Majestic Alaska

Our Majestic Alaska tour begins as we fly into Juneau, Alaska’s capital and considered one of America’s most beautiful cities with Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. Our home for two nights.

After our restful night’s sleep we take a tour of Alaska’s capital city, Juneau. Juneau is one of the few towns in Southeast Alaska that didn’t burn down at some point in its history and as a result many of the original buildings still stand. Juneau is not just the state capital, it is the heart of Southeast Alaska. We will view all the interesting sights of the city, including the State Capitol Building and Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s accessible natural wonder. This evening we will dine at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, an event that’s been grilled to perfection since 1978. (D)

Today we travel on the Alaska Marine Highway and ferry from Juneau to Skagway. We will travel the scenic waterway of the Inside Passage, one of the most scenic waterways in the world. You’ll experience wildlife and wonder as you make your way north to Alaska’s colorful frontier Skagway. After dinner we will attend the “Days of ’98” show that has bedazzled audiences with the tale of Soapy Smith, Alaska’s most notorious outlaw. (D)

This morning we travel the Klondike Highway to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. The spectacular scenery and rich Gold Rush history makes it a memorable drive. The White Pass mountain summit area resembles more a moonscape than any earthly landscape, with twisted trees, small lakes, and barren foliage that create truly unique scenery. We will visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which will take you on a dramatic journey. (B,L,D)

Our travels today takes us north on the Alcan Highway from Whitehorse to Tok. As we travel through the Yukon, “the last frontier of Canada,” enjoy the unique scenery and be on the lookout for wildlife. (B,D)

Today we travel the Richardson Highway from Tok to Valdez. This highway is proclaimed as one of America’s Most Scenic Roads,” with its incredible scenery. We will visit the Worthington Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, when driving through the breathtaking Thompson Pass. We will pull over and take in the majesty of Keystone Canyon, where Horsetail Falls and Bridal Falls greet you. (B,L)

Today we cruise from Valdez to Whittier across Prince William Sound, the sound of the Gulf of Alaska on the south coast. We will experience the beautiful coastal mountains and their glaciers and search for sea otters, sea lions, seals, porpoise, orcas, and giant humpback whales. We travel on to Seward for the night. (B,D)

Our day begins with a thrilling cruise exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, where wildlife is abundant and tidewater glaciers are massive. A National Park Ranger will be our guide to the spectacular sights while answering any questions you might have. The captain will seek out the best whale and wildlife viewing opportunities in the area. We will spend time in front of two active tidewater glaciers: Holgate and Aialik Glaciers. We travel on to Anchorage our home for the next 2 nights. (B,L,D)

This morning we will have a truly interesting experience at Alaska’s unique manufacturing facility, the Ulu Factory. We will watch the knives being made, the blade and handle assembled and packaged. Next we will have a guided tour of the Eklutna Historical Park, which includes the old log Russian Orthodox Church, the Spirit Houses and the new Orthodox Church. You’ll learn about the history, culture and customs of the Dena’ina Athabascans in combination with Russian Orthodox traditions. You will have free time in downtown Anchorage to have lunch on your own and to shop. This afternoon we will visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a renowned cultural center and museum where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska’s indigenous people. (B,D)

We travel the scenic Parks Highway to Healy, the gateway to Denali National Park. Free time and lunch on your own in the historic community of Talkeetna. It is considered to be the inspiration for the television show “Northern Exposure.” After a day of scenic driving we are going to kick back and laugh by joining in on this evening-long jaunt to a family-style roadhouse to see a side-splitting musical comedy about the first men to reach the summit of Denali. (B,D)

Nature and beauty awaits us as we travel deep into the majesty of Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. See wild animals in their natural habitat including grizzly bear, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. (B,L)

Today we travel the Richardson Highway This morning our travels continue up the Parks Highway to Fairbanks through the historic community of Nenana – an Athabascan native village. Our lunch will be at Chena’s Alaskan Grill at Rivers Edge Resort located on the gentle banks of the Chena River. After lunch your adventure continues at Gold Dredge 8 for a two-hour narrated tour that will take you into the heart of gold fields of the Tanana Valley, where you will feel the history come alive! You will ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad near some of the original rail routes. You will have a close up view of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and a presentation about its construction and operation. You will see first hand how the dredge worked and try panning gold for yourself. We will spend 3 nights in Fairbanks. (B,L)

Be on your best behavior today because we are going to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus’ House. You might want to get your Christmas list ready. When you see the amazing assortment of gifts & collectibles, fabulous apparel, classic toys and exclusive merchandise, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. This afternoon we will visit the University of Alaska and the University of Alaska Museum of the North. (B)

This morning we will board the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for one of the most unique Alaskan experiences. Be immersed in frontier living first hand with a guided walking tour of an Athabascan Indian village. Visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher as we pass Trailbreaker Kennels along the Chena River. After lunch we will visit the Ice Museum, a must-see attraction with larger-than-life ice sculptures on display. This evening we will have a relaxed dinner at the Alaska Salmon Bake in historic Pioneer Park, which offers an authentic Alaskan dining experience in a truly unique environment. After dinner we will take in the “Golden Heart Revue” at the Palace Theater. This lighthearted musical comedy has been named the “Number One Show throughout Alaska and Canada.” (B,D)

As we say farewell to Majestic Alaska and board our plane for an overnight flight home, we can sit back, relax and reflect on all of the beautiful mountains, glaciers, authentic culture and history and know that this was a trip of a lifetime. (B)