Overview
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More magnificent scenery awaits you on your journey aboard the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Travel through untamed wilderness and delight in viewing the awe-inspiring scenery via wide windows and the domed-roof car. With its six million acres, Denali National Park & Preserve is home to North America’s highest peak and offers majestic landscapes. Your two nights in Denali give you the opportunity to explore on your own or to take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the park or a wilderness tour to seek out grizzly bears, moose, and more.
In addition to witnessing breathtaking scenery, this Alaska and Yukon Territory tour offers you a chance to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush. Follow the Trail of ’98 over the same mountains that determined gold seekers traveled in the middle of winter. Visit Skagway, where thousands of hopeful miners came in 1898, and stroll the wooden sidewalks. In Dawson City, see where the first gold strike was made and enjoy the ragtime music, can-can girls, and old-fashioned casino just as the prospectors did over a century ago.
But that’s not all… your Alaska vacation includes a 7-night Alaska cruise. Explore the remote and rugged beauty of areas such as Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Ketchikan, and the amazing Inside Passage. With magnificent scenery, opportunities to witness wildlife in the natural environment, and awe-inspiring experiences, this Alaska tour is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
Small Group Discovery
Select Cosmos 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos North America tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Highlights
Glacier cruise on Prince William Sound
DAWSON CITY
Visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon; Claim #1; and the Robert Service Interpretive Centre
FAIRBANKSSightseeing; Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; Cruise aboard the sternwheeler riverboat Discovery III; Tour the Chena Indian Village with Alaskan Native Guides
ALASKA RAILROAD
Journey aboard the world famous Alaska Railroad in Adventure class
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Stay two nights near the entrance of Denali National Park
ANCHORAGEVisit the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla
HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE7 night Inside Passage Cruise on the MS Nieuw Amsterdam or MS Noordam
2022 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
ANCHORAGE
Day1
Welcome to Anchorage! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER–VALDEZ
Day2
As you enter Whittier from North America’s longest tunnel, the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains, and glaciers greet you. As the gateway to Prince William Sound, this is where you’ll board a Glacier cruise for an up-close look along the 3-mile face of Meares Glacier, and the epicenter of the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. Watch for eagles, whales, mountain goats, dolphins, and sea lions! Overnight in Valdez, the “Switzerland of Alaska.”
VALDEZ–TOK
Day3
. Leave Valdez, home of the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal, and enjoy views of Bridal Veil Falls, Worthington Glacier, and Thompson Pass. Visit the Wrangell–St. Elias Visitor Center and discover why this vast national park measures in size six times that of Yellowstone National Park, and rises from the ocean to 18,008 feet. Overnight in Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.”
TOK–WHITEHORSE
Day4
Join the Alaska Highway and follow along the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Skirt the shores of Kluane Lake, once a meeting place for crews constructing the Alaska Highway. Behold spectacular vistas of the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,551-foot-high Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. The next two nights are in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
WHITEHORSE. EXCURSION TO SKAGWAY
Day5
Follow the Trail of ‘98 over the same mountains that thousands of determined gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter while heading for the Klondike. From Fraser, your Tour Director will suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway. Otherwise, continue by motorcoach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colorful saloons.
NOTE:
Operation of the White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway is subject to seasonal conditions.
WHITEHORSE–DAWSON CITY
Day6
Head northwest through the town of Carmacks, once an important supply station for gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. A stop at the Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers that passed this way. Reach Dawson City, the center of excitement after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896, which led to the world’s largest gold rush. Tonight, enjoy the high-flying entertainment of Dimond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.
DAWSON CITY
Day7
Highlights on your morning sightseeing tour include Bonanza Creek, site of Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made; and Robert Service Interpretive Centre, where you’ll get a first-hand glimpse into the life of this famous wordsmith, along with genuine Gold Rush era items. Enjoy a photo opportunity at the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse. The rest of your day is free to soak up the exciting history of this Gold Rush town at your own pace. Perhaps a return to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon is in order?
DAWSON CITY–FAIRBANKS
Day8
A full day and well worth it, as the scenery is magnificent. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities at Dawson overlook and Top of the World Highway, where the motorcoach will re-enter Alaska, and visit one of the last surviving gold rush towns in Alaska before heading west on the Alaska Highway. Stop at an authentic Alaska roadhouse before your evening arrival in Fairbanks.
FAIRBANKS
Day9
Morning sightseeing features highlights of Alaska’s second-largest city and a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a leisurely cruise on the Chena River. You will see a bush floatplane take off alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.
FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Day10
Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable journey through untamed wilderness. Sit back in comfort and enjoy spectacular scenery through wide windows. Be sure to take advantage of the domed-roof car. The ride ends in Denali National Park & Preserve. North America’s highest peak, 20,310-foot Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominates the park’s six million acres of glacial streams, river valleys, and multicolored tundra. After a short orientation tour of Denali, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Day11
A free day for independent activities. A hike along the many wilderness trails might be good fun. Also take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour to seek out grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or a helicopter ride over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of other suggestions.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION).
Day12
Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali before traveling south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at the Iditarod Headquarters, home of the great dogsled race. After arrival in Anchorage, transfer to Whittier and board your cruise ship. This remote village is nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters and killer whales, so have your camera ready.
Meals included:
- Dinner
CRUISING: HUBBARD GLACIER.
Day13
Hubbard is the longest tidewater glacier (meaning it ends at the ocean) in North America. However, unlike nearly every other tidewater glacier on the continent, Hubbard is advancing, not retreating; it is forever pushing a little further into the bay. Chunks of ice that break off become floaties for seals.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA.
Day14
A relaxing day at sea provides time to explore the ship’s many amenities. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and, with a little luck, you may spot a pod of mighty yet graceful killer whales.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SKAGWAY.
Day15
In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
JUNEAU.
Day16
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
KETCHIKAN.
Day17
Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE.
Day18
Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION).
Day19
Your vacation ends this morning. Please schedule homebound flights after Noon.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.Wildlife in Alaska is often seen in early season (May-early June).
Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.
The U.S. Embassy requires travelers to and from Canada to have a valid U.S. Passport. This tour travels to the Yukon Territory, which is part of Canada. Non-U.S. citizens may need a visa.
Alaska and the Yukon are blessed with exquisite scenery, fascinating attractions, and an extraordinary amount of daylight in the summer months. We take advantage of these extended daylight hours in this vast territory; therefore, some of the traveling days can be long. However, rest assured there are frequent photo and comfort stops.
Enjoy the spectacular colors of Alaska & the Yukon on our special Fall Foliage departures: August 10-24 (if Mother Nature permits).
At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Dimond Center Hotel
First-Class
Built in 2002, the 109 spacious guest rooms offer upscale amenities, five wheelchair accessible rooms, hearing/sight impaired services and an in-house laundry facility. The hotel features distinctive art from Kachemak Bay region reflecting the ownership of the hotel; Seldovia Native Association. Guest rooms are equipped with Serta beds, 42" flat screen TV, refrigerators, micro-waves and Keurig coffee makers, as well as standard bathroom amenities. A breakfast buffet is included for all guests. Located in mid-town Anchorage, 7 miles from downtown, the hotel is close to Dimond Center Mall, with lots of restaurants and shops. There is complimentary airport shuttle as well as shuttle to downtown area.
Location
700 E. Dimond Boulevard, Anchorage, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Pay Movies
- Desk
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Superior Tourist-Class
The Best Western Harbor Inn offers beautiful views of Valdez Harbor and is conveniently located near Valdez Glacier Park, Old Town Park and the Alaskan Pipeline Terminal across the bay. The hotel is equipped with high-speed Internet access, cocktail lounge, gift shop, barbershop, and guest laundry.
Location
100 N Harbour Drive, Valdez, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant On-Site
- Beauty Salon
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
Young's Motel
Tourist Class
Young's Motel offers some of the most comfortable accommodation in Tok, and certainly offers the best food. Fast Eddy's is famous for its American fare - hamburgers, pizza, and steak. With clean and welcoming amenities, it's simple and perfect for your stay in Tok.
Location
1313 Alcan Highway, Tok, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Coffee Maker
High Country Inn
First-Class
Centrally located in downtown Whitehorse, the hotel features fitness center, ATM, complimentary Wi-Fi, guest laundry facilities, plus a fine dining restaurant on property, as well a more casual lounge.
Location
4051 4th Avenue, Whitehorse, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Hot Tub
- Laundry Available
- ATM
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
Downtown Hotel Dawson City
Moderate First-Class
This contemporary and locally owned hotel is conveniently located in downtown Dawson. If features the Sourdough Saloon, Jack London Grill, a gift shop, laundry services and hot tub.
Location
Corner of Second & Queen/Box 780, Dawson City, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- ATM
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
Bridgewater Hotel
Moderate First-Class
Five-story, Downtown Hotel overlooking the Chena River, located half mile from train station; 3.5 miles from airport.
Location
723 First Avenue, Fairbanks, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Located next to Denali National Park, on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Denali Bluffs Hotel is just steps away from adventure. The main lodge featured a stone fireplace, traditional Alaskan Art as well as lounge area. The hotel features a restaurant, coffee bar, gift shop, tour desk, Internet access, and guest laundry.
Location
Mile Post 238.4 Parks Highway, Denali National Park, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Coffee Maker
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Cable/Satellite
