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Day 1, Monday, July 12 - Today we begin an adventure that
many people dream of – Alaska! Rustad Tours has put together an
‘Alaska Program’ with comfortable lodging, nice meals, and star
attractions. After an included noon meal in Grand Forks we explore
North Dakota’s history at the Geographical Center Museum
and Pioneer Village in Rugby. Tonight we stay in Minot, ND.
(L)
Day 2, Tuesday, July 13 - Today is a travel day
and a good day to explore Alaska through videos and orientation.
After an included breakfast we travel north to Canada through
the vast open prairies of Saskatchewan to our accommodations in
Medicine Hat, Alberta. (B)
Day 3, Wednesday, July 14 - We leave the wide open
plains behind and begin traveling through the breath-taking
mountains. Upon entering Banff National Park, there will be
time to eat noon lunch and shop in the Banff Town Site. This
afternoon our coach turns north to Lake Louise. This
emerald-colored lake was formed thousands of years ago by the
melting glacier waters of the Victoria Glacier. Our rooms tonight
are along the Icefield Parkway, in a small resort type setting
surrounded by mountains. (B)
Day 4, Thursday, July 15 - Continuing north along
the Icefield Parkway we enter Jasper National Park, there is
free time to eat and shop in the Jasper Town Site. Then our travels
take us west on the Yellowhead Highway. Taking time for pictures and
wild animal stops, we arrive to our motel early this evening in
Prince George, BC. (B)
Day 5, Friday, July 16 - The Canadian Rockies are
behind us, the Pacific Ocean is in front, as we travel through the
scenic west central area of British Columbia. Nearing the west
coast, you’ll see waterfalls cascading off the Coast Mountains into
the Skeena River. This evening our accommodations are in Prince
Rupert, BC. (B) (L)
Day 6, Saturday, July 17 – Today we are up bright
and early to board the Alaska State Ferry. The next 33 hours
are spent on the ferry. Everyone will have a small cabin with a bunk
beds and a private restroom. (B)
Day 7, Sunday, July 18 - Our tour continues on the
Alaska State Ferry cruising the inside passage. Besides
breathtaking scenery, the ranger will give talks on wildlife,
vegetation, and glaciers. Late this evening we arrive to Skagway.
Day 8, Monday, July 19 – The appearance of Skagway
has not changed much over the last 100 years. You’ll have the
morning free to explore the gold rush history, shop, or sleep. Later
we travel north over the famous White Pass & Yukon
Trail by rail. This narrow gauge train follows the east side of
the Skagway River climbing over the mountains giving you better and
better views. Our coach meets us in Fraser then we continue to
Whitehorse the capital city of the Yukon Territory. After visiting
the Yukon Beringia Center, and checking into our hotel, a
musical comedy “Frantic Follies” enlightens us about early
life in the far north. (B)
Day 9, Tuesday, July 20 - The Yukon is
sparsely populated and has just as an exciting history as our Wild
West! Our day will give you a good look at the past and present life
in the Yukon, beginning with a visit to the S.S. Klondike II.
Late afternoon we travel along the Alaska Highway to Beaver
Creek, Yukon, and our accommodations. This evening we have a
rendezvous with Sergeant Preston at a roadhouse dinner show (B) (D)
Day 10, Wednesday, July 21 - Alaska is a wild
frontier with forests, tundra, and many lakes. It is an
extraordinary scenic ride through the bush country to Fairbanks,
the Interior of Alaska. Throughout our ride we will get glimpses of
the Alaskan Pipeline as it goes above and below the ground and over
rivers. Noon lunch is a picnic in Delta Junction. (the official end
of the Alaska Highway.) Late afternoon we arrive at NORTH POLE
for shopping and pictures at the Santa Claus House. This
evening, unpack for a three night stay in Fairbanks. (B) (L)
Day 11, Thursday, July 22 - This morning we tour
Fairbanks to learn more about the pipeline, permafrost, and see our
nation’s farthest north university. After a quick noon meal we join
the Binkley Family on the Riverboat Discovery for an
informative cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. While on this
tour we see an Iditarod champion dog team in action, a bush pilot
air show and visit an early Athabascan Indian community. This
evening will be free. (B)
Day 12, Friday, July 23 - Today we travel north to
learn first-hand about gold mining at the Eldorado Gold Mine
and do a little gold panning on our own. You have the option of
visiting the University of Alaska Museum or sit back and
relax at our hotel. Time is available to freshen up for an exciting
evening at Pioneer Park. Evening meal is an “all you can eat”
buffet of salmon, halibut, and ribs. Later at the Palace Theater
the history of Fairbanks is presented through music and comedy. (B)
(D)
Day 13, Saturday, July 24 - Our goal today is to
see the top of Mt. McKinley! After a relaxed three-night stay
in Fairbanks, we travel south to Denali National Park. Rustad
Tours has put together a super package of Denali, including a
noon meal and a seven-hour Tundra and Wildlife Tour. Our
accommodations are just outside the park in a little motel. (B) (L)
Day 14, Sunday, July 25 - Our morning drive south
gives us another chance to view Mt. McKinley on our way to Willow
for an included noon meal. This afternoon we visit a domesticated
Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Later, our coach follows the rivers to
downtown Anchorage where we check into the hotel for a three night
stay. (L)
Day 15, Monday, July 26 - Many big game animals
who have been orphaned or injured and cannot survive in the wild
have found a home at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
This morning a guide will tell us about these animals and how the
park operates on a drive through the refuge. Then we travel through
the Whittier tunnel to board a boat for a cruise of Prince
William Sound, seeing eagles, sea otters, Glaciers, and maybe
whales. A noon meal is included on the boat. Early evening we return
to Anchorage. (B) (L)
Day 16, Tuesday, July 27 - A local guide will join
us this morning for an interesting look at Alaska’s largest city,
Anchorage. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping,
visiting the museum, and repacking our suitcases. (B)
Day 17, Wednesday, July 28 - With suitcases packed
full of souvenirs and our minds full of happy memories, we board a
jet for a direct flight to Minneapolis. After arriving in
Minneapolis, a Rustad bus will pick us up and bring us back to our
cars in Kerkhoven! (B)
TOUR COST PER
PERSON
Single $4,849 - Double $4,149
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