Day 1
Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and spend the afternoon settling in and getting your bearings. This evening you will meet with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception
Overnight: Hilton Downtown Anchorage Hotel or similar (Welcome Reception included)
Day 2
Anchorage - Denali National Park
Begin your exploration of Alaska with a visit brief tour of Anchorage, then on to visit Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the 11 cultural groups from your specialist guide. Later you'll head to Denali National Park where you'll be met by a local specialist who will indulge you in stories of the Sub-Artic flora and fauna and Denali's history. This evening is to spend as you wish.
Overnight: Denali Park Village or similar (Breakfast included)
Days 3
Denali National Park
Today you will wind your way through the scenic Tanana River Valley on your way to snow-capped Mount Denali – the highest peak in North America. Take a history tour and learn about the Alaskan natives and the first ascent of Denali. This afternoon is free time to explore this fascinating national park, designated by Jimmy Carter in 1976 as an international biosphere reserve, focusing on ecosystem conservation.
Overnight: Denali Park Village or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Denali National Park - Fairbanks
This morning you’ll have some more time at your leisure to explore Denali. Then it’s on to the Alaska Railroad, making your way by a deluxe dome railcar to the city of Fairbanks. You’ll dine on board upon a delicious regional meal before your arrival into the Northern Lights capital.
Overnight: Rivers Edge Resort or similar (Breakfast and dinner)
Day 5
Fairbanks
Enjoy your breakfast this morning before a city tour of Fairbanks. Get stuck into the insights of Alaska's Gold Rush with Alaskan's “Gold Daughters” who will guide you through gold panning with a dive into culture experience. Later we board a paddlewheel riverboat on a journey to a recreated Athabascan village. Then you’ll have a spot of free time, before you joining Dave Monson, specialist Dog Musher celebrity for dinner as you learn all about the sport of Dog Mushing in Alaska.
Overnight: Rivers Edge Resort or similar (Breakfast and dinner)
Day 6
Fairbanks - Valdez
Heading south today winding along Alaska’s oldest, Richardson Highway. You’ll enjoy the spectacular snow-capped Alaska Range and views of the Trans Alaska Pipeline that runs alongside the highway. Visit the Historic Roka Roadhouse and St Elias Visitors Center before your arrival into Valdez for your 2-night stay.
Overnight: Best Western Valdez Harbour Inn or similar (Breakfast)
Day 7
Valdez
This morning we visit the Valdez Museum to learn all about the culture and heritage of Valdez. Have your camera ready for spotting otters, seals and sea lions as you cruise around Prince William Sound. Enjoy lunch against the breathtaking scenery of the ice cliffs and icebergs of Columbia Glacier.
Overnight: Best Western Valdez Harbour Inn or similar (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 8
Valdez – Anchorage
Continuing west across the Thompson Pass on your way to Anchorage today, one of the snowiest places in Alaska. This afternoon stop off at the Musk Ox Farm for a guided tour with a local specialist to view the Artic Musk Oxen, and learn on its sustainable agriculture practice. This evening you’ll join your new found friends in Anchorage to talk about your adventures over a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Hilton Anchorage Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner)
Day 9
Anchorage - Seaward – Kenai Fjords
Take a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and then embark on a sightseeing cruise into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy a lunch made of fresh, local ingredients while taking in the views of abundant wildlife and magnificent glaciers
Overnight: Hilton Anchorage Hotel or similar (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 10
Depart Anchorage
Enjoy a morning at leisure before making your way independently to the airport.
(Breakfast included)
