Spectacular Alaska 2009
Day 1 - Arrive Anchorage Welcome to Anchorage! A complimentary transfer to the Trafalgar hotel is provided. Meet your Tour Director at 6:00pm for a Welcome Reception at the hotel. (Welcome Reception) Day 2 - Anchorage — Independence Mine — Glennallen Today we head northeast into the Matanuska Valley. In Palmer, we stop at the Musk Ox Farm to learn about these incredible prehistoric remnants of the last great Ice Age. Then we climb Hatcher Pass to explore historic Independence Mine State Historical Park, one of the best preserved Gold Rush parks in North America. We continue on with views of the great Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier spilling out into the valley. We overnight in Glennallen, a typical Alaskan community, on the border of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S. (Full Breakfast)
Day 3 - Glennallen — Richardson Highway — Fairbanks (2 nights) We journey north along the Richardson Highway and through the great arch of the towering Alaska Mountain Range to Fairbanks. This route takes us along the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, often referred to as the "mountain kingdom of North America," and along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, running 800 miles from Valdez to Prudhoe Bay. We stop at the historic Rika's Roadhouse for a look back at how roadhouses' fame was established during the building of the Alaska Highway in the 1940-s. After a stop in Delta Junction, the original northern end of the famed Alaska Highway, we arrive in Fairbanks for a two night stay. (Full Breakfast)
Day 4 - Fairbanks sightseeing & at leisure We discover Fairbanks and its rich history of oil and gold on a morning orientation tour. Then we board the Riverboat Discovery and follow the Tanana and Chena Rivers. Along the way, we pay a visit to a re-created Athabaskan Village, where a local guide takes us on a tour. Tonight, join us for a Welcome Reception hosted by your Tour Director, followed by dinner. (Full Breakfast /Welcome Reception/ Dinner)
Day 5 - Fairbanks — Denali National Park (2 nights) Today we travel south, stopping to visit the town of Nenana. This afternoon we arrive in Denali National Park, home of Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. We settle in for our two-night stay and this evening revel in Denali's colorful past at the Denali Dinner Theatre. (Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 6 - Denali National Park excursion & at leisure Relax this morning in the grandeur of America's last wilderness. Maybe take an optional rafting trip or guided hike through this legendary landscape. This afternoon, we venture into the heart of Denali on a guided expedition — keep an eye out for moose, caribou, sheep and the mighty grizzly. (Full breakfast / Lunch)
Day 7 - Denali — Alaska Railroad — Anchorage (2 nights) The morning is yours to bask in the beauty of Denali National Park. This afternoon we board the famous Alaska Railroad for the journey to Anchorage. Following the Nenana River we cross Broad Pass and then follow the shores of the Susitna River as it winds its way to Cook Inlet. (Full breakfast)
Day 8 - Anchorage sightseeing & at leisure Our orientation tour includes the historic district and the shores of Cook Inlet. Then we learn more about Alaska's native peoples at the Native Heritage Center. Walk along wooded paths past indigenous villages and meet with Natives from different parts of this land. The rest of the day is at leisure. (Full Breakfast)
Day 9 - Anchorage — Kenai Fjords National Park — Seward Today our Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure to us! The breathtaking beauty of Alaska's coast opens before us as we travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm framed by the Chugach Mountains and ocean vistas. See numerous glaciers before traveling through Moose Pass and descending toward the Kenai Peninsula. In Seward board a sightseeing cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Marvel at the abundant wildlife including seals, porpoises, bald eagles and possibly orcas. We also have a chance to see some of the area's numerous tidewater glaciers and with any luck we may see an iceberg "calve" or fall from the glacier, creating an eerie roar. We arrive at Seward, a typical Alaskan waterfront town where we get together for a Farewell Dinner. (Full breakfast/ Lunch/ Farewell Dinner)
Day 10 - Seward — Whittier — Depart Anchorage We learn about Alaska's marine life at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Marvel at the huge underwater tanks and the salmon fish ladder. Later, we travel via the port of Whittier, on our return to Anchorage International Airport or the Trafalgar hotel in Anchorage. Why not extend your vacation with a 7-night cruise" (Full Breakfast)
Please do not schedule any flights before 6.00pm
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