Alaska Land & Sea Cruisetour
12 Days | Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Inside Passage & Vancouver | From $3,300 per person
Overview
The Most Popular Way to See Alaska
The Alaska Land & Sea Cruisetour is the most celebrated way to experience Alaska's extraordinary breadth - combining the wild interior of Denali National Park with the dramatic coastal scenery of the Inside Passage. SAZ Travel Collection's 12-day itinerary is crafted around the "Denali Explorer" packages offered by Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises for 2027.
You begin in Fairbanks, Alaska's interior hub, with a sternwheeler riverboat cruise and a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. A motorcoach carries you south to Denali, where a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour takes you deep into the park to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and the towering peak of North America's highest mountain. The glass-dome Alaska Railroad then sweeps you through the Alaska Range to Anchorage before you board your cruise ship for 7 days along the Inside Passage.
The cruise portion visits Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, whale-rich Juneau, the historic Gold Rush town of Skagway, the tribally-owned Icy Strait Point, and totem-pole-filled Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver. This is Alaska at its most complete and most awe-inspiring.
Part 1
Land Tour
Days 1 - 5 | Fairbanks to Seward
Part 2
Inside Passage Cruise
Days 6 - 12 | Glacier to Vancouver
Highlights
Alaska's Greatest Experiences
Glass-Dome Luxury Train
Ride the legendary Alaska Railroad in a glass-domed railcar through the Alaska Range - one of the most scenic train journeys in North America, with panoramic views of rivers, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour
Travel deep into Denali National Park on the exclusive Tundra Wilderness Tour - the only way to access the park's remote interior. Spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and the towering 6,190-metre peak of Mt. Denali.
Hubbard Glacier & Glacier Bay
Spend a full day drifting past the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Watch and listen as massive chunks of ancient blue ice calve dramatically into the sea - one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles on earth.
Luxury Cruise Ship - Inside Passage
Board a premium cruise ship (Princess Cruises, Holland America, or Celebrity Cruises) and sail the legendary Inside Passage - 1,500 km of pristine, forested fjords, wildlife-rich waters, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Whale Watching in Juneau
Juneau sits in one of the world's richest humpback whale feeding grounds. Join a dedicated whale-watching excursion to see these 40-tonne giants breaching, bubble-net feeding, and tail-slapping just metres from your boat.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad
In Skagway, board the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route railroad - a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark - for a breathtaking climb through the same mountain pass used by Klondike Gold Rush prospectors in 1898.
Day by Day
Your 12-Day Alaska Adventure
1
Arrive in Fairbanks
Arrive at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) and receive a private transfer to your hotel in Alaska's second-largest city. Fairbanks sits just 200 km south of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (September to March). Your SAZ Travel Collection host provides a full briefing on your 12-day adventure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Pike's Landing restaurant overlooking the Chena River. Recommended stay: Wedgewood Resort Fairbanks - a sprawling 105-acre property with spacious suites, wildlife refuge access, and a superb restaurant.
2
Fairbanks to Denali
Begin the morning with a sternwheeler riverboat cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard the Riverboat Discovery - an Alaskan institution since 1950. Witness a bush pilot demonstration, visit an authentic Athabascan Native village, and learn about Alaska's rich indigenous cultures and subsistence lifestyle. En route south, stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewing station to see the 1,300-km engineering marvel that carries oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Board your deluxe motorcoach for the scenic drive to the Denali area. Recommended stay: Denali Bluffs Hotel - perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the Nenana River canyon.
3
Denali National Park - Tundra Wilderness Tour
Today is the centrepiece of your Alaska land tour. Board the Tundra Wilderness Tour bus - the only way to access Denali National Park beyond the first 24 km. Travel 90 km deep into the park's pristine wilderness on unpaved roads inaccessible to private vehicles. Your expert naturalist guide scans the tundra for Alaska's Big Five: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. On clear days (approximately 30% of visits), the full 6,190-metre massif of Mt. Denali - North America's highest peak - dominates the horizon. Pack a picnic lunch provided by your hotel. The full tour runs 8-10 hours and covers 180 km round trip.
