Mukluk Vacation

Day 1 – Anchorage

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – Cross the Arctic Circle and tour Kotzebue

This morning jet across the Arctic Circle to Kotzebue. This unique village hugs the shores of the Bering Sea. You are met by your story teller (aka tour guide) who will provide an in depth understanding of the area’s history and culture. You will visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center and view remnants of the cold war. You return by jet to Anchorage after your tour.

Day 3 – Rail Anchorage to Seward

Today board the Alaska Railroad for a scenic journey. Follow the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, a part of Cook Inlet that is famous for having the second highest tidal swing on earth. Watch for Minke and Beluga Whales. Look for Dall sheep and moose as you near the summit at Moose Pass. After passing Kenai Lake, you will begin the descent into the scenic port town of Seward, located on beautiful Resurrection Bay. There is a no-host café style dining car aboard for meal service.

Day 4 – Seward Kenai Fjords Tour

This 6-hour cruise travels throughout the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife is abundant throughout the National Park, and the tidewater glaciers are massive. You will visit Holgate or Aialik Glacier, where you can witness calving. This cruise also offers the best opportunity for whale watching in Alaska. With photo opportunities galore, your cruise will be unforgettable. (L)

Day 5 – Seward to Talkeetna, Motorcoach to Talkeetna, Wilderness Jet Boat Tour

On this trip, enjoy spectacular scenery as you travel along the Seward Highway. Travel through the Kenai Mountains before you follow along Turnagain Arm, a body of water that features the world’s second largest tides, at over 30 feet. Arrive in Anchorage to enjoy lunch on your own. Then your coach passes through the Matanuska Valley on the way to Talkeetna, which offers views of Denali (Mt. McKinley).

Your exciting Wilderness Jet Boat Tour will begin as you are whisked into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. These are the most technologically advanced river jetboats in Alaska designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible.
At the Safari sight, you will take a 1/4-mile leisurely nature walk where you will see a Dena’ina Indian Encampment. You will visit an authentic trapper’s cabin with its original furnishings and view how trappers lived in “Bush” Alaska at the turn of the century. Your experienced guide will display raw furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Indians for cooking and medicines.

Stand in the splendor of Denali and the Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! The possibility of wildlife, and folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure

Day 6 – Talkeetna to Denali Park

Depart via Luxury Dome rail to Denali National Park at 11:00 am and arrive in the Park about 4:00 pm. Watch for views of Denali in the distance as you follow the Susitna River north. The highlight today will be crossing the bridge at Hurricane Gulch.

Day 7 – Denali National Park Experience and Options

Today enjoy the Tundra Wilderness Tour that travels deep into the Park. There is also time during your stay to schedule your personal exploration of the Park. Click here for all the possible tour options you have to customize your stay in the Park.

Day 8 – Denali Park to Fairbanks

Relax and enjoy the scenery, easy to view through the expansive dome windows.  Your conductor will keep you posted on points of interest along the way. Your trip this evening includes the opportunity to have dinner in the dining room of your rail car.

Day 9 – Fairbanks River Boat Discovery Cruise

As you board Riverboat Discovery you will begin to feel the excitement of this trip. On your cruise the Discovery will take you into the heart of Alaska and the heart of a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for four generations. You will see a bush floatplane taking off alongside a “bush” style runway; visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Alaskan Native guides who have worked and lived in Alaska will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Day 10 – Fairbanks

Depart for home today.