Alaska Wilderness by Cruise and Rail

Day 1 – 4 Vancouver

Gateway to the Pacific, Vancouver is a beautiful city of 2 halves, the coastal mountains and the Pacific Coast. Explore her downtown from Gastown to Chinatown or stroll the seawall along English Bay to Stanley Park.

Day 5 Embark on Cruise

Explore more of downtown Vancouver this morning prior to embarking on your cruise from Vancouver’s Canada Place. Why not take in some shopping at Robson Street or experience Vancouver’s Flyover Canada an exhilarating 8minute journey across Canada showcasing the iconic locations and spectacular scenery all from the comfort of your chair, feet dangling, in front of a 20-metre spherical screen!

Day 6 Inside Passage Cruising

The Inside Passage is a coastal route weaving through the islands of the Pacific Northwest. Shaped by the forces of massive glaciers millions of years ago, the Inside Passage boasts wildlife filled fjords and lush island scenery. Watch out for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales.

Day 7 Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point is the perfect location for adventure seekers in Alaska, everything from soft adventure activities such as a nature walk to a heart racing zipline adventure can be enjoyed here. In addition, Icy Strait Point is also a wonderful place to view Alaskan wildlife as it’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population.

Day 8 Juneau, Alaska

Standing on one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, Juneau offers wildlife viewing, fishing and exploration of glaciers. Kayak up one of the areas protected waterways or try panning for gold. Trek to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier located 12 miles outside of Juneau.

Day 9 Skagway, Alaska

Famous for the discovery of gold in the 1800’s, Skagway’s charming boardwalk will take you back to the Gold Rush days. Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park or the famous White Pass Railway.

Day 10 Cruising Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

This glacier is gigantic at more than six miles wide. The face is up to 400feet tall and icebergs 3 to 4 stories are not uncommon. The sight is awe inspiring

Day 11 Cruising Valdez (Keystone Canyon), Alaska

Think dramatic scenery, tidewater glaciers, rainforests and majestic mountains then think Valdez. Its location along Prince William Sound also offers diverse wildlife and a rich Gold Rush history.  

Day 12 Alaska Railroad Seward to Anchorage

Best known for its beautiful parks and mountain scenery Seward is not to be missed. After you have disembarked your cruise spend time exploring via boat and travel out to Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park for a chance to spot humpback whales, harbour seals, Steller sea lions and much more. This evening board the Alaska Railroad for your journey 114miles north to Anchorage. The journey will take you over the Kenai Mountains through a 1,063-foot summit pass as well as hugging the coast line of the Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 13 Anchorage

Learn more about Anchorage at Anchorage Museum, Alaska’s largest museum telling the story of Alaska and the north. Or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre showcasing Alaska’s 11 major cultures, experiencing them first hand through stories, dance and more. Overnight in Anchorage

Day 14 Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Denali

Every morning the Denali Star departs Anchorage on an 8-hour journey towards Denali National Park spanning two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – Southcentral and Interior Alaska. The train crosses Knick River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. As you come in to Talkeetna watch for views of Denali, on a clear day you can view the peak of North America’s tallest mountain. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the roads and into the Hurricane Area. View the snaking Indian River and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Overnight Denali.

Day 15 Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

Travel 62 miles into Denali National Park to Stony Hill Overlook, the Tundra Wilderness Tour offers a wonderful and diverse experience for park visitors. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of Park Road, and plenty of opportunities to view the park’s wildlife. On days when Denali is visible, the tour travels to Stony Hill Overlook for an amazing view off Denali from base to summit.

Day 16 Alaska Railroad Denali to Fairbanks

This morning board the Denali Star once more on a 4-hour journey to Fairbanks in the heart of Alaska’s interior. Wind along the Healy Canyon following the curves of the Nenana River below all from the comfort of the Star. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 17 – 18 Fairbanks

The Golden Heart of Alaska and home of the aurora borealis and the midnight sun. Here there are serious mountain ranges, pristine rivers and lakes and abundant wildlife. This remote town offers a vibrant city ion the heart of Alaska’s interior. Rich in Alaska Native Culture as well as authentic Alaskan activities and attractions why not visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Visitors Centre. Fairbanks is the gateway to the vast Inferior and the Arctic with the Arctic being featured prominently as Fairbanks is the home base for travel, research supplies and transportation. 2 nights Fairbanks.

Day 19 Fly Home

Take today to explore more of Fairbanks and get those last-minute souvenirs prior to your flight back to the UK.

ESTA online application for entry to the USA

Important: All cruise passengers must complete the online Visa Waiver form by visiting https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov which is needed for entry into the US at a cost of $21 per person.

You must complete an ESTA application at least 72 hours before flying. Any traveller who fails to complete an ESTA application at least 3 days before departure will almost certainly be refused entry into the country under new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. If you are even considering visiting the States, it's worth filling out an ESTA application now as they are valid for two years. Important: If you are refused entry because you do not hold the correct travel documents or have had your application for ESTA rejected - you will NOT be entitled to any form of refund or covered by your travel insurance policy.

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