Alaska Explorer

Arrive into Fairbanks, the largest city in the Alaskan interior. You are met and transferred to your hotel.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (Riverview deluxe king)

Take to the rails today in comfort with GoldStar Service on the Denali Star to Talkeetna. Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, the journey crosses the 210-metre-long Mears Memorial Bridge over the Tanana River which was built in 1923 then squeezes through the Healy Canyon beside the roaring Nenana River, just north of Denali National Park Station. As you travel south of Denali, highlights include a high crossing above Hurricane Gulch and wide-open views of the Alaska Range from atop Broad Pass. During the journey a guide will share insights on the trip.

Arrive in Talkeetna and transfer to your accommodation which overlooks the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (Mountainside king) | Meals: BL

An adventure in store today where you board a ski-plane for a scenic flight over the vast Denali National Park, home to Mt McKinley, North America’s highest peak (6,190 metres). Fly to the western end of the park, past the towering peaks of Denali and Mt Foraker, as massive glaciers are revealed around every corner. Soar above the Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in the Alaska Range, before landing on it for exceptional photographic opportunities and stories from your pilot. This afternoon enjoy a private Alaska sled dog experience. Visit the Talkeetna kennels of Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey. Hear about the gruelling Iditarod Sled Dog Race, meet the dogs (and their puppies) and learn how these endurance athletes are raised and trained. Then, climb aboard a wheeled racing rig used to train dog teams without snow and take an exhilarating ride through the Talkeetna woods.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (Mountainside king) | Meals: B

After a morning at leisure head out in the afternoon to discover the surrounding area by train, boat and on foot. From Talkeetna board the Hurricane Turn train, one of America’s oldest flag stop trains to the historic town of Curry which was the halfway stop between Seward and Fairbanks during the two-day steam train trip and a very popular resort in the early 1900’s. After a guided tour of the historic town site board a jet boat to travel down the Susitna River. En route back to Talkeetna take a short nature walk giving you the chance to learn of local flora and fauna as well as the earliest settlers in the area, the trappers and the Dena’ina Indians. 

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (Mountainside king) | Meals: B

This morning, meet your guide for a private tour and transfer south to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Along the way, your guide will enlighten you further on Alaska. Arrive at the château-style Hotel Alyeska in the centre of Alyeska Resort in time for lunch and in the afternoon get your bearings on the aerial tram which takes passengers 700 metres above the valley floor to a viewing deck atop Mt Alyeska where the spectacular Turnagain Arm and Chugach Range can be admired. Breathe in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding majestic mountains, dangling glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. While on the mountain you may like to go for a short hike, berry picking or simply relax and admire the view.

In the late afternoon head out on a breathtaking private scenic float down the Portage River. View Hanging Glaciers, wildlife, and relax on this mellow Class I Scenic float. Your guide takes care of the rowing as well as bringing the passing landscape to life. After your float pull up on a riverside beach and enjoy an authentic Alaskan Salmon Bake meal under the midnight sun.  

Alyeska Resort (Summit King) | Meals: BD

This morning you are met by your driver for the journey south to the picturesque port town of Seward, the base for exploring the rich marine ecosystem of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Board your vessel for a cruise through Resurrection Bay keeping eyes peeled for seals, sea lions and bald eagles. Get up close to small islands where bird rookeries abound and if lucky spot humpback whales, orca, Dall porpoise and other marine life. A delicious buffet lunch of Alaskan specialities is part of the experience.

At the head of the Kenai Peninsula you will spot the tidewater glaciers which descend from mountain to sea. Observe them as they crack and calve vast chunks of ice into the water and try to spot "rafts" of otters floating among the miniature icebergs. Return to Seward where your private guide will drive you back to Alyeska. 
Alyeska Resort (Summit King) | Meals: BL

Transfer to Anchorage from where you will head out into the wilderness in search of bears. Board your small floatplane and take off from Lake Hood, the world's busiest floatplane harbour.  From your window seat marvel at the stunning scenery on your flight as you traverse the 115km southwest to Redoubt Bay Lodge near the beautiful entrance of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Redoubt Bay is home to one of the most concentrated and viewable bear populations in the state of Alaska. Once you have landed you will transfer to a covered pontoon boat accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide through the chain of Big River Lakes, host to sockeye and Coho salmon runs and popular feeding sites for resident bear.  Having seen these majestic animals in the wild return by plane to Anchorage and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel Captain Cook (Captain’s Deck Deluxe King) | Meals: B

This morning transfer to Anchorage International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: B