Alaska, “The Great Land,” covers more than 586,000 square miles – so vast that some Alaskans live closer to Japan than to their own state capital of Juneau. Alaska is a land of amazing wonders – bald eagles, mountain sheep, grizzlies, peregrine falcons and caribou . . . historic gold rush towns . . . stormy volcanic islands . . . and wildflower carpets stretching across miles of summer tundra. Arctic Eskimos, Aleuts, Tlingits, Haidas, Tshimashians and other Native Alaskans have enriched the Alaskan culture with their customs and artistry. On this fantastic journey, pan for gold in a cool Alaskan stream and dine in a gold mine. Mush with huskies and sled dogs, whale-watch, and helicopter onto a glacier, during this unforgettable Grandtravel adventure into the Alaskan wilderness.
Day 1: Arrive Fairbanks Welcome to Alaska, the Great Land! You'll be met at the airport and assisted with luggage and hotel transfers. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.
Marriott Spring Hill Suites, (D) Day 2: Fairbanks After breakfast, this morning you will take a city tour of Fairbanks that includes the Alaska Pipeline and the University of Alaska Museum, which is the state’s largest science museum and also contains many cultural artifacts. After lunch you will take an adventurous riverboat cruise on the Sternwheeler Discovery. Relax as you cruise the Chena and Tanana Rivers with an all-Alaskan crew who will bring you back into the heart of the steamboat era. While on board you will meet the Native guides who will accompany you ashore at the Old Chena Village for a tour of an early Athabascan Indian community. You will also view a bush pilot’s air show, and fishwheel, and an Iditarod champion dog team in action. This evening after dinner you will visit Pioneer Park where you can observe life in Frontier Alaska.
Marriott Spring Hill Suites, (D)
Day 3: Fairbanks to Denali This morning, board a luxury dome car for a scenic train ride to Denali National Park. When you arrive at Denali, relax at the lodge before an exciting scenic rafting trip on the Nenana River.
McKinley Chalets, (B,D) July 4: Denali Early this morning explore Denali National Park’s prime wildlife habitat on your journey to Kantishna Roadhouse, once the site of intensive mining activity, dating back to 1905. Watch for moose, caribou, bear, fox, dall sheep, and other wildlife. After lunch at the Roadhouse, you will have a chance to pan for gold or see a dog sled demonstration. Take a scenic sightseeing trip back to the park entrance and, if weather permits, fly along the north face of Denali.
McKinley Chalets, (B,D)
July 5: Denali to Anchorage After breakfast, you will visit the homestead and kennel of Jeff King, who is recognized as the “Winningest Musher in the World.” He has won the 1,049 Mile Iditarod Sled dog race four times. You will meet the champion sled dogs, cuddle with newborn puppies, hear stories from the Iditarod trail and watch a training run. After lunch at your lodge, board a motor coach for your scenic, sightseeing drive to Anchorage.
Anchorage Marriott Downtown, (B,L)
Day 6: Anchorage After breakfast, visit the new Alaska Native Heritage Center, and learn about the five major Native ethnic groups in Alaska: Athabascan, Aleut/Alutiiq; Inupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik; Yup’ik / Chup’ik; and Tlingit / Haidasimshian/Eyak. Learn about the native music, arts, storytelling, and many other facets of Native life. After a free afternoon, dine in a gold mine and then see Alaska wild berry jams and chocolates being made…not to mention the world’s largest chocolate waterfall!
Anchorage Marriott Downtown, (B,L) Day 7: Anchorage to Juneau After breakfast you will fly to Juneau. Upon arrival in Juneau you will have time to settle into your hotel and enjoy the capital of Alaska. This evening you will enjoy an authentic dinner of Alaskan-caught salmon barbecued over an alderwood fire. Walk to the Salmon Creek waterfall and roast marshmallows over an open campfire.
Goldbelt Hotel, (B, D) Day 8: Juneau After breakfast you will have an opportunity to catch fish aboard a fully equipped luxury fishing boat. As you are trolling for salmon, you will have an opportunity to photograph nesting eagles, sea lions, Humpback and killer (Orca) whales. Upon your return you will soar 2,000 feet above the city of Juneau aboard the Mount Robert’s Tramway where you will have lunch and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of majestic mountains and beautiful fjords. This evening, dinner is on your own.
Goldbelt Hotel, (B, L) Day 9: Tracy Arm Fjord This morning after breakfast you will board your cruise ship and journey through one of the most dramatic sites in the world — Tracy Arm Fjord. This narrow fjord twists and turns for over 30 miles, culminating in a spectacular view of the twin tidewater Sawyer Glaciers. Your captain will navigate as close as the ice floe allows, stopping for an extended stay at the face of the glacier. Watch for seals relaxing on the icebergs, bald eagles soaring above the cliffs and many other animals that call this area home. Learn about the natural history of the fjord, its glaciers and the wildlife from our onboard naturalist.
Goldbelt Hotel, (B, L, D) Day 10: Juneau This morning after breakfast, weather permitting, you will take a helicopter tour and make a landing on a glacier. Enjoy a truly Alaskan adventure by visiting a glacier dog sled camp and then take a ride with a team of huskies loping across a snow-capped glacier. You will feel the excitement as the team is hooked up, then….you’re off. This afternoon you will have some free time for last minute shopping or relaxing before your farewell dinner.
Goldbelt Hotel, (B, D)
Day 11: Depart Juneau After breakfast, fly home
(B) 
| Cost for Land Arrangements | | Rates are per person, based on a minimum of two persons sharing a room. See Terms and Conditions. | | Adult/Child (12-17) double | $7,295 | | Adult/Child (12-17) triple | $6,895 | | Child (7-11) double | $6,895 | | Child (7-11) triple | $6,580 | | Roundtrip airfare from home city to Fairbanks and return from Juneau not included |
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