Nature's Best: Alaska

7 Day Tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage
Private and personally escorted by Shawnda McAlester, May 28-June 3, 2024

Vacation overview

Peaks. Glaciers. Whales. Wildlife. You couldn’t see more of the great state of Alaska in one week if you were an Iditarod sled dog. Your route on this tour of Alaska takes you by coach to see the highest peak in North America at the 6-million-acre Denali National Park; by train to see the untamed wilderness en route to the unique town of Talkeetna; and by ship to cruise through the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park to hear the thunderous roar of glaciers calving into the sea. You’ll also see a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion and stop at the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse for an Alaskan treat. A sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks, a breathtaking drive along the shore of Turnagain Arm, and a wilderness expedition to sniff out bears, caribou, and moose in Denali National Park will also get your tails wagging.

Itinerary: 

Day 1   ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS

Welcome to Alaska! Meet your Tour Director between 3 pm and 7 pm in the hotel reception area.

Day 2   FAIRBANKS–DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Native American Traditions This morning, board the sternwheeler Discovery for a cruise on the Chena River with a stop at the Chena 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! We then continue to Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, 20,320-foot Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), majestically dominating the park’s 6 million acres. This evening, enjoy a  private presentation by a local Naturalist and dinner at Murie Science & Learning Center. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Experience frontier living in an Athabascan village on the Chena River. Here in the Alaskan forests, cabins are made of spruce logs, and the old ways of living with the land are beautifully preserved in the heritage of the Athabascan Native culture. Learn about traditions and survival in an unforgiving yet beautiful environment, where generations of Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years, ultimately adapting to village life and Western culture in the past century. 

Day 3   DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Wilderness Wonders Morning at leisure. Optional activities include a float trip down the Nenana River and a helicopter ride over the park. Later, journey into the 6-million-acre Denali National Park with a Naturalist Driver Guide on a Tundra Wilderness tour. The evening is free. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
NATURAL WONDERS Venture deep into Denali National Park and Preserve with a Naturalist Driver Guide in search of fantastic wildlife and natural wonders. Stay alert for wildlife, including Denali’s Big-Five, the grizzly bear, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and the formidable yet elusive wolf. Named for the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali is a natural treasure of pristine and untamed wilderness at its finest. 

Day 4   DENALI NATIONAL PARK–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA

Sled Races & Railroads This morning, visit the home of an Iditarod Musher to hear stories of their adventures and meet their champion racers. Then, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a journey through untamed wilderness. Today’s ride ends in the unique town of Talkeetna, a model for the TV show Northern Exposure. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Overnight at the  Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. From its incredible setting on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the lodge offers majestic views of Denali, the highest peak in North America. Enjoy scenic hiking, flightseeing, or simply relax amid stunning views of Mount Denali from the deck or hearthside by the crackling fire of a giant river rock fireplace.

Day 5   TALKEETNA–SEWARD

Anchorage Adventures This morning, enjoy a traditional  Alaskan treat at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse. Then, head south toward Anchorage and continue on a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula en route to Seward. Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner this evening. 

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Our original two-story log building and barn were built around 1917 as a freight hauling supply station. Visit this rustic roadhouse for fresh-baked treats in its bakery for an authentic Alaskan experience.

Day 6   SEWARD. CRUISE IN KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK–ANCHORAGE

Making a Splash Today, board your vessel for a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more! 

TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
NATURAL WONDERS Spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park covers 600,000 acres of protected and pure wilderness, with more than half of its majestic landscapes covered in ice and snow. From the massive Harding Icefield to the countless tidewater glaciers carving deep fjords, this arctic paradise is a natural wonder to behold. A cruise on the fjords affords an unforgettable opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more breathtaking sights.

Day 7   ANCHORAGE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.