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Alaskan Discovery By Land & Sea

With VANCOUVER extension
AnchorageVancouver
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
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This Alaska tour is a dream come true for value-minded travellers seeking to experience Alaska's breathtaking scenery and thrilling experiences. You'll start and end your tour in Anchorage and also have overnights in Denali National Park and Valdez. In between destinations, you'll have the opportunity to witness scenery unlike anywhere else, with untamed wilderness and exciting wildlife sightings.

A tour highlight is your cruise across the striking Prince William Sound. Witness the three-mile face of the Mears Glacier as you keep your eyes open for marine wildlife, such as otters, seals, and whales, all while you admire stunning glaciers. Another tour highlight is your journey to Talkeetna, a quaint town exemplifying small-town Alaska, from Anchorage, aboard the Alaska Railroad. On this train trip, you’ll travel through gorgeous wilderness and understand Alaska’s allure. Two nights in Denali National Park gives you the opportunity to explore this amazing park, home to six million acres and North America's highest peak (20,310-foot Denali). Perhaps go for a hike or participate in an optional outing, such as a wilderness tour to seek out grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and more. But that’s not all… on this Alaska holiday, you’ll witness stunning views as you travel over the top of Thompson Pass, where you’ll admire unforgettable scenery, and into Alaska’s interior across the Denali Highway. The Denali Highway is a seldom-travelled road through true wilderness with frequent wildlife sightings.

You’ll embark on your Alaskan cruise in Whittier and cruise the magnificent Inside Passage. Watch for seals lounging on the calved ice from Hubbard Glacier and orcas (killer whales) that patrol the waters here. Dock in Skagway and imagine the gold prospectors who braved the winters here. Explore its shops and saloons along the wooden walkways of this historic Alaskan town. Sail for Juneau—the Alaskan capital and home to Mendenhall Glacier on the Gastineau Channel. Visit Ketchikan along the rugged Tongass Narrows on the fjords of the Inside Passage with its rich cultural sights of the Native Alaskan cultures. Continue south through the spectacular Inside Passage from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. It is along this course of true wild beauty that humpback and killer whales may be spotted as well as bald eagles above or brown bears on the shore. Disembark in Vancouver with tales of the Alaskan wilderness to tell.

With magnificent scenery, opportunities to witness wildlife in its natural environment, and awe-inspiring experiences, this Alaska tour is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday!

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free wi-fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- Journey on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna and a cruise on Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam or MS Noordam is included.
- Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of publishing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.
- Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.’ Included for 2025: Signature Beverage package, $100 Shore Excursion Credit, One dinner in a specialty restaurant and Surf Wi-Fi package
- At least one member of the travelling party must be 21 years of age or older.
- Wildlife in Alaska is often seen in early season (May-early June).
- Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to weather conditions.
- Enjoy the spectacular changing hues of Alaska on our special Fall Foliage departures: August 19 & September 2 (if Mother Nature permits).

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
7breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8425
Tour Theme
Tour Style
Highlights
Day 1

ANCHORAGE

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

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 2

ANCHORAGE-ALASKA RAILROAD TALKEETNA-DENALI NATIONAL PARK

This morning, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable train journey to Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for climbers attempting to summit Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. Enjoy strolling along the shops in downtown or take a walk to the river. Early this afternoon, journey to Denali National Park for a 2-night stay. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Denali National Park and Preserve, majestically dominates the park's six million acres. Enjoy a free day for independent activities; a hike along the many wilderness trails might be of interest. Perhaps take advantage of several exciting optional outings, including a wildlife tour to spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a Denali photography excursion; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or an exhilarating flightseeing tour over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

DENALI NATIONAL PARK-THOMPSON PASS-VALDEZ

Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali, before travelling across the Denali Highway. This seldom-travelled road was the first road to allow access to Denali National Park-a true wilderness with frequent wildlife sightings and amazing views of the Alaska Range. Next, climb over the top of Thompson Pass, well-known for the annual snowfall in the winter months, the pass offers summer guests unforgettable views. End today's journey in the town of Valdez, nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname, Alaska's Little Switzerland.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 5

VALDEZ-WHITTIER-PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND-ANCHORAGE

