Nature's Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
Nature's Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
Nature's Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
13 Days Starting in Fairbanks, Alaska and ending in Vancouver, BC
Visiting: Arrive In Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Alaska Railroad, Talkeetna, Seward, Seward. Cruise In Kenai Fjords National Park, Whittier (Embarkation), Cruising: Gulf Of Alaska, Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Cruising: Inside Passage, Vancouver, Bc (Disembarkation)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CKI-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with "Nature's Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise," exploring the majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Alaska. Begin your adventure in Fairbanks, cruising the Chena River and learning about Athabascan Native culture. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide, and meet champion Iditarod racers. Travel aboard the iconic Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, and enjoy a traditional Alaskan treat. Cruise through the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, witnessing glaciers calving into the sea and spotting orcas and humpback whales. Continue your voyage through the Gulf of Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park, and the historic port town of Skagway, before concluding your journey in Vancouver, BC. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Fairbanks
Location: Arrive In Fairbanks
Meet your Tour Director between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.
ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS Welcome to Alaska! Meet your Tour Director between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.
Day 2: Fairbanks,Denali National Park
Location: Fairbanks, Denali National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
FAIRBANKS–DENALI NATIONAL PARK Native American Traditions This morning, board the sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River with a stop at the Chena Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! We continue to Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), majestically dominating the park’s 6 million acres. This evening, enjoy a [LF] private presentation by a local Naturalist and dinner at Murie Science & Learning Center. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CONSERVATION HEROES Enjoy dinner at the Murie Science and Learning Center where stewardship and education are key to preserve and nurture the wild places of American national parks. You’ll hear fascinating and informative information presented by a Local Naturalist in this vital site named for wildlife biologist Adolph Murie who made lasting contributions to the understanding of wolves and wildlife management in Denali.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Experience frontier living in an Athabascan village on the Chena River. Here in the Alaskan forests, cabins are made of spruce logs, and the old ways of living with the land are beautifully preserved in the heritage of the Athabascan Native culture. Learn about traditions and survival in an unforgiving yet beautiful environment, where generations of Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years, ultimately adapting to village life and Western culture in the past century.
Day 3: Denali National Park
Location: Denali National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Later, journey into Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide on a Tundra Wilderness tour. The evening is free.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK Wilderness Wonders Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Later, journey into Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide on a Tundra Wilderness tour. The evening is free. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Venture deep into Denali National Park and Preserve with a Naturalist Driver Guide in search of fantastic wildlife and natural wonders. Stay alert for wildlife, including Denali’s Big-Five, the grizzly bear, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and the formidable yet elusive wolf. Named for the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali is a natural treasure of pristine and untamed wilderness at its finest.
Day 4: Denali National Park,Alaska Railroad,Talkeetna
Location: Denali National Park, Alaska Railroad, Talkeetna
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the home of an Iditarod Musher to hear stories of their adventures and meet their champion racers. Then, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through the majestic Alaskan wilderness. Today’s ride ends in the unique town of Talkeetna.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA Sled Races & Railroads This morning, visit the home of an Iditarod Musher to hear stories of their adventures and meet their champion racers. Then, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through the majestic Alaskan wilderness. Today’s ride ends in the unique town of Talkeetna. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. From its incredible setting on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the lodge offers majestic views of Denali, the highest peak in North America. Enjoy scenic hiking, flightseeing, or simply relax amid stunning views from the deck or hearthside by the crackling fire of a giant river rock fireplace.
Day 5: Talkeetna,Seward
Location: Talkeetna, Seward
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a traditional [LF] Alaskan treat at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse. Then, head south toward Anchorage and continue on a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula en route to Seward. Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner this evening.
TALKEETNA–SEWARD Anchorage Adventures This morning, enjoy a traditional [LF] Alaskan treat at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse. Then, head south toward Anchorage and continue on a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula en route to Seward. Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Roughing it never seemed so sweet with a visit to Talkeetna Roadhouse for an Alaskan treat in its original two-story log building and barn. Built circa 1917 as a freight-hauling supply station, this rustic roadhouse is home to fresh-baked treats served hot from its kitchen for an authentic Alaskan experience.
Day 6: Seward. Cruise In Kenai Fjords National Park,Whittier (Embarkation)
Location: Seward. Cruise In Kenai Fjords National Park, Whittier (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, board your vessel for a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! Travel to Whittier, a remote village nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and orcas! Embark on a 7-night cruise south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC.
SEWARD. CRUISE IN KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK–WHITTIER (EMBARKATION) Making a Splash Today, board your vessel for a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! Travel to Whittier, a remote village nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and orcas! Embark on a 7-night cruise south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park covers 600,000 acres of protected and pure wilderness, with more than half of its majestic landscapes covered in ice and snow. From the massive Harding Icefield to the countless tidewater glaciers carving deep fjords, this arctic paradise is a natural wonder to behold. A cruise on the fjords affords an unforgettable opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more breathtaking sights.
