- Optional Pre-Tour
- $1,049 Per Person, Double Occupancy
Day by Day Itinerary
Saturday, July 28 - MINNEAPOLIS/FAIRBANKS (DS)
- Depart Minneapolis this morning by scheduled airline flights en route to
Fairbanks, Alaska. On arrival we board our waiting motor coach for the transfer to our hotel where the afternoon is free to explore Fairbanks, Alaska's second largest city and the unofficial capital of Alaska's interior. Tonight we're in for a real treat as we join in on an
Alaska Salmon Bake. Bring a hearty appetite for this all-you-can-eat dinner!
Afterward, we'll enjoy a lighthearted comic look at the colorful characters from early and present day Fairbanks at the
"Golden Heart Revue".
Sunday, July 29 - FAIRBANKS (B)
- Today we will witness firsthand what life was like in the Alaska back country and relive Fairbanks glory days. We'll begin with a scenic cruise down the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard the authentic old-time
stern-wheel riverboat, the "Discovery". Along the way we'll enjoy the captain's informative commentary and visit an Eskimo village to learn the finer art of dog sledding, and if we're lucky we'll have a chance to meet the husband of four-time
Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher. Afterward, we'll learn about Fairbanks' glittering gold rush history as we board a narrow gauge railroad car to see how the gold mining was done and the methods used to survive the below freezing temperatures. You'll also have an opportunity to pan for some gold of your own! Our final stop of the day will take us to North Pole, Alaska to visit the
Santa Claus House before returning to our hotel.
Monday, July 30 - FAIRBANKS/DENALI (B)
- After breakfast this morning we depart Fairbanks by motor coach for the journey south to Denali. Along the way we'll stop off in the interesting town of Nenana where we'll be entertained with a little concertina playing by a local resident. On our arrival in
Denali we'll enjoy a Natural History Tour of one of North America's most remarkable national parks. We'll receive a true insight to the park's many wonders, and if the clouds permit, a view of the mighty Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak on the North American continent.
Keep a careful watch for all of the native Alaska wildlife including Dall sheep, moose, caribou, hawks, eagles and the elusive grizzly bear. This evening you'll have the option of attending the
Denali Cabin Nite Dinner
Theatre. Savor a family-style platter of salmon, chicken, and marinated ribs followed by the historical musical based on the life of Fannie, an adventuresome woman who left Wahoo, Nebraska to find fame and fortune in Alaska.
Tuesday, July 31 - DENALI/ANCHORAGE (B)
- The morning is at leisure in Denali where the more adventurous can take part in any number of optional activities. This afternoon we depart Denali and continue our journey south to Anchorage. Along the way we'll stop in the town of
Wasilla, the official starting point of the greatest dog sled race in the world, to visit the lditarod Museum. Our day will come to an end on arrival in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city.
Wednesday, August 1- ANCHORAGE/WHITTIER (B,L,D)
- You can sleep in late this morning or rise early to start your day. The State's largest city has the most to offer, and shopping in Anchorage is like a trip through the entire state. Local shops are loaded with ivory, jade, Native basketry and fur, while jewelry stores prove that the gold rush is still alive. Early this afternoon we'll join our other tour members for the journey to Whittier.