Gold Rush in Alaska - with a cruise from Vancouver

Departure from Sofia Airport on a Bulgaria Air flight to Munich at 12:45. Landing at 13:55 and continuation to Vancouver at 15:45. Arrival in Vancouver at 16:55. Welcome, transfer and hotel check-in Belmont Vancouver MGALLERY 4*. Free time for acclimatization and independent walk. Overnight.

Pre-lunch organized half-day excursion of Vancouver with sightseeing of Stanley Park, Brockton Point and the totem pole collection, Granville Island with the area's famous market for masterfully made arts and crafts, Canada Place and the waterfront Gastown district - where the city began its history in the 19th century. Afternoon free time for a self-guided stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade or shopping at one of the many malls. Overnight. 

A free day to soak up the atmosphere of one of the most preferred cities to live in the whole world. If you wish and the weather is nice, you can go to the Harbor Center skyscraper, with an external glass elevator that takes visitors to the observation deck located 130 meters above the ground. From there you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes and islands. You can also visit the 140-metre-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, rising 70 metres above the eponymous river, surrounded by West Vancouver's rock terraces, to take in the dizzying views and increase your adrenaline rush by walking along the park's most modern attraction, Cliff Walk. It's a structure of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and landings caught in the towering granite cliff by the river at 16 support points.
Optional you can sign up for a day trip by ferry to Vancouver Island and its main city Victoria. The ferry crosses the Strait of Georgia in about an hour and a half and passes by the beautiful Gulf Islands. After disembarking from the ferry you will visit the world famous Butchart Gardens where you will be amazed by the artfully made floral decorations and sculptures. There used to be a quarry on the site of the gardens, but today the land has been transformed into a garden of paradise with flowering waterfalls of ephemeral beauty in all four seasons. After the gardens, we continue to Victoria's city centre and will explore its landmarks such as Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour and the historic Empress Hotel. After the tour you will have free time to shop and stroll in the harbour area. Return to Vancouver late in the evening. Overnight.

This day begins our adventure to Alaska, or „Alieska“ as the locals call it, which in their language means „The Great Land“. Pre-lunch transfer to the port for our 8 day luxury cruise on the Holland America Line. Their fleet consists of 15 ships, distinguished by their elegant appearance - black and very high side, suitable for cruising the great oceans and white superstructure. There is artwork on the corridor walls, the cuisine is impressive, the cabins are spacious, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined. After check-in, check-in on a full-board basis. For the full programme of meals and use of ship's services, see our appendix. In the afternoon sail to Juneau, the capital of Canadian Alaska.

Sailing through the Inside Passage, which is part of the Southeast Alaska Region. It's a maze of fjords, bays, and small beautiful green islands that abounds with its diverse animal life - whales, mountain goats, eagles, bears, sea otters, and more. Enjoy one of the many entertainment options the 5-star ship offers: the Theatre, Casino, Piano Bar, Cinema, Art Gallery, Library and more. Grab a drink from one of the 12 bars in the indoor and outdoor areas of the ship. For complete relaxation and unwinding, the ship offers a spa area, swimming pool, sun loungers, Jacuzzis and fitness centre. Overnight.

Arrive in Juneau and have the opportunity to join one of the many shore excursions. Profi Travel recommends the excursion „Best of Juneau - whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier“/Departure: 14:45, Duration: 6,15h/. Enjoy the best of Juneau with this amazing excursion. Start with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to see Alaska's most famous river of ice, talk with Forest Service representatives, and learn about the immense power of glaciers through interactive exhibits. Continue by bus to scenic Oak Bay and board a jet-powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in your warm and comfortable cabin surrounded by large windows as you pass through the island-studded waters of Stevens Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favorite summer feeding spot for humpback whales. Once the whales are spotted, your captain will carefully maneuver the ship to provide an exceptional viewing and photographic opportunity as these graceful ocean giants slowly wave their massive tails in the air. The whales are often close enough to you to hear their breathing. The ship's naturalist will explain humpback whale behavior and habitat and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer. RemarksA: Wear a warm jacket for going out on the upper observation deck. The operators of this trip guarantee whale watching on this excursion. Failure to do so will result in a refund of $ 100 from the tour operator at the end of the trip. Whales have been sighted on every trip for the past 15 years.

Opportunity to explore Juneau on your own. The city was founded during the Gold Rush. Legend has it that adventurers Joe Juneau and Dick Harris stopped their canoe at the mouth of Gold Creek. They started panning the sand and found large chunks of gold. The story of their lightning fortune got around, was embellished and embellished with tall tales, so the gold prospectors came to this place and founded a town. Today, Juneau is the capital of Alaska. To experience this piece of land, you have to cruise, fly or take a ferry, as there is no road to get there. The city is surrounded by 30 glaciers. The natural diversity is impressive, but what is most impressive are the rivers of ice and the giant icebergs. One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is one of 38 major glaciers in the Tongass National Forest. Most of them can be seen from the air as part of a helicopter tour. Sailing late in the evening. Overnight on the ship.

