Cruise Prince William Sound along the towering face of Columbia Glacier, sail among the tidewater glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park, and travel aboard the world-famous Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak. read more Along the way, pan for gold at Gold Dredge #8 in Fairbanks, visit the home of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser for a sled dog demonstration, and discover Alaska Native traditions at a recreated Athabascan village.
From glaciers and mountains to whales, moose, caribou, and bears, this adventure showcases the extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and frontier spirit that make Alaska unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Itinerary
Welcome to Anchorage!
Meet your Tour Director between 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 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.
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, to learn about Ahtna Athabascan history, traditions, and culture. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the seaside port of Valdez.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Located near the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, Valdez is a mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests, towering 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.
True Fish Stories
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Old Town Valdez with a local guide. 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.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Gain insight into Alaska Native traditions and the events that Valdez with a local guide from the Valdez Museum. Discover the history of the Gold Rush and Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the impact earthquakes and oil spills had on the area.
Arctic Adventure
Enjoy great scenery all the way as you travel along Richardson Highway. Stop at Delta Junction Roadhouse, a living history homestead and 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Travel through the vast landscapes of Interior Alaska, following historic transportation routes that helped shape the state's development. From pioneer roadhouses to the engineering marvel of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, today's journey reveals the stories of Alaska's frontier spirit and modern innovation.
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Experience frontier living in an Athabascan village on the Chena River. Traditional spruce-log cabins and cultural demonstrations offer insight into a way of life shaped by the land for thousands of years. Learn about Athabascan traditions, survival skills, storytelling, and enduring connections to Interior Alaska while discovering how communities continue to preserve and celebrate their heritage today.
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, 20,310-foot Denali, majestically dominates the park's 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy an exclusive presentation on Denali National Park by a naturalist and dinner at a local restaurant.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Enjoy an exclusive presentation by a local naturalist who shares stories, wildlife insights, and expert perspectives on Denali National Park.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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 and wildlife along the way.
Wilderness Wonders
Enjoy free time this morning. Consider an optional photography excursion or a helicopter ride over the park. Then, prepare for an unforgettable journey into the park with a Tundra Wilderness tour into the park with a Naturalist Driver Guide.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Venture deep into Denali National Park and Preserve with a naturalist driver guide in search of fantastic wildlife and natural wonders. Watch for grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and other iconic species while exploring six million acres of protected wilderness beneath North America's highest peak.
A Dog's Life
Travel south toward Anchorage stopping at Happy Trails Kennels, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and his sled 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 special presentation by an Alaskan bush pilot.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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 - Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser and his family. Learn about the dedication, training, and teamwork required for long-distance sled dog racing while meeting the remarkable canine athletes that make it possible. Watch a mushing demonstration, explore a mock Iditarod checkpoint, and gain insight into the unique bond between mushers and their dogs.
Fjord Highlights
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses more than 600,000 acres of protected wilderness, much of it covered by ice and snow. From the massive Harding Icefield to the tidewater glaciers that carve deep fjords along the coast, this remarkable landscape showcases the power of Alaska's natural forces. A cruise through the fjords offers opportunities to witness calving glaciers, spot marine wildlife, and experience one of the state's most dramatic coastal environments.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Visit to Matanuska Valley and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the United States
- Cruise through Prince William Sount to the face of Columbia Glacier, one of Alaska's most impressive tidewater glaciers
- Visit to the [LF] Valdez Museum for a docent-led tour, exploring the region's Native heritage, gold rush history, and resilience following the 1964 earthquake
- Docent-led visit to Delta Junction Roadhouse and views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. an engineering marvel stretching across the state
- Gold-panning experience and ride aboard the narrow-gauge railroad at Gold Dredge #8, offering insight into Alaska's gold rush era
- Cruise on the Chena River with a visit to a recreated Athabascan village and mushing demonstration featuring Iditarod sled dogs
- Rail journey aboard the Alaska Railroad in Deluxe Dome Service from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, showcasing panoramic views of Alaska's wilderness
- [LF] Naturalist presentation and Tundra Wilderness tour in Denali National Park, with opportunities to spot wildlife in one of North America's great wilderness areas
- Visit to Happy Trails Kennels, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, for a mushing demonstration and insight into Alaska's sled dog traditions
- Dinner featuring a [LF] presentation by an Alaskan bush pilot sharing stories of life and aviation in the remote wilderness
- Guided cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with views of glaciers and opportunities to spot whales, sea otters, seabirds, and other marine wildlife
- 9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- Anchorage: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (Superior First-Class):
The hotel is located in the heart of Anchorage and just moments from Anchorage's best restaurants, museums and attractions. The hotel has a fitness center, hot tub, business center, concierge service, gift shop, lounge, and 24 hour room service. - Valdez: Totem Hotel & Suites (Moderate First-Class):
The newest hotel in Valdez blends modern accommodation and style with Alaskan hospitality. Guests will enjoy rooms with premium linens, fluffy towels, TV, coffee maker, microwave, and mini-fridge. Hotel facilities include a lobby area market, fitness center, indoor pool, and Wi-Fi access. The hotel is within walking distance of local restaurants, shops and attractions. - Fairbanks: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (Moderate First-Class):
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. - Denali National Park: Denali Park Village (Moderate First-Class):
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.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year-round, May through early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are most visible in late August and September, weather permitting.
- This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. We have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. The order of sightseeing subject to change.
Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of the USA through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (6)
Our viewing of wildlife was not as frequent as we had hoped. It is just luck being in the right place at the right time. We did see Moose, Caribou, sealions and sea otters. (Take your binoculars). Our highlight was on the last day on a cruise into the Kenai Fjord where we witnessed a group of humpback whales bubble feeding on a shoal of fish. Truly amazing. If considering this tour, or any trip to Alaska, their sunny days are rare with most days cloudy and/or wet. This can mean the mountains are not visible at times and you need more warmer clothes than true summer ones.
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