Board a boat and travel across magnificent Prince William Sound. Explore the 3-mile face of the mighty Meares Glacier and hear tales of the region as told by the Alaskan crew. Keep your eyes open and cameras ready for marine wildlife such as otters, seals, and whales while viewing spectacular glaciers. Return to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

ANCHORAGE-WHITTIER (EMBARKATION)

This morning, a city sightseeing tour of Anchorage, with a visit to the Anchorage Museum, where you will see a fascinating display of artifacts of the native people of Alaska. After Anchorage sightseeing, return to Whittier to board Holland America's MS Noordam or MS Nieuw Amsterdam for an unforgettable Inside Passage cruise. The remote village of Whittier 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. (D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

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. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

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. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 9

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. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 10

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. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 11

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 savour 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. (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 12

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. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 13

VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)

Your holiday ends this morning. Please schedule homebound flights after noon. (B) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (1)

Tour directors

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Gruhl, Wade

Hi, I am Wade Gruhl. After growing up in Iowa, I have lived in Alaska since 2000. What attracted and keeps me here are the mountains, animals, lakes, rivers and the wide open spaces. I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, dog walks, travelling and exploring Alaska. I started as a wilderness hiking guide in Skagway in 1998, and have been sharing this amazing place with people ever since. I began Tour Directing in 2015 and am excited for the opportunity to enhance your visit to Alaska and the Yukon which is my favorite region on this planet.

This Alaska tour is a dream come true for value-minded travellers seeking to experience Alaska's breathtaking scenery and thrilling experiences. You'll start and end your tour in Anchorage and also have overnights in Denali National Park and Valdez. In between destinations, you'll have the opportunity to witness scenery unlike anywhere else, with untamed wilderness and exciting wildlife sightings.

A tour highlight is your cruise across the striking Prince William Sound. Witness the three-mile face of the Mears Glacier as you keep your eyes open for marine wildlife, such as otters, seals, and whales, all while you admire stunning glaciers. Another tour highlight is your journey to Talkeetna, a quaint town exemplifying small-town Alaska, from Anchorage, aboard the Alaska Railroad. On this train trip, you’ll travel through gorgeous wilderness and understand Alaska’s allure. Two nights in Denali National Park gives you the opportunity to explore this amazing park, home to six million acres and North America's highest peak (20,310-foot Denali). Perhaps go for a hike or participate in an optional outing, such as a wilderness tour to seek out grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and more. But that’s not all… on this Alaska holiday, you’ll witness stunning views as you travel over the top of Thompson Pass, where you’ll admire unforgettable scenery, and into Alaska’s interior across the Denali Highway. The Denali Highway is a seldom-travelled road through true wilderness with frequent wildlife sightings.

You’ll embark on your Alaskan cruise in Whittier and cruise the magnificent Inside Passage. Watch for seals lounging on the calved ice from Hubbard Glacier and orcas (killer whales) that patrol the waters here. Dock in Skagway and imagine the gold prospectors who braved the winters here. Explore its shops and saloons along the wooden walkways of this historic Alaskan town. Sail for Juneau—the Alaskan capital and home to Mendenhall Glacier on the Gastineau Channel. Visit Ketchikan along the rugged Tongass Narrows on the fjords of the Inside Passage with its rich cultural sights of the Native Alaskan cultures. Continue south through the spectacular Inside Passage from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. It is along this course of true wild beauty that humpback and killer whales may be spotted as well as bald eagles above or brown bears on the shore. Disembark in Vancouver with tales of the Alaskan wilderness to tell.

With magnificent scenery, opportunities to witness wildlife in its natural environment, and awe-inspiring experiences, this Alaska tour is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday!

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free wi-fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- Journey on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna and a cruise on Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam or MS Noordam is included.
- Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of publishing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.
- Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.’ Included for 2025: Signature Beverage package, $100 Shore Excursion Credit, One dinner in a specialty restaurant and Surf Wi-Fi package
- At least one member of the travelling party must be 21 years of age or older.
- Wildlife in Alaska is often seen in early season (May-early June).
- Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to weather conditions.
- Enjoy the spectacular changing hues of Alaska on our special Fall Foliage departures: August 19 & September 2 (if Mother Nature permits).

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
7breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8425
Tour Theme
Tour Style

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Highlights