Jewels of Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savor a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.

Get acquainted with Anchorage on an immersive city tour, from its downtown streets to views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. At the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you sample Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) and hear how this tradition connects Alaska’s first peoples across generations. Travel on to the quaint community of Talkeetna, where independent shops and mountain views set the scene for an evening to explore and dine as you choose.

This morning, you have two memorable ways to explore Alaska’s waterways: set out on an exhilarating jet boat adventure up the Chulitna River Gorge, traveling through a classic braided river system with multiple channels and shifting islands, and visit an authentic trapper’s cabin along the way. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful scenic float down the Talkeetna River, soaking in the stunning views and serenity of the surrounding wilderness. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an Optional Experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed railcar. Upon arrival, settle in at the lodge before meeting a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to climb Denali, one of the tallest and most daunting land-based mountains in the world. You'll learn about the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to complete the 17- to 18-day round trip, where conditions are so challenging that climbers must build snow walls for protection against the elements. Hearing tales of such a trek from someone who has experienced it first-hand is truly captivating. For tonight's Dine-Around evening, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant.

Embark on an extensive Tundra Wilderness Tour for some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife. You'll journey through the awe-inspiring road corridor, immersing yourself in the heart of Denali's wilderness and seizing unparalleled opportunities to witness its captivating wildlife. Travel to the Murie Cabin nestled near the East Fork River, where you'll see where pioneering naturalist Adolf Murie once lived. You’ll have the whole afternoon free to participate in an array of optional activities. This magnificent land is nature at its purest, yet has something to offer all. From a blissful stroll through one of the meadows, to a rewarding hike, this park is for everyone. You will also find that to be true with the exciting Optional Experiences which include fly fishing to a helicopter flightseeing tour - just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings under the star-filled night.

Travel south on the George Parks Highway to the Matanuska–Susitna Valley, a region shaped by glacial activity and known for its fertile farmland. Here, you’ll visit Moonstone Farm and meet David Church, whose family arrived with the 1935 Matanuska Colony Project, and discover how this multigenerational farm helps sustain local communities and national food security. You’ll hear how three generations have harnessed long summer days and glacial silt to grow giant, prize-winning vegetables with distinctive sweetness. Then, follow the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, where the extreme tidal range, up to 40 feet, creates one of the world’s most dramatic bore tides. Arrive in Girdwood, home to Alaska’s only year-round resort, Alyeska, set at the foot of the Chugach Mountains. This evening, join your Travel Director for a dinner accompanied by wine, offering a chance to unwind and discuss the day’s discoveries.

Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska Resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometer) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop. Those saying farewell today will travel back to Anchorage.