Day 7: Cruising: Gulf Of Alaska
Location: Cruising: Gulf Of Alaska
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska.
CRUISING: GULF OF ALASKA Gulf Dreams Scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Go deeper into the unmatched beauty of the Last Frontier with a scenic cruise on the Gulf of Alaska to explore just a part of this nearly 600,000 square-mile gulf reaching from the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island in the west and Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage to the east.
Day 8: Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park
Location: Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
CRUISING: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK Ice Dancing Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD DISCOVERIES Cruise to Glacier Bay where the sounds of creaking groans of living ice in constant flux, the shrill calls of gulls and soaring eagles, and the splash of breaching humpback whales greet you. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are main attractions, but every discovery in this dynamic biosphere is unique. 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 ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier and 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 patrolling a windswept beach.
Day 9: Skagway
Location: Skagway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SKAGWAY The Rush for Gold At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty. Note: Haines may be an alternative port and will be determined by Holland America onboard. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway. From the infamous Red Onion Saloon that has a pistol Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.
Day 10: Juneau
Location: Juneau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
JUNEAU The Wild Places Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote and unique state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capital building all in one day. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC SIGHTS Juneau is known for outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down wildlife. Hike at Mount Roberts to seek wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring good binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe that’s hard to resist.
Day 11: Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain and picturesque fjords welcome you to the Inside Passage.
KETCHIKAN Port of Call Cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain and picturesque fjords welcome you to the Inside Passage. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES & TRADITIONS Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and packing industries. Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant and explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan Nations of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Marvel at the intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. Take in the beautiful culture of the Tlingit people at Saxman Village, where traditional carvers and dancers share their heritage in the clan house. Explore the sights in town, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art, while exploring gold rush–era treasures like Dolly’s House Museum.
Day 12: Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Cruising: Inside Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. 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. Scenic cruise.
CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE Ice Sculptures Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. 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. Scenic cruise. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTALASKAN ADVENTURE Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Day 13: Vancouver,Bc (Disembarkation)
Location: Vancouver, Bc (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after Noon.
VANCOUVER, BC (DISEMBARKATION) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after Noon. (B)
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours with a Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are included.
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Cruise
A 7-night cruise south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC is included.
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Transportation
Transportation includes a journey on the world-famous Alaska Railroad and a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park.
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Local Experiences
Enjoy local experiences such as a private presentation by a local Naturalist, a visit to the home of an Iditarod Musher, and a traditional Alaskan treat at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over Denali National Park are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Visas and Travel Documents
Visas and other travel documents are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Notes
While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year round, May & early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are most visible late August and September, weather permitting.At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.The included night in Anchorage is not included on the cruise extension due to sailing alignment. The price has been adjusted accordingly.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Glacier Bay
Accommodation
Stay at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, Denali Park Village in Denali National Park, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Talkeetna, Gateway Hotel in Seward, and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver.
Accommodation
Fairbanks:Pike's Waterfront LodgeDenali National Park:Denali Park VillageTalkeetna:Talkeetna Alaskan LodgeSeward:Gateway HotelVancouver:Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles, grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves. In Kenai Fjords National Park, you may see glaciers calving into the sea and marine wildlife. In Denali National Park, you might spot Denali's Big-Five: grizzly bear, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves.
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What are some of the unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as a cruise on the Chena River with a stop at the Chena Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture, a visit to the home of an Iditarod Musher to meet their champion racers, and a traditional Alaskan treat at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse. Additionally, you will have a private presentation by a local Naturalist at the Murie Science and Learning Center.
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What kind of guided tours are included in the package?
The package includes guided tours with a Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides. Specific guided tours include a Tundra Wilderness tour in Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide and a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation options during the tour include Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, Denali Park Village in Denali National Park, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Talkeetna, Gateway Hotel in Seward, and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. These include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over Denali National Park.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes travel by sternwheeler, the world-famous Alaska Railroad, and a cruise ship. These modes of transport offer scenic journeys through majestic landscapes and waterways.
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What is the age requirement for this tour?
At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
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What are the highlights of the cruise portion of the tour?
The highlights of the cruise portion of the tour include scenic cruising through the Gulf of Alaska, a cruise through Glacier Bay National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and exploring the port town of Skagway, known for its gold rush history and scenic railway.
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What should I know about the weather and wildlife viewing opportunities?
While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen year-round, May and early June and September departures offer greater opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departures after mid-August offer fall foliage. Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are most visible late August and September, weather permitting.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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