Introduction
Alaska, imagine your holiday in Alaska for one moment. Your delight when you spot a grizzly bear with a cub or two in tow. That instant when the silence of a misty fjord is shattered by a pod of giant humpback whales, breaching high into the air, then crashing back against the sea. While your floatplane flies over crystal glaciers, toward the midnight sun, remember: This is Alaska. This is real. This is the adventure of a lifetime. Travelling in Alaska is like travelling no other place on earth. There are 586,000 square miles here, and almost that many possibilities. Choose from wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and guided glacier hikes. Relax aboard a one-day cruise, pan for gold, bait a rod for Alaska’s world famous King salmon fishing the possibilities in the wondrous land are endless.

Alaska is very different from a touring perspective than any of the other states in America, for a start many of the roads are dirt tracks so fly drives can be a little trickier and insurance premiums for renting are very high if you want to use unpaved roads. For this reason we have detailed below a tried and tested two week itinerary that combines rail travel with small ship cruising to ensure you see that very best of Alaska. The mainline cruise ships cannot take you where this cruise will take you and believe me you will be so glad you made this choice.

But don’t take my word for the merits of this itinerary, read below what Diane Price from Gloucestershire had to say after recently experiencing this itinerary with us.

Flights
We are very proud to work with British Airways and Alaska Airlines with who we have negotiated special inclusive tour rates exclusive for this itinerary giving you a great deal on reliable and comfortable scheduled flights to Alaska Should you be interested we can also extend special reduced travel rates in British Airways World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST.

Accommodation
We have featured 10 nights accommodation in well located clean and comfortable moderate standard hotels and 4 nights aboard the small ship, Spirit of Columbia. We have not used any luxury resorts, that is not what this holiday is about however we are always happy to look at upgrades for you on any of the hotels used or the cabin category aboard Spirit of Columbia.

Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Complete North America will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

Financial Protection
By booking this complete package with Complete North America you benefit from reduced rates on flights, accommodation and car rental along with complete financial protection. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and this package is ATOL protected under ATOL No.5368.

Arrive Anchorage

Depart London Heathrow – 1435
Arrive Anchorage – 2032
Journey time – 15 hours

We fly you to Anchorage via Seattle with British Airways and Alaskan Airlines, which represents the most convenient and quickest way to travel to Alaska. On arrival into Anchorage and transfer to your overnight hotel
Hotel : Aspen Hotel Anchorage

Anchorage – Seaward - 4 hours train

This morning depart at 6:45am on the Alaska Railroad to Seaward, arrival at approx. 11:05am. On arrival transfer to hotel
Hotel : Seaward Windsong Lodge.

Seaward - Anchorage - 4 hours train

In the morning depart on a 6-hour wildlife and glaciers cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Cruise highlights include a variety of wildlife like Orca whales, sea lions, puffins and coastal glaciers. Upon return transfer to train station. At 6pm depart Seaward for Anchorage, arrival at approx. 10.30pm. Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer to hotel
Hotel : Aspen Hotel Anchorage

Anchorage - Talkeetna - 3 hours train

In morning transfer to Anchorage train station and depart the Alaska Railroad at 8:15am. Enjoy the scenic train ride through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Talkeetna, where you arrive at approx. 11:15am. In Talkeetna a local guide will take you for a 2-hour riverboat tour on the Talkeetna River. This is a great nature experience. Remainder of you day at leisure. We suggest you explore the old gold mining community, famous for its charm and Talkeetna the main departure point for Mt McKinley climbing expeditions. From here fascinating flightseeing tours to Mt McKinley and the Alaska Range are available.
Hotel: Susitna River Lodge

Talkeetna – Denali National Park - 4.5 hours train

At 11:25am continue your journey on the Alaska Railroad towards Denali. Arrival in Denali at approx 3:15pm. Upon arrival transfer to hotel via courtesy shuttle. Remainder of day at leisure.
Hotel : Denali Bluffs Hotel