4
Denali to Anchorage by Glass-Dome Train
Board the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star service in the premium glass-dome GoldStar railcar for the 7-hour journey south through the Alaska Range to Anchorage. This is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an open-air viewing platform provide unobstructed views of braided glacial rivers, spruce forests, and dramatic mountain passes. A full-service dining car serves Alaskan king crab, halibut, and locally-sourced cuisine. Arrive in Anchorage in the early evening. Recommended stay: Hotel Captain Cook Anchorage - a landmark downtown hotel with 547 rooms, three restaurants, and views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
5
Anchorage & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Morning at leisure in Anchorage - Alaska's largest city and cultural hub. Visit the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center for outstanding exhibits on Alaska's history, art, and indigenous cultures. Walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet with views of Mt. Susitna and Denali on clear days. Afternoon transfer to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, a world-class wildlife sanctuary where injured and orphaned animals are rehabilitated. Walk through spacious natural enclosures to see brown bears, black bears, wood bison, musk oxen, moose, lynx, and wolves up close. Transfer to Seward or Whittier to board your cruise ship in the evening.
6
Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier
Spend the entire day in one of the world's most spectacular glacial environments. If sailing with Holland America or Princess Cruises, you may visit UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park - a 3.3-million-acre wilderness of calving glaciers, breaching humpback whales, and bald eagles. Celebrity Cruises typically includes Hubbard Glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier at 122 km long and 10 stories tall. Stand on deck as your ship drifts within 1 km of the glacier face, listening to the thunderous cracks and watching massive blue ice towers collapse into the sea in a cascade of white water. Rangers and naturalists narrate throughout the day.
7
Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching
Alaska's capital city is accessible only by sea or air - no roads connect it to the rest of North America. Morning excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier, a 19-km-long river of ice flowing from the Juneau Icefield. Walk the Forest and Glacier Trail to the Nugget Falls overlook for dramatic views of the glacier face and waterfall. Afternoon whale-watching excursion in Stephens Passage - one of the world's premier humpback whale feeding grounds. Expert marine biologists guide you to pods of bubble-net feeding humpbacks, Steller sea lions, orcas, and Dall's porpoises. Optional: helicopter flightseeing with glacier landing.
8
Skagway - White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Skagway was the gateway city for the 100,000 prospectors who flooded north during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. The entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark. Board the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railroad for a 3-hour round-trip climb through the dramatic White Pass mountain corridor. The railroad was completed in 1900 using only hand tools and black powder explosives - a feat of engineering that cost the lives of 35 workers. The route crosses gorges, passes hanging glaciers, and reaches an elevation of 873 metres at the summit. Afternoon free time to explore Skagway's beautifully preserved Gold Rush-era boardwalks and shops.
9
Icy Strait Point - Whales & Tlingit Culture
Icy Strait Point is a unique, tribally-owned port operated by the Huna Tlingit people on Chichagof Island. This pristine wilderness destination offers some of the best humpback whale watching in Alaska - the surrounding waters are home to the largest seasonal concentration of humpbacks in the world (200+ whales). Choose from a range of excursions: whale-watching catamaran, brown bear viewing, sport fishing, kayaking through old-growth forest, or the world's largest ZipRider (one of the longest zip lines on earth). Visit the restored 1912 Huna Tlingit cannery and cultural center to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Tlingit people.
10
Ketchikan - Totem Poles & Creek Street
Ketchikan is Alaska's southernmost city and its self-proclaimed 'Salmon Capital of the World.' The city receives over 4 metres of rainfall per year, creating lush, moss-draped rainforests. Visit Saxman Native Village, home to the world's largest collection of standing totem poles - over 30 intricately carved poles representing Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian clan histories. Walk the famous Creek Street boardwalk, built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek, once the city's red-light district and now a charming row of boutique shops and galleries. Watch salmon fight their way upstream beneath your feet. Optional: Misty Fjords National Monument floatplane tour - an unforgettable aerial view of granite walls rising 1,000 metres from the sea.
11
Inside Passage - Scenic Sailing
A full day at sea as your ship navigates the breathtaking Inside Passage - the 1,500-km protected waterway between the Pacific Ocean and the mountainous coastline of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. This maze of fjords, islands, and channels is one of the world's last great temperate rainforests. Spend the day on deck watching for orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. The ship's naturalist hosts presentations on the region's unique ecosystem. Enjoy the ship's premium amenities: spa treatments, fine dining, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment in the evening.
12
Vancouver, BC - Disembark & Fly Home
Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Disembark after breakfast and receive a private transfer to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your departure flight. If your flight allows, enjoy a few hours exploring Vancouver's stunning waterfront, the historic Gastown district, or Stanley Park's 1,000-acre rainforest. SAZ Travel Collection can arrange an extended Vancouver stopover with hotel and city tours if desired. Depart with extraordinary memories of Alaska's last great wilderness - glaciers, bears, whales, and the endless drama of the Inside Passage.
