DAY 1: UK - Anchorage.
Fly to Anchorage where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Anchorage - glacier cruise - Anchorage.
Journey to Whittier on Prince William Sound and board your deluxe catamaran for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, cruising College and Harriman Fjords to view as many as 26 tidewater and hanging glaciers. There is a good chance of spotting whales, seals and eagles. Return to Anchorage in the early evening.
DAY 3: Anchorage - Tok.
Travel through the lush farming region of the Matanuska Valley, up over scenic Tahnita Pass with spectacular vistas of Matanuska Glacier, then along the vast Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. The area boasts glaciers larger than the island of Manhattan and nine of the sixteen 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 the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Behold the spectacular views of Kluane National Park, home to 19,625-foot Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak. Spend two nights in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
DAY 5: Whitehorse - Skagway - Whitehorse.
Follow the Trail of '98 over the mountains that thousands of gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter, heading for the Klondike. From Carcross we suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge Yukon & White Pass Railway. Otherwise continue through the mountains by coach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colourful saloons. Return to Whitehorse in late afternoon.
DAY 6: Whitehorse - Dawson City.
Stop at the Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle on the Trail of '98. Late this afternoon reach Dawson City, the main centre after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896. Tonight you have reservations at Diamond Tooth Gertie's, a saloon featuring ragtime music, can-can girls and an old-fashioned casino.
DAY 7: Dawson City.
Highlights on your morning tour of this gold rush town include Bonanza Creek, where the first gold strike was made, Robert Service's cabin and the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse. This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to 'strike it rich' at gold panning.
DAY 8: Dawson City - Fairbanks.
A long day and well worth it as the scenery is overwhelming. Travel over the 'Top of the World Highway' and re-enter Alaska. Pass through the village of Chicken and along the Alaska Highway to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline at Delta Junction. Evening arrival in Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city.
DAY 9: Fairbanks.
Board the Sternwheeler Discovery for a leisurely cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Listen as the ship's guides discuss the region's wildlife, history and customs. This evening there's an optional outing to Alaskaland, a pioneer theme park and enjoy an Alaska salmon bake.
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. Today's ride ends in Denali National Park, dominated by North America's highest peak, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. The afternoon is free.
DAY 11: Denali National Park.
A free day to hike through this stunning National Park, or to take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour, a raft trip down the Nenana River or a helicopter ride over the park.
DAY 12: Denali National Park - Anchorage.
Head towards Anchorage with a stop at the Iditarod headquarters, home of the great dog-sled race. Tonight why not have dinner at the unusual Sourdough Mining Company, the perfect finish to a great holiday?
DAY 13: Anchorage - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 4,470 ft.
Note: Alaska and the Yukon are blessed with exquisite scenery, fascinating attractions, and an extraordinary amount of daylight in the summer months. We take advantage of the extended light in this vast territory, and as a result, some of the travelling days can be long. However, rest assured there are frequent photo and comfort stops.