The Heart of Alaska:

Alaska wonders in Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage & Seward

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Experience a cross section of Alaska's wonders!  From the wilderness interior to the rugged coast; from towering mountain ranges to spectacular glaciers, this tour truly offers a great way to see the real Alaska!  We'll visit TWO national parks, travel via rail, plane, boat and car, and tour in comfort and style from Fairbanks to Denali, Anchorage and Seward.

DETAILED GUIDED ITINERARY:

Day One - FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks' small-town hospitality and pioneer spirit will make your stay one to remember, with amenities and adventures in a style that is authentically Alaskan.   Dinner together will give you the opportunity to get to know your guide and fellow travelers.  Lodging is at one of Fairbanks' finest hotels.

Day Two - FAIRBANKS
After breakfast on your own, we'll cruise the Chena and Tanana Rivers aboard the Riverboat Discovery, an authentic Alaska sternwheeler.  In the afternoon, you are free to explore on your own, or join your guide for a visit to the U of A Museum and Large Animal Research Station. 

Optional:  You may wish to spend this day on a tour by air to Barrow and the Arctic Circle.  Additional cost will apply. 

Day Three - DENALI NATIONAL PARK
We'll take to the rails as we head for Denali National Park, home to Mt. McKinley (North America's highest mountain).  The afternoon will be yours for discovery--you may want to take a whitewater rafting trip, enjoy horseback riding, tour the backcountry via ATV, experience golf under the midnight sun, or simply relax.  We'll spend the next two nights at one of the area's fine lodges.

 

Day Four - DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Today, we'll venture into the park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour.  This is perfect for those wanting the opportunity to learn more about the ecology, landscapes and wilderness that is Denali. With the help of a Certified Interpretive Guide, look for wildlife on this 54 mile journey to the turnaround point. If weather permits, travel 8 miles further to Stony Overlook for a look at the full 18,500ft vertical rise of “The Great One” – Denali, the crown jewel of the Alaska Range.

Day Five - ANCHORAGE
It's back to the rails, and onward to Anchorage, a vibrant, eclectic metropolis with a frontier sprit, located in the heart of great Alaska wilderness.  Our lodging for the next two nights will be one of Anchorage's best hotels.

Day Six - ANCHORAGE
After breakfast (on your own), we'll take to the water and the skies for a float plane journey to Knik Glacier!  Your flight will take you over the expansive Knik Glacier rimmed with spectacular hanging glaciers. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land, then fly over the Colony Glacier to Lake George where it spills into the winding Knik Glacier Gorge. Spot mountain goats and moose.  You'll also make a landing for refreshments at a lakeside inn.

Optional: Late July/Early August is prime Bear season!  You may wish to spend this day on a bear viewing tour at Katmai National Park or Redoubt Bay.  Additional cost will apply.

Day Seven - SEWARD

Leaving the rails behind, we'll now travel via automobile to Seward. Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park," Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage.  Our first day in town is yours to explore; you may wish to visit a dog sledding camp - both land and helicopter options are available here!  Another great Seward attraction is the Alaska Sea Life Center.  Lodging is at a cozy inn.

Day Eight - SEWARD
We'll head out for a smooth-sailing boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park. This tour provides the greatest opportunity for wildlife and glacier viewing - abundant wildlife, excellent whale watching opportunities, and the massive Aialik or Holgate Glaciers. We'll watch for Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor porpoise, Orca (killer whales), harbor seals, bald eagles, puffins and many other types of marine birds. This tour is fully narrated by an experienced captain and a National Park Ranger, and the friendly crew will be available to answer questions and point out local sights.  On board, we'll enjoy a delicious Alaskan lunch.

Day Nine - ANCHORAGE
Back to Anchorage for our final day together.  The afternoon is free for exploration; tonight we'll have a festive farewell dinner at a great restaurant.

Day Ten - DEPART FOR HOME