Alaska & Glacier Bay Cruise JUNE 8-20, 209 with host JIM GANDY, Chief Meteorologist
JIM GANDY He s known as South Carolina s Weatherman for good reasons over the years, Jim s precise forecasts and warnings have been credited with saving lives. From Hurricane Hugo in 989 to the Flood of 205, Jim has been the one person everyone in The Midlands looks to and trusts. He s an often-requested keynote speaker at events, his ground-breaking Climate segments got him an invitation to the White House, and his Gandy s Garden project has shown viewers how they can plant their own year round garden, have fresher vegetables, and save money at the same time. Jim s degree in Meteorology is from Florida State. He started his career in Memphis and worked in Oklahoma City and Wichita before moving to Columbia over 30 years ago. Jim was recently elected as a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. When not forecasting the weather, Jim can be found at USC soccer games, or working on his Mountain Home. Join Jim and WLTX viewers this exciting vacation to Alaska. Fairbanks Denali National Park and Preserve 2 3 Anchorage P A C I F 2 2 Wasilla I C Delta Junction O C E A N Flights Motorcoach Cruise White Pass & Yukon Train # of Overnights Tok Glacier Bay Alaska & Glacier Bay Cruise JUNE 8-20, 209 Additional dates may be available Featuring the magnificent Alaska Highway and a spectacular four-night Glacier Bay & Inside Passage cruise DAY : FLY TO ANCHORAGE We begin our tour enjoying two nights in downtown Anchorage. DAY 2: ALASKAN SCENERY We begin our day traveling along fjord-like Turnagain Arm, on one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in Alaska. Enjoy picture postcard views as we head for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska s wildlife. Enjoy a special WLTX Welcome Lunch and tram ride at Alyeska Resort nestled in the Chugach Mountains. Watch for eagles and Whitehorse Skagway C A N BRITISH COLUMBIA Ketchikan 4 A D A Vancouver Seattle moose as we return to Anchorage to enjoy time at your leisure. L DAY 3: THE IDITAROD TRAIL A scenic morning drive takes us to Wasilla in the Matanuska Valley, an agricultural and supply center for Alaska s remote interior. At the Iditarod Trail Headquarters, we learn about extraordinary sled dogs and the famous Anchorage-to-Nome race. En route to a Denali Park Lodge, we watch for views of Denali. L DAY 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE Today we join a naturalist guide for a thrilling journey into the tundra of Denali National Park & Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world. Watch for grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Later, we cross the Alaska Range, with sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness. Upon arrival in Fairbanks for two nights, we dine at the famed Alaska Salmon Bake, a true Alaska experience. B,D DAY 5: FAIRBANKS Today we re introduced to Fairbanks history as we trace its development from the gold rush to the discovery of Black Gold. Get a glimpse of the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline. At Gold Dredge 8, we learn to pan for gold Gold Dredge 8 and keep what we find! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch at Steamboat Landing. We board the Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler for a narrated excursion on the Chena River and go ashore at a recreated Athabascan Indian camp. The evening is at our leisure in Fairbanks. B,L DAY 6: THE ALASKA HIGHWAY Following a delicious included breakfast, depart Fairbanks and relive childhood wonderment during a stop at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. We travel the Alaska Highway which was originally built as a military supply road during World War II and now links Alaska to Canada. Tonight s accommodations are in Tok. B,D DAY 7: YUKON TERRITORY Today we traverse the spectacular Yukon Territory, an untouched region of astounding beauty. We enjoy views of the crystal-clear waters of Kluane Lake and stop at Kluane National Park Visitors Center to learn more about this preserved area. We arrive at our accommodations in Whitehorse, the Yukon s capital. B DAY 8: SCENIC RAIL & ms VOLENDAM Spectacular views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls abound during a scenic train excursion on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. This historic route follows the path of the Klondike gold seekers. We arrive in Skagway and embark on the ms Volendam for our four night cruise. The ship stays docked in Skagway into the evening allowing you to go ashore and explore this authentic 890 s gold rush boomtown. B,L,D DAY 9: GLACIER BAY CRUISE Enjoy front-row seats for one of nature s most breathtaking sights, Glacier Bay! Our mid-sized ship maneuvers easily along these pristine shores for close views of glaciers, lush forests, and mountains. A National Park Ranger provides insight into this corner of Alaska. Watch for glacial ice to calve, or break off, crashing into the sea. B,L,D DAY 0: KETCHIKAN Call on Ketchikan today, the Salmon Fishing Capital of the World. This charming port is a cultural hub and has a colorful history. Browse the shops and galleries along Creek Street or schedule an optional excursion offered by Holland America. B,L,D DAY : THE INSIDE PASSAGE Snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and hundreds of islands and coastal inlets mark our progress through an astonishing fjord-like waterway today. We trace the southeastern hook of Alaska and Canada s Pacific Coast and witness firsthand how this vital ocean route still links communities today. B,L,D DAY 2: VANCOUVER TO SEATTLE Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia and enjoy a scenic drive to Seattle, The Emerald City. Tonight we toast our amazing journey at a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner. B,D DAY 3: FLY HOME We fly home with great memories. Highest Elevation: 3,895 feet Price Per Person ALL AIRFARE INCLUDED! Oceanview Stateroom Double...