Denali National Park & Wild Alaska 12 days / Land & Cruise Tours

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About This Experience

North America’s highest peak is known by many names: to the indigenous Athabaskan people, the mountain is Denali, or “the great one.” You’ll understand why when you see it towering over the surrounding landscape. After exploring the wilds of Denali National Park, you’ll embark on a cruise through the winding waterways of the Inside Passage, where you’ll discover glacier country and Gold Rush towns, before ending in dynamic, dramatic Vancouver.

Your Tour Includes

  • Round-trip airfare & transfers

  • 4 nights in handpicked hotels and 7 nights aboard the Celebrity Millennium

  • Breakfast daily, 7 lunches, 10 three-course dinners with beer or wine (on land)

  • Tour Director

  • Private deluxe motor coach

  • Select entrance fees

Anchorage, Alaska1 night - hotel info

Day1

Arrive in Anchorage—the City of Lights and Flowers

Fly to Anchorage, a thriving city set amid spectacular natural wonders. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel.

Denali National Park1 night - hotel info

Day2

Ride the rails through the spectacular icy peaks of the Alaska Range

Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the Alaska Railroad via Talkeetna, a small community said to have inspired the television series Northern Exposure. Admire the stunning views from aboard your train as you travel toward Denali National Park, over Hurricane Gulch and into the majestic Alaska Range. Enjoy an included dinner with your group tonight.

Wasilla, Alaska1 night - hotel info

Day3

Explore the bleak beauty of the taiga in the shadow of Mount Denali

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Denali National Park

A full day of sightseeing immerses you in the scenery, flora and fauna of Denali National Park. Encompassing 6 million acres, the park dwarfs the entire state of Massachusetts. Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain, is known as “The Mountain.” McKinley is so big that it even has its own weather system. You’ll enjoy lunch in the park and reach Wasilla tonight in time for an included dinner.

Cruise7 nights - hotel info

Day4

Encounter bears, bison and other locals in their natural habitat

Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s explorations of the Kenai Peninsula begin in Portage for views of the Explorer and Portage Glaciers. You might witness the “calving” of the icebergs into Portage Lake. At the nearby visitors’ center, you’ll also view the award-winning documentary Voices from the Ice, the story of the Chugach Mountain glaciers. Next, head to Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center to spot bison, caribou, eagles and elk in a natural habitat. Reach the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, known for its dramatic tidal “turns” that create 10-foot walls of water. Cross the peninsula to Tern Lake and Summit Lake and the small town of Moose Pass. Then travel along the Kenai Mountain Range into Seward, where you’ll board your ship for the cruise portion of your Alaskan adventure.

Day5

Board the Celebrity Millenium for a cruise through glacier country

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a morning at sea, reveling in your ship’s luxurious accommodations or simply watching the spectacular scenery from the deck. In the afternoon, cruise past North Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. The Hubbard is an anomaly. While almost all current glaciers have retreated and thinned during the last century, the Hubbard has advanced, earning it the name “Galloping Glacier.” In 2002, its overflow created the second-largest glacial flood in modern times.

Day6

Take a jaunt into Juneau for museums and mountain trams

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A blend of cosmopolitan city and frontier town, Juneau is often referred to as “little San Francisco.” The Alaskan capital is impossible to reach by land, making your one-day stay here a unique experience. During your free time, take a journey to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier or take part in an authentic Alaskan clambake.

Day7

Relive the Gold Rush in the scrappy town of Skagway

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Skagway, the northernmost point of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Skagway was the starting point for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. On your free day, you might relive early American history with a trip to the saloon or a vintage streetcar ride through town. Choose from a variety of excursions, including a helicopter ride over the surrounding glaciers.

Day8

Scan the horizon for humpbacks and orcas

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise the Icy Straits as your journey becomes a whale watch for a day. These waterways provide an ideal environment and feeding space for several important whale species, from humpbacks to minkes to orcas. You can choose to spend the day searching for the elusive Alaskan brown bear in the bordering forests, taking a “flightseeing” (floatplane tour) of Glacier Bay or riding a historic tram through the Southeast Alaska rainforest.

Day9

Count the totems or explore the fjords in Ketchikan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your next port of call is Ketchikan, gateway to some of the state’s most sublime scenery and wildlife. The ancestral home of the Tlingit people, Ketchikan contains the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Explore the city at your leisure or choose from a variety of excursions, including a trip to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, a wildlife refuge with towering waterfalls.

