Day 1: Anchorage
After we transport you to your hotel, explore Alaska’s largest city or just relax. 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! Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2: Anchorage - Talkeetna
We’ll pick you up this morning for a motor coach journey to Talkeetna. Here, at the junction of three rivers, you’ll stay the night at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Enjoy the lodge’s spacious deck, featuring quite possibly the most spectacular view of Mt. McKinley you’ll ever see. Nature trails and optional activities are readily available. Overnight in Talkeetna.
Day 3: Talkeetna - Denali
Board the McKinley Explorer’s glass-domed railcars to continue your journey to 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. With the Alaska Range on one side and the Talkeetnas on the other, the views are stunning; if you’re fortunate, you’ll catch sight of Mt. McKinley through the glass dome of your railcar. Tonight you’ll be regaled with a sumptuous dinner and homespun entertainment at the Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. Overnight in Denali. (D)
Day 4: Denali
Watch for big game and other Alaskan wildlife as you explore the rugged terrain of Denali on your Natural History Tour. The scenery alone is worth the trip, and you may also be lucky enough to see some wildlife, although you won't enter true bear country. You'll leave from the Visitor Access Center and climb Government Hill. Look off to your left and you'll see an expansive view that includes part of the Yanert Valley. This is taiga forest, prime moose habitat, and moose may be seen anywhere on this stretch of road. There are some huge bull moose in the park. Watch for a flash of sun glinting off antlers, especially in the fall during rutting season. Moose like to nibble on the fresh willow leaves along the road early in the season. As the leaves emerge at higher elevations during the season, the moose follow those tasty treats up the hill. Later in the fall, they are more likely to return to the park road again. Weather permitting, Mt. McKinley may be visible in its breathtaking splendor. The afternoon is yours to participate in some of the park’s free activities or select from thrilling options such as a jet-boat ride and helicopter flightseeing. Overnight Denali.
Day 5: Denali - Fairbanks
The number-one benefit of this tour is time. Take this morning to indulge yourself in Denali’s wild charm before boarding the McKinley Explorer to continue your journey into Alaska’s amazing interior. Transfer to your hotel in Fairbanks upon arrival. Overnight Fairbanks.
Day 6: Fairbanks
Relive the gold rush at its peak in Fairbanks, home of the fully restored Gold Dredge No. 8. On this nationally recognized site, in the presence of historic machinery, you will enjoy a hearty miner’s lunch and learn how to pan for gold. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler. You’ll experience Alaska’s diverse cultural heritage as you float by log cabins, visit sled dog kennels and enjoy a bush pilot performance along the way. We’ll also make a special stop at a Chena Indian village to learn about Native crafts and indigenous fishing/hunting techniques. Overnight Fairbanks. (L)
Day 7: Fairbanks
Your tour ends with a transfer from your hotel to the airport.
This Tour Includes: 6 nights hotel accommodations, Airport and rail transfers, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Cabin Nite Diner Theater, Discover the Gold and Sternwheeler Cruise/Tour.
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