Overview
Nature’s Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
Peaks. Glaciers. Whales. Wildlife. Your route on this tour of Alaska takes you by coach to see the highest peak in North America at the 6-million-acre Denali National Park; by train to see the untamed wilderness en route to the unique town of Talkeetna; and by ship to cruise through the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park to hear the thunderous roar of glaciers calving into the sea. You’ll also see a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion and stop at the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse for an Alaskan treat. A sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks, a breathtaking drive along the shore of Turnagain Arm, and a wilderness expedition to sniff out bears, caribou, and moose in Denali National Park will also get your tails wagging. Want to howl at more sea otters, orcas, and humpback whales? Add a leisurely cruise through the breathtaking Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage to your Alaska vacation to see more wondrous wilderness and charming settlements. Enjoy scenic cruising around Glacier Bay National Park and time in the frontier capital of Juneau, the tranquil town of Haines or Skagway, and totem-pole-dotted Ketchikan.
Highlights of Nature’s Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
Vacation Type
y
Related Tours
CK|Nature's Best: AlaskaCKI|With Alaska Cruise
Notes
•While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year-round, May and early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are most visible late August and September, weather permitting.•The 60512 departure will include the Denali Natural History Tour instead of the Tundra Wilderness Tour due to the National Park operational schedule.•At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.•The included night in Anchorage is not included on the cruise extension due to sailing alignment. The price has been adjusted accordingly.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. 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 Globus escorted 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 trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Related Option Title
With Alaska Cruise
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour:•Sightseeing cruise on the Chena River with a visit to an Athabascan village •Presentation by a Denali Naturalist and dinner at a local restaurant •Wilderness expedition in Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide •Visit to an Iditarod musher’s home with a sled dog demonstration•Rail journey aboard the Alaska Railroad in Deluxe Dome Service •Overnight stay at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with panoramic Denali views •Alaskan treat at historic Talkeetna Roadhouse •City sightseeing in Anchorage including major landmarks •Scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula to Seward •Cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with opportunities for wildlife viewing •Discover Alaska’s Inside Passage on a 7-day cruise
Product Group
Nature's Best: Alaska
UNESCO Sites
Glacier Bay
Meals
Breakfast daily, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS Welcome to Alaska! Meet your Tour Director between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.
Day 2
FAIRBANKS–DENALI NATIONAL PARK Native American Traditions This morning, board the sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River with a stop at the Chena Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. We continue to Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), majestically dominating the park’s 6 million acres. This evening, enjoy a private presentation by a Naturalist and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Experience frontier living in an Athabascan village on the Chena River. Here in the Alaskan forests, cabins are made of spruce logs, and the old ways of living with the land are beautifully preserved in the heritage of the Athabascan Native culture. Learn about traditions and survival in an unforgiving yet beautiful environment, where generations of Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years, ultimately adapting to village life and Western culture in the past century.
Day 3
DENALI NATIONAL PARK Wilderness Wonders Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Later, journey into Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide on a Tundra Wilderness tour. The evening is free. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Venture deep into Denali National Park and Preserve with a Naturalist Driver Guide in search of fantastic wildlife and natural wonders. Stay alert for wildlife, including Denali’s Big-Five, the grizzly bear, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and the formidable yet elusive wolf. Named for the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali is a natural treasure of pristine and untamed wilderness at its finest.
Day 4
DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA Sled Races & Railroads This morning, visit the home of an Iditarod Musher to hear stories of their adventures and meet their champion racers. Then, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through the majestic Alaskan wilderness. Today’s ride ends in the unique town of Talkeetna. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. From its incredible setting on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the lodge offers majestic views of Denali. Enjoy scenic hiking, flightseeing, or simply relax amid stunning views from the deck or hearthside by the crackling fire of a giant river rock fireplace.
Day 5
TALKEETNA–ANCHORAGE–SEWARD Anchorage Adventures This morning, enjoy a traditional Alaskan treat from the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse. Then, head south toward Anchorage for a city tour and continue on a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula en route to Seward. Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT URBAN LIFE Alaska’s largest city is a unique combination of modern city life and wilderness. Discover the rich history, cultural influences, and iconic landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour of Anchorage. Visit the vibrant downtown, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood Seaplane Base, the largest floatplane airport in the world. Enjoy sweeping views of Cook Inlet and a statue of its namesake, British explorer Captain James Cook.
