Day 1: Anchorage
Upon arrival in beautiful Anchorage, we'll transport you to your hotel; plan your first evening exploring the largest city in Alaska or just relaxing. A modern city surrounded by spectacular wilderness with adventures just steps from the hotel, Anchorage has plenty to offer. Home to Alaska's largest selection of quality Alaska Native art and souvenirs such as finely crafted ivory, Native masks, and carved jade, you'll find abundant opportunities to shop; and with access to some of the freshest seafood in the world, you can enjoy plump, cold-water Kachemak Bay oysters, Alaska king crab, fresh-caught halibut, or wild Alaska salmon – the staple of Alaska seafood, for your evening meal. Anchorage has it all! And no sales tax! The rest of the day is free for you to explore Alaska's largest city. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2: Anchorage - Denali Backcountry Lodge
Travel by deluxe motor coach to the entrance of Denali National Park. Upon arrival, a representative from the Denali Backcountry Lodge will be there to transfer you through Denali National Park. With six million acres, Denali National Park & Preserve is larger than Massachusetts. Located in the heart of Alaska's magnificent and rugged interior, the park is home to majestic Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain. The Park also features glaciers, a sub-arctic ecosystem and an internationally designated biosphere preserve with moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and wolves. You'll enjoy the sweeping vistas and variety of wildlife that make Denali so famous. Nestled in the snug valley carved by Moose Creek as it winds to the Yukon, the lodge lies at the very end of the restricted 95-mile Denali park road. Overnight at Denali Backcountry Lodge. (D)
Day 3: Denali Backcountry Lodge
Begin your day exploring the pristine Alaskan landscape. Relax and enjoy optional activities throughout the day, such as gold panning, mountain biking, guided hikes and a shuttle to spectacular viewing areas. On a clear day, you will capture stunning photos of majestic Mt. McKinley. Join the naturalist guides for gourmet appetizers in the Lodge and recap your adventures of the day. Wind down the evening in the dining and lounge areas found in the spacious two-story lodge. Overnight at Denali Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Denali Backcountry Lodge - Denali
During your journey back to the park entrance, you will have more opportunities to view wildlife in your search of the Denali Big Four: moose, caribou, bear and Dall sheep. The afternoon is yours to participate in complimentary park activities or select from thrilling options such as whitewater rafting, a self-drive Jeep tour, a jet-boat ride and helicopter flightseeing. Overnight in Denali. (B)
Day 5: Denali - Anchorage
Take time this morning to indulge yourself in more of Denali's wild charm. Then, you will travel in style and luxury aboard the McKinley Explorer. In addition to the spacious upper-level seating area and cocktail bar, you will enjoy an open-air viewing platform, the gift shop and the smoothest ride of any of the modern-day bi-level domed railcars. Comfortable accommodations await you in Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 6: Anchorage
We'll transfer you to the airport, where your tour ends with many memories from the Great Land.
Tour includes: 5 nights accommodations, Airport and rail transfers, Select meals included at Denali Backcountry Lodge: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
