Jewels of Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks, and glaciers. Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at MUSE, located in the Anchorage Museum, a venue dedicated to studying and exploring the land, people, art, and history of Alaska.

Get acquainted with Anchorage on an included city tour. Enjoy an exclusive Agutak (Inuit Ice Cream) making demonstration by Alaska’s Indigenous people during a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs dialogue about an ancient people’s remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak. The evening is yours at leisure, so ask your Travel Director for suggestions on where is best to head for a bite to eat.

This morning, enjoy an included jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and visit a Trapper Cabin. Learn about the lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Talkeetna or perhaps join an optional experience.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaskan Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, towards Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed railcar. Meet a local climber who will share stories about what it’s like to brave a climb up the tallest land-based mountain in the world. For tonight’s dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a local brewery or your lodge’s restaurant during your Dine-Around Evening.

With the Denali National Park and Preserve just a short drive away from your hotel, you’ll find a number of ways to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness on your own, or spend the day partaking in one of our optional activities. From an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River(waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour or a Denali Wilderness walking tour, the choice is yours – just don’t forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge and enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings at night.

Enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway. Meet the champion dog team of four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 km) dogsled race and enjoy lunch at his home. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort and ski area. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer. You’ll get some shut-eye at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska, which is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, and spectacular ocean views.

Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord where you will come up close and personal to the glaciers. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse and enjoy an included lunch. Say farewell today and travel back to Anchorage where you will arrive at the Anchorage Airport at approximately 20:00.