Glaciers and Gold Rush Bonanza
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your Vancouver hotel. Take some time to enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or perhaps indulge at one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2
Port of Vancouver / Cruising Sunshine Coast
Independently transfer to the Vancouver cruise terminal where you board the Holland America Line ship and are welcomed by the crew who will be your hosts for the next 7 nights. Familiarize yourself with amenities of the ship and watch the sun set over the water from the wide decks of this magnificent craft. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Dinner included.
Day 3
Inside Passage
The ship sets sail this morning for one of the most famously beautiful passages in the world. Just beyond the deck rails, the gems of Alaska are laid open in a spellbinding vista, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords and white-capped peaks. Along the way it is common to view whales and sea lions at play along the coastlines as well as a near countless assortment of marine bird life. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 4
Port of Ketchikan
Today you cruise down the coast to arrive in the town of Ketchikan - the ancestral home of the Tlingit tribe. This community with strong ties to its aboriginal past is also the gateway into the Misty Fjords National Monument and its 8 900 km2 of pristine wilderness. Ketchikan also boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles you can explore independently, or you may visit the Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight and Totem Heritage Center. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 5
Port of Juneau
Where the legacy of the tin pan prospector meets eco-adventure tourism of tomorrow would be a good way to describe the charms of Alaska’s capital city. Here the pioneering spirit lives on in an interesting mix of cosmopolitan chic and frontier ruggedness. There are many places to visit in port including Alaska State Museum and its exquisite collection of Russian Orthodox and Gold Rush relics, or take advantage of optional excursions offered by Holland America Line. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 6
Skagway
Today we continue cruising and arrive at Skagway, an important outpost during the days of the Klondike. You may wonder along the wide sidewalks of Broadway Avenue and visit some of the vintage shops, small museums or enjoy a treat at one of the restaurants. You may wish to independently take the White Pass Summit Excursion, a rail adventure on the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad as it winds its way along narrow tracks through the mountain. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 7
Glacier Bay
Today a marvel at a natural show unlike any other. Massive chunks of ancient ice split with a thunderous crack off of the edge of the glacier, plunges into the bay and sending plumes of water metres into the air. This area of Glacier Bay National Parks boasts more active calving (splitting off) tidewater glaciers than anywhere in the world. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 8
Cruising at Sea
Take a day at sea to relax and enjoy the amenities of the ship. Recline on the deck and watch the horizon stretch out to infinity. Perhaps enjoy a movie in the onboard theatre, or inquire with the cruise director as to what activities are underway aboard ship. Overnight on board the ms Noordam. Full board included.
Day 9
Port of Seward / Seward to Denali
After breakfast, you check out, disembark the ship and depart on a 10:30 scheduled transfer to Denali, your knowledgeable driver-guide offering commentary along the route. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you travel the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway. Pass through the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Pass before following along the picturesque Turnagain Arm. Arriving in Anchorage at 13:30, enjoy some free time to explore the town. Admission to the Anchorage Museum is included in your tour. At 15:00, depart Anchorage with a stopover Talkeetna, arriving at your Denali hotel in the evening. Overnight in Denali. Breakfast included.
Day 10
Denali National Park
Without a doubt this expansive parkland is one of the highlights of Alaska. In the morning we will go on a Denali wildlife tour as a park-operated shuttle bus takes us deep into one of the most scenic landscapes in North America. Weather permitting, you will see majestic Mount McKinley, 6193 meters high making it the highest mountain in the USA. A variety of wildlife may be seen, such as wolves, dall sheep, moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Admire the expansive Wonder Lake, located in the centre of the park and renown for wildlife viewing opportunities. Overnight close to Denali National Park.
Day 11
Denali National Park to Fairbanks
Today we get back on the George Parks Highway and make our first stop in Nenana to visit the Alaska Railroad Museum. In the afternoon, we arrive in the small city of Fairbanks. The remainder of the day is at leisure to independently visit the sights and places of interest around the city, located about 320 km south of the Arctic Circle. Perhaps visit the Alaska Dog Mushing Museum, or treat yourself to a local delicacy at one of the numerous restaurants, including the famous king crabs! Or perhaps take a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River or watch the Crown of Light Show - a photo symphony highlighting the Aurora Borealis. For a taste of local theatre, you may wish to attend the Gold Rush Show at the Malemute Saloon (optional). Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 12
Fairbanks to Dawson City
After strolling through downtown Fairbanks in the morning, we depart Fairbanks on our way southbound as the route passes innumerable lakes and rivers in this beautiful landscape. Today we are going to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline again, crossing the Tanana River right next to the highway. In Delta Junction we join with the Alaska Highway and make a stop for a visit the local visitor center. The journey continues via the Top of the World Highway, where we travel beyond the timberline into the land of tundra and cross the border at Little Gold Creek - the highest elevation between Canada and the USA. Villages with strange sounding names like Chicken, Action Wade Camp dot the roadside. In the afternoon we will cross the Yukon River by ferry to reach Dawson City. Overnight accommodation in Dawson City.