Accommodations
Where You'll Stay
SAZ Travel Collection selects 3 to 4-star land hotels for comfort and location, paired with a premium cruise ship cabin for the 7-night sea portion.
Wedgewood Resort Fairbanks
4-Star Wilderness Resort
A sprawling 105-acre resort property in Fairbanks featuring spacious suites, a private wildlife refuge with resident moose, and the acclaimed Pump House Restaurant. The resort's Birch Hill location offers excellent Northern Lights viewing in season. Rooms feature full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking the boreal forest.
Denali Bluffs Hotel
3-Star Mountain View Hotel
Perched on a hillside above the Nenana River canyon, Denali Bluffs Hotel offers commanding views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to the park entrance. Well-appointed rooms with private balconies, a heated outdoor deck, and the on-site Perch Restaurant serving Alaskan cuisine. The ideal base for your Tundra Wilderness Tour day.
Hotel Captain Cook
4-Star Historic Landmark Hotel
Anchorage's most iconic hotel, named for the great explorer who charted these waters. This downtown landmark features 547 rooms and suites across three towers, three restaurants including the acclaimed Crow's Nest fine dining room, a fitness club, and a spa. Panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from upper floors. Walking distance to the Anchorage Museum and Ship Creek salmon viewing.
Princess Cruises / Holland America / Celebrity Cruises
Premium Cruise Ship
Your 7-night cruise is operated by one of Alaska's premier cruise lines. Princess Cruises' Island Princess and Coral Princess feature the iconic Princess Cays and naturalist-led glacier viewing. Holland America's Koningsdam offers the acclaimed Culinary Arts Center and Explorations Central program. Celebrity Cruises' Solstice-class ships provide the Blu restaurant and AquaClass spa staterooms. All ships feature multiple dining venues, live entertainment, spa facilities, and expert Alaska naturalists. SAZ Travel Collection selects the best available cabin category within your budget.
Included
What's Included
- 11 nights accommodation (Fairbanks 1 night, Denali 1 night, Anchorage 1 night, cruise ship 7 nights, pre-cruise hotel 1 night)
- Daily breakfast; select dinners; all meals included on cruise ship
- Private airport transfers and inter-city motorcoach transportation
- Alaska Railroad GoldStar glass-dome railcar (Denali to Anchorage)
- Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler cruise in Fairbanks
- Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness Tour (full day)
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center admission
- 7-night cruise (Princess Cruises, Holland America, or Celebrity Cruises - economy cabin, upgrades available)
- All cruise port excursions as listed (Juneau whale watching, Skagway railroad, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan)
- English-speaking SAZ Travel Collection escort for land portion
- 24/7 SAZ Travel Collection concierge support throughout
Compare Options
Land & Sea vs. Independent Land Tour
| Feature | Land & Sea (This Tour) | Independent Land Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | First-time visitors wanting comfort & glaciers | Active travellers wanting freedom & flexibility |
| Transport | Cruise ship, dome train, deluxe motorcoach | Rental car or private 4x4 vehicle |
| Average Cost | ~$3,300 - $5,500+ per person | ~$4,000 - $7,000+ (highly dependent on lodging) |
| Scenery | Ocean fjords, tidewater glaciers, Denali tundra | Coastal highways, interior mountain passes, valley rivers |
| Flexibility | Structured itinerary with expert guides | Fully self-directed at your own pace |
| Meals | All meals included on cruise ship | Self-catered or restaurant dining |
Interested in the self-drive option? View the Alaska Self-Drive Independent Land Tour
Starting from
$3,300
per person, double occupancy
Trip Details
Duration
12 Days
Route
Fairbanks - Denali - Anchorage - Inside Passage - Vancouver
Style
Land & Sea Cruisetour
Category
Adventure & Luxury Cruise
Best Season
May - September 2027
Price
From $3,300 per person
Route
Fairbanks to Vancouver
From Alaska's interior wilderness to the dramatic coastal fjords of the Inside Passage - the ultimate Alaska experience by land and sea.
Fairbanks
Denali
Anchorage
Inside Passage
Vancouver
Alaska Land & Sea Cruisetour - 12 Days
Interior Alaska + Inside Passage, USA & Canada
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