Vancouver to Denali: The Best of Alaska

We’ll begin in Vancouver, then set sail through the Inside Passage, stopping in towns like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way, you’ll experience the majesty of Glacier Bay, the wonder of College Fjord and the wildlife of Denali National Park, with opportunities for private group gatherings and expert-led excursions. From riding the glass-domed cars of the McKinley Explorer to spotting glaciers, watching for wildlife and exploring charming local communities, this trip offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure and unforgettable memories.

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  Alaska
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Tour Highlights

Begin your journey with a flight to Vancouver, where you’ll enjoy a scenic city tour before settling in for a welcome dinner with your travel group. The next morning, board the MS Westerdam and set sail, exploring all the ship has to offer as your Alaskan adventure officially begins.

Spend time at sea as we sail through the Inside Passage, a network of stunning waterways surrounded by forested islands and snow capped mountains. This is a perfect time to relax, take in the views from the deck or participate in onboard activities. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas and sea lions as we cruise through this spectacular region.

Our first port of call is Ketchikan, often called Alaska’s “First City” because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers. As travelers enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, they will be greeted by the town, which clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows and is flanked by green forests. Located along the banks of Ketchikan Creek, the city’s boardwalks have been transformed from old bordellos into art galleries, charming shops and bars. Claiming to be the salmon capital of the world, there are five different fish species in the Ketchikan Creek, which provided an abundant food source for early settlers.

Next we visit Alaska’s capital, Juneau, nestled between mountains and the sea. Spend the day discovering the shops on historic Franklin Street or get out of town and explore the Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier, kayaking, rafting, hiking or whale watching. Whether you stay in town or head out into the surrounding wilderness, Juneau offers a little something for everyone.

We will conclude our time in the Inside Passage by stepping back in time in Skagway, a once-booming Gold Rush town now filled with preserved wooden buildings and colorful stories. Skagway grew from a two-man homestead to a city of 20,000 between 1896 and 1998. Evidence of the Gold Rush heyday is celebrated all over town. Points of interest include the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, the Arctic Brotherhood Hall and the Gold Rush cemetery north of town.

Spend two unforgettable days surrounded by towering ice and serene waters as we cruise through two of Alaska’s most breathtaking glacier regions. In Glacier Bay National Park, Park Rangers will come aboard to share fascinating insight as we watch for whales, sea otters, puffins and bears along the shores. The next day, we sail into College Fjord, where glaciers named after Ivy League colleges line the passage on both sides. These back-to-back scenic days offer incredible views, peaceful moments on deck and more opportunities to gather with our group for special programming onboard.

After disembarking in the unique port town of Whittier — where nearly the entire town lives under one roof and is full of a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters and killer whales — you’ll board a deluxe motorcoach for a sightseeing trip into the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park. We will arrive in time to settle in and explore Denali Square, a hub of shops, local culture and stunning views.

We will then head deep into Denali National Park with this day’s highlight being the Tundra Wilderness Tour. You’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five: moose, caribou, bears, wolves and Dall sheep. After the tour, enjoy free time to relax, take a walk or explore more of the surrounding area at your own pace.

This next morning, board the McKinley Explorer — a luxury railcar with glass-domed ceilings — for a scenic ride to Anchorage. Sit back and take in panoramic views of rivers, mountains and forests as you travel in comfort. Once in Anchorage, you’ll have time to explore the city before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.

Spend your final day in Alaska at your own pace — exploring museums, doing some last-minute shopping or simply enjoying a relaxing morning. In the evening, we’ll head to the airport for overnight flights home, filled with memories of the incredible places we’ve seen.

Tour Leaders

Julia Gillespie ’20

Julia is a proud Hope College graduate and current assistant director of alumni engagement. She loves meeting new people, hearing their stories and celebrating their successes. She assists the team on different projects, events and initiatives that help the inspiring alumni get involved and ensure that their involvement is meaningful. Passionate about storytelling, she also writes and shapes the alumni blog. Julia traveled to Alaska on a May Term in 2019 and loved every second of it — the wildlife, the wide-open landscapes and the stillness of nature left her in awe of God’s creation and deepened her love for the outdoors. Outside of work, you’ll find her reading, baking, painting, drinking coffee and chasing around her two little kids. She’s excited to get to know each of you and embrace the spirit of adventure as you explore Alaska’s incredible scenery together. 

Tour Fee

The program fee is $6,395 per person. Based on double occupancy, it includes:

• Discussions and community building led by experienced tour hosts
• All of your travel arrangements including round trip flights, airport transfers, cruise tour with Holland America Line
• Accomodations and dinner the night prior to the cruise
• The ability to customize days, which include organized paid shore excursions, various ship activities and/or independent port exploration
• Multiple group planned dinners

For single occupancy, add $2,670 for an inside cabin.

TAKE ACTION

• Register for Alaska
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