Alaskan Explorer ( 8 Days)

You’ll transfer to the rail depot this morning. Then travel aboard the luxurious glass-domed railcars of the McKinley Explorer as we journey to Talkeetna, an eclectic town at the junction of three rivers, where nature trails and optional activities abound. Enjoy breakfast aboard the McKinley Explorer with your group in our comfortable dining area, while the landscape unfolds before you. From Talkeetna bus transfer to the McKinleyPrincess Wilderness Lodge, where you will be staying tonight. (B) Overnight at The McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge (B)

You’ll already be swapping stories with your new friends over breakfast this morning. Then get a different perspective along the base of the spectacular Alaska Range as you reboard the McKinley Explorer to Denali National Park. Tonight you’ll be regaled with a sumptuous dinner and homespun entertainment at Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. Overnight Denali. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast with your group before your morning tour. Watch for big game and other Alaskan wildlife as you explore the rugged tundra of Denali on the famed Tundra Wilderness Tour. Weather permitting Mt. McKinley may be visible in its breathtaking splendor. The afternoon is yours to participate in some of the park’s complimentary activities, or options such as a jet boat ride or helicopter flightseeing (not included). Overnight Denali. (B, SBM)

This morning we’ll take you south by luxury motor coach to Portage Lake for an unforgettable cruise aboard the mv Ptarmigan to within 300 yards of Portage Glacier. Along the way you will stop for lunch on your own at beautiful Lake Lucille. At the end of your day, rest easy at the Hotel Alyeska at Alyeska Resort, which boasts a fourdiamond rating. While relaxing in this oasis of tranquility, enjoy optional tours, including a tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, or a superb meal. Overnight Alyeska. (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll take you by motor coach to Seward for an adventure cruise along the dramatic Kenai Peninsula coastline, broken by misty glaciercarved fjords. You’ll enjoy lunch onboard while watching for whales, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and many other bird species inhabiting the cliffs and rocky shore. Overnight Seward Windsong Lodge. (B, L)

Join your group for breakfast this morning. Then motorcoach transfer to Anchorage. In the afternoon we’ll treat you to a tour of Alaska’s largest city – including the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can experience Alaska’s many diverse native cultures, past and present. This evening, join your tour director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local Anchorage restaurant. Overnight Anchorage. (B, D)

For those departing Anchorage, transfer provided from the hotel to the airport, or chose from many optional extensions.