Compare Best of Alaska by Intrepid Travel vs Alaska & the Yukon with Alaska Cruise by Cosmos

Day 1 Anchorage

Welcome to Alaska! Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet lies Anchorage – a unique urban environment in the heart of the wilderness. Your adventure begins here with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Anchorage Museum or check out the sights and try spotting a moose wandering the streets of town (yes, really). This evening, maybe celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with an optional group dinner.

Day 2 Homer

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive from Anchorage to Homer along the scenic Turnagain Arm – an All American Road passing Cook Inlet and named after British explorer James Cook, who was forced to ‘turn again’ when the waterway didn’t hold the Northwest Passage in 1778. Along the way, you’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley – a sanctuary that preserves local wildlife through conservation, education, research and animal care. Learn how they take in injured and orphaned Alaskan animals and provide them with care, spacious enclosures and a home. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range, you’ll meet bison, moose and deer and explore the conservation area before moving on to Homer for the night. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an included group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 Homer

Today is a free day to explore Homer and the surrounding bay. You might want to head to the local bakery nearby for a breakfast of coffee and pastries, then take up one of the optional activities this gorgeous town has on offer. Explore on foot or book a tour of the bay. Maybe take the local ferry to explore the town of Seldovia, where you can take a wildlife boat tour, looking out for sea otters, bald eagles, ducks, orcas and more. If you’d prefer to kick back at the local winery, you can go for a tasting and tour in this afternoon. Tonight, just ask your trip leader for some local dinner recommendations.

Day 4 Seward

This morning, take a scenic drive on the Kenai Peninsula from Homer to Seward. Grab a window seat if you can because on a clear day, there are some gorgeous views of the turquoise lakes near Moose Pass, as well as the mountains and volcanoes in the distance. Pause in Moose Pass where you can take an optional kayaking tour. When you arrive in Seward this afternoon, head out on a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park – a major attraction of the park, this electric blue glacier is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska. After, check into your hotel in Seward and enjoy a free evening to explore the town or head to a local restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Day 5 Seward

This morning after breakfast, you’ll head to the docks for a full day cruise of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park – look out for wildlife like orca whales, porpoises, puffins and other birdlife as you sail the still waters and explore the gorgeous surroundings. Marvel at the electric blue tidewater glaciers and if you're lucky you may get to see one 'calve' some ice into the sea. Enjoy lunch on the boat before cruising back to Seward. This afternoon, you may have some free time to head out on a hike or visit the Seward SeaLife Centre.

Day 6 Talkeetna

Today, hit the road again to drive along the Turnagain Arm (soak in those gorgeous views if you didn’t get a chance to last time) to the small town of Talkeetna. Along the way, stop in the town of Girdwood to take the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska for incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below. Pause for a deli lunch at the top. When you arrive in Talkeetna, join your leader for a guided walk around town. Then you’ll have the rest of day free to find a great dinner spot or explore the charming surroundings on foot.

Day 7 Denali National Park

After breakfast this morning, you’re free in Talkeetna to explore the town. Perhaps book an optional scenic flight with a glacier landing to get up close to North America's tallest mountain: Denali. Later, drive to Denali National Park. During the drive, keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife hanging out in the unspoiled environment. When you arrive, your group will check out the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park and hopefully catch a glimpse of the towering mountain in the distance. Take an afternoon to explore or relax and then head out for a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Denali National Park

Rise and shine early this morning to prepare for a scenic 'Alaskan safari' drive through Denali National Park. You’ll take the Tundra Wilderness route, narrated by a trained driver-naturalist, that will take you to mile 43 of the Park Road. With Denali Mountain towering in the background, wind along the road hugged by mighty pine trees and framed by snow-capped mountains. As you pass the gorgeous scenery, look out for the abundant local wildlife – you might be lucky enough to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves (among a long list of other wildlife) on your journey.

Day 9 Anchorage

After breakfast this morning, you’ll return to where your adventure began in Anchorage. When you arrive, you’ll get to know this eclectic city during a tour with your leader. During the tour, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you’ll learn more about Alaska’s cultural heritage, hear the stories of the Indigenous Alaskans and discover 10,000 years of Alaska Native history through demonstrations, art and dance. After your walking tour and heritage center visit, you might like to get together with the group for a farewell dinner and reminisce about the highlights of your journey through Alaska.

