Sightseeing: Portage Glacier cruise, Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III, and Iditarod Dogsled Visitor Center.
Scenic Highlights:Chugach National Forest, Portage Glacier, scenic Tahneta Pass, Matanuska Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Chena & Tanana Rivers, recreated Athabascan Indian village, and Denali National Park.
Guides:
Services of a professional Tour Director.
NOTES:
- While wildlife in Alaska is frequently seen, early season (May & early June) and late season (September) departures offer even greater opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife. Departures after mid-August should enjoy blazing fall colors.
- Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.
Day 1Anchorage
Relax today or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2Anchorage
Journey down Turnagain Arm, where mountains rise out of the sea, and keep an eye out for Dall sheep, bald eagles, and beluga whales. Travel into Chugach National Forest and board your boat for a CRUISE to Portage Glacier. A National Forest Service interpreter will be on board to explain the glacier. This afternoon and evening are free in Anchorage for independent activities. (CB)
Day 3Anchorage–Fairbanks
Travel through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, a lush farming region where cabbages can grow to weigh more than 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight. Over scenic Tahneta Pass, with vistas of Matanuska Glacier, then travel along WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which runs 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. The area boasts glaciers larger than the island of Manhattan, and is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in North America. Along the way, see spectacular scenery. (CB)
Day 4Fairbanks
This morning, take the included cruise down the Chena and Tanana Rivers aboard the STERNWHEELER RIVERBOAT Discovery III. Stop at a recreated Athabascan Indian village and learn about their history. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Fairbanks.
Day 5Fairbanks–Denali National Park
Ride the rails from Fairbanks to DENALI NATIONAL PARK. The afternoon and evening are free in Denali for independent activities, such as a walk in the park, attending one of the free national park programs, Mount McKinley flightseeing, a helicopter landing on the glacier, or the Denali Dinner Theatre.
Day 6Denali National Park
A free day in DENALI NATIONAL PARK. Your Tour Director will recommend activities, including a river float trip, helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing, and hiking.
Day 7Denali National Park–Anchorage
Journey south this morning and stop at the IDITAROD DOGSLED VISITOR CENTER to learn more about this epic race. Then, continue to Anchorage, where the tour ends at Anchorage International Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 3:30 pm.
Transportation:Journey on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.