You will waste no time beginning your Alaska adventure with this “Alaska’s Gems” glacier and wildlife tour by motor coach! Your first stop is a cruise on the world renown Prince William Sound in South Central Alaska with its magnificent glaciers and coastal mountain scenery. Next destination – Denali National Park for a bus tour with the opportunity to see Alaska’s wildlife and view mountain Denali the “Great One”. This all-encompassing Alaska vacation tour continues to Fairbanks with an educational tour of Athabascan Native culture followed by a riverboat cruise and time for an optional trip to cross the Arctic Circle. On your return to Anchorage, stop in the unique small town of Talkeetna, the staging area for climbing expeditions to Denali. This “Alaska Gems” vacation is ideal for the traveler who wants to experience the variety of landscapes that Alaska has to offer.
The tour provides an easy travel pace and includes must-see highlights for any Alaska vacation package such as a glacier cruise, a Denali tour and historic Fairbanks.
Arrival Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your hotel on your own. Overnight in Anchorage.
Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise
Begin your day with a bus transfer to Whittier to meet your afternoon glacier cruise, which includes lunch. Your comfortable vessel take you on a breath-taking cruise into Prince William Sound to view glaciers and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see many different glaciers up close, both tidewater flowing into the sea as well as many other nestled in the mountain peaks surrounding you. Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage to Denali National Park
Dependent on your travel date, you will depart either in the morning or afternoon from Anchorage on a comfortable motorcoach traveling to Denali National Park. Upon arrival you will be able to enjoy the rest of the time on your own to explore the Denali park entrance area. You may wish to visit the Denali Visitor Center, or enjoy an optional tour such a championship sled dog kennel tour, river rafting or flightseeing (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali National Park Tour
Early this morning depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This approx. 8 hour tour takes you about 55 miles into the park through the pristine wilderness led by your experienced driver-guide will provide an overview of the land and its natural history and wildlife. Along the way stops will be made for viewing wildlife, such as bears and moose, and taking photographs. A snack and water are included. At the end of your tour return to the park entrance and the afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali National Park to Fairbanks
Your morning is free for optional excursions or a chance to do some hiking in the surrounding areas. In the late afternoon you will depart on the Alaska Railroad north to Fairbanks. Along the way enjoy beautiful views of the Nenana River and many scenic tundra lakes. Upon arrival in the evening a transfer to your hotel is provided by a courtesy hotel shuttle. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks
In the morning you will travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers for a 3.5 hour float trip on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area's natural history and the Athabascan Native culture. You will see an authentic trapper's cabin, unique log homes, as well as bush plane in action and sled dogs. In the afternoon, use your free time to explore the city on your own; or take an optional flightseeing excursion over part of Alaska's Arctic region (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks to Talkeetna
Today depart Fairbanks and enjoy the day on a scenic ride on the Alaska Railroad to the quaint town of Talkeetna. En route you will pass by Denali and arrive at Talkeetna in the afternoon. This small town has an authentically Alaskan charm, as well as some of the best views of Denali, formerly Mt. McKinley. There is time this evening for optional excursions (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Talkeetna.
Talkeetna to Anchorage
This morning you will have free time to relax or take an optional whitewater jet boat adventure (see Tour Add-Ons). Depart Talkeetna in the late afternoon on board the Alaska Railroad and arrive in Anchorage in the evening. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer to your hotel on own. Overnight in Anchorage.
Depart Anchorage
Transfer on your own to the airport to meet your departure flight, or start an additional program and continue your Alaskan adventure.
Please note in MAY you will be traveling from Anchorage to Denali in the afternoon and not in the morning. You will have free time in Anchorage in the morning.
The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.
If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.
The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.
All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.
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Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
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