Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Welcome to Anchorage!
Meet your Tour Director between 3-7pm in the hotel reception area.ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Anchorage with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Your Tour Director can point you in the right direction. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do!
Sights & Sounds
Meet your fellow travel companions at this morning’s welcome orientation. Travel through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, where cabbages can grow to an amazing 70 pounds (32 kg) in the 24-hour daylight. Venture over Tahneta Pass for wonderful vistas of Matanuska and Worthington Glaciers. Continue to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Visitor Center, the largest National Park in the United States and visit the Ahtna Cultural Center, a place to connect to the Alaska Native culture with exhibits on Ahtna Athabascan history. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the seaside port of Valdez. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Located near the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, Valdez is a mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests, majestic mountains, and wildlife on land and sea. Orcas, humpback whales, otters, sea lions, and birds are among the many animals you might spy from this spectacular seaport.
VALDEZ. CRUISE ON PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
True Fish Stories
This morning, [LF] visit the Valdez Museum for a docent-led tour. Then board your boat for a cruise on Prince William Sound. Cruise along the 3-mile face of Columbia Glacier with a watchful eye out for wildlife, including seals, sea otters, birds, and even whales! Before returning to Valdez, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal, where supertankers are loaded with crude oil from Prudhoe Bay. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITIONS Get an inside look at the rich traditions of the Native Alaskan culture and events that shaped the lives of early explorers at the Valdez Museum. Discover the history of the Gold Rush and Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the impact earthquakes and oil spills had on Valdez.
VALDEZ–DELTA JUNCTION–FAIRBANKS
Arctic Adventure
Enjoy great scenery all the way as you travel along Richardson Highway. Stop at Delta Junction Roadhouse, a living history homestead with a museum, original roadhouse, and farm animals. See the longest elevated stretch of the trans-Alaska pipeline, the Tanana Pipeline River Bridge, a 1200-foot span with a unique suspension design. Then, head west on the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks, the state’s second-largest city. Enjoy a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Discover a world of the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, and sunsets and sunrises that seem to never end. Basecamp to Denali National Park, where it’s no wonder Fairbanks is called the Golden Heart of Alaska.
Gold Rush & Mushers
Visit Gold Dredge #8 and ride the narrow-gauge railroad. Then, try your luck as you pan for gold. Later today, board the Sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River, with a stop at the Chena Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! This evening, enjoy 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.
FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Riding the Rails
Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends at Denali National Park, where North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Denali, (also known as Mount McKinley) majestically dominates the park’s 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy an [LF] exclusive presentation on Denali National Park by a Naturalist and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Be treated to an exclusive presentation filled with insights and information by a local Naturalist who shares stories and useful tips about your visit to the park.TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through its panoramic windows designed for soaking in the stunning scenery on this full-day journey that truly showcases America’s 49th state. Keep an eye out for views of Denali — as well as wildlife along the way!
Wilderness Wonders
Morning at leisure. Consider an optional photography excursion or a helicopter ride over the park. Then, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tundra Wilderness tour into the park with a Naturalist Driver Guide. (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. Your guide can help you to spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and other wildlife from a safe distance. Denali is a natural treasure of pristine and untamed wilderness at its finest.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK–BIG LAKE–ANCHORAGE
A Dog’s Life
Travel south toward Anchorage stopping at Happy Trails Kennels, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and his dogs. Continue to Anchorage for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. Over dessert, enjoy a [LF] special presentation by an Alaskan bush pilot. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITE ADVENTURE STORIES After a delicious farewell dinner, you’ll be treated to dessert and a presentation by an experienced Alaskan bush pilot who shares real-life tales of adventure in the wilderness you may have only heard about in movies or books! TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Happy Trails Kennels was established in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod finish. Meet the Iditarod champions and learn about the relationship between musher and dog, how they race, and care for their dogs. Watch a demonstration on mushing, complete with a mock Iditarod checkpoint, and get a chance to play with the sled dogs!
ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO SEWARD & KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
Ice Sculptures
Witness one of the world’s most scenic drives as you follow the south shore of lovely Turnagain Arm. Upon arrival in Seward, board your vessel for a cruise on the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. (B,L)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 many more breathtaking sights.
ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION)
Life in the Wild
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! Then, 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 TRADITIONS & HERITAGE Whittier has the odd distinction of being almost entirely under one roof. No need to get in a car to go to the grocery store, bank, or a friend’s house. All town services are sheltered from the often-inclement winter weather in this unique and practical way, and virtually all of Whittier’s approximately 220 residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers, originally a Cold War outpost for the U.S. Army.
