Alaska & the Yukon (8360)

12 days from Anchorage to Anchorage

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This Undiscovered Alaska and the Yukon Territory tour features many of the most popular scenic vistas that Alaska and the Yukon Territory have to offer—beginning and ending in Anchorage. Take a boat to view breathtaking glaciers on Prince William Sound and watch for eagles, whales, dolphins, mountain goats, and more. Between Anchorage and Tok, enjoy beautiful views of Matanuska Glacier. Between Tok and Whitehorse, behold spectacular vistas of Kluane National Park’s rugged mountains. Between Dawson City and Fairbanks, delight in the stunning scenery as you motor over the Top of the World Highway. More magnificent scenery awaits you on your journey aboard the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Travel through untamed wilderness and delight in viewing the awe-inspiring scenery via wide windows and the domed-roof car. With its six million acres, Denali National Park & Preserve is home to North America’s highest peak and offers majestic landscapes. Your two nights in Denali give you the opportunity to explore on your own or to take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the park or a wilderness tour to seek out grizzly bears, moose, and more. In addition to witnessing breathtaking scenery, this Alaska and Yukon Territory tour offers you a chance to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush. Follow the Trail of ’98 over the same mountains that determined gold seekers traveled in the middle of winter. Visit Skagway and stroll the wooden sidewalks where thousands of hopeful miners came in 1898. In Dawson City, see where the first gold strike was made and enjoy the ragtime music, can-can girls, and old-fashioned casino just as the prospectors did over a century ago. All of this and more await you on this value-minded tour through Alaska and the Yukon Territory!

Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Journey on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park is included.

Dates & Prices Book Online
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Alaska & the Yukon map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

This Cosmos travel package does not include meals. Most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, so you can start the day the way you like best. At most lunch stops, your Tour Director will have information on local restaurants. Dinnertime is your chance to sample local cuisine. Sometimes your Tour Director will offer an optional dinner outing.


Notes:

Wildlife in Alaska is often seen in early season (May-early June).

The U.S. Embassy requires travelers to and from Canada to have a valid U.S. Passport. This tour travels to the Yukon Territory, which is part of Canada. Non-U.S. citizens may need a visa.

Alaska and the Yukon are blessed with exquisite scenery, fascinating attractions, and an extraordinary amount of daylight in the summer months. We take advantage of these extended daylight hours in this vast territory; therefore, some of the traveling days can be long. However, rest assured there are frequent photo and comfort stops. Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Enjoy the spectacular colors of Alaska & the Yukon on our special Fall Foliage departure: August 20 (if Mother Nature permits).

 Itinerary

Day 1 ANCHORAGE

Welcome to Anchorage! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2 ANCHORAGE–EXCURSION TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

As you enter Whittier from North America’s longest tunnel, the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains, and glaciers greet you. As the gateway to Prince William Sound, this is where you’ll board a cruise to see and marvel at the natural beauty of the fjords and glaciers. Watch for eagles, whales, seals,and salmon jumping out of the cold, pristine water!

Day 3 ANCHORAGE–TOK

Travel northeast through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, a lush farming region where cabbages can grow to weigh more than 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight! Up over scenic Tahnita Pass with spectacular vistas of Matanuska Glacier. Travel along Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest park in the United States. The area boasts glaciers larger than the island of Manhattan and is home to nine of the sixteen highest peaks in North America. Overnight in Tok, the “Dog Sled Capital of the World.”

Day 4 TOK–WHITEHORSE

Join the Alaska Highway and follow along the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Skirt the shores of Kluane Lake, once a meeting place for crews constructing the Alaska Highway. Behold spectacular vistas of the rugged mountains of Kluane National Park, home to 19,551-foot-high Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. The next two nights are in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon and the territorial headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Day 5 WHITEHORSE. EXCURSION TO SKAGWAY

Follow the Trail of ‘98 over the same mountains that thousands of determined gold seekers scaled on foot in the dead of winter while heading for the Klondike. From Fraser, your Tour Director will suggest an optional train trip on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway. Otherwise, continue by motorcoach to Skagway. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past charming false-front buildings and colorful saloons.

NOTE:
Operation of the White Pass & Yukon Railway to Skagway is subject to seasonal conditions.

Day 6 WHITEHORSE–DAWSON CITY

Head northwest through the town of Carmacks, once an important supply station for gold seekers on their way to the Klondike. A stop at the Five Finger Rapids, a major obstacle to the hordes of fortune seekers that passed this way. Reach Dawson City, the center of excitement after the first gold strike in the Klondike in 1896, which led to the world’s largest gold rush. Tonight, enjoy the high-flying entertainment of Dimond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon, featuring ragtime music, can-can girls, and an old-fashioned casino.