Morning arrival in Skagway, once called "the gateway to the Klondike". Option to explore on your own or join one of the shore excursions. Recommended excursion „The Best of Skagway: Train, Grilled Salmon and a Visit to a Traditional Bar - Lounge“ /Departure: 09:00 Duration: 7 h/.

Climb to the beautiful mountains of White Pass with the Yukon Route Railroad. From the old-fashioned narrow-gauge rail car, you'll see spectacular scenery as your guide tells you the story of the Klondike Gold Rush. In Fraser, British Columbia you transfer to a luxury coach to travel the impressive Klondike Highway, visiting the sights of the Valley of the Terror and Pitchfork Falls. At the foot of the pass, adjacent to the falls, you'll find the camp of the Learsville gold prospectors. A cast of gold prospectors and dancers will entertain you with hilarious melodrama and poetry by Robert Service and teach you the art of gold prospecting. You will then be taken to the gold prospecting area of Learsville where you are guaranteed to find gold. Lunch will consist of grilled salmon, baked beans, a variety of salads, cornbread, coffee, lemonade and dessert - a typical lunch for gold prospectors from over 100 yrs ago. After lunch, take a walk around camp, enjoy the waterfall and sights of Learsville or take a picture with one of the dancers. Back in Skagway, you'll visit the world-famous Red Onion Saloon and brothel in Skagway's historic district. The ladies at the famous saloon (pub) will fill your champagne toast glass and entertain you with tales of the girls who worked in these historic rooms. See the priceless silver gown worn by the first „madam“ of the Red Onion Saloon as well as many other original artifacts left behind by the „tarnished doves“. Remarks: During this tour, the US-Canada border is crossed, so you must have a US visa.

The harsh northern life and the Gold Rush of the early 1900s created legends of Alaska that attracted thousands of people and tourists. At the time of the Gold Rush in Skagway, in 1898, there were over 20,000 residents. Now the town has only 700 houses. Walking through the streets, you can imagine the unbearable conditions the gold seekers went through on their way to the Yukon. Today, you can still take a ride on the antique white passage and narrow-gauge railway to the Yukon through the silver-purple rock walls to get a feel for the atmosphere of the last century. Some of the local restaurants and bars can be likened to movie sets with paintings of various local characters such as Klondike Kate, Peehul Annie and more. The Nostalgic Road Museum of 1898 is also interesting. Board the ship and sail away in the evening. Overnight.

Today is one of the most interesting and inspiring days of the cruise. We reach Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve with 15 active glaciers. The most attractive is the Margery, from which huge icebergs break off and fall into the sea. The park has an incredible northern beauty and is a classic example of the creation and shaping of glaciers. Coastlines filled with a huge variety of animal species, mountains with snow caps, deep river canyons, retreating glaciers, narrow straits resembling fjords - all this beauty is before your eyes! Overnight on the ship.

Arrival in Ketchikan. Built as a tip settlement over the water, the city sits on the shores of Tongass Park and is Alaska's first salmon capital of the world. In addition to the main attractions - Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, the state park and the hamlet of Saxman - try a flight excursion to the breathtaking „Discovery Cruise to Misty Fjords - Majestic fog-swept fjords and vast expanses“ /Departure: 13:00, Duration: 4,30h/.

Explore Misty Fjords National Park, one of nature's most spectacular creations, as you travel in luxury aboard one of Alaska's fastest sightseeing cruise ships. The adventure begins as soon as you leave Ketchikan's scenic harbor, passing colorful seaplanes and fishing boats. Enjoy the service and narration provided by your crew and gaze upon marine and coastal wildlife as you travel along the rugged coastline bordering the Revillahideau Channel. Journey to the Bem Channel, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords National Park, described by John Muir as the Yosemite of the North. Along the way you'll stop to see an active bald eagle nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock, a huge volcanic spiral rising from the emerald sea. Enjoy a professional exploration of Rudyard Bay, a masterpiece carved in ice. Here you'll learn the natural history of the fjords, hear the chirping of nesting seabirds and feel the mist of glistening waterfalls as you glide silently beneath 3,000-foot glacial cliffs. On the cruise back to Ketchikan, sample a selection of snacks and beverages as you watch for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about local culture and history or enjoy a video presentation related to the trip. NotesA: Depending on the location of the cruise ship, participants may be required to climb up to 300 yards and walk up a ramp (which can be quite steep at low tide) to board the cruise ship. The tour takes place in all weather conditions. Dress warmly with several layers of clothing. Wear a hat or visor as well as gloves and a scarf. Set sail in the late afternoon. Overnight.

Return via the Inner Passage with plenty of photo opportunities and relaxation in the refined atmosphere of the cruise ship.

Arrival in Vancouver in the morning. Check out of the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Bulgaria via Munich at 18:40. Overnight on the plane. 

Landing in Munich at 13:25 and continuation to Sofia at 15:50. (Air tickets Vancouver - Munich - Sofia are not included in the package price). Arrival at Sofia Airport at 18:40. End of the program.