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2008
Tours
Town Guide |
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Our custom made Alaska
holidays and vacations generally provide greater flexibility
and choice than cruises of the same duration and are frequently
twenty to thirty percent less expensive. Over the years,
we have found the key to successful and enjoyable travel
in Alaska is research and pre-planning. Alaska covers
an extremely large area and the majority of tours and
accommodation are only available between the months of
May and September. As such, cabin space on ferry liners
and accommodation in many Alaskan towns is limited during
peak periods. Spectrum Holidays can develop integrated
itineraries for those wishing to combine their Alaska
holiday with travel to mainland USA and Canada. Our holidays
can incorporate rail and ferry liner travel plus local
sightseeing tours and accommodation.
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry
Liners
The state ferry liner system, the Alaska Marine Highway,
is the easiest, most enjoyable and most flexible way
to explore coastal areas. The ferry liner network
stops at all of the same towns as the big cruise ships
plus many other small and interesting destinations.
By way of example, the big cruise ships are too large
to navigate some of the most beautiful stretches of
the Inside Passage such as the “Wrangell Narrows”
and “Sitka Narrows”. These routes are
part of the regular scheduled services of the Alaska
Marine Highway. We have also found that the Alaska
Marine Highway provides much greater flexibility than
big cruise ships. In the case of cruise packages,
you are required to stay with the same vessel for
the entire trip, whereas the ferry liner system allows
clients to stopover for a night or two in an interesting
town and then pick up another ferry service and continue
their holiday. Cabins can be booked on most vessels.
Facilities include restaurants which serve inexpensive
meals, bars and large comfortable viewing lounges.
The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal. During
the course of the journey you should keep a close
eye out for wildlife including whales, dolphins, sea
otters, bald eagles and even bears. Experienced rangers
normally provide free lectures and assist with wildlife
spotting.
Rail Travel
The Alaska Railroad links towns and areas in
the South Central and Interior regions of Alaska including
Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks. The award winning
service includes world class scenery, comfortable
seats, dome viewing cars and knowledgeable tour guides.
The Alaska Railroad is an ideal way for travelers
to visit the magnificent Denali National Park. We
generally recommend a two night stopover at Denali
in order to ensure a full day is available for wildlife
viewing and sightseeing within the Park.
The Whitepass and Yukon Railroad is known
as the Scenic Railway of the World as the route covers
some of the most breathtaking terrain in North America.
The line which runs between the historic towns of
Skagway in Alaska and Whitehorse in the Yukon was
constructed during the height of the Klondike Gold
Rush. The Whitepass and Yukon route is renowned for
not only its natural spectacles, but also its man-made
wonders – towering bridges, cliff hanging road
beds and tunnels bored through solid granite.
Sightseeing Tours and Accomodation
A range of local sightseeing tours can be organised
in most towns throughout Alaska and The Yukon. A wide
variety of tours are available, these cover wildlife
viewing, spectacular scenery such as glaciers, local
cultural events, river cruises and historic attractions.
We can also organise accommodation at hotels, lodges
and B&B’s throughout Alaska. The accommodation
we use is conveniently located close to local attractions
and transportation terminals.
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Inside Passage Sunset
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Alaska Marine Ferryliner
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Alaska Railroad
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Anan Bear Sanctuary
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Creek Street, Ketchikan
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