Best of Alaska

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!

Arrive in Alaska and enjoy dinner as a group in Anchorage before beginning your adventure. D

DAY 2: AWCC/PORTAGE GLACIER CRUISE

Travel south along Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountain Range on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn how this facility takes in orphaned and injured animals. Next, cruise across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan. You’ll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age, watch for fractures of ice to break off from the glacier and crash into the water below. Return to Anchorage for lunch on your own before exploring the story of Alaska through numerous exhibits at the Anchorage Museum. B

DAY 3: HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS/MCKINLEY EXPLORER/DENALI

An Alaskan visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing sled dogs in action! Meet the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels, where veteran Iditarod racer Martin Buser will share stories of his races, and give a dog sled demonstration. Then, climb aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we head to Denali for a two-night stay at this magnificent national treasure. See the wide open tundra and watch for wildlife such as eagles and bears. Tonight, you're in for a treat at the Music of Denali. Enjoy generous portions of Alaskan favorites while experiencing songs, stories, and historical highlights of the first people to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley. B, L, D

DAY 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK

You’ll be snapping plenty of photos during a spectacular five-hour guided tour of Denali National Park, home of majestic Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), lush forests and crystal-clear waters. Be on the lookout for wildlife, such as “The Big 5” mammals: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and grizzlies. Enjoy putting vouchers toward the dining options offered at the Denali Lodge. B, L, D

DAY 5: ALASKA PIPELINE/RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY

Today, coach to Fairbanks for a ride along the Chena River on The Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler. Along the way, get up close to the famous Alaska pipeline. Onboard the sternwheeler you will witness a showcase of Alaska’s history, indigenous culture, wildlife, and riverboat navigation in an immersive experience. Overnight in Fairbanks with dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 6: WHITEHORSE/MACBRIDE MUSEUM

This morning, fly from Fairbanks into Canada’s majestic Yukon Territory. This afternoon visit MacBride Museum, a nod to all things Yukon. Learn the fascinating stories, see gold rush equipment, and more. Our home this evening is Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. B

DAY 7: SKAGWAY/YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Travel from Whitehorse to Skagway passing Emerald Lake and Carcross in the Yukon. Along the Klondike Highway, we will visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge and outdoor museum for an impressive view over the white-water rapids of the Tutshi River. While there, you will be treated to the rustic charm of a meal that highlights the taste of the Yukon with spectacular views surrounding us. We spend the next two evenings in Skagway. B, L

DAY 8: WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILROAD

Today we travel on the captivating White Pass Trail aboard an old-fashioned narrow-gauge train roundtrip from Skagway. Relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore more of Skagway, perhaps visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, have a bite to eat at the famous Red Onion Saloon or browse the shops for souvenirs. Later, we gather for dinner. B, D

DAY 9: SKAGWAY/MS ZAANDAM

Stroll the wooden sidewalks of this famous Gold Rush town, do some last minute souvenir shopping, or take in a Ranger-led walking tour before embarking on our home away from home the next four nights, the MS Zaandam. Get acquainted with the ship’s amazing amenities before dinner; and don’t miss the evening entertainment, which includes everything from Broadway revues to stand-up comedians. B, D

DAY 10: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Cruise the ice-studded fjords of this national treasure for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates on board the ship. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. 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. B, L, D

DAY 11: KETCHIKAN

Explore this uniquely Alaskan port, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords. Ketchikan is 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. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. And leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art. B, L, D

DAY 12: INSIDE PASSAGE AND SHIPBOARD FUN

Today, glide through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world. You’ll see steep mountain walls on both sides of the ship, brilliantly colored forests, blue glaciers and seaside villages dotting the coastline. Take a break from the= beautiful sights and partake in one of the ship’s many activities such as bingo, cooking demonstrations and naturalist talks. B, L, D

DAY 13: VANCOUVER

Alas, we must say farewell as we disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, and head for home—carrying enough “midnight sun” memories to last a lifetime! B

