If you live by the motto, “Go big or go home,” it doesn’t get any bigger than this grand tour of Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Where else can you see bears the size of buffalo, glaciers the size of states, and national parks the size of nations? In this great expanse of pure wilderness, the majestic mountains, never-ending landscapes, and supersize wildlife of the 49th state are waiting to transport you to another state of mind. Big sights are accented by even bigger experiences as you board the Alaska Railroad to the tallest peak in North America, the sternwheeler Discovery for a Fairbanks river cruise, and a small ship to witness the dominating glaciers and playful whales of Prince William Sound. You’ll also follow the tracks of caribou and moose in the 6-million-acre Denali National Park, trace the trail of gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush, and follow in the paw steps of Alaska’s famous dogsledding huskies.

Highlights:

• Wasilla : Visit Iditarod Headquarters
• Talkeetna–Denali: Journey aboard the Alaska Railroad in Deluxe Dome Service
• Denali National Park: Welcome dinner with exclusive presentation by a local Naturalist; guided wilderness tour, lunch and tasting at the 49th State Brewery
• Fairbanks: City tour; cruise aboard the sternwheeler Discovery; visit the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Museum and the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Dawson City: Visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, Claim #1, and the Robert Service Interpretive Center
• Whitehorse: Visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and riverboat SS Klondike; presentation at Muktuk Adventures with a special Taste of the Yukon dinner
• Valdez: Visit the Valdez Museum; private cruise on Prince William Sound

NOTES:

• This vacation visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from us. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
• While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen, early season (early June) and late-season (September) departures offer even greater opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife. Departures after mid-August will enjoy blazing fall colors.

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Welcome to Alaska! Meet your Tour Director this evening between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.

Day 2: Anchorage–Wasilla–Talkeetna–Alaska Railroad–Denali National Park
Traveling north into the majestic wilds of Alaska, visit the IDITAROD HEADQUARTERS, home of the world-famous dogsled race. Arrive in Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for climbers attempting to summit Mount McKinley (Denali), the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet. Board the historic ALASKA RAILROAD for a scenic trip to National Parks Foundation DENALI NATIONAL PARK (see page 39 for information about your train). Enjoy dinner at the Murie Science & Learning Center, followed by an exclusive Globus Local Favorite PRESENTATION on Denali National Park by a local Naturalist.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Denali National Park
Journey into the 6-million-acre Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide on the Tundra Wilderness tour exploring the majestic wilderness. Your late afternoon and evening are free for optional adventures such as float trips, a dogsled demonstration, a helicopter ride over the park, or a delicious dinner and rollicking musical comedy performed in a camp house reminiscent of the Gold Rush era.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Denali National Park–Fairbanks
This morning, spend a little more time marveling at the wonder of Denali National Park. Then, enjoy a friendly atmosphere during lunch at the Globus Local Favorite 49th STATE BREWERY, where you’ll have a chance to sample some local specialties. Travel into the heart of Alaska to Fairbanks, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Fairbanks
Start the day by boarding the sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River, with a stop at a recreated Chena Indian Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. Later, during a city tour, visit the University of Alaska–Fairbanks Museum and a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline.
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 6: Fairbanks–Dawson City
Continuing the journey into Gold Rush history, motor over the Top of the World Highway and enter the Yukon. Passing through the village of Chicken, today promises to be filled with breathtaking scenery. Tonight you have reservations at DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIE’S, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 7: Dawson City
Step back in time at the site of Klondike Gold Rush Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made. Continue to the Robert Service Interpretive Center to learn of the numerous poems and ballads he composed while exploring this remote area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 8: Dawson City–Whitehorse
Today, trace the trail of the gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. View the Five Finger Rapids, which once posed a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers stampeding into the Yukon. Your day concludes in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon.
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 9: Whitehorse
A city tour stops at the YUKON BERINGIA INTERPRETIVE CENTRE, where you can meet the Ice Age giant mammals that once ruled the ancient subcontinent. See at the SS KLONDIKE RIVERBOAT and learn about its importance on the Yukon River in the Gold Rush days. Later, head to Whitehorse’s premier dogsled facility, Globus Local Favorite MUKTUK ADVENTURES, where you will personally meet the huskies and their trainers. Here, learn about the training and care of Alaskan Huskies as well as the lifestyle required to race in world-famous competitions such as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. Afterward, enjoy a special Taste of the Yukon dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Whitehorse–Tok
Return to Alaska, traveling along the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,625-foot Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Continue on the Alaska Highway to Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.”
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 11: Tok–Valdez
Head to Alaska’s northernmost ice-free port, Valdez, home of the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal. As you travel toward some of the highest coastal mountains in the world, enjoy views of Thompson Pass, Worthington Glacier, and Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the “Switzerland of Alaska”—Valdez. Visit the unique VALDEZ MUSEUM late this afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast 

Day 12: Valdez–Whittier–Anchorage
Board a BOAT today and get a closer look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal, the many massive glaciers, and the playful sea life of PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND. Keep your eyes open for eagles, whales, mountain goats, dolphins, and sea lions! This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Anchorage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Anchorage
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast

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Tour Code: GJ