Day 6
SEWARD. CRUISE IN KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION) Making a Splash Today, board your vessel for a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! Travel to Whittier, a remote village nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and orcas! Wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver before embarking on a 7-night cruise south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park covers 600,000 acres of protected and pure wilderness, with more than half of its majestic landscapes covered in ice and snow. From the massive Harding Icefield to the countless tidewater glaciers carving deep fjords, this arctic paradise is a natural wonder to behold. A cruise on the fjords affords an unforgettable opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more breathtaking sights.
Day 7
CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA Gulf Dreams Scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Go deeper into the unmatched beauty of the Last Frontier with a scenic cruise on the Gulf of Alaska to explore just a part of this nearly 600,000 square-mile gulf reaching from the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island in the west and Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage to the east.
Day 8
CRUISING: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK Ice Dancing Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD DISCOVERIES Cruise to Glacier Bay where the sounds of creaking groans of living ice in constant flux, the shrill calls of gulls and soaring eagles, and the splash of breaching humpback whales greet you. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are main attractions, but every discovery in this dynamic biosphere is unique. With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier and a chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay, so stay ready—you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback rise out of the water or spot a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.
Day 9
SKAGWAY The Rush for Gold At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty. Note: Haines may be an alternative port and will be determined by Holland America onboard. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway. From the infamous Red Onion Saloon that has a pistol Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.
Day 10
JUNEAU The Wild Places Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote and unique state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capital building all in one day. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC SIGHTS Juneau is known for outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down wildlife. Hike at Mount Roberts to seek wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring good binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe that’s hard to resist.
Day 11
KETCHIKAN Port of Call Cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain and picturesque fjords welcome you to the Inside Passage. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES & TRADITIONS Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and packing industries. Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant and explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan Nations of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Marvel at the intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. Take in the beautiful culture of the Tlingit people at Saxman Village, where traditional carvers and dancers share their heritage in the clan house. Explore the sights in town, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art, while exploring gold rush–era treasures like Dolly’s House Museum.
Day 12
CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE Ice Sculptures Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. 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. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTALASKAN ADVENTURE Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Day 13
VANCOUVER, BC (DISEMBARKATION) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after noon. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Pike's Waterfront Lodge | Along the banks of the impressive Chena River sits Pike's Waterfront Lodge. You'll rest easily in comfortable rooms, all with Aveda aromatherapy room amenities and many featuring scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, and a cozy lounge. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. It's a convenient and stunning spot for your time in Fairbanks. | Fairbanks | 1850 Hoselton Drive | Moderate First-Class |
| 2 | Denali Park Village | Approximately seven miles south of Denali National Park & Preserve sits the Denali Park Village Lodge. Positioned along the banks of the Nenana River, and spread over 20 acres, the lodge offers hiking trails throughout the facility from lighter trails to the more rugged. You'll be close to the action of Denali, yet enjoy the evening solitude as you relax to the sound of the river sweeping by. The new Summit Lodge is eco-friendly and features a high-timber lodge look and feel and is home to the Gold Rush Dining Room, Lucky Miss Saloon, Quigley's Coffee Station, Summit Gift Shop and 24-hour concierge desk. | Denali National Park | 231 George Parks Hwy | Moderate First-Class |
| 3 | Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | At the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, it's all about the view. Built atop a high bluff, the lodge overlooks the Susitna River Valley and surveys the entire Alaska Range, with Mt. McKinley right in the middle. On a clear day, all of the common rooms (and 72 of the guest rooms) offer this same stunning panorama of river valleys and rugged peaks. Accommodations are comfortable with plush bedding and all the amenities you'll need to feel right at home. | Talkeetna | 23601Talkeetna Spur Road | First-Class |
| 4 | Gateway Hotel | Conveniently located between the Seward harbor and downtown, the Gateway Hotel features outside deck space and elevated viewing platform over nearby salmon stream, spacious common area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is the perfect base for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. | Seward | 1115 4th Avenue | First-Class |
| 5 | Fairmont Hotel Vancouver | Known as the "Castle in the City," Fairmont Hotel Vancouver reflects timeless luxury and history of Vancouver. Holding a prime downtown location, the hotel is minutes away from some of Vancouver's biggest attractions including Granville Island, Robson Street shopping, Gastown, and Canada Place. | Vancouver | 900 W. Georgia St. | Moderate Deluxe |
