14-Night Alaska Cruise & Land Journey
Northbound – Vancouver to Fairbanks
A sample itinerary showing one way to experience Alaska from coast to interior.
Begin your Alaska adventure with an overnight stay in Vancouver before boarding a 7-night premium northbound Alaska cruise through the Inside Passage. Along the way, visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Sitka, with scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier.
After arriving in Seward, continue inland on a 6-night escorted land journey through Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Travel by deluxe motorcoach and glass-domed railcar, and enjoy experiences such as a Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, the Anchorage Museum, the Denali Natural History Tour, and Riverboat Discovery.
This sample itinerary combines Alaska’s dramatic coastline with the beauty of its interior, creating a well-paced journey that blends scenic cruising, wildlife, culture, rail travel, and time to experience Alaska beyond the ship.
Day 1 – Vancouver
Pre-Cruise Night in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay before your Alaska journey begins. Explore the city’s waterfront, stroll through Stanley Park, or enjoy the vibrant dining scene. This extra night allows you to settle in, adjust, and experience one of Canada’s most beautiful coastal cities before boarding your cruise.
Day 2 – Vancouver
Embark on Your Cruise
Begin your journey aboard a 7-night premium northbound Alaska cruise. After boarding, take time to explore the ship, settle into your stateroom, and enjoy sail-away from Vancouver as you head toward the scenic Inside Passage.
Day 3 – Inside Passage
Scenic Cruising Through the Inside Passage
Enjoy a full day sailing through the breathtaking Inside Passage, one of the most scenic waterways in the world. Take in dramatic fjords, forested islands, and the chance to spot wildlife such as whales, eagles, and sea lions. Relax on deck, explore onboard activities, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery as you journey north.
Day 4 – Ketchikan
Explore Colorful Ketchikan
Arrive in Ketchikan, known for its rich Native heritage, vibrant waterfront, and world-class salmon fishing. Stroll historic Creek Street, visit the Totem Heritage Center, or choose from optional excursions such as Misty Fjords flightseeing, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences. Enjoy the charm and character of this iconic Alaska port.
Day 5 – Sitka
Sitka’s Totem Poles & Coastal Trails
Discover Sitka’s blend of Tlingit heritage, Russian history, and coastal scenery. Walk or take a short taxi ride to Sitka National Historical Park, where forested trails lead past beautifully carved totem poles. Explore the waterfront, historic sites, and local shops at your own pace in this compact, easy-to-navigate town.
Day 6 – Juneau
Discover Alaska’s Capital
Spend the day exploring Juneau, a scenic capital city surrounded by mountains and water. From the pier, enjoy an easy walk into downtown to browse local shops, visit the Alaska State Museum, or take a short taxi ride to view the iconic Mendenhall Glacier from the Visitor Center. With walkable streets and beautiful scenery, Juneau offers a relaxed and flexible day ashore.
Day 7 – Icy Strait Point
Explore Icy Strait Point’s Waterfront & Nature Trails
Spend a relaxed day exploring Icy Strait Point, a beautifully restored cannery and waterfront area surrounded by nature. Walk the scenic coastal boardwalk, browse local shops, and enjoy peaceful shoreline views. For guests seeking a memorable wildlife experience, optional whale-watching excursions are available through the cruise line.
Day 8 – Hubbard Glacier
Scenic Cruising at Hubbard Glacier
Sail towards the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. Enjoy panoramic views from the ship’s decks as you watch for calving ice, deep blue glacial walls, and wildlife in the surrounding waters. This is one of the most dramatic scenic cruising days of your Alaska journey.
Day 9 – Seward
Arrive in Seward & Begin Land Tour
Disembark in Seward and meet your tour director before boarding your deluxe motor coach for a scenic city drive. Then embark on the Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, offering opportunities to view marine wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. From 5:00 p.m., Seward is yours to explore at your leisure. Overnight at Seward.
Day 10 – Anchorage
Seward to Anchorage
Enjoy free time in Seward this morning before traveling north aboard your deluxe motor coach. Visit the Anchorage Museum to explore Alaska’s history and Native cultures. From 4:30 p.m., Anchorage is yours to experience. You can stroll the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, then enjoy the city’s lively bars and eclectic dining. Overnight at the Anchorage.
Day 11 – Talkeetna
Ride the Wilderness Express to Talkeetna
This morning, board the glass-domed railcar for a scenic journey to Talkeetna. Arrive late morning, with the rest of the day free to explore this charming mountain town. For those seeking a dramatic perspective, an optional flightseeing experience offers panoramic views above Denali. Overnight at the Talkeetna.
Day 12 – Denali National Park
Travel from Talkeetna to Denali
Spend the morning exploring Talkeetna’s peaceful nature trails before boarding the glass-domed railcar for a scenic rail journey to Denali. Arrive in the afternoon with free time from 4:00 p.m. to explore at your own pace. The Denali Visitor Center offers engaging natural history exhibits and films that introduce the park’s wildlife and landscapes. Overnight at Denali.
Day 13 – Denali National Park
Discover Denali National Park
Explore Denali National Park on the Denali Natural History Tour, a guided experience that highlights the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural history. After your tour, enjoy free time to discover Denali at your own pace walk nearby trails, visit the Denali Visitor Center, or simply take in the mountain scenery. Overnight at Denali.
Day 14 – Fairbanks
Travel from Denali to Fairbanks
After breakfast, travel by deluxe motor coach to Fairbanks. Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Chena River aboard the Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler, where you’ll visit an Athabascan village and a working sled-dog camp. From 5:30 p.m., Fairbanks is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight at Fairbanks.
Day 15 – Departure
Farewell from Fairbanks
Your tour director will arrange your transfer to the Fairbanks airport for your flight home, marking the end of your Alaska journey.
Your Alaska Journey, Thoughtfully Planned
This sample itinerary is one way to combine an Alaska cruise with time exploring the interior. Your own journey may include different ports, cruise lines, accommodations, land destinations, experiences, or pacing depending on what matters most to you.
When we plan your Alaska vacation together, I’ll help you look at the entire journey and create an itinerary that fits your travel style, interests, available time, and budget.