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-2: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, AK
Nights 3-4: Denali Lodge, Denali NP, AK
Night 5: Westmark Fairbanks, AK
Night 6: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse, YT
Nights 7-8: Westmark Skagway, AK
Nights 9-12: MS Zaandam

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City

Depart: August 21, 2026 sold out
Return: September 2, 2026

Price Per Person:

• Inside Stateroom:
  • DB $5,399
  • SG $8,299
• Outside Stateroom:
  • DB $5,499
  • SG $8,699

• Verandah Stateroom:
  • DB $5,999
  • SG $9,899

Additional Expenses:

• Tour Taxes:
  • DB $350
  • SG $420

Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL/MCI (call for other gateway cities)

Passport Required

Important Notes
“Casual wear” is recommended, and you will need to pack appropriately for the expected weather at your destination. For women, we suggest casual tops, sweaters, sweatshirts, slacks, jeans, and knee length skirts or dress shorts. For men, casual pants, jeans or dress shorts along with a shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt is appropriate. Due to the relaxed nature of our trip, suits, ties, and formal dresses are not needed. Please keep in mind that we often visit people in their homes and places of business, therefore, out of courtesy, tank tops and similar clothing are not recommended attire.

You may want to bring a warm coat/jacket and gloves and rain gear “just in case”. We also highly recommend a pair of broken-in shoes, so you can comfortably walk at our tour stops. Finally, you may wish to pack your swimsuit as some hotels will have pools or saunas.

During the daytime on board the ship, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard the ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Evening dress on board the ship falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks, and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts are not allowed in restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive formal evenings, ladies may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown, or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo. If you do not feel comfortable dressing for dinner in the formal dining room, there are alternate casual dining choices while on board. You may also want to pack orange clothing and accessories, as Holland America will host an Orange Party to celebrate their Dutch heritage.

Optional Excursions are available for purchase on the Holland America website. Once you have made your booking with Sunrise Tours, contact our office to inquire about your Holland America Booking Number to begin adding excursions to your cruise itinerary.

Time Zone
Alaska (-3 hours from Central Time)
Vancouver (-2 hours from Central Time)

Hotel Note
Hotel Captain Cook is a landmark luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Anchorage. The locally owned property has welcomed guests since 1965 and features several restaurants, shops, an athletic club and views toward Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

The Holland America Denali Lodge is undergoing a $70 million multi-year transformation scheduled to be completed for the 2027 season. Guests will be among the first to experience the completed enhancements, including renovated accommodations and public spaces, expanded dining options and improved riverside trails and viewpoints. The 60-acre wilderness property sits along the Nenana River just outside Denali National Park.

Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.

Temperatures:

Anchorage: 62° / 55°

Denali: 69° / 46°

Talkeenta: 68° / 50°

Fairbanks: 73° / 52°

Seward: 62° / 50°

Whitehorse: 62° / 50°

Skagway: 64° / 52°

Identification:
Valid passport required to travel.

Canadian Travel Information:
Vancouver Int'l Airport allows US Residents to clear Passport Control/Customs in Canada rather than upon your first point of entry into the U.S. This allows for a convenient and quick entry at your returning U.S. airport, similar to arrival on a domestic flight.The currency is the Canadian Dollar. Although credit cards are recommended for ease in monetary transactions, there will be places where you may convert your US currency to Canadian Dollars. The current exchange rate is $0.71 USD = $1 CAD. Gratuities should be paid in the local currency whenever possible. Like the USA, Canada uses 110 volts, 60 Hz. It is not necessary to use an adaptor or converter with appliances and devices that you use in the US. Please check with your carrier regarding cell phone service and fees.

Please note that Canada views any type of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction as a serious offense. A past conviction of DUI will likely not allow one to travel into Canada. Should this be a concern, we suggest visiting the following website for information: http://www.cic.gc.ca.

Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:

• Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
• Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
• Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.

Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:

• A professional Sunrise Tour Director
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Local step-on guides, including gratuities
• International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
• Admission to activities and events as indicated
• Airfare from designated airports
• Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
• Luggage handling at hotels when available

Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.

Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.

Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.

TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.

Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.

Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.