Day10

Weave through the waterways of the Inside Passage

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail the southern section of Alaska’s Inside Passage, a collection of waterways, inlets, fjords and bays that make up Southeastern Alaska’s Panhandle. In total, 60 glaciers span this region along with several mountain ranges and secluded isles. Look out for bald eagles as you cruise.

Vancouver1 night - hotel info

Day11

Step back on solid ground in vibrant, varied Vancouver

Breakfast, Dinner

Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, Western Canada’s largest city. After hotel check-in, the rest of your day is free to explore Vancouver. Take in the charm of the Gastown district, where old lamps line the brick-paved streets and historic 19th-century office buildings, house boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. If you’re hungry, Vancouver offers a range of dining options from trendy restaurants and tapas bars to Chinatown and Little Italy. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for tonight’s farewell dinner.

Day12

This is the end of your Alaskan adventure

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport.

Vancouver

Extend Your Stay

Add Vancouver

Delve deeper into the diversity and vibrancy of British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada. Many cultures meet in the seaport of Vancouver, which boasts thriving Chinese and Indian neighborhoods. Spend your days wandering around the original settlement in Gastown or enjoying the great outdoors. Then, spend your evening feasting on Chinese food and checking out the lively music scene. Opt for a day to take in the beauty and refinement of Victoria, beloved for its blooming gardens and mild weather.

Vancouver2 nights - hotel info

Day12

Explore Vancouver’s lively neighborhoods, from Gastown to Chinatown

Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a free day or opt to embark on a guided tour of the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Optional Excursions

Vancouver Sightseeing $69* pp

Embark on a tour through the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. You’ll visit the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, Chinatown and the historic Gastown District. Originally founded around a sawmill, Gastown became the center of a growing Vancouver. Chinatown welcomed waves of Pacific Rim immigrants and helped nurture Vancouver’s cosmopolitan spirit, and Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. This panoramic tour will show you how Vancouver continues to cast a spell on all who visit.

Day13

Stop and smell the flowers in Victoria

Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Vancouver or opt to board a ferry to Victoria. Begin your tour in Butchart Gardens to explore its enchanting floral displays. Next, you’ll visit Hatley Park, a National Historic Site, followed by Abkhazi Gardens, the “gardens that love built.”

Optional Excursions

Victoria Sightseeing $185* pp

Board a ferry for a scenic ride to Victoria, where a local guide will introduce you to downtown Victoria. Next, take in a passing view of the Parliament Buildings, the city's Inner Harbor and the iconic Empress Hotel. After a few hours to eat lunch and explore on your own, travel through the countryside for a guided tour of the famed Butchart Gardens, home to 55 acres of stunning floral displays. Your evening comes to a close as you head back to the docks to catch your return ferry to Vancouver.

Day14

Terminal City is the terminus of your tour

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

A Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the airport for your return flight home.

About the Celebrity Millennium

With a sophisticated design and gracious public rooms, the Celebrity Millennium offers a full range of luxurious facilities, including large decks, the Oasis pool, exercise pool, a library, a fully equipped health club and spa, saunas and shops. In the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, cabaret performances or dancing. And when you’ve had your fill of activity, your cabin awaits with all the comforts of home.

Passport & Visa

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well. The passport expiration date must extend at least six months beyond your return to the U.S. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the Canadian consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Baggage Allowance

Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling Domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.

Clothing and Packing Tips

To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear and binoculars. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium, the cruise line has a Freestyle Cruising policy that lets you choose your evening dress according to your taste. However, in all restaurants, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, and tank tops are prohibited. We recommend slacks, shirts, blouses and dress shirts for dining. The cruise line does offer two optional formal nights, during which black tie or dark suits are recommended for men, and evening gowns or cocktail dresses are  suggested for women. You may also want to bring a small overnight bag for your one-night stay in Denali.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Alaska or Vancouver. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.

Dining Arrangements

The Celebrity Millennium has an open seating policy in a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Reservations are recommended in specialty restaurants, and you may need to select your seating times for dinner (early or late). Snacks and buffet style cuisine are also available.

Shipboard Money Matters

On board, you’ll be issued a Celebrity Cruise Line card, which will enable you to sign for most shipboard expenses, such as optional shore excursions, bar and wine bills, beauty treatments and photo orders. Your account can be settled with cash, traveler’s checks or a major credit card, such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or Discover Card. Personal checks are not cashed or accepted. Gratuities for the Alaskan Cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium are not included in price of your tour, but will be automatically charged to your onboard account. In general, this gratuity amounts to around $10 per person per day, which covers all service charges for ship personnel. A separate 15 percent service charge is automatically added to all bar tabs and spa services.

