Globus Spectacular Alaska! with Alaska Cruise(AJI)
17 Day Tour from Anchorage to Vancouver
From mountains to mammals, everything is bigger in Alaska. In the 20+ hours of summer sunlight a day, even the produce grows to fair-winning proportions. Of course, the 70-pound Matanuska Valley cabbage is just the beginning of the big sights this sun-soaked tour of Alaska has to offer. Just wait until you cruise along the three-mile face of the Columbia Glacier, sail by the calving tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park and ascend into Denali National Park – home of North America’s highest peak – by way of the world-famous Alaska Railroad. Other big moments include panning for gold at Fairbanks’ Gold Dredge #8, seeing a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion, and witnessing the grandest of wildlife from Alaska’s majestic coasts to its monumental crests. While spotting a giant whale, caribou, moose, or grizzly might be “no biggie” to the locals, we think you’ll agree, this Alaska vacation is huge. What’s bigger and better than the whales, waterways, and whopping views of Alaska? Extending your Alaska vacation to see more of them. Add a leisurely cruise through the breathtaking Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage to your Alaska vacation to see more wondrous wilderness and charming settlements. Enjoy scenic cruising around Glacier Bay National Park and time in the frontier capital of Juneau, the tranquil towns of Haines or Skagway, and totem-pole-dotted Ketchikan.
Itinerary (2023)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA | | | Welcome to Anchorage! Meet your Tour Director between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Anchorage with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Your Tour Director can point you in the right direction. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do! | | Day 2 | ANCHORAGE–VALDEZ | | | Sights & Sounds Meet your fellow travel companions at this morning’s welcome orientation. Travel through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, where cabbages can grow to an amazing 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight. Venture up over Tahneta Pass for wonderful vistas of Matanuska and Worthington Glaciers. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the seaside port of Valdez. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Located near the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, Valdez is a mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests, majestic mountains, and wildlife on land and sea. Orcas and humpback whales, otters, sea lions, and birds are among the many animals you might spy from this spectacular seaport. | | Day 3 | VALDEZ. CRUISE ON PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND | | | True Fish Stories This morning, [LF] meet a local Alaskan fishing expert to learn more about the industry, the equipment used, and their daily lives. Then board your boat for a cruise on Prince William Sound. Before returning to Valdez, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal, where supertankers are loaded with crude oil from Prudhoe Bay. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITIONS Get an inside look at the proud traditions of the Alaskan fishing industry during a fascinating presentation by an industry expert. You’ll hear about the daily lives of fishermen who have carried on this way of life for generations. Go further with a scenic cruise on the spectacular Prince William Sound. Cruise along the 3-mile face of Columbia Glacier with a watchful eye out for wildlife, including seals, sea otters, birds, and even whales! | | Day 4 | VALDEZ–DELTA JUNCTION–FAIRBANKS | | | Arctic Adventure Enjoy great scenery all the way as you travel along Richardson Highway. Stop at Delta Junction Roadhouse, a living history homestead with a museum, original roadhouse, and farm animals. Then, head west on the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks, the state’s second-largest city. Enjoy a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Discover a world of the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, and sunsets and sunrises that seem to never end. Basecamp to Denali National Park, it’s no wonder Fairbanks is called the Golden Heart of Alaska. | | Day 5 | FAIRBANKS | | | Gold Rush & Mushers Visit Gold Dredge #8 and ride the narrow-gauge railroad. Then, try your luck as you pan for gold. Later today, board the Sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River, with a stop at the Chena Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! This evening, enjoy a special Alaska salmon bake. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Experience frontier living in an Athabascan village on the Chena River. Here in the Alaskan forests, cabins are made of spruce logs, and the old ways of living with the land are beautifully preserved in the heritage of the Athabascan Native culture. Learn about traditions and survival in an unforgiving yet beautiful environment, where generations of Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years, ultimately adapting to village life and Western culture in the past century. | | Day 6 | FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–DENALI NATIONAL PARK | | | Riding the Rails Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends at Denali National Park, where North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Denali, (formerly known as Mount McKinley) majestically dominates the park’s 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Murie Science & Learning Center followed by an [LF] exclusive presentation on Denali National Park by a local Naturalist. