This morning meet your dedicated Holland America Tour Director at your hotel for a welcome briefing before stepping back in time aboard the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery. Cruise the scenic Chena and Tanana Rivers with an included lunch and fascinating commentary on Alaskan life and culture. In the afternoon, try your hand at gold panning at the historic Gold Dredge No. 8, where you’ll learn about the Klondike Gold Rush that shaped Alaska’s interior. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

This morning, board your motorcoach for the scenic drive south to Denali National Park, arriving in the afternoon. Check in to Holland America’s iconic Denali Lodge, beautifully situated at the entrance to one of America’s most spectacular national parks. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Denali Square, take in the pristine mountain views or unwind at the Lodge.

Today features the highlight of your land tour – the unforgettable Tundra Wilderness Tour. This fully narrated sightseeing excursion takes you deep into the heart of Denali National Park in search of Alaska’s “Big 5”: bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou and gray wolves. On clear days, witness stunning views of Denali itself, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. A snack is included during this 5-6 hour adventure. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the Lodge.

This morning, board the luxurious glass-domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer bound for Anchorage. This unforgettable scenic journey showcases Alaska’s dramatic interior – snow-capped peaks, broad rivers, pristine lakes and vast tundra – all viewed from the comfort of your domed carriage. Arrive in Anchorage in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to explore Alaska’s largest city.

After a morning at leisure in Anchorage, enjoy an included visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on your way to the picturesque seaside town of Seward. Meet moose, bison, bears and other iconic Alaskan species while learning about their care and conservation. Continue by coach along the spectacular Seward Highway, often rated one of America’s most scenic drives, arriving at your seaside hotel in Seward for the first of two relaxing nights.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. You may wish to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, take an optional wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and calving glaciers, or simply stroll the charming waterfront and browse the local galleries and cafes.

This afternoon, transfer by coach to Whittier where your Holland America adventure continues aboard the elegant Westerdam. After settling into your stateroom, explore the ship’s facilities – from the Pinnacle Grill and Morimoto by Sea to the World Stage theatre and Crow’s Nest lounge – before departing at 7:30 PM for your 7-night Glacier Discovery cruise.

Enjoy a leisurely morning onboard Westerdam before an afternoon of spectacular scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier – North America’s longest tidewater glacier. From the open decks, witness the dramatic calving of ice into Disenchantment Bay from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles.

Today, spend a full day cruising the ice-studded fjords of Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular natural environments on Earth. A Park Service Ranger joins the ship to provide fascinating narration from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Keep an eye out for whales, seals, sea otters and soaring eagles against a backdrop of towering tidewater glaciers. Route time is subject to weather and ice conditions.

Step back into the Klondike Gold Rush era in Skagway, a perfectly preserved frontier town nestled at the head of the Lynn Canal. With the ship docked from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you’ll have ample time to explore the historic Broadway streetscape, ride the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for breathtaking alpine views, or hike into the spectacular surrounding wilderness.

Enjoy a full day in Juneau, Alaska’s scenic capital. Accessible only by sea or air, Juneau is surrounded by mountains, the Tongass National Forest and the dramatic Mendenhall Glacier. Choose from optional excursions including whale watching, a helicopter glacier tour, a Mendenhall Glacier kayak adventure or the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic city views.

Explore Ketchikan, Alaska’s “First City” and the self-proclaimed Salmon Capital of the World. Famous for its rich Tlingit heritage, colourful Creek Street waterfront and the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, Ketchikan is also the gateway to the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument – accessible by seaplane or catamaran for those seeking an unforgettable excursion.

Enjoy a full day of scenic cruising through the legendary Inside Passage – a sheltered coastal route through a maze of forested islands, fjords and secluded coves. Watch for humpback whales, orcas and bald eagles from the open decks, or indulge in a final day of Westerdam’s onboard experiences.

Your Holland America cruise concludes this morning as Westerdam arrives into Vancouver at 7:00 AM. After breakfast onboard, disembark and make your own way to your centrally located Vancouver hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. You may wish to stroll the seawall at Stanley Park, explore the historic streets of Gastown or sample the Pacific Northwest cuisine for which Vancouver is renowned.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Vancouver at your own pace. Ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for sweeping city views, explore Granville Island’s vibrant public market, cross the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, or simply enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere. The city’s blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan sophistication and multicultural cuisine makes a perfect final chapter to your Alaskan adventure.

Enjoy your final moments in Vancouver before making your way to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your included international flight home. As you cross the International Date Line travelling westbound, a calendar day will pass during your journey.

Arrive home today, completing your unforgettable 18-day Alaskan adventure. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience exploring the Great Land – from the towering peaks of Denali National Park and the ice-studded fjords of Glacier Bay, to the cosmopolitan charm of Vancouver.