Gulf Dreams
Scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus a variety of activities and entertainment on board. (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.
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 are likely to 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 for the chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay, and 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.
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 today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s rich history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty. (B,L,D)NOTE: Haines may be an alternative port and will be determined by Holland America onboard. 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 still keeps a pistol that 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.
The Wild Places
Cruise to remote and spectacular capital city of Juneau. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC SIGHTS Surrounded by water, forest, and mountains, Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of 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 spot some bears. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fisherfolk and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe that is hard to resist.
Port of Call
Ketchikan clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Consider a guided rainforest walk in the Tongass National Forest and a visit to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to explore the rich Alaska Native culture and coastal rainforest ecosystem during your time in Ketchikan. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES & TRADITIONS Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and salmon-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 and 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 the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art.
Glaciers and Giants
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. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTALASKAN ADVENTURE Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of 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. 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.
Welcome to Vancouver!
Disembark your cruise and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Vancouver on your own. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. (B)
British Columbia Treasures
Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design, is a National Historic site for its legacy and lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life.
Spend your day your way in Victoria
Explore more of Victoria with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Victoria with a stroll in the quaint downtown area with its British colonial architecture to shop and admire its heritage buildings and stunning gardens, then relax over proper British afternoon tea. Your Tour Director may suggest an optional marine wildlife and whale-watching trip. Shoppers will love Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s specialty stores. Your GlobusGO mobile app has maps and tips for the perfect day.
Gulf Dreams
Board a BC Ferry crossing the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, stop at Shannon Falls, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of the magnificent Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics sites, paddleboard, hike, explore Whistler Village, or play pickleball. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hilton Whistler Resort, with mountain style elegance in the heart of Whistler Village. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Nestled at the base of breathtaking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Hilton Whistler Resort blends culture, history and culinary delights together in Whistler’s premier location. Enjoy the natural design elements including Indigenous art from the Sea-to-Sky corridor and an array of shops, restaurants, and walking trails at your doorstep.
Alpine Adventures
Full free day to explore Whistler. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Whistler to experience amazing views on the lofty Peak2Peak Gondola. Soaring to 1,427 feet above the valley floor, it is one of the world’s highest lifts of its kind—connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you explore via suspension bridges, boardwalks, and trails on a canopy walk in the treetops. Other options include a ziplining adventure, shopping in the village, or relaxing at the resort.
Ancient Traditions
This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. Free time this evening. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. Take in this spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of Native people whose traditions and beautiful culture still resonate today.
SUN PEAKS–JASPER, ALBERTA
Sun, Snow & Stars
Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway, hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering Jasper National Park. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced rafting guide will navigate as you marvel at the splendor of Jasper National Park. Tonight, explore the entertainment and culinary choices downtown, then look to the skies for remarkable stargazing when night falls. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society in Canada and is one of the largest in the world. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles (11,000 square kilometers) of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well.
JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE
Water Spirits
Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty. The tranquil Spirit Island has deep significance for the Indigenous Stoney Nation.
JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Heavenly Heights
Take a scenic ride on the [LF] Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views of Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Visit the mountaintop interpretive centre and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
BANFF–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS
The Continental Divide
This morning, wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver in Banff before boarding your Rocky Mountaineer train to travel over the Continental Divide and along the Kicking Horse River. Continue westward to Shuswap Lake and then overnight in Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT TRAIN SPOTLIGHT Rocky Mountaineer travels through spectacular Canadian scenery. SilverLeaf Service features a single-level dome coach offering panoramic views from oversized windows and meals served at your seat. An upgrade to GoldLeaf Dome Service offers luxury reminiscent of a bygone era, including extra attendants, an elegant bi-level dome car, and regional cuisine in an exclusive dining room.
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER
British Columbia Treasures
Back aboard Rocky Mountaineer, enjoy your amazing journey through the fertile fields of Thompson Valley and beautiful Fraser Canyon. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your hotel to enjoy free time this evening. Your Local Host will be available to provide suggestions for visiting the highlights in Vancouver. (B,L) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Vancouver with your pick of the freshest seafood from this vibrant gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The buzzing downtown scene is rich in culinary delights from sushi or wild-caught salmon to pizza and pasta. Don’t forget to indulge in an iconic British Columbia confection - the coconut, chocolate, and nutty Nanaimo bar!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Safe travels until we meet again! Want to explore more of Vancouver? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
