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Hosted By: Mike Dandrea
Meteorologist
WEAU TV
View Biography
Explore the best of Alaska with a captivating four-night cruise, rail journey, and iconic national parks. Begin with a flight into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and explore dramatic landscapes along Turnagain Arm. Travel to Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Trail Headquarters, then arrive at Denali National Park for an intriguing tour into one of Alaska’s most unspoiled regions. Pan for gold and glide along the Chena River on a classic sternwheeler in Fairbanks before taking a scenic journey along the Alaska Highway into the Yukon Territory. Ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for breathtaking views to Skagway, where our cruise ship awaits. For the next four nights, we cruise the Inside Passage in style with a day of getting up close to tidewater glaciers and wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park and a port of call in Ketchikan. All staterooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking private walk-out verandahs and all meals are included aboard the ship.
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June 18th, 2024 - June 30th, 2024
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6299
Single
$8199
Final Payment Date: 03/15/2024
Day 1 : Fly to Anchorage
We begin our tour in Anchorage.
Day 2 : Alaskan Scenery
Our adventure starts with traveling along fjord-like Turnagain Arm, on one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in Alaska. Enjoy picturesque views as we head for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s extraordinary wildlife. We take a scenic tram ride at Alyeska Resort for views of hanging glaciers and mountain peaks within the Chugach Mountains. On our way back to Anchorage, keep watch for eagles and moose. Following our welcome lunch, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 : The Iditarod Trail
A scenic morning drive takes us to Wasilla in the Matanuska Valley, an agricultural and supply center for Alaska’s remote interior. Here, we visit the Iditarod Trail Headquarters to learn about extraordinary sled dogs and the famous Anchorage-to-Nome race. We then enjoy a photo stop at the Alaska Veterans Memorial, dedicated to each branch of service. En route to our accommodations in the Denali area, we watch for views of soaring Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Day 4 : Denali National Park and Preserve
We kick off our morning by joining a naturalist guide for a thrilling journey into the tundra of Denali National Park and Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world. Watch for grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Later, we cross the Alaska Range, with sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, we dine at the Alaska Salmon Bake, a true Alaskan experience with dinner prepared over a wood fire.
Day 5 : Fairbanks
Today we’re introduced to Fairbanks’ history as we trace its development from the gold rush to the discovery of "Black Gold." Gaze upon the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline and learn to pan for gold at historic Gold Dredge 8, where we keep what we find! Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch at Steamboat Landing, then board the Riverboat Discovery lll sternwheeler. Relax during this narrated excursion on the Chena River, featuring a floatplane and sled dog demonstration, before we go ashore to a recreated Athabascan Native camp. The evening is at our leisure in Fairbanks.
Day 6 : The Alaska Highway
Following a delicious breakfast, browse amazing collections that preserve this region’s history at the Museum of the North. A short drive to North Pole, Alaska brings us to the Santa Claus House for a chance to relive childhood memories with the spirit of Christmas present year-round. We then travel the renowned Alaska Highway, originally built as a military supply road during World War II, linking Alaska to Canada.
Day 7 : Yukon Territory
Today we traverse the spectacular Yukon Territory, an untouched region of astounding beauty and the most remote part of our journey. We enjoy views of the crystal-clear waters of Kluane Lake and stop at Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Center to learn about this preserved area. Later, we arrive in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital, and settle into our comfortable accommodations.
Day 8 : Scenic Rail & ms Koningsdam
This morning we board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for awe-inspiring views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls that can only be seen by train. This historic route follows the path of the legendary Klondike gold seekers. We arrive in Skagway and embark on the ms Koningsdam to begin our incredible four-night cruise. The ship stays docked in Skagway into the evening, allowing us to go ashore and explore this historic 1890s gold rush boomtown.
Day 9 : Glacier Bay Cruise
Today our ship provides front-row seats for one of nature‘s most breathtaking sights, Glacier Bay! We maneuver easily along these pristine shores for close views of glaciers, lush forests, and mountains. A National Park Ranger and an Alaskan Native provide insight into this wild and historically significant corner of Alaska with interesting commentary and special programming. In addition to watching for captivating wildlife, keep an eye out for tidewater glaciers calving, or breaking off, and crashing into the sea. Delightful shows, music, and dancing light up our evening.
Day 10 : Ketchikan
Our port of call today is Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World, and we conveniently dock right in town. Enjoy time on your own to discover this charming port’s rich culture and history. Visit the carving shed, go salmon fishing, learn about Tongass National Forest at the Southeast Discovery Center, or explore the colorful houses and quaint shops along Creek Street in the old “red light district” of Ketchikan. You may also book an excursion offered by Holland America.
Day 11 : The Inside Passage
We traverse through the beautiful Inside Passage today, where protected passageways allow for a relaxing experience. Take in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and hundreds of islands and coastal inlets as we make our way through the astonishing fjord-like waterway. We trace the southeastern hook of Alaska and Canada's Pacific Coast to witness firsthand how this vital ocean route still links communities today.
Day 12 : Vancouver to Seattle
Our cruise concludes today in Vancouver, British Columbia. We board our comfortable motorcoach for a scenic drive to Seattle, known as The Emerald City. Tonight, we toast our amazing journey at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 13 : Fly Home
WEAU TV Pickup Locations:
Baldwin, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-02
Eau Claire, WI - Holiday Vacations
Hixton, WI - Hixton Travel Plaza
Hudson, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05
Marshfield, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 71-01
Menomonie, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Menomonie
Onalaska, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Osseo, WI - McDonald's
Mike is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and was fascinated by weather at a young age. He knew he wanted to be a meteorologist but took several detours along the way. Upon graduating high school, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps (Semper Fi!). His time in the Marines took him all around the country, and even the globe! Eventually, Mike went through and pursued his childhood dream and graduated with a Meteorology degree with honors at St. Cloud State. Out of school, he first landed in the Peace Garden State before coming to the Chippewa Valley.
When not glued to weather data, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite sports teams (Minnesota Vikings, Toronto Blue Jays, Winnipeg Jets) or enjoying a day on the lake!
Join Mike and WEAU News 13 viewers on this fabulous trip of a lifetime.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.