$6399 per person Triple...6249 per person Single...8099 per person Quad subject to availability A valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens. Passport cards and enhanced driver s licenses are NOT acceptable Deposit: $200 per person Guaranteed Price: Your price is guaranteed upon receipt of your deposit. Final Payment: March 5, 209 Full refund 96 days prior to departure YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES All airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges All cruise port charges, government fees, taxes & fuel surcharges (minimum value of $532 per person) Guaranteed prices & low deposit Holiday Vacations Tour Director Motorcoach & professional driver Baggage handling at hotels $00 travel voucher for a future tour 23 Excellent Meals Featuring WLTX Welcome Lunch at the Alyeska Resort Dinner at the Alaska Salmon Bake Lunch at Steamboat Landing Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Exclusive Cruise Ship Benefits 4 nights aboard the ms Volendam with oceanview stateroom All meals aboard the ship with As You Wish Dining Included Shore Excursion: White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Railway (minimum value of $25 per person) Ports of Call: Skagway, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska Vancouver, British Columbia All Accommodations Featuring 2 nights at The Anchorage Hilton night near Denali National Park 2 nights in Fairbanks Featured Attractions Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Alyeska s Aerial Tram Iditarod Trail Headquarters Denali National Park Tundra Tour Gold Dredge 8 Trans-Alaska oil pipeline Riverboat Discovery Santa Claus House Kluane National Park & Preserve Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Additional fees applied by the cruise line are not included in your tour price. Please reference General Information for details. ACTIVITY LEVEL 2 OUT OF 5 Refer to General Information for details
Tour Highlights Majestic Mountains, Magnificent Glaciers & Fascinating History Courtesy of Alyeska Resort Holland America Line Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Joined by a National Park Service ranger and a Huna-Tlingit interpreter, passengers experience scenic cruising aboard the ms Volendam - a day filled with spectacular scenery and educational programming. Magnificent Margerie Glacier, stretching about a mile across it s face, is a highlight during our visit. Our premier access allows us to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site that only two centuries ago was covered with 4,000 feet of ice. Alyeska s Aerial Tram Enjoy a beautiful tram ride 2,300 ft in elevation to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Views include snow topped peaks of the Chugach mountains, hanging glaciers clinging to the mountain tops, spruce covered slopes and the waters of Turnagain Arm. Watch for wildlife, hikers and mountain bikers during your tram ride Book today! A deposit of only $200 per person confirms your reservation! V A H O L C A T I D A Y I O N S WLTXKS9 800-826-2266 2727 Henry Ave. Eau Claire, WI 5470 holidayvacations.com keyword: wltx Holiday Vacations, LLC Holland America Port of Call: Ketchikan Ketchikan is a vibrant fishing community along Alaska s Inside Passage. From wrangling a feisty salmon, to standing in a carving shed watching a totem pole take shape, or flight-seeing over Misty Fjords National Monument; Ketchikan has much to offer. Purchase an optional shore excursion through Holland America or go ashore and explore on your own. Historic Creek Street, a unique collection of historic buildings now being used as shops and galleries, is a great place to start. Departure Point Columbia - Walmart Supercenter 326 Bush River Rd. Transportation provided to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Savor the Journey Aboard Holland America Line s MS VOLENDAM Discover a world of unexpected pleasures onboard Holland America Line s signature cruise ship, the ms Volendam. Retreat to your private oceanview stateroom where a relaxing world of comfort awaits. From a festive five-course affair to a casual dinner for two, the choice is yours with Holland America Line s sophisticated dining settings, including specialties such as halibut and grilled salmon. Every day brings a limitless array of onboard activities and indulgences, and nights glitter with entertainment including extravagant live productions and the chance to try your luck at the casino. Gracious Staterooms Excellent cuisine Exceptional Service For more information call or visit 800-826-2266 holidayvacations.com Holland America Line AK9
Explore The Great Land with our Award-Winning Tours Denali National Park Home to North America s tallest mountain and one of the most extensive natural habitats in the world, enjoy a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour. A certified guide leads us as we watch for Alaska s Big Five: caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bear, moose and wolf. White Pass & Yukon Route Train This historic railway offers incredible panoramas of majestic mountains, glistening glaciers, stunning gorges and impressive waterfalls. Courtesy of White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Riverboat Discovery & Gold Dredge 8 Alaska s history comes to life as we board an authentic sternwheeler and watch bush pilots, a champion dogsled team, and visit a recreated Athabascan Indian village. Then, strike it rich as you pan for gold and keep what you find! Courtesy of Riverboat Discovery/Explore Fairbanks