Day 1: Fairbanks, Alaska - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Fairbanks, in the great state of Alaska.  What better way to explore such a vast and undisturbed region than with a Collette vacation that combines the best of both land and sea, highlighted by an unforgettable 7-night glacier cruise!

 

Day 2: Fairbanks

Begin your day at a welcome briefing with your fellow passengers.  After the briefing, take a short drive to the Alaska Pipeline to view this amazing structural feat – at 800 miles it is one of the world’s largest.   Enjoy some free time to discover Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city.  Then, enjoy an amazing cruise aboard the popular Stern Wheeler, Discovery, an unforgettable journey showcasing Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. *Tonight, experience a home hosted dinner with a local Fairbanks family.  Enjoy the comforts of home and warm hospitality, combined with local food and plenty of interesting conversation. You’ll go for dinner, yet leave with friends for life. *  (B, D)

 

Day 3: Fairbanks - McKinley Explorer Domed Rail - Denali National Park

Depart Fairbanks and take a scenic train ride on a domed rail to Denali National Park.  Meet up with a park expert and embark on an afternoon Tundra Wilderness Tour venturing deep into Denali national Park.  With a little luck, you will spot some of the animals Alaska is famous for, including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, wolves, fox and caribou.

(B, L)

 

Day 4: Denali - Anchorage

Enjoy some free time in Denali National Park to experience this great national park and perhaps partake in some of the available optional tours.  Later, drive to Anchorage, stopping at the Mt. McKinley overlook en route to see North America’s tallest peak.  *Tonight, join your fellow travelers for one of the many highlights of your trip as you enjoy a chat with a local Alaskan.  Learn about the different native cultures of the area, their histories, and modern day life as a native of Alaska. *.  (B, D)

 

Day 5: Anchorage - Seward - Board Cruise Ship

Begin your day with free time to explore some of Anchorage’s museums, shops or perhaps the weekend farmers market. Then, drive south to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, whose mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured and ill animals, and care for those animals that cannot survive in the wild. Today you will learn about this cause during a private chat with one of the keepers. Later, drive along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Seward to begin your 7-night cruise aboard Holland America’s Volendam or Zaandam. Both ships are grandly proportioned and designed to carry fewer guests than other ships in their class.  While on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightly entertainment are included.

(B, D)

 

Day 6: Cruising – College Fjord

Your ship cruises through College Fjord.  Located in scenic Prince William Sound, College Fjord is home to several glaciers named for East Coast universities, including Harvard and Yale.  Carved by ancient glaciers, the fjord’s steep sea cliffs rise above the water and are covered with dense strands of giant trees.  The area is a haven for wildlife including a variety of marine and land mammals.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 7: Cruising - Glacier Bay

Your cruise takes you into beautiful Glacier Bay, where travelers can go back in time to the Ice Age to see the faces of glaciers whose retreat over just two centuries has sculpted a 65-mile long fjord.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Cruising – Haines

Tucked in the forests of southeast Alaska, on the shores of America's longest fjord, your port of call today is Haines. Surrounded by spectacular peaks, glaciers, rivers and lakes that are home to abundant birds and wildlife, Haines offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation and guided excursions.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 9: Cruising - Juneau

Today you arrive in Alaska’s lively capital, the beautiful city of Juneau.  Take some time to discover this splendid area.  Perhaps you will visit Alaska’s oldest Russian Orthodox church, St. Nicolas, or take a trip to the famed Mendenhall Glacier.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Cruising - Ketchikan

Your port of call today is Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the “City of Totems.” Located on the tranquil Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles.  With some free time, you may choose to visit Totem Bight Park or Saxman Indian Village to see these tremendous timbers being carved.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Cruising - Inside Passage

A wonderful day of sightseeing is in store for you as your ship sails along the amazing Inside Passage, an extensive stretch of land known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Take advantage of the many amenities of your ship or just relax and enjoy the view. You will be awe-struck with this natural wonder.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 12: Vancouver, B.C. - Disembark Cruise - Seattle, WA area

Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver.  *A city tour features Stanley Park, famous for its Indian totem poles, Chinatown, and Gastown, home to the world-famous steam-powered clock. *  Next, board your coach for your trip to the Seattle area.  (B)

 

Day 13: SeattleTour Ends

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your vacation to the last of the great frontiers.  (B)