Day 10 Anchorage

There are no further activities planned today so after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: ANCHORAGE

Welcome to Anchorage! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

As you enter Whittier from North America’s longest tunnel, the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains, and glaciers greet you. As the gateway to Prince William Sound, this is where you’ll board a cruise to see and marvel at the natural beauty of the fjords and glaciers. Watch for eagles, whales, seals, and salmon jumping out of the cold, pristine water!

Day 3: ANCHORAGE–TOK

Travel northeast through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, a lush farming region where cabbages can grow to weigh more than 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight! Up over scenic Tahnita Pass with spectacular vistas of Matanuska Glacier. Travel along Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest park in the United States. The area boasts glaciers larger than the island of Manhattan and is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in North America. Overnight in Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.”

Day 4: TOK–WHITEHORSE

Join the Alaska Highway and follow along the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Skirt the shores of Kluane Lake, once a meeting place for crews constructing the Alaska Highway. Behold spectacular vistas of the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,551-foot-high Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. The next two nights are in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Day 5: WHITEHORSE. EXCURSION TO SKAGWAY

Follow the Trail of ‘98 over the same mountains that thousands of determined gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter while heading for the Klondike. From Fraser, your Tour Director will suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway. Otherwise, continue by motorcoach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colorful saloons.

NOTE:
Operation of the White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway is subject to seasonal conditions.

Day 6: WHITEHORSE–DAWSON CITY

Head northwest through the town of Carmacks, once an important supply station for gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. A stop at the Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers that passed this way. Reach Dawson City, the center of excitement after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896, which led to the world’s largest gold rush. Tonight, enjoy the high-flying entertainment of Dimond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.

Day 7: DAWSON CITY

Highlights on your morning sightseeing tour include Bonanza Creek, site of Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made; and a presentation by Parks Canada regarding the Gold Rush Era. Enjoy a photo opportunity at the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse. The rest of your day is free to soak up the exciting history of this Gold Rush town at your own pace. Perhaps a return to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon is in order?

Day 8: DAWSON CITY–FAIRBANKS

A full day and well worth it, as the scenery is magnificent. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities at Dawson overlook and Top of the World Highway, where the motorcoach will re-enter Alaska, and visit one of the last surviving gold rush towns in Alaska before heading west on the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks.

Day 9: FAIRBANKS

Morning sightseeing features highlights of Alaska’s second-largest city and a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Then try striking it rich gold panning with a local provider. This afternoon, board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a leisurely cruise on the Chena River. You will see a bush floatplane take off alongside the boat, see the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Day 10: FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable journey through untamed wilderness. Sit back in comfort and enjoy spectacular scenery through wide windows. Be sure to take advantage of the domed-roof car. The ride ends in Denali National Park & Preserve. North America’s highest peak, 20,310-foot Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominates the park’s six million acres of glacial streams, river valleys, and multi-hued tundra. After a short orientation tour of Denali, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Day 11: DENALI NATIONAL PARK

A free day for independent activities. A hike along the many wilderness trails might be good fun. Also take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour to seek out grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or a helicopter ride over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of other suggestions.

Day 12: DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ANCHORAGE–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION)

Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali before traveling south toward Anchorage. After arrival in Anchorage, transfer to Whittier and board your cruise ship. This remote village is nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters and killer whales, so have your camera ready. (Dinner)

Day 13: CRUISING: HUBBARD GLACIER

Hubbard is the longest tidewater glacier (meaning it ends at the ocean) in North America. However, unlike nearly every other tidewater glacier on the continent, Hubbard is advancing, not retreating; it is forever pushing a little further into the bay. Chunks of ice that break off become floaties for seals. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 14: SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY

A relaxing day at sea provides time to explore the ship’s many amenities. 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 on hand as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, where you may have 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 wandering a wind-swept beach. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 15: SKAGWAY

In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 16: JUNEAU

Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 17: KETCHIKAN

Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 18: SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE

Arguably 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. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 19: VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends this morning. Please schedule homebound flights after noon. (Breakfast)