Gray Line of Alaska Announces 2012 Tour Packages in Alaska and Yukon

SEATTLE, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gray Line of Alaska's 2012 Alaska and the Yukon brochure is now available, and the company announced it's taking reservations for next year with special discounts for trips booked by Jan. 31. With 65 years of experience in the industry, Gray Line of Alaska is a leader in Alaska and Yukon tourism and will continue to offer multi-day package tours and day trips from key locations in 2012.

Gray Line vacation packages include two- to 10-day itineraries throughout Alaska and the Yukon that range from Explorer Tours and rail trips focusing on Denali National Park and Preserve, to highway tours and fully escorted packages throughout the two regions. A new, eight-day Escorted National Parks itinerary has been added to the 2012 lineup, which takes guests to three of the state's most popular national treasures — Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

"We're proud that travelers choose Gray Line for our experience and attention to details," said Joe Witsoe, director of sales and marketing for Gray Line of Alaska.

In 2012 Gray Line will feature a total of 10 package tours, over 20 variations of Denali rail tours, and sightseeing options from both Anchorage and Fairbanks. All package tours include a visit to Alaska's top-rated inland destination, Denali National Park and Preserve. A visit to Denali offers the opportunity to see Alaska's famed wildlife, wilderness and spectacular Mount McKinley.

"We've been operating in Alaska and the Yukon for decades and our guests benefit from this level of experience. Our tours feature the best of the region from deluxe motorcoaches and private, luxury rail cars on the Alaska Railroad to day cruise boats," said Witsoe.

Gray Line of Alaska is offering an early booking discount of $500 per couple ($250 per person) on tours of six days or longer. To receive the early booking savings, trips must be scheduled by Jan. 31, 2012, and reference promotion code YM1.

Gray Line of Alaska tour highlights in 2012 include:

Denali Rail Tours

These two- to five-day tours are available roundtrip or one-way from Anchorage, Fairbanks or Seward. Guests travel via deluxe motorcoach and/or private, luxurious railcars on the Alaska Railroad and overnight in Denali, the Talkeetna area or both. Pre- and post-night hotel stays in Anchorage and Fairbanks are optional. Fares start at $259 per person.

Explorer Tours

Gray Line's most popular tours focus on the Denali corridor, with six- and seven-day itineraries. Guests can opt for the seven-day Denali-Kenai Explorer, Gray Line's "Best of Alaska" tour that combines Denali National Park and Preserve with highlights in Seward, Alaska, including a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Other Explorer packages allow travelers to combine a visit to Denali with a cruise on Prince William Sound, or experience the remote Denali Backcountry Lodge. Fares start at $1,279 per person.

Highway Tours

Longer vacation packages cover both Alaska and Yukon, Canada. Guests can choose a nine-day option that features Beaver Creek, Yukon, or a 10-day itinerary with stops in Tok, Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon. Both include stays in Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Skagway and Juneau. Guests travel via the Alaska Railroad and deluxe motorcoach, with a unique trip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad into Skagway. Fares start at $2,349 per person.

Escorted Tours

For travelers who prefer to explore Alaska while enjoying the camaraderie of a group, Gray Line offers three, eight-day escorted itineraries. Guests enjoy the convenience of an accompanying tour guide to handle logistics and provide information while traveling in a private, glass-domed railcar, boat and deluxe motor coach, with many meals included. New in 2012 is the Escorted National Parks itinerary, which travels roundtrip from Anchorage with stops at Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve — America's largest national park. Fares start at $2,449 per person.

Sightseeing Tours

Gray Line offers sightseeing and day tours in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. Tour options include city tours, Alaska Native culture, a riverboat cruise, gold panning and a glacier cruise to Portage Glacier on the MV Ptarmigan. These can be booked at Gray Line offices in Alaska, through a travel agent or online at www.graylinealaska.com.

Group Tours

Gray Line plans custom tours for groups of 15 people or more. A group may wish to add a trip to Denali following their cruise, or take an extensive tour of Interior Alaska and the Yukon. Gray Line can customize trips with the addition of sightseeing tours, transportation and lodging. Itineraries can be tailored to fit group needs and preferences, including flexible departure times and routes.

Additional information about Gray Line of Alaska is available through a professional travel agent at 1-800-544-2206, or on the company website at www.graylinealaska.com.

About Gray Line of Alaska

Gray Line of Alaska has been a premier tour operator in Alaska for 65 years, and in 2010, received the Gray Line Worldwide Award for Innovation. In 2012 the company will continue to offer multiple-day package tours and sightseeing tours in Alaska and the Yukon. For more information, call 1-800-544-2206 or visit www.graylinealaska.com.

SOURCE Gray Line of Alaska