Alaskan Wilderness Quest- 2025 AAA Central Penn Chairman's Trip

Included Features

• Roundtrip transportation from Central, PA to a local international airport
• Roundtrip airfare to Fairbanks, AK – return from Vancouver, British Columbia
• Transfers and sightseeing via deluxe motorcoach, train and ship, as specified in itinerary
• Accommodations in best available hotels/lodges including Denali Suites at the McKinley Chalets
• Holland America driver and guides’ gratuities (on land portion) & onboard gratuities
• Seven-night glacier cruise aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam in selected category
• All onboard meals and entertainment (specialty restaurants may have nominal fees)
• Daily breakfast package while on the land tour
• Baggage handling
• Hosted by 2025 Chairman of the Board, Larry Kluger
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Desired pick up location is not guaranteed until passenger minimums are met. 

Highlights

EXCLUSIVE TOUR FEATURES

• Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery cruise in Fairbanks (boxed lunch included)
• Pan for gold at the historical Gold Dredge 8
• "Triple Denali"- 3 nights at Denali National Park, including the Tundra Wilderness Tour (boxed lunch included)
• McKinley Explorer domed-car train excursion between Denali National Park and Anchorage with lunch included
• Portage Glacier cruise excursion while in Anchorage
• AAA exclusive welcome and farewell cocktail parties onboard the ship
• Extra day in Vancouver, British Columbia with a sightseeing tour of the city
• Group lunch onboard the ship at the Pinnacle Grill
• Group Shore Excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

HAVE IT ALL CRUISE BUNDLE INCLUDED (cruise portion only)

• $100 Shore excursion credit per person
• Signature beverage package
• 1 Night specialty dining
• Wi-Fi Surf Package (1st and 2nd guest in a stateroom only)

Itinerary

Sunday, June 29 - Welcome to Alaska

Transfer by motorcoach to a local airport for a flight to Fairbanks, Alaska.  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day/evening at leisure on your own to explore.

Monday, June 30 - Fairbanks

Pan for gold at the historical Gold Dredge 8 with time in the afternoon for optional excursions. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, July 1 - Fairbanks to Denali

This morning, board the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for a narrated scenic cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. This afternoon take a scenic drive by motorcoach to Denali for a three-night stay at this national treasure. During your stay at the McKinley Chalet, your accommodation will be in a Denali Suite. Each suite features a private balcony overlooking the mountains and the beauty of the area. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Wednesday, July 2 - Denali National Park

Venture deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. This excursion is a favorite among travelers. This 5-6 hour fully narrated sightseeing excursion takes you into the heart of Denali National Park to mile 43. It's the best way to see wildlife and the majestic peaks of Denali (weather permitting). (Breakfast, Snack Box, Boxed Lunch)

Thursday, July 3 - Denali National Park

Today is an entire free day to explore Denali on your own or take in optional excursions. Take the complimentary shuttle to the park's Visitor's Center or explore on a self-guided hike. Don't miss the chance to visit Denali Square and immerse yourself in the Denali experience. (Breakfast)

Friday, July 4 - Denali National Park to Anchorage

Board the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer for your rail trip to Anchorage. Enjoy an included lunch at the restaurant onboard the train. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Saturday, July 5 -  Anchorage

This morning enjoy a tour of the greater Anchorage area including a narrated small ship cruise to see the Portage Glacier. This afternoon spend time at your leisure exploring all that Anchorage has to offer.  (Breakfast)

Sunday, July 6 - Cruisetrain to Whittier

Enjoy some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery via the "Cruisetrain" to Whittier where you will embark on your ship, the   Nieuw Amsterdam, setting sail this evening for a 7-night cruise. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, July 7 - Scenic Cruising

Enjoy a leisurely day highlighted by afternoon scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier, North America's longest tidewater glacier. 

Tuesday, July 8 - Scenic Cruising

Cruise the ice-studded fjords of Glacier Bay National Park for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates. 

Wednesday, July 9 - Skagway

Explore Alaska's colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty today in Skagway, where at every turn you'll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore. 

Thursday, July 10 - Juneau

No roads lead to Juneau, which gives the Alaskan capital a misty inscrutability. You need to travel by air or water, but when you arrive, the place will delight you with its bounty of water, forests, and mountains.  Join the group for an included excursion to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. At the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, watch a short film about the glacier and the 37- other glaciers that make up the Juneau Ice Field. You are sure to come home with beautiful photos from the scenic photo point. The approximate time for the Mendenhall Glacier excursion is scheduled from 10:30am-1:30pm (subject to change). 

Friday, July 11 - Ketchikan

Known as the Salmon Capital of the World- explore this unique Alaskan port, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords. 

Saturday, July 12 - Scenic Cruising- Inside Passage

Relax and enjoy a full day of cruising as we sail through the scenic Inside Passage and immerse yourself in the exquisite scenery of the area.

Sunday, July 13- Vancouver

Disembark the ship today in Vancouver and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide. Take in all the sights that this great city has to offer including Stanley Park. Check into the Pan Pacific hotel for the evening with time to explore the city on your own. 

Monday, July 14 - Depart for USA

Transfer by motorcoach to the airport for your early morning flight and transportation back to Central Pennsylvania. 

Itinerary is subject to change at anytime without notification and/or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
Moderate- Good mobility is required for this trip. Climbing stairs and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, as well as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary. Portions of the itinerary may include higher altitudes. The itinerary may involve longer days up to 12-14 hours in length. This activity level is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility concerns.

General Information

Travel Documents 

An original signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip. 

As travel policies are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

*Canada reserves the right to deny entry to anyone with a felony conviction, including a DUI record. AAA is not responsible if you are denied entry to Canada and no refund will be provided.

Payment

Deposit of $600 per person/$1200 per cabin will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due by  March 17, 2025

Cancellation/Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure- $25 per person, plus…
From March 17- April 7, 2025- $600 per person/$1200 per cabin, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From April 8- May 14, 2025- 50% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After May 14, 2025- NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flight schedules may contain code share agreements.

Clothing/Climate

Alaska is not a frigid land of ice and snow! The interior around Fairbanks is warm during the summer. Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are recommended. Daytime, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are suggested. For cruising, evenings require casual or semi-formal attire, with two formal nights.

Baggage

Due to limited space while touring, all passengers are limited to one checked bag no more than 50lbs. You may also bring a small carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Soft sided carry on bags no larger than 17"14"x4" with a zippered enclosure are recommended. Wheeled carry-on cases that are used as carry-on luggage are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges are directly assessed by the airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance 

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP4525

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