Day 13
Dawson City
People still dig for gold in this historical town located where the Klondike flows into the Yukon River. You may wish to try your luck panning for gold yourself. A visit to Bonanza Creek, the Jack London cabin, and the Midnight Dome, Dawson City’s very own mountain, are on the agenda, as is the remarkable Gold Diggers Museum. Perhaps take some time to stroll around town with its period buildings, some of them still original, some beautifully restored. The Palace Grand Theatre, offering musical entertainment and turn-ofthe-century style is another favorite of visitors. Conclude the day with a show at the famous Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino and Cancan. Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 14
Dempster Highway / Dawson City
After getting up early we will drive up the Dempster Highway - the only connection to the remote town of Inuvik at the Polar Sea. We will marvel at the towering Tombstone Mountains before continuing on into the mountain range where every season has its own unique attraction. Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 15
Dawson City to Whitehorse
Today it is back to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway. You will repeatedly see the mighty Yukon River, stretching over 3200 km making it one of the longest waterways in North America. We also stop at the infamous Five Finger Rapids – mighty, fast waters that posed a threat to many sternwheelers navigating the Yukon in the past. Old post offices, roadhouses and small villages are living echoes of the gold rush era from over 100 years ago. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 16
Whitehorse to Vancouver / End of Tour
This morning you are transferred to Whitehorse Airport for your flight to Vancouver International Airport.
Prices, Dates, Hotels & Conditions
CHANGE CURRENCY
€
£
$
A$
¥
C$
The final price you will pay for this tour is that displayed in CAD. Prices converted in other
currencies are for guidance purposes only and are approximate.
| DEPARTURES 2021 | PRICE FROM (INTERIOR CABIN) |
PRICE FROM (OCEAN VIEW CABIN) |
PRICE FROM (VERANDAH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUNE 5 | 5650 | 6160 | 6795 |
| JUNE 19 | 5720 | 6275 | 7045 |
| JULY 3, 17, 31 | 5720 | 6275 | 7170 |
| AUG 14 | 5650 | 6160 | 6930 |
| AUG 28 | 6030 | 6180 | 6795 |
YOUR ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOUR INCLUDES
- Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout
- Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard restroom facilities
- Hotel accommodations as specified or similar
- Sightseeing as specified
- Hotel taxes; service charges; and baggage (one suitcase per person)
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
- Day trip to Denali National Park
- Admission to: 'Diamond Tooth Gerties' Casino and Gold Digger's Museum, Dawson City; Anchorage Museum, Anchorage
DINING HIGHLIGHTS
- Full board days 2 to 9 starting with dinner on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 9
TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 night / 8 day cruise from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska
- Transfers - Seward cruise terminal to Denali hotel; Whitehorse hotel to Whitehorse Airport
- Flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver
- All National Parks fees included while in Alaska
Cruise Accommodation
The Holland America Noordam cruise ship featured in the Glaciers And Gold Rush Bonanza programme offers 3 cabin types: inside cabin, outside cabin and balcony. The balcony and outside cabins have either a window or sliding glass door. The inside cabin does not have a window.
- All cabins feature: Two lower beds convertible to queen, approximately 16.25 sq metres, complimentary 24-hour room service, Dual voltage 110/220 AC, Four pillows in every stateroom, complimentary use of bathrobes, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, bathroom accessories & hair dryer, complimentary beach towel service, plentiful storage space in your bathroom & wardrobe, laundry service*, 23” LCD-HD Interactive television system to view & select shore excursions, order room service & watch movies*, luggage delivery, individual safe, direct-dial telephone, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, mini-bar*. *at additional charge
In addition to these features, the individual categories feature:
- Balcony: Balcony (3.9 sq metres), Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, Sitting area, some with sofa bed
- Outside Cabin: Window
| NIGHT | CITY | HOTEL ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver | Georgian Court Hotel |
| 2-8 | Alaskan cruise | On board the Holland America Line Cruises |
| 9-10 | Denali | Nord Haven or Totem Inn |
| 11 | Fairbanks | Bridgewater Hotel |
| 12-14 | Dawson City | Aurora Inn or Westmark Inn |
| 15 | Whitehorse | Westmark Hotel |
PRE & POST HOTELS
PRE: Vancouver, Georgian Court Hotel
POST: Vancouver, Georgian Court Hotel
IMPORTANT NOTE
This tour crosses the U.S./Canada border. Passengers should obtain relevant visas for both nations prior to travel where necessary.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional activities may be booked on site with Holland America Line on board or with tour director during your Alaskan/Yukon guided tour.
