Welcome to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains and located on the beautiful Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a stunning urban enclave surrounded by wilderness. This evening we meet our local guide and fellow travellers as we gather for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Dinner
Today we embark on a Kenai Fjords Cruise, as we explore the protected waters Resurrection Bay. We experience up-close encounters with wildlife as we guide our ship along massive bird rookeries and sea lion colonies, stopping along the route to view passing whales and otters. Keep watch for eagles, puffins, sea lions, whales and other wildlife that call the area home. We enjoy a delicious lunch of prime rib and salmon onboard the ship. This evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we take a city tour and explore the enticing history of Alaska at Anchorage’s famed cultural attraction, Alaska Native Heritage Centre before departing for Tok. We will see stunning landscapes as we travel the Glenn Richardson Highway. Passing by lakes, canyons, and glaciers as we wind along the highway to Gakona Junction. The highway will take us to Mentasta Summit before descending into Tok, the trading hub for nearby villages, where we rejoin the Alaska Highway.
Overnight: Tok
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the North Pole, Alaska, today. Mail your post cards from this iconic and charming town and pay a visit to Santa Claus’ house. We will continue to Fairbanks, affectionately known for its pristine lakes, captivating sunrises, and rich Alaskan Native culture. Board the Sternwheeler Discovery this afternoon for an unforgettable cruise of the Chena and Tanana Rivers where you will learn about ancient Athabascan Indian culture on a personalized tour of the Chena Native Village. Tonight, visit Alaskaland for a delicious baked salmon dinner, followed by an entertaining musical show at the Palace Theatre and Saloon.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we explore the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park & Reserve. Marvel at panoramic views of the famed Alaska Mountain Range including famous Mount Denali – North America’s highest peak. This afternoon we embark on a wildlife tour through the heart of Denali National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife as this tour offers a great opportunity to see animals including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We enjoy some time at leisure in Denali this morning, where we can take some time for a walk along a nearby trail or visit the village and explore the shops. Late morning, we transfer to Denali Train Station and board the Alaska Railroad, travel in Gold Star service to Anchorage. Glass-dome ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform -- the only of its kind in the world -- offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos. On the lower level of GoldStar railcars, passengers enjoy a full-service dining room our GoldStar tickets include meals, all soft beverages and two complimentary adult beverages.
The views are beautiful as the train travels south from Denali through Talkeetna and finally along the coast into Anchorage. On a very clear day we will be able to see the top of Denali Mountain for most of the rail journey. Upon arrival in Anchorage, we transfer to our overnight accommodation and enjoy the remainder of our evening at leisure.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we bid farewell to Alaska today and depart for our journey home.
Meals: Breakfast