2023086 Alaska: America's Last Frontier

Day 1

Your Alaskan adventure begins with a 3-night stay in Fairbanks – the “golden heart city.” Discover this gold rush boomtown’s unique mix of contemporary culture and rich history.

Day 2

Tap into Alaska’s “golden heart” with a visit to a locally owned gold panning experience, where you’ll learn about the region’s gold mining past and try your hand at panning for some paydirt yourself. Get to know Fairbanks on a city tour, including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an engineering marvel that delivers oil across the state to the port city of Valdez. After some free time this afternoon, you’ll visit legendary Trail Breaker Kennel where you’ll meet mushers and their happy pups. Witness the dogs in their element on a training run before enjoying dinner on the kennel’s scenic property.

Day 3

This morning, visit the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska where light filled spaces and expansive windows highlight the spectacular views of the Alaskan range. Inside, the museum tells the state’s rich history through art, artifacts and film. The afternoon is at leisure or take a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery to get a glimpse into everyday life along Alaska’s rivers.

Day 4

Behold beautiful scenery as you relax and have breakfast in a deluxe domed railcar on your way to Denali National Park. Upon arrival in Denali, enjoy some free time to explore the Visitors Center. After it’s your choice! Join your Tour Manager on an easy hike and discover wildflowers and gorgeous views in every direction -OR- take a bus into the park where a ranger will introduce you to the park's sled dogs dogs – the traditional mode of Alaskan wilderness transportation. The evening is yours to discover Denali as you please.

Day 5

Bring your binoculars and camera as you head into Denali National Park on a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour.* Travel over 40 miles into the park and enjoy a wide range of incredible scenery, narrated history, and some of the best opportunities to view the park’s abundant wildlife.

Day 6

Leave Denali National Park behind and step into small-town life in Talkeetna. Check into the iconic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, perched on a ridge offering unforgettable views of Denali. Perhaps you will take an optional flightseeing tour and witness the park’s breathtaking beauty from the air before landing on a glacier for incomparable views of the Alaskan Range. Later, meet up with a local for a discussion on the down-to-earth Alaskan lifestyle.

Day 7

On your way to Anchorage, discover the pastoral charm of Matanuska Valley. Enjoy free time in Palmer for lunch before you take a step into the past with a visit to a Musk Ox Farm. Learn about the Musk Ox project – a sustainable domestication effort that has worked to preserve, protect, and increase awareness for these wooly creatures since 1954. Get acquainted with Anchorage on a panoramic city tour before enjoying an evening at leisure to discover what Alaska’s largest city has to offer.

Day 8

Delve into the area’s indigenous culture this morning at the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you’ll learn about Alaska Native customs, dances, songs local crafts. Head to Whittier and embrace the sheer magnitude of Alaska’s natural beauty on a glacier cruise* through Prince William Sound. Listen to an expert narrate your journey through a geological wonderland as blue skies collide with stark white glaciers and playful otters dip in and out of the calm waters. Tonight, gather at a local restaurant to toast to your journey through America’s last great frontier.

Day 9

Your Alaskan adventure comes to a close today.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner