Day 1 : Fly to Seattle

We have accommodations in suburban Seattle this evening.

Day 2 : Board the ms Koningsdam

After breakfast, we drive north to the vibrant port city of Vancouver. The city’s setting is spectacular, nestled between mountains and ocean. We board the ms Koningsdam for our luxurious three-night cruise into the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Magnificent mountain vistas, vast forests, and narrow passageways highlight this relaxing experience.

Day 3 : The Inside Passage

Relive the story of the Klondike Gold Rush miners as we trace their historic routing to the gold fields. Snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and hundreds of islands and coastal inlets mark our progress through an astonishing fjord-like waterway today. We travel Canada's Pacific Coast and Southeastern Alaska, seeing firsthand how this vital ocean route still links communities today. As we cruise, indulge in shipboard amenities and entertainment.

Day 4 : Juneau

Today we call on Alaska's beautiful capital, Juneau, which can only be reached by air or sea. Its natural setting between the waters of Gastineau Channel and coastal mountains and forest makes it one of the most stunning cities. We sightsee and shop on our own or choose an optional excursion.

Day 5 : Scenic Train Ride

After breakfast we disembark in Skagway. Here, we board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an exciting narrow-gauge train ride to continue following the path of the legendary Klondike gold seekers. We pass incredible panoramas of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. Later, we arrive in Whitehorse.

Day 6 : The Alaska Highway

We travel the Alaska Highway which was originally built as a military supply road during World War II and links Alaska to Canada. We enjoy views of the crystal-clear waters of Kluane Lake and stop at Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Center to learn more about this preserved area. This brings us through Yukon Territory, the most wild and remote part of our trip, where moose alone outnumber the human population.

Day 7 : Alaska's Interior

En route to Fairbanks, we pass through Delta Junction, an inland delta where the Chena and Tanana rivers meet and feed Alaska’s largest agricultural area. Along the way, we can relive childhood dreams at the Santa Claus House in the town of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round. Tonight, we head out for dinner, Alaskan style! Delight in a traditional Alaska Salmon Bake with generous portions of salmon grilled over a wood fire.

Day 8 : Gold Dredge 8 & Riverboat Discovery III

Discover the gold rush history in Fairbanks today as we learn to pan for gold, and keep what we find, at historic Gold Dredge 8. We also take in views of the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon, we savor an all-you-can-eat lunch before boarding the Riverboat Discovery III sternwheeler for a narrated excursion. Our journey along the Chena River includes a floatplane, sled dog demonstration, and a stop at a recreated Athabascan Native camp. Afterwards, we return to Fairbanks.

Day 9 : Denali National Park and Preserve

Panoramic views of wilderness and the Alaska Range provide a spectacular backdrop as we travel to Denali National Park and Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world. A naturalist guide joins us on a journey into the tundra. Watch for grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. We end our day at a Denali Park Lodge.

Day 10 : The Iditarod Trail

A scenic morning drive takes us to Wasilla. After lunch at Settlers Bay Lodge, we learn about Alaska's state sport of mushing, or dog sledding, during a visit to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters for the treasured Anchorage-to-Nome race. Later, traverse the Matanuska Valley, the state’s first agricultural center, before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 11 : Prince William Sound

We head south, immersed in the spellbinding scenery of Turnagain Arm. See a variety of extraordinary Alaskan wildlife up-close during a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Departing from Whittier, we enjoy a Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise on the calm waters of Prince William Sound to view hanging and tidewater glaciers. Watch for sea otters, porpoises, and other animals, as well as glaciers calving into the sea.

Day 12 : Anchorage

Have a leisurely morning before we visit the world-class Anchorage Museum. Enjoy a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Lunch and an enlightening visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight home.

Day 13 : Arrive Home