Alaska Cruise and Tour

We fly to Anchorage with a change of planes in Vancouver. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. This is Alaska's most cosmopolitan city, with great restaurants and places to explore.

 Our motorcoach journey this morning takes us along the scenic George Parks Highway - one of the most dazzling roads in Alaska, featuring awesome views of Mt. McKinley. We overnight at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge - a true wilderness retreat with a host of recreational activities. Tonight you may want to enjoy a leisurely dinner at the Alaskan Grill - a perfect end to a great day in this inspiring wilderness setting.

Another spectacular motorcoach tour takes us deep into the pristine wilderness of Denali National Park for a National History Tour. Our guide will make stops at points of interest including a view to the Snowy Alaska Range. Look out for wildlife - there's plenty of it here! The evening is free to enjoy one of the many optional activities such as golf, hiking in the backcountry, river rafting or you may want to see the "Music of Denali" Dinner Theatre - a fun way to learn about local history.

We board the luxury rail cars of the McKinley Express for the scenic ride to Whittier. The train windows allow maximum viewing of the awesome landscape. In Whittier we embark our ship and enjoy our first delicious dinner on board.

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska extending 76 miles from Mt. Logan in the Yukon. You will hear the creaks and groans as this very active glacier advances. There will be exciting moments when huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called "white thunder" by the local natives.

This is the highlight of our cruise. Under a blanket of silence we gaze upon the ice cliffs and their colours of blue, green and white. In order to protect the delicate environment only a limited number of permits are issued for ships who meet the strict criteria. Watch for whales, seals and bears on the shore.

Enjoy the Gold Rush atmosphere of Skagway - home base for the stampeders whose dreams led them to the Yukon. Explore the historic district on foot or by streetcar. Consider an optional tour, like a ride on the narrow-gauge White Pass Railway.

A day in Alaska's historic capital. Perhaps visit the Alaska State Museum which features rare Eskimo and Indian artifacts. See relics of the gold mines that brought wealth to the town in the early days.

Southeast Alaska's "first city" is as picturesque as they come. The town is built on pilings over the water and clings to the slopes of Deer Mountain. Native culture abounds at Totem Bight State Park.

 Following all the sightseeing of the past week, a leisure day at sea will be most welcome. Relax on deck and watch the beauty of the Inside Passage float by as we cruise along the spectacular coast of British Columbia.

We arrive in Vancouver, disembark and fly home.