Currency

The official currency aboard ship is the U.S. dollar, and all prices are quoted in dollars. During your free time in Vancouver, you may wish to exchange a small amount of Canadian dollars. Better rates of exchange are found in Canada. We recommend taking cash, credit, bank and/or ATM cards for easiest and least expensive exchange. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.

Denali National Park & Wild Alaska

Beautiful country which we saw traveling by motor bus, train, small boat and huge cruise ship.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 6/21/2011

Number of Past Tours: 2

From: IA

Tour Director: 1 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Awesome wildlife

Saw lots of animals, bears, sheep, moose and lots of whales on our excursion and from the ship.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 7/31/2012

Number of Past Tours: 2

From: TX

Tour Director: 2 / 5

Tour Value: 3 / 5

Worst trip ever

The pace was ridiculous. Most of us had gotten up at 3am to catch our flights and didn't get to Alaska til 6pm Alaska time(4 hrs earlier than CST). Our hotel was a fleabag and we were served Breakfast at 5:30 the next morning. The second hotel at Denali Park looked better, but when we opened our bedding, there were short black hairs all over the sheets on both beds....Obviously, the linens had not been changed. Each day started ridiculously early. I was on vacation, I didn't sign up for a forced march. The third night our hotel in Wasilla was budget at best....this time, long black hairs all over our bathroom floor. The dinner was of very poor quality. The tour director nearly left 2people behind on 2 occasions. It was only because of Joe, that they weren't left. The accomododations in Vancouver were delightful as was the food. However the tour director only got us to the airport 2 hours before departure time. 33 buses arrived at the same time. One couple in our group barely made it on the plane. If the plane had not been 45 minutes late, they would have missed the flight. At least 3 hours is needed prior to departure time. The tour was expensive - I was terribly disappointed. I went to Alaska with Celebrity 7 years ago and took the Celebrity land tour. The price was less expensive and accomodations were much better (no comparison). The content of the land tour was similar, except Celebrity's land tour is a day longer. All in all, it was a very disappointing experience. I would not travel with Go Ahead again

1 / 5

Traveled On: 7/31/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: MS

Tour Director: 1 / 5

Tour Value: 1 / 5

Informative and interesting!

Well planned, interesting,wonderful guides,directors, personnel on ship were fantastic! Guides on tours were interesting and informative.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/31/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: TX

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

Awesome

This trip was way more then I expected, everything was well planned and we were well taken care of.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: PA

Tour Director: 4 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

trip of a lifetime

I have wanted to do this trip forever. How wonderful to see such great sights with my husband...son..mother...brother..and sister.in.law. We were blessed to see Mt Denali...as well as wildlife. The cruise was also excellent.The food and ports were just great. I would do it again.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: PA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Denalli

The trip was well organized and offered much to see. The sites and nture were fabulous. I especially enjoyed the glaciers since i am a civil geotechnical engineer.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: LA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Views Everywhere

Wherever we turned in Alaska the fabulous views were there. The Denali experiences were exciting and informative. The train trip was a high point. The cruise on the Celebrity Millenium was a great experience and we enjoyed several excursions in the local sites. The highlight was the whale watching tour where we experienced the thrill of watching humpbacks bubble feeding. A great trip. We would recommend it to everyone.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: TX

Tour Director: 4 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

The Best Trip I Kept Putting Off

After putting a trip to Alaska on the back burner, I am happy to say I was delightfully pleased with this trip. This was some of the most beautiful scenery ever, beautiful accomodations, especially the riverside cabin. Denali met every expectation, including getting to see the mountain in all its glory. Scenery, animals, culture were all outstanding. The cruise was relaxing and full of good food, exciting sights, and excellent service. Thanks Go Ahead for a great trip!

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: TX

Tour Director: 4 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

Very enjoyable trip Learned a lot very scenic

I found the tour guide very knowledgeable, of the area and of other trips, tours that Go Ahead has to offer. I also talked with other people that used Go Ahead for their vacations, of places we are interested in seeing. By talking and listening to others experience's with Go Ahead, I feel more confident that we will be a long time travel companion with Go Ahead Tours.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 7/3/2012

Number of Past Tours: 2

From: PA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

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