Best of Alaska

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!

Arrive in Anchorage to meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the journey ahead. D

DAY 2: AWCC, PORTAGE GLACIER CRUISE, ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

Travel along Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise beside the water, on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn how orphaned and injured animals are cared for up close. Continue to Portage Lake and board the mv Ptarmigan for a cruise toward Portage Glacier. Stand just 300 yards from this Ice Age remnant and watch for chunks of ice breaking away and crashing into the lake. Return to Anchorage for time on your own for lunch, then explore exhibits at the Anchorage Museum that trace Alaska’s history and culture. B

DAY 3: HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS, MCKINLEY EXPLORER/DENALI

Visit Happy Trails Kennels and meet the energetic sled dogs that power Alaska’s most iconic sport. Iditarod racer Martin Buser shares stories from the trail and presents a live dog sled demonstration. Then settle into the glass-domed railcars of the McKinley Explorer and travel toward Denali, watching the wide tundra for wildlife such as eagles and bears. This evening, enjoy Music of Denali, where hearty Alaskan dishes are paired with songs and stories celebrating the first climbers to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley. B, L, D

DAY 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Set out on a five-hour guided tour through Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinley rises above forests and open wilderness. Keep your camera ready for sightings of the Big Five: moose, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. Enjoy the afternoon with time on your own at the beautiful lodge or join one of the many optional excursions offered. B, L

DAY 5: ALASKA PIPELINE, RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY

Travel by coach to Fairbanks, stopping for a close look at the Alaska pipeline stretching across the landscape. Then board the Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler, and cruise along the Chena River. Along the way, learn about Alaska’s history, indigenous culture, and riverboat traditions through engaging onboard presentations. Overnight in Fairbanks with the evening free for dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 6: WHITEHORSE

Fly into Canada’s Yukon Territory and arrive in Whitehorse, once a key stop for Klondike Gold Rush prospectors traveling the Yukon River. Today, the town blends frontier history with local character. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace before settling in for the evening. B

DAY 7: MACBRIDE MUSEUM, YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE/SKAGWAY

Begin with a visit to the MacBride Museum for an introduction to Yukon history. Then travel along the Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Skagway, passing the vivid waters of Emerald Lake and the small community of Carcross. Stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge and take in views high above the rushing Tutshi River. While here, enjoy a meal featuring regional flavors, surrounded by the rugged landscape. B, L

DAY 8: WHITE PASS, YUKON RAILROAD

Board a vintage narrow-gauge train for a journey along the historic White Pass Trail. Relax in restored coaches as the train climbs toward White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Look out over steep mountain slopes, glacier-carved valleys, and cascading waterfalls along the route. Spend the afternoon exploring Skagway before gathering for dinner. B, D

DAY 9: SKAGWAY, MS ZAANDAM

Stroll along Skagway’s wooden boardwalks, browse local shops, or join a ranger-led walking tour before boarding the MS Zaandam, your home for the next four nights. Settle in and explore the ship’s amenities before dinner, followed by evening entertainment including Broadway-style performances and stand-up comedy. B, D

DAY 10: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Cruise through Glacier Bay for eight hours with narration from a Park Service ranger. Watch as ice-studded fjords and forested shorelines unfold around you in one of Alaska’s most protected environments. This stretch of the Inside Passage reveals glacier-carved landscapes extending from Misty Fjords National Monument to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. B, L, D

DAY 11: KETCHIKAN

Arrive in Ketchikan, a coastal town known for its native heritage and salmon fishing. Discover the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples as you view intricately carved totem poles. Take time to explore the town, including historic Creek Street, where colorful buildings stand on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. B, L, D

DAY 12: INSIDE PASSAGE, SHIPBOARD FUN

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, where forested islands, glacier-cut fjords, and coastal villages line the route. Between time on deck, enjoy onboard activities such as cooking demonstrations, bingo, and naturalist talks. B, L, D

DAY 13: VANCOUVER

Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, and begin your journey home with lasting memories of Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. B

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

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City

Depart: June 18, 2027
Return: June 30, 2027

AND

Depart: August 6, 2027 sold out
Return: August 18, 2027

AND

Depart: July 30, 2027
Return: August 11, 2027

PRICE PER PERSON:

Inside Stateroom: DB $5,799 | SG $9,199

Outside Stateroom: DB $5,999 | SG $9,599

Verandah Stateroom: DB $6,599 | SG $10,999

Additional Expenses:

Tour Taxes Per Person: DB $300 | SG $385

Price per person includes roundtrip airfare from STL, MCI. For other gateway cities, please call.

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.