Grand Alaskan Family Vacation

Embark on your Alaskan adventure with the starting point in Anchorage. Your tour commences at 6:30 PM at the Hotel Captain Cook, which boasts breathtaking views of Cook Inlet, downtown Anchorage, and the Chugach Mountains. You'll be provided with a convenient transfer from Anchorage International Airport to the hotel. Join us in the evening for a delightful welcome reception and dinner to kickstart your journey.

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Immerse yourself in Alaskan traditions and the wild outdoors. Begin your journey by exploring the rich cultures and traditions of Alaska's indigenous tribes at the Anchorage Museum, where you can view hundreds of artifacts and experience two engaging multimedia installations that share the enduring stories and histories of circumpolar North peoples. Afterward, embark on a picturesque flight to Talkeetna, situated near the base of Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Your day continues with a scenic drive to your secluded wilderness lodge in Trapper Creek, where you'll unwind for two nights surrounded by the rugged beauty of nature.

Your day commences with a visit to the private homestead of Joanne Porterfield, a wilderness retreat tucked in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. For over four decades, her family's gardens and farm have thrived beneath the imposing presence of Mount Denali. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating wilderness jet boat adventure*. As the sun sets, return to your lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits, followed by an evening at your leisure.

Today, you'll embark on a picturesque drive to Denali National Park, a pristine wilderness that ranks among the last unspoiled frontiers on our planet. Arrive at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, conveniently located near the park's entrance, just in time for a delectable lunch. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Husky Homestead, the residence of Jeff King, a four-time Iditarod champion musher. Here, you'll have the chance to meet his resilient Alaskan Husky sled dogs and witness their training. As the day winds down, savor a delightful dinner at one of the fine restaurants within your lodge.

Begin your day with an early start as you embark on a captivating "Tundra Wilderness Tour." This journey will lead you deep into the heart of Denali National Park, an expansive six-million-acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Traverse through lush forests, alpine tundra, and over towering mountain passes. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. With a bit of luck, you may also catch a glimpse of Denali itself, the towering North American peak that reaches an astounding 20,310 feet. After your tour, you'll have the remainder of the day and evening to enjoy at your leisure, including the freedom to choose your dinner arrangements.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Alaskan wilderness today as you leave Denali and make your way along the Alaska Range to your lodge located on the picturesque Copper River in the charming town of Copper Center. This town serves as a gateway to the vast and majestic Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, renowned as "North America's Mountain Kingdom." In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner featuring a regional specialty, delectable Alaskan salmon.

Delve into the wonders of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a haven boasting an abundance of glaciers and peaks towering above 16,000 feet – a distinction unrivaled in North America. This remarkable park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning both the United States and Canada. Experience the park intimately with a private tour of its visitor center, guided by a knowledgeable park ranger. During this excursion, you'll catch a glimpse of the impressive Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a vital conduit for transporting crude oil from Prudhoe Bay in the north to the port of Valdez. After your explorations, return to your wilderness lodge and savor the freedom to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Valdez, making a picturesque stop at the Worthington Glacier – a perfect opportunity to capture memorable photos. From Valdez, embark on a captivating cruise across Prince William Sound to Whittier. Upon your arrival in Whittier, board your Princess ship, commencing your remarkable 7-night cruise adventure. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for chances to spot enchanting marine life like whales, seals, or majestic eagles as your cruise ship sets sail.

During a day spent at sea, indulge in a private morning tour of the ship's galley, where you can witness the culinary artistry that creates your delightful meals. Cruise towards the impressive Hubbard Glacier, Alaska's longest tidewater glacier, and get up close to its mesmerizing blue ice, a result of its dense composition that absorbs all colors of the spectrum except blue. While on the cruise, you have the option to enjoy onboard entertainment shows, try your luck at the ship's casino, or immerse yourself in a good book in the library. In the evening, join the captain for a welcome reception and savor a delicious dinner on board.

Prepare for a mesmerizing experience as you cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, one of the highlights of Tauck's Alaska tours. This park reveals shorelines and islands that were once entirely covered by ice just two centuries ago. Witness the astonishing blue-tinged ice cliffs that loom over the sea and listen to the thunderous sounds as ice chunks calve and plunge into the water. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, lush spruce and hemlock forests, and deep fjords, all while keeping a keen eye out for the magnificent humpback whales, orcas, seals, and a variety of seabirds that inhabit this stunning region. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Tauck cocktail party featuring delicious hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, followed by a delightful dinner as your ship sets sail for Skagway.

Discover the historic town of Skagway, the iconic gateway to the Klondike gold fields, by embarking on a journey in antique vehicles. Afterward, board a ferry cruise along the Lynn Canal, North America's longest and deepest fjord, heading to Haines. Prepare for a thrilling rafting adventure* through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, an area known for hosting significant populations of bald eagles during certain seasons. Immerse yourself in the past with a nostalgic ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway, originally constructed in 1898 amidst the gold rush. This vintage rail excursion traverses steep grades, winds around cliff-hugging turns, and crosses high bridges, providing an exhilarating experience. Return to your ship in Skagway. Please note that guests aboard the Royal Princess will visit Icy Strait Point and can choose from a variety of excursions, including scenic rides on the SkyGlider Mountaintop gondola or a Wildlife & Brown Bear expedition, instead of visiting Skagway.

Your cruise ship docks in Juneau, Alaska's capital, nestled on a slender piece of land between the Coast Mountains and the Gastineau Channel. The city is renowned for its historical gold mines and offers stunning mountain and waterfront vistas. After disembarking, embark on a sightseeing adventure that includes a visit to the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, located just 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Although it may seem motionless, the glacier is in constant flux, slowly descending to shape the ever-changing landscapes in its path. Later in the morning, enjoy an exclusive whale-watching cruise off Juneau's coast. In the afternoon, rejoin your Princess ship and continue your voyage to Ketchikan.

Your ship arrives in Ketchikan, a city deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. Delve into the rich Tlingit legacy that shapes the local culture, with the opportunity to witness numerous totem poles throughout the city. Experience the art of totem carving firsthand at Saxman Native Village, where local craftsmen create these intricate works of art. Enjoy a captivating performance of traditional Tlingit and Haida dances, immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural traditions. Take some time to independently explore Ketchikan, including the historic Creek Street, a charming boardwalk situated over Ketchikan Creek, and the picturesque waterfront promenade, before reboarding your cruise ship to continue your journey.

Relish the breathtaking vistas of the legendary Inside Passage, either from the comfort of your stateroom or the various decks and lounges of the ship, during a full day of cruising through this iconic waterway. Gaze upon the lush, forested islands and coastal communities that define this renowned route. As you sail, you can indulge in a refreshing swim in one of the ship's pools, engage in a captivating nature presentation, partake in board games in the ship's library, maintain your fitness routine in the well-equipped gym, or unwind with a soothing spa treatment. Don't miss the chance to experience the ship's golf simulator as well. To culminate your extraordinary Alaskan cruise, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail party, followed by a delectable dinner aboard your Princess ship.

Tour concludes in Vancouver. After disembarking from your Princess ship at the port in Vancouver, British Columbia, you'll be provided with a transfer to Vancouver International Airport. We recommend scheduling your flights for departure after 11:00 AM. Please keep in mind that you should allow at least three hours for airport procedures, including flight check-in and customs clearance for US-bound travelers.