Denali National Park – Fairbanks 4.5 hours train

This morning enjoy a 7-8 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (55 miles/88km). The park is inhabited by lots of different animal species. With some luck you will see bears, caribou, moose, mountain sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. Mt. McKinley can be seen if the weather is clear today. In the afternoon, upon return from the Tundra Wilderness Tour, transfer to train station by hotel shuttle. At 3.45pm depart on the Alaska Railroad from Denali Nat Park, arrive Fairbanks at approx. 8.15pm. Upon arrival in Fairbanks transfer to hotel via courtesy hotel shuttle.
Hotel : Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Fairbanks

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fairbanks. This tour features the historical downtown area, Alaska oil pipeline and gold mining dredge. In the afternoon a Sternwheeler riverboat tour is scheduled.
Hotel : Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Fairbanks – Anchorage - 1 hour flight

In the morning you will return to Anchorage by scheduled flight from Fairbanks. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Hotel : Aspen Hotel Anchorage

Anchorage – Whittier

Transfer provided to Whittier via Alaska Railroad where the Spirit of Columbia will be waiting for you. Only a small ship can get you so close to the glaciers that make Alaska such an awe-inspiring place. After all, if you're going to Alaska to see glaciers, then really see them face-to-face. It's the only way to feel their awesome power and marvel at the beauty of their deeply chiselled faces and dazzling, pale-blue hues. Settle into your private cabin, home for the next 4 nights. The ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with an early evening visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay.
Hotel : Private Cabin onboard ship

Valdez & Columbia Glacier

Enter Valdez Harbour. In port, optional tour to Thompson Pass, situated high in the mountains. Sail to Columbia Glacier and spend the afternoon in front of this massive wall of centuries-old ice.
Hotel : Private Cabin onboard ship

Whittier - Anchorage

Return to Whittier and board a deluxe motor coach for the return trip to Anchorage. On arrival into Anchorage please transfer to your overnight hotel.
Hotel : Aspen Hotel Anchorage

Anchorage

Today is free for you to explore this wonderful city and take advantage of some of the amazing excursion options available to you.
Hotel : Aspen Hotel Anchorage

Optional pre-bookable excursions from Anchorage

Arctic Tour 1
Visit the Inupiat Eskimo community, located 36 miles above the Arctic Circle and on the Bering Sea. Learn about the Eskimo culture and life.

Arctic Tour 2
Visit the northernmost point on the continent, 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle. In Alaska's largest Eskimo village, you have the opportunity to learn about the rich Eskimo culture and subsistence lifestyles. Ceremonial program includes music and dance of the Arctic.

Katmai National Park & Brooks Camp Bear Viewing
In the early morning depart on your scheduled flight to King Salmon. Upon arrival in King Salmon, transfer to float plane dock and fly per float plane to Brooks Camp. In Brooks view bears independently (not guided). Park rangers are available to provide arrival orientation and to answer questions. Return by float plane to King Salmon, transfer to the airport, and catch your scheduled return flight to Anchorage

Redoubt Bay - Bear Country
Fly from Anchorage's Lake Hood by float plane (approx. 1 hr) to Redoubt Bay (foothills of the Aleutian Range). You will land on a wilderness lake and taxi to a rustic lodge where you will be greeted by your nature guide. Following a brief orientation, your guide will take you by small boat to the best locations for up close bear viewing.

Seaplane Bear Viewing Flight Safari
Your experienced bush pilot will help you find the animals and be your personal bear-viewing guide. He/She will fly you over routes that include glaciers, volcanoes and the vast coastal region where the giant bears roam. With several hours of flight time allocated to the safari, you will be inspired by Alaska's vast and rugged wilderness. Flying over lower Cook Inlet, the tour route will take you along the shores of Katmai National Park & Preserve. Depending on bear viewing conditions, you could land at Brooks Camp where the bears are often seen fishing. This bear watching flight safari offers a great adventure for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Picnic style lunch and park fee included.

