A 7–21-day whirlwind trip around Alaska is available from dozens of tour packagers. All will book you onto one of a variety of cruise ships up the Inside Passage, reserve your hotel rooms, roll you between them on motor coaches and railcars, and offer options for local and overnight side trips. Many are escorted by tour guides, and some even include all meals in the price.

Many people choose this route for convenience, comfort, and security, though they certainly pay for what they get. The companies change and their offerings vary from year to year, so your best bet is to work through a travel agent who specializes in Alaska tours.

The two largest Alaska tour companies are Holland America Tours/Gray Line of Alaska (907/277-5581 or 888/452-1737, www.graylinealaska.com) and Princess Tours (206/336-6000 or 800/835-8907, www.princess.com). Both are also major players in the cruise travel industry, and many cruise ship travelers simply add on a land segment to their voyage. Cruise West (800/580-0651, www.cruisewest.com) also sets up a wide variety of trips that include small-ship cruises and tours.

Other tour options include:

• Alaska Airlines Vacations

800/468-2248
www.alaskaair.com

• Alaska Bound

231/439-3000 or 888/252-7527
www.alaskabound.com

• Alaska Travel Adventures

907/783-2928 or 800/334-8730
www.alaskaadventures.com

• Alaska Tour & Travel

907/245-0200 or 800/208-0200
www.alaskatravel.com

• Knightly Tours

206/938-8567 or 800/426-2123
www.knightlytours.com

• Tauck Tours

800/788-7885
www.tauck.com