From Fairbanks to Anchorage, see what the "Great Land" of Alaska has to offer on this exhilarating vacation. You’ll have an opportunity to ride the thrilling, world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness into Denali National Park, where North America’s highest peak—Mount McKinley—dominates the park’s six million acres. In Denali, enjoy a wilderness expedition in search of grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and more. You’ll also mine for gold in Fairbanks and visit Happy Trails Kennels near Anchorage, where you’ll learn about the Iditarod and meet the sled dogs.You’ve seen photos of glaciers calving into the sea, but nothing compares to being there in person. During your cruise on Kenai Fjords National Park, watch the glaciers crash into the sea and hear the thunderous roar. It’s a spectacular sight! Along the way, watch for wildlife, including sea otters, seals, birds, and more.Alaska is a destination that should not be missed. So grab your camera, sit back, and let Globus handle all the details on this vacation of a lifetime.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Fairbanks. Welcome to Fairbanks, the state’s second-largest city. Meet your Tour Director this evening for a welcome between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Day #2 Fairbanks. Visit GOLD DREDGE #8 and ride the narrow-gauge railroad. Try your luck as you pan for gold. Later today, board the sternwheeler DISCOVERY for a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers with a stop at the Chena Indian Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! This evening, enjoy a special Alaska Salmon Bake. (B,D)
Day #3 Fairbanks–Alaska Railroad–Denali National Park. Board the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends at DENALI NATIONAL PARK, where North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley, majestically dominates the park’s 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Murie Science Center followed by an exclusive [LF] PRESENTATION on Denali National Park by a local Naturalist. (B,D)
Day #4 Denali National Park. Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Then, dress comfortably for a WILDERNESS EXPEDITION into Denali National Park to seek out grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and other wildlife. (B,L)
Day #5 Denali National Park–Big Lake–Anchorage. Continue your exploration of Denali National Park as you head south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at [LF] HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS, home of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser and his dogs. See a demo on mushing, complete with a mock Iditarod checkpoint, and get a chance to play with the sled dogs! Upon arrival in Anchorage, take a city sightseeing tour. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Anchorage. Cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Witness one of the world’s most scenic drives as you follow the south shore of lovely Turnagain Arm. Upon arrival in Seward, board your vessel for a cruise of KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK and the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! (B,L)
Day #7 Anchorage. The tour ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)