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through its panoramic windows designed for soaking in the stunning scenery on this full-day journey that truly showcases America’s 49th state. Keep an eye out for views of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley)—as well as wildlife along the way! | | Day 7 | DENALI NATIONAL PARK | | | Wilderness Wonders Morning at leisure. Consider an optional float trip down the Nenana River or a helicopter ride over the park. Then, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tundra Wilderness tour into the park with a Naturalist Driver Guide. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Venture deep into Denali National Park and Preserve with a Naturalist Driver Guide in search of fantastic wildlife and natural wonders. Your guide can help you to spot grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and other wildlife from a safe distance. Named for the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali is a natural treasure of pristine and untamed wilderness at its finest. | | Day 8 | DENALI NATIONAL PARK–BIG LAKE–ANCHORAGE | | | A Dog’s Life Travel south toward Anchorage stopping at Happy Trails Kennels, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and his dogs. Continue to Anchorage for a visit to the Alaska Native American Heritage Center. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Over dessert, enjoy a [LF] special presentation by an Alaskan bush pilot. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Here, Happy Trails Kennel was established in 1982 with the express purpose to raise and train happy, fast long- distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod finish. Meet the Iditarod champions and learn about the care and relationship between musher and dog, how they race, and care for their dogs. Watch a demonstration on mushing, complete with a mock Iditarod checkpoint, and get a chance to play with the sled dogs! | | Day 9 | ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO SEWARD & KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK | | | Ice Sculptures Witness one of the world’s most scenic drives as you follow the south shore of lovely Turnagain Arm. Upon arrival in Seward, board your vessel for a cruise on the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park covers 600,000 acres of protected and pure wilderness, with more than half of its majestic landscapes covered in ice and snow. From the massive Harding Icefield to the countless tidewater glaciers carving deep fjords, this arctic paradise is a natural wonder to behold. A cruise on the fjords affords an unforgettable opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more breathtaking sights. | | Day 10 | ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION) | | | Life in the Wild Travel to Whitter, a remote village nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and Orcas! Embark on a 7-Night cruise south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT TRADITIONS & HERITAGE Whittier has the odd distinction of being almost entirely under one roof. No need to get in a car to go to the grocery store, bank, or a friend’s house. All town services are sheltered from the often-inclement weather in this unique and practical way, and virtually all of Whittier’s approximately 220 residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers, originally a Cold War outpost for the U.S. Army. | | Day 11 | CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA | | | Gulf Dreams Scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Go deeper into the unmatched beauty of the Last Frontier with a scenic cruise on the Gulf of Alaska so explore just a part of this nearly 600,000 square-mile gulf reaching from the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island in the west and Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage to the east. | | Day 12 | CRUISING: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK | | | Ice Dancing Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD DISCOVERIES 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 | | | The Rush for Gold At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s rich history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty. (B,L,D)NOTE: Haines may be an alternative port and will be determined by Holland America onboard. TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE 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 | | | The Wild Places Cruise to remote and spectacular capital city of Juneau. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC SIGHTS 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 | | | Port of Call Take an adventurous cruise to Ketchikan —Alaska's "First City,” so named as the first major landfall for most cruisers entering the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage. Ketchikan clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES & TRADITIONS 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 | CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE | | | Ice Sculptures Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska.Scenic cruise. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTALASKAN ADVENTURE 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 | VANCOUVER, BC (DISEMBARKATION) | | | Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after Noon. (B) |
Included Globus Meals Breakfast daily, 10 lunches 11 dinners
Related Globus Tours AJ - Spectacular Alaska! AJI - With Alaska Cruise
Globus Pricing Details Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase. Gratuities for cruise are additional and paid on board ship. Cruise line non-commissionable fare, government taxes, and fees from $510 to $525, depending on ship/date, are additional and mandatory. These fees will be added to your Vacation Estimate.
Globus Notes 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 in late August and September, weather permitting. Cruise itineraries provided by Holland America Line are current at the time of this printing. This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
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