaces, particularly the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Stroll around here and shop at local stores, marvel at art galleries, and indulge in deliciously fresh seafood.
At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.
Day 14. Juneau, Alaska
Today you'll cruise to Juneau, arguably the most beautiful state capital in the U.S. Filled with fun things to do both outdoors and indoors, Juneau offers visitors the chance to hike glaciers, tour historic capitol buildings, and try delectable locally-sourced seafood. As for what to do in Juneau, you can hike Mount Roberts, go whale-watching in Auke Bay, or take a floatplane to visit a close by wildlife reserve.
Surrounded by water, forest, and mountains, Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles.
Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spot some bears. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fisherfolk and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe that is hard to resist.
Day 15. Ketchikan, Alaska
Today you'll make it to Ketchikan, dubbed Alaska's "First City" because it's the first place for cruises as they enter from the Inside Passage. It's a major hub for salmon-fishing and packing, and is also one of the best places in Alaska to learn about Native Alaskan cultures like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Marvel at unique totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, or experience vibrant Tlingit culture in Saxman Village.
As for what to see in Ketchikan, you can meander around Creek Street to shop for souvenirs, or explore iconic attractions like Dolly's House Museum.
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant and explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan Nations of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Marvel at the intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park and take in the beautiful culture of the Tlingit people at Saxman Village, where traditional carvers and dancers share their heritage in the clan house.
Explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art, while exploring gold rush–era treasures like Dolly’s House Museum.
Day 16. Scenic Cruising Along the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage in Alaska is a protected series of waterways that connect glacier-lined fjords and forests in Southeast Alaska. It's known as one of the most scenic cruising routes in the world, offering guests stunning views of bucket list sites like the Misty Fjords National Monument and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. On the cruise be sure to watch out for Alaskan wildlife like glorious humpback whales, orca, eagles, and brown bears on the shore.
Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
Day 17. Depart Vancouver, BC, Canada
Your Alaskan cruise has sadly come to an end – after breakfast, you will head to Vancouver to board your flight home.
A Tip For Your Trip: To allow enough time to get off the ship and get to the airport, it is recommended to not schedule your flight before noon.