Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks Alaska
Today, leave New England and travel west to Alaska. This is the perfect time to go to Alaska as the land and sea temperature are about the same, reducing the chances of fog that is prevalent in July and early August. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, you will be transferred to the Bridgewater Hotel for a two-night stay.
Please note arrival in Fairbanks will be determined by when you book. Restaurants close to the hotel stay open until 10:00 p.m. Day 2: Fairbanks
Begin the day with an Alaskan breakfast. Then it is off for a city tour of Fairbanks, which will include a stop at the Alaskan Pipeline and at the University of Alaska Museum. This afternoon, enjoy a delightful cruise down the Chena and Tannana Rivers on the Sternwheeler "Discovery". Along the way, a stop will be made at an Athabascan camp where you will learn about the native people and dog sledding in Alaska. Tonight you will experience an all-you-can-eat Salmon or Prime Rib Bake followed by a night of entertainment. This evening’s performance tells the story of Fairbanks with music and song. (B/D) Day 3: Train to Denali
After breakfast, board the Alaskan Railroad for a trip to Denali National Park. Upon arrival in the park, you will be transferred to your hotel before you go deep into the park in search of wildlife. Tye's has included a 60-mile tundra tour narrated by a park naturalist. During the journey, you will hopefully spot grizzly bear, moose, and caribou in their natural habitat. Please remember to bring your binoculars, as the animals are seldom right next to the road. On a clear day, one can spot the monarch of the Alaskan Range - Mount McKinley. For your tour into the park, a snack box with drinks will be provided. (B/Snack Box) Day 4: Denali to Anchorage
The morning is free for you to enjoy the park. You will find ranger-guided walks to explore the wildflowers available. Optional whitewater raft trips and optional flight sightseeing trips available. This afternoon you will motor coach to Anchorage and experience an Anchorage City tour on the way. Tonight, dinner and a show will be included at the Sour Dough mining company. (D) Day 5: Big Game Park and Seward
This morning you will have time to do a bit of shopping and visit the galleries of Anchorage or perhaps visit the Great Earthquake Experience and Omnimax theater or an optional scenic float plane
flight. This afternoon, on the way to Seward, visit the Big Game Park where you are sure to see big game. Board the "Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas" in the late afternoon. (B/D) Day 6: Prince William Sound / Hubbard Glacier
Today you will cruise through Prince William Sound and on to Hubbard Glacier. The longest river of ice in North America, the Hubbard Glacier is also one of the most active glaciers of its kind in Alaska. And since the ships are designed to provide guests with the best viewing possible, you'll be able to see this massive natural wonder, with its 1,350 square miles of blue ice, from just about anywhere on the ship. (B/L/D) Day 7: Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska... where Tye's has arranged for an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and a sightseeing tour of Juneau. You will arrive back in town with enough time to shop and visit one of Alaska's best museums, "The Alaskan State Museum". Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby. When you have free time, Tye's suggests a visit to the Red Dog Saloon. (B/L/D) Day 8: Skagway
This morning, as the cruise ship glides up the Lynn Canal, you’ll see glaciers clinging to the sides of the mountains. These glittering rivers of ice feed the streams of water that cascade down the steep slopes and plunge into the canal. The Lynn Canal is home to many species of wildlife, playful sea lions and humpback whales may serve as the ship's escort.
Later, arrive in Skagway, a town born during the Alaskan Gold Rush. In those days, Skagway was known as the "roughest town on earth"; Skagway is now part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. A tour guide will take you on a walking tour of this town where history will come alive.
This afternoon, an optional helicopter ride to the top of one of the most spectacular glaciers is available. This is an option that should not be missed. (Approximate $249, rates have not been finalized at this time.) Because of the limited number of seats on the helicopter, this option must be booked in advance of the tour's departure. If you should be unable to fly because of weather, a full refund will be given. Or, take a private trip to the top of the White Pass to see the route of the early explorers and “the trail of 98”. This trip has a maximum capacity of 25 people and sells out every year ($75). (B/L/D) Day 9: Icy Point Straight (Halibut Fishing)
Icy Strait Point is located near the city of Hoonah, the largest native Tlingit Indian settlement in Alaska, and very near Glacier Bay National Park. Home to a historic cannery, the port's connection to the sea is strong. Locals share the sea with humpback whales, Orcas, Dall porpoises, seals, sea otters, halibut, and all five species of Pacific salmon. It is not uncommon to spot a humpback or an Orca while walking along the shore. There will be optional trips to see the native village and botanical gardens. This is the perfect port for those that want to go on a whale watch or ride a zip line through the forest. If you are a fisherman this is the port to fish for Halibut. (B/L/D) Day 10: Ketchikan
This morning, arrive in Ketchikan, which originated as an Indian fish saltery, but the town's major growth began when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 Gold Rush to the Klondike. Much of the town's colorful past is still in evidence, especially in the nearby Indian villages, where you'll see colorfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.
Some of you might want to try your luck at salmon fishing. If you catch a salmon, they will smoke or can it for you dockside, and then ship it home for you. The ship will even prepare the salmon for dinner if you prefer.
Ketchikan is known for its collection of totem poles, the fish hatchery, and the historic Creek Street; once a rough and tumble red-light district. This is a great town to walk in, and you can be sure that the tour guide will show you the sights. Tye's suggests that you purchase the optional tour to see the totem poles ($42). As you cruise this remote section of the Alaska Panhandle, the sight of towering trees, deep bays, fjords, and extraordinarily tall cliffs will awe you with the scale and power of nature. This is the port to go fishing if you want to catch salmon. Tye's uses boats that will take four passengers only. They know the captains and most people end up shipping fish home. In 2008, each boat shipped an average of 250lbs of fish home. (B/L/D) Day 11: Inside Passage
Today will be a relaxing day as you journey down the Inside Passageway to Vancouver. This is a perfect day to partake in shipboard activities and relax as the cruise portion of your tour draws to a close. (B/L/D) Day 12: Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, where you will be given a trolley pass to explore the city at your leisure. This afternoon, the casino will provide you with a voucher for dinner and give you the opportunity to tempt lady luck (there is a four hour minimum stay to collect your casino bonus.) (B/D) Day 13: Victoria
Travel to Victoria where you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens and tour one of the prettiest cities in Canada: Victoria. (B/D) Day 14: Home
Transfer to Seattle or Vancouver airport, where you will begin your journey home, filled with fond memories of your Alaskan experience. (B) |
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