Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in “The Last Frontier.” Begin with an orientation tour of Anchorage, then you’re off! Stop at a gold mine, award-winning dog kennels of an Iditarod champion, and ride the Alaska Railroad past Mount McKinley to Denali National Park. Watch for wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour, then choose your activity: scenic float trip, flora and fauna excursion, jet boat safari, or round of golf. Embark your cruise ship in Seward and set sail for College Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Inside Passage. Experience Russian culture in Sitka; soak in the local flavor of Juneau, Alaska’s capital; and see the world’s largest totem collection in Ketchikan. Disembark in Vancouver, B.C., the ideal ending to your journey.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage
Welcome to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. This evening, enjoy a WELCOME RECEPTION hosted by your Tour Director. (WR)

Day 2 Anchorage–Talkeetna
After breakfast, board your luxury motorcoach and enjoy an ORIENTATION TOUR of Anchorage. Travel through scenic Hatcher Pass to the historic INDEPENDENCE MINE and learn about the gold rush that drew thousands of adventurers to this last frontier. We’ll then visit HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS, the awardwinning dog kennels of 4-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser. Spend the night at the luxurious Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge which boasts unforgettable views of Mount McKinley. (B,D)

Day 3 Talkeetna–Denali National Park
Today, board the world-famous ALASKA RAILRO AD to travel to Denali National Park. Enjoy panoramic views and first-class service as you travel in style aboard domed railcars. Watch for wildlife and scenic views of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America at 20,320 feet. Spend the next two nights at Denali National Park in the Grande Denali Lodge. Tonight, choose your dinner option: relax with a leisurely meal in the hotel’s dining room or enjoy an evening out at the Denali Dinner Theater. (B,D)

Day 4 Denali National Park. Tundra Wilderness Tour
Choose Your Experience. This morning, travel the pristine wilderness of this 6-million-acre park on a TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR searching for wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose,caribou, and Dall sheep. A box lunch is provided. A PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, you select how you wish to spend your afternoon. Join in a scenic fl oat trip, a flora and fauna excursion, a scenic jet boat safari, or play a round of golf . (B,BL)

Day 5 Denali National Park–Girdwood
Travel by luxury motorcoach south to Anchorage where you will have time to visit the VETER AN’S MEMORI AL and Saturday Market before continuing on to Girdwood, the gateway to the Kenai Peninsula. Overnight at The Hotel Alyeska, set in the pristine wilderness and surrounded by towering spruce trees, mountains, and hanging glaciers. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring fresh Alaskan seafood and other local delicacies. (B,D)

Day 6 Girdwood–Seward–Cruise
This morning, get up close and personal to Alaska’s famous wildlife at the ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER. Upon arrival in Seward, enjoy a brief sightseeing tour followed by time for independent sightseeing and shopping. Visit the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER , featuring Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife. Then transfer to the pier to embark on your cruise ship and next adventure. (B,D)

Day 7 Cruising: College Fjord
Get ready for an unforgettable day of cruising through breathtaking College Fjord. By taking a stroll around the Promenade Deck, you will be able to see four, five, and even six different glaciers at once! Top off the evening by watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Cruising: Glacier Bay
One of Alaska’s most dramatic sites is before you today in Glacier Bay National Park. Witness an amazing spectacular of thunder and flying spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea, making for lasting memories. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Cruising: Sitka
Step back in time in the charming port of Sitka, which reigned as the capital of Russian America for 100 years. Experience “life under the czars” with majestic onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum (housing prized Russian and Indian artifacts), and lively performances of the New Archangel Dancers. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Cruising: Juneau
Today, visit one of America’s most scenic and remote capital cities—Juneau! Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and is home to a rich gold rush history, native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Step ashore to shop for gold nuggets; visit the stately Governor’s Mansion; saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, the city’s famous watering hole; or visit the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Cruising: Ketchikan
Ketchikan offers you a firsthand opportunity to experience native Alaska. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historic Park. Explore Creek Street, now a covey of contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques in this waterfront city. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Cruising: Inside Passage
Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and aweinspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other kinds of wildlife. Onboard ship entertainment is also plentiful. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Vancouver
The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after 11:30 a.m. (B)