Alaska’s vast wilderness and quaint fishing villages are only two of the extremes you’ll encounter on this fascinating journey. A cruise of Prince Williams Sound helps you spot whales, otters, seals and puffins, while a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park lets you do the same with moose, bear, caribou and wolves.
Highlights include:
• EXCLUSIVE: Savor an authentic Alaska Salmon Bake at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks.
• Travel with experienced Alaskan guides.
• Stop by Worthington Glacier on a drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
• Travel back to the Gold Rush days aboard a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River.
No place in the Lower 48 states can match the rugged beauty and spirit of adventure you'll find in incredible Alaska. Here the landscape and its inhabitants are super-sized, whether you're talking about majestic Mount McKinley, the highest point in North America at 20,320 feet, or the bulky bears and bull moose you’ll see inside Denali National Park.
You'll get a good sense of what makes Alaska so unique by visiting some of the state's most popular attractions. Start in Valdez, where you’ll see the three-mile face of the mighty Columbia Glacier and look for marine wildlife such as whales, otters, puffins and seals on a cruise of Prince William Sound. Take a scenic drive of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S. Learn how the Gold Rush affected Alaska's interior on a visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. And experience the thrill of river travel on a cruise of the Chena River aboard a traditional sternwheeler followed by an authentic salmon bake dinner.
Then travel deep into Denali National Park, where you may spy grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. A narrated Tundra Wilderness Tour provides insight into the flora and fauna of this spectacular region as it takes you to remote areas of the park rarely accessed by visitors. In Denali, you may also choose optional activities such as river rafting, flightseeing or a tour of Iditarod champion dog kennels. And in Anchorage, learn about Alaska's Native heritage at the Alaska Native Heritage Center before enjoying a final farewell dinner with your traveling companions.
Price includes:
• 9 nights hotel accommodations: 3 nights in Anchorage, 2 nights in Valdez, 2 nights in Fairbanks and 2 nights in Denali National Park
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, including a salmon bake dinner in Fairbanks
• All on-tour transportation by deluxe motor coach
• Services of experienced Alaskan guides
• Prince William Sound glacier and wildlife cruise
• Scenic drive through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S.
• Cruise on the Chena River aboard a traditional sternwheeler
• Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
• One-way rail service on Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage
• Visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Note: Optional tours and activities such as river rafting, flightseeing, Denali Dinner Theatre and more can be added. Inquire at time of booking.
Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska
Fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the hotel.
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel or similar - 1 night
Day 2 - Valdez
Depart in the morning for Valdez. Drive through the Matanuska Susitna Valley where world-record monster size vegetables grow in the 24-hour daylight. Stop by Worthington Glacier for a look at this gigantic piece of ice. Arrive into Valdez in the early evening. Valdez is nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname “Alaska’s Little Switzerland.” Enjoy a Welcome Dinner Reception with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hotel, Best Western Valdez or similar - 2 nights
Day 3 - Prince William Sound & Columbia Glacier Cruise
Explore the port community of Valdez on your own this morning with an included entrance to the Valdez Museum. Then get onboard a glacier and wildlife cruise through the majestic Prince William Sound. Explore the three-mile face of the mighty Columbia Glacier and hear tales of the region as told by the Alaskan crew. Keep your eyes open for seals, sea lions, otters, whales, and puffins throughout this half-day exploration cruise.
Day 4 - Fairbanks
After breakfast in the morning, journey north to the largest city in the interior, Fairbanks, better known to Alaskans as the Golden Heart City. The route takes you into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S. and location of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Arrive late in the afternoon at the hotel for check-in. Dinner is on your own.
Accommodation: Wedgewood Resort, Alpine Lodge or similar - 2 nights
Day 5 - Fairbanks
Today, learn how the Gold Rush affected Alaska's interior on a sightseeing tour with an included visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Time is available for shopping, walking or dining on your own in the downtown area. Cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel. Travel back to the time when traditional riverboats plied the waterways of Alaska’s interior during the late 1800s. Tonight, partake in an authentic salmon bake dinner.
Day 6 - Denali National Park
Travel south to Denali National Park and enjoy an afternoon exploring this pristine area at your leisure by either participating in a complimentary park service activity or optional tour. There are many to choose from including mild or wild river rafting, flight seeing Mt. McKinley, a jet boat safari on the Nenana River or a visit to the award-winning dog kennels of 2006 Iditarod champion, Jeff King. Tonight, enjoy dinner and entertainment at a Denali Dinner Theater performance (available at an additional cost).
Accommodation: Denali Bluffs or similar - 2 nights
Day 7 - Denali National Park
Awake in the peaceful setting of your lodge at the park. Today is your day to explore Denali National park up close on a narrated bus tour. Travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. This six- to eight-hour narrated journey provides insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region.
Note: Early May and September tours are shorter due to road conditions.
Day 8 - Alaska Railroad
Enjoy your morning at leisure. This afternoon, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. McKinley or black bear along the banks of the Susitna River.
Accommodation: Anchorage hotel - 2 nights
Day 9 - Anchorage
Enjoy a brief city tour of Anchorage, which includes the historic downtown district. Also included is a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Tonight, feast on an Alaskan style meal and share tales from the road with your traveling companions.
Day 10 - Depart Anchorage
Your adventure comes to an end with a courtesy transfer to the airport.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Price given applies to May 17 and September 6, 2013 departures; rates for other departure dates may be higher. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/aaa-sojourns