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Alaska Explorer Guided Bus Tour

A fully guided land tour that works well on its own, or combined with many Alaska cruises.

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Tour Code: 1002CTA

Tour Overview

The Alaska Explorer Tour is a one-way, guided group bus tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali and Talkeetna. The Alaska Explorer tour is ideal for a pre-cruise land tour in Alaska. You’ll begin your fun in Fairbanks. In addition to expert commentary by your tour leader, you’ll visit the University of Alaska to learn about Alaska’s unique history and wildlife. Afterward, you’ll take off on an excursion aboard the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery. The next day, you’ll board a glass-domed rail car from Fairbanks to Denali National Park on the Alaska Railroad. On your free day in Denali, explore the national park by bus. Your professional guides and drivers are local experts about Alaska, and after a while, traveling with them is like traveling with a friend. This fun and educational guided bus tour is a delightful way to experience all of Alaska.

What's Included
  • Five nights accommodation with baggage handling
  • Five breakfasts (B), one dinner (D)
  • Group transportation is as follows: van transportation for group size 1 to 9 people (driver guide only) or full-size motorcoach transportation for group size 10 to 50 people
  • A dome train journey from Fairbanks to Denali National Park
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
  • Sightseeing in Fairbanks
  • Museum of the North admission
  • Riverboat Sternwheeler cruise
  • 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
  • All taxes and fees
 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Fairbanks Arrival

Arrive in Fairbanks and transfer on your own to the hotel. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 2
Fairbanks

This morning includes a sightseeing tour of the gold mining town of Fairbanks with a stop at the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North. In the afternoon, cruise the Chena River aboard a classic sternwheeler. A stop will be made to see a sled dog team, a trapper’s cabin, and an historic Native Alaskan settlement. Overnight Fairbanks. (B)

Day 3
Fairbanks to Denali National Park

Relax and enjoy the views as you travel south on the Alaska Railroad to Denali. In the afternoon, take an interpretive hike along Otto Lake followed by a “Welcome to Denali” reception a the Denali Discovery Center. Overnight near the Denali park entrance area. (B)

Day 4
Denali National Park

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour (simple park bus) into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. The driver will provide commentary.  The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. Overnight in the Denali park entrance area. (B)

Day 5
Denali National Park to Talkeetna to Anchorage

Travel by motorcoach/van from Denali to Talkeetna this morning. Enjoy time on own to explore the quaint and historic town of Talkeetna. Afterwards continue your scenic transfer south to Anchorage. In the evening, enjoy a closing dinner and farewell.  Overnight Anchorage. (B, D)

Day 6
Anchorage Departure

Your tour comes to an end with a hotel courtesy transfer to the airport. (B)

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

 

Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the Alaska Explorer Guided Bus Tour:
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Cabin Nite Dinner Theater

Length: 2 hours

Starting at: $96 / pp

Enjoy old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Alaska Gold Rush tale of […]... Browse itinerary

Gates of the Arctic Air Adventure

Length: 4-5 hours

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This flightseeing trip from Fairbanks in the evening takes you to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic Region.  You will first fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle.  During a quick […]... Browse itinerary

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