From Anchorage to Fairbanks, see what the "Big Land" has to offer on this 10-day vacation. Beginning in Anchorage, travel through the Matanuska Valley and over Tahnita Pass to the seaside port of Valdez, often called the "Switzerland of Alaska." Board a boat for a cruise on Prince William Sound and along the three-mile face of Columbia Glacier. In Alaska's second-largest city of Fairbanks, enjoy panning for gold at the Eldorado Gold Camp and cruising on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Next, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness to Denali National Park, where you will seek out grizzly bear, caribou, moose, and other interesting wildlife during a wilderness expedition. Back in Anchorage, a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park tops off your journey to this spectacular region.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Anchorage
Welcome to Anchorage! Meet your Tour Director this evening between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the hotel reception area.

Day 2 Anchorage–Valdez
Meet your fellow traveling companions at this morning’s Welcome orientation. Travel through Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, where cabbages can grow to an amazing 70 pounds in the 24-hour daylight, up over Tahneta Pass with wonderful vistas of Matanuska and Worthington Glaciers. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls before arriving in the seaside port of Valdez, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Alaska Landscape.” (B,D)

Day 3 Valdez. Cruise on Prince William Sound
Board your boat for a cruise on Prince William Sound and along the 3-mile face of Columbia Glacier, keeping a watchful eye out for wildlife, including seals, sea otters, birds, and even whales! Before returning to Valdez, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal where super tankers are loaded with crude oil from Prudhoe Bay. (B,L)

Day 4 Valdez–Delta Junction–Fairbanks
Great scenery all the way as you travel along the Richardson Highway. Stop at DELTA JUNCTION, a living history homestead with a museum, original roadhouse, and farm animals. Then head west on the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks, the state’s second-largest city. (B,D)

Day 5 Fairbanks
Visit the EL DORADO GOLD MINE, then ride the narrowgauge railroad and head inside the mine’s permafrost tunnel. Try your luck as you pan for gold. Later today, board the sternwheeler Discovery for a CRUISE on the Chena and Tanana Rivers with a stop at the Chena Indian Village to learn about Athabascan Native culture. You will also have the chance to meet Iditarod mushers and their famed dog teams to learn about breeding, training, and the big race! (B)
Arctic Circle Adventure. An option available from Fairbanks on
Day 5. Additional price includes: guided tour (fly to and from the Arctic Circle); a wilderness community; Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate; salmon bake. Fly north through the rugged Brooks Mountain Range, crossing the Arctic Circle, to the amazing arctic tundra. Here, visit a wilderness community and learn about the way of life in this rural area. Return to Fairbanks by air where you will be awarded an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. You will also experience a traditional salmon bake at Pioneer Park during your Arctic Adventure.

Day 6 Fairbanks–Denali National Park
Board the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends at DENALI NATIONAL PARK, where North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley, majestically dominates the park’s 6 million acres. The afternoon is free. This evening, enjoy song, dance, and delicious food at the DENALI DINNER THEATER. (B,D)

Day 7 Denali National Park
Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Then dress comfortably for a wilderness expedition into Denali National Park to seek out grizzly bear,caribou, moose,and more. (B)

Day 8 Denali National Park–Anchorage
Continue your exploration of Denali National Park as you head south toward Anchorage. Stop along the way at the IDITAROD HEADQUARTERS, home of the famous dogsled races. Upon arrival in Anchorage, take a CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. (B,D)

Day 9 Anchorage. Cruise in Kenai Fjords
Witness one of the world’s most scenic drives as you follow the south shore of lovely Turnagain Arm. Upon arrival in Seward, board your vessel for a cruise of KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK where you will have the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! (B,L)

Day 10 Anchorage
The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided.