Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Chicago
Ultimate Alaska tour members will meet the Tour Director in Chicago’s Union Station. The Willis Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is close by. Other attractions like the Miracle Mile, Navy Pier, and the famous museums may require a cab ride. This afternoon we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to the Holiday Inn Express Chicago O’Hare.
Day 2: En Route / Anchorage
This morning we’ll transfer to the airport and depart at 9:30 on Alaska Air non-stop to Anchorage. Our arrival is scheduled for 1:23 p.m. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel.
Those travelling to Anchorage on-their-own will arrive throughout the day and transfer to our hotel.
A gala welcome dinner is included tonight.
Meal(s): CB & D
Day 3: Mt. McKinley
This morning we’ll enjoy spectacular scenery as we travel by motorcoach from Anchorage to Denali State Park on the south side of Mt. McKinley. At 20,320 feet, it is the highest mountain in North America.
This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Situated on 146 acres of land inside Denali State Park and bordered by the Chulitna River, the Lodge offers a spectacular view of the Alaska Range, including both Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker.
Those interested in shopping can take a shuttle to Talkeetna. Gold panning, sport fishing, jet boat or float trips and an Iditarod Sled Dog Kennel Tour are a few of the optional activities available during our stay.
A variety of dining options are available including fine cuisine and panoramic views in the Mountain View Restaurant, casual fare in the Cub Café, or the newest venue on the south side of Denali, the 20,320 Alaskan Grill, which is named for the height of Mt. McKinley. Or, choose appetizers and your favorite refreshment in the Grizzly Bar or relax on the outdoor terrace.
Day 4: Denali
Today we’ll depart for the amazing six- million-acre Denali National Park (that’s the size of the state of Massachusetts). In addition to the highest peaks in North America, the park hosts an array of wildlife: from moose, caribou, dall sheep, and grizzly bears to gray wolves and red foxes. Located only one mile from the Park’s entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premium riverside accommodation in the area. An expansive deck overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River; it is the ideal spot to relax, visit with friends and savor the exquisite landscape.
And don’t let the term “Wilderness Lodge” fool you! Each guest room is comfortably appointed with two double beds or two queen beds or one king bed and cable TV. Outdoor hot tubs offer stunning views of the Park and Nenana River as you indulge in a soothing soak.
Dining venues vary from a pizza parlor, a dinner theater, and full service restaurants.
Day 5: En Route / Whittier - Embarkation
Today we’ll board the Denali Express train for the scenic ride to Whittier where we’ll board our beautiful cruise ship, The Coral Princess. This ship is a jewel on the high seas, filled with innovative features and luxurious amenities. Swim in one of the sparkling pools, shop the boutiques, or get a massage in the Lotus Spa. The Coral Princess features Movies Under the Stars® where you can watch first-run movies outdoors in a plush lounge chair. Dine casually or more elegantly in one of the formal dining rooms and specialty restaurants like the Bayou Café and Steakhouse featuring live jazz music and flavorful New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
Following a luncheon buffet, you can relax or explore our beautiful home for the next eight days. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Meal(s): L & D
Day 6: Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is the one glacier in the world that does not move at a glacial pace. In 1986, Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent, moved an average of just under 5.5 feet per hour. It creaks and groans as it moves and is a very actively calving glacier.
Situated at the head of Yakutat Bay, the cliff face we’ll sail along is over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from the top to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. Small icebergs, some commandeered by sea birds and seals, float in the glacial blue water.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 7: Glacier Bay National Park
This spectacular national park displays massive glaciers, snow-capped mountains and deep fjords that stretch from the ice-draped St. Elias and Fairweather mountain ranges to the ends of majestic fjords. We’ll cruise among islands that were covered by ice just 200 years ago.
An abundant variety of marine-life, birds, and land animals call the park home. Humpback, minke, and killer whales along with porpoises feed in the near-shore waters. Sea lions congregate on the rocky islands and harbor seals breed and nurture their pups on the floating ice.
Many don’t realize that moose and bears are accomplished long-distance swimmers and are frequently seen “dog paddling” their way across the bay. Wolves and coyotes are often spotted traveling the shorelines and other upland. Animals like marmots and mountain goats are also drawn to the water’s edge.
Many varieties of seabirds nest on cliffs and rocky shores. Geese and sea ducks find refuge in the calm waters of the bay and bald eagles nest in tall trees and on cliffs along the shoreline.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 8: Skagway
At the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, this town reflects its mining past in the false-front buildings and gold rush relics.
Tourists can experience the majesty of White Pass summit and the Yukon Territory aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Other optional excursions include: paddle to Glacier Bay and Chilkoot Bald Eagle Preserve, get a close-up view of the natural beauty on a wilderness safari, soar over glaciers on a helicopter tour or, for those who catch the fever, pan for gold!
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 9: Juneau
Named after Joseph Juneau who discovered gold in the 1880’s at the mouth of Gold Creek, Alaska’s capital city gracefully balances frontier ruggedness with a cosmopolitan flair. Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice measuring 1.5 miles wide and over six miles long, hugs Juneau’s north side and is part of the Juneau Icefield.
Tonight we’ll enjoy another great evening.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 10: Ketchikan
Boasting the world’s largest collection of Northwest totems and often regarded as the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the ancestral home of the Tlingit people. Take a stroll on the old boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek in search of shops and cafès.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 11: Cruising
Ah, a full day to relax and enjoy this magnificent ship. Take a swim, play a round of mini-golf or try the virtual golf simulator. Indulge yourself with a relaxing massage. Shop in the duty-free Boutique featuring designer clothing and gifts, including Lladro, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Tommy Bahama, Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Fossil – all up to 30% off. Or just cuddle up with a good book as the Pacific Ocean drifts by.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 12: Vancouver / Seattle
We’ll disembark this morning and spend some time becoming familiar with Vancouver. It’s one of North America’s most prosperous cities and one of its most beautiful. Our tour of the city will include Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay, Marine Drive, the waterfront, and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Following an “on-your-own” lunch we’ll continue on to Seattle where we’ll board one of Amtrak’s premier trains, The Empire Builder, for the return to Chicago.
Our departure is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Sleeping accommodations and all dining car meals are included.
Meal(s): B & D
Day 13: En Route
Enjoy a delicious dining car breakfast and then head for the Sightseer Lounge car. About 8:00 a.m., a dramatic panorama of snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks will begin to rise above the horizon, becoming increasingly dynamic as we approach Glacier National Park. The scenery is striking as we wind past waterfalls, river gorges and other sights. The rest of the day we’ll cross the remote flatlands of eastern Montana and western North Dakota.
Meal(s):B, L & D
Day 14: En Route to Chicago
Breakfast and lunch on the train are included. We depart from Minneapolis-St. Paul at 8:00 a.m. and head south along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The train winds between the river bank and high bluffs. Later in the morning, we pass through the picturesque Dells Country of Wisconsin.
The Empire Builder is scheduled to arrive in Chicago’s Union Station late this afternoon.
Many of our tour members will conclude their fabulous America by Rail vacation by transferring to other Amtrak trains bound for home cities. Some will spend the night in Chicago and continue home by air tomorrow morning.
Meal(s): B & L