Day 7 DAWSON CITY

Highlights on your morning sightseeing tour include Bonanza Creek, site of Claim #1, where the first gold strike was made; and a presentation by Parks Canada regarding the Gold Rush Era. Enjoy a photo opportunity at the SS Keno, the last sternwheeler to run between Dawson and Whitehorse. The rest of your day is free to soak up the exciting history of this Gold Rush town at your own pace. Perhaps a return to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Saloon is in order?

Day 8 DAWSON CITY–FAIRBANKS

A full day and well worth it, as the scenery is magnificent. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities at Dawson overlook and Top of the World Highway, where the motorcoach will re-enter Alaska, and visit one of the last surviving gold rush towns in Alaska before heading west on the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks.

Day 9 FAIRBANKS

Morning sightseeing features highlights of Alaska’s second-largest city and a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Then try striking it rich gold panning with a local provider. This afternoon, board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a leisurely cruise on the Chena River. You will see a bush floatplane take off alongside the boat, see the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Day 10 FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable journey through untamed wilderness. Sit back in comfort and enjoy spectacular scenery through wide windows. Be sure to take advantage of the domed-roof car. The ride ends in Denali National Park & Preserve. North America’s highest peak, 20,310-foot Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominates the park’s six million acres of glacial streams, river valleys, and multi-hued tundra. After a short orientation tour of Denali, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Day 11 DENALI NATIONAL PARK

A free day for independent activities. A hike along the many wilderness trails might be good fun. Also take advantage of several optional outings, including a wildlife tour to seek out grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or a helicopter ride over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of other suggestions.

Day 12 DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ANCHORAGE

Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali before traveling south toward Anchorage and the tour hotel for guests extending their stay in Alaska. For guests with homebound flights, the trip ends at Anchorage International Airport. With possible delays for weather, we strongly suggest that guests do not book flights prior to 5 pm.

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

WADE GRUHL

Escorting tours for more than 5 years

“Hi, I am Wade Gruhl. After growing up in Iowa, I have lived in Alaska since 2000. What attracted and keeps me here are the mountains, animals, lakes, rivers and the wide open spaces. I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, dog walks, travelling and exploring Alaska. I started as a wilderness hiking guide in Skagway in 1998, and have been sharing this amazing place with people ever since. I began Tour Directing in 2015 and am excited for the opportunity to enhance your visit to Alaska and the Yukon which is my favorite region on this planet.”

Tour Director - WADE GRUHL

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Valdez
Fairbanks
Denali National Park

Valdez

Valdez Flightseeing

Valdez Flightseeing

Enjoy a flightseeing tour that provides beautiful views of the spectacular glaciers and the stunning Chugach Mountains around Valdez. Wildlife, waterfalls and multiple glaciers included!

Price Range: $$$$

Fairbanks

Arctic Circle Air Adventure

Arctic Circle Air Adventure

Fly above the Arctic! This thrilling tour allows a guest to experience the Brooks Range, cross the Arctic Circle and fly the wilderness airways of Alaska's Arctic.

Price Range: $$$$

Alaska Salmon Bake

Alaska Salmon Bake

Operating in historic Pioneer Park, this family owned establishment has been a staple in Fairbanks for over 30 years and provides a wonderful all-you-can-eat Alaskan style meal that is certain to please!

Price Range: $

Golden Heart Revue

Golden Heart Revue

This light-hearted musical comedy about the gold rush and the founding of Fairbanks is filled with songs, stories and laughter. 

Price Range: $

Denali National Park

Denali National Park Sightseeing

Denali National Park Sightseeing

Denali National Park is home to North America's highest peak and to some of the most incredible scenery and wildlife in the country! One of the only ways to truly explore the park is along the Denali Park Road, on a guided sightseeing excursion into the heart of the park.

Price Range: $$$$

Sled Dog Kennel Tour

Sled Dog Kennel Tour

Sled dogs play an important cultural role in Alaska's past and present, so during your time in Denali, consider this excursion to meet sled dogs, visit with puppies and see summer training in action.

Price Range: $$

Denali Wilderness Walking Tour

Denali Wilderness Walking Tour

Enjoy a moderate walk through local terrain narrated by a naturalist local guide.

Price Range: $$$

Flightseeing over Denali

Flightseeing over Denali

Stunning views of the Alaska Range, ancient glaciers, and towering peaks combine to make a flightseeing excursion of Denali a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Choose from a selection of flight experiences, including a more active heli-hiking excursion!

Price Range: $$$$

Denali Photography Excursion

Denali Photography Excursion

The Alaska Range provides some of the most spectacular and inspiring scenery on earth. Discover how to use your camera as an instrument while exploring the best of the Parks and Denali Highways.

Price Range: $$$$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).