Pilot for a Day - Anchorage
Customized VIP private air safaris of one day and multi-day duration with accommodation at selected wilderness lodges are available upon request. Our custom air tours are designed and quoted individually for our clients. Picnic lunch included. Tour includes pilot, ground time and approx. 5 hours flight time.

Various Flightseeing Tours
Flightseeing options from Anchorage are quite varied and include floatplanes, historic DC-3's or helicopters.

Columbia Glacier Extension
3.0 hour flightseeing tour from Lake Hood over Prince William Sound to Columbia Glacier. Tour by floatplane

Mount McKinley Flightseeing
3.0 hour flightseeing tour from Lake Hood to Denali. Tour by floatplane.

Chugach Mountains and Knik Glacier
1.5 hour flight seeing tour from Lake Hood. Tour by floatplane.

Full Day Guided Fishing Adventure
Fly-out from Lake Hood to fishing "hot spots". Included are lunch and guide. (Not included fishing license and tags)

Anchorage City Tour & Portage Glacier Cruise
Approx. 10-hr tour. Sightseeing tour of Anchorage includes a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Take an unforgettable cruise on the M.V. Ptarmigan to the face of Portage Glacier, and visit the Alyeska Ski Resort on this tour of Alaska's largest city.

Portage Glacier Cruise/Tour from/to Anchorage
Approx. 7-hr tour. Motor coach to Portage Lake, visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Centre, cruise to Portage Glacier on the M.V. Ptarmigan, and visit the Alyeska Ski Resort.

Anchorage City Tour
Approx 3-hr tour. Tour the city of Anchorage including the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. View live demonstrations and performances in native village settings representing native cultures from five regions of Alaska.

Anchorage Trolley Car Tour
One hour trolley tour to interesting sights in Anchorage. Departs from 4th Avenue Theatre

Alaska Native Heritage Centre
Native cultures from five Alaskan regions are represented in exhibits in authentic village settings. Galleries presenting native artifacts and in-depth information teach visitors about the colourful past of Alaska's native people.

Prices (in Pounds Sterling)

The prices shown below are 'per person'.

Upgrade to a Category A cabin on the 4 night Prince William Sound Cruise which includes outside viewing window for £350 per person.

This tour includes;

• Roundtrip scheduled flights with British Airways and Alaska Airlines
  
• UK & US Airport Taxes
  
• 10 nights accommodation in tourist-moderate class hotels including tax
  
• All Alaska Railroad standard seating tickets as specified in this itinerary
  
• 6-hour boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park with snack lunch
  
• 2-hour Jetboat Safari on Talkeetna River
  
• 7-8 hours bus tour into Denali National Park with snack lunch and park fee included
  
• Fairbanks sightseeing tour with stops at Alyeska oil pipeline and gold dredge
  
• 4.5 hour Sternwheeler Riverboat Tour in Fairbanks
  
• Roundtrip transfers from Anchorage to Whittier for 5 day cruise
  
• 4 nights private cabin accommodation on board Spirit of Columbia – Prince William Sound
  
• All meals, port fees and taxes whilst aboard Spirit of Columbia
  
• Comprehensive documentation and information package

Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Complete North America will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

We also have exceptional deals on upgrades with British Airways to World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST, along discounted prices for British Airways regional flights, please call for details

All travellers must hold a full 10 year machine readable British Passport and have no criminal convictions to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. For more details on passport requirements please visit - http://www.usembassy.org.uk. All prices and timings are subject to change and availability.

Whilst it is no compulsory to take our travel insurance it is imperative that you do not travel without comprehensive travel insurance. Our adult premium is £49 per person for 2 weeks however we do have rates for family policies and annual travel insurance, please call for details.

A deposit of £150 per person is required to confirm your booking and the balance is due 8 weeks prior to departure.

Flying from Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland? Read about special deals for connecting flights here.