Day 1 — Fairbanks

Fly to Fairbanks, in the heart of Alaska’s interior, and transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the town and its surroundings. You might delve into the gold mining history of the region at one of the nearby gold dredges, or visit the SS Nenana National Historical Landmark, a sternwheeler ship built in the 1930s that allowed access to the Alaskan wilderness before roads were built.

Day 2 — Fairbanks

Board a sternwheeler riverboat for a shared cruise on the rivers surrounding Fairbanks. Step into history as you learn about the gold rush days at the start of the 20th century, and get acquainted with local life and the native cultures of the region. (B)

Day 3 — Denali National Park and Preserve

Set off on a scenic train journey aboard the Alaska Railroad, wending through magnificent landscapes on your way to Denali National Park and Preserve. This enormous park— about the same size as New Hampshire—contains North America's highest mountain, Mount Denali. A guide meets you for the transfer to your lodge, deep within the park’s wilderness. Along the way, keep your eye out for Dall sheep, bears, wolves, and moose. Settle into your cozy wooden cabin and explore the lovely grounds of your lodge. (B, D)

Days 4–5 — Denali National Park and Preserve

Spend two full days exploring the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve. Your lodge offers a range of naturalist programs to choose from, including guided hikes, a visit to Wonder Lake, cultural presentations by native Alaskans, mountain biking, fly-fishing, gold panning, and wildlife viewing. You can also opt to take a light aircraft flight over the Denali for incredible aerial views of the park’s peaks and expansive wilderness. (B, L, D daily)

Day 6 — Anchorage

Watch for wildlife as you drive with your guide out of the park, and board the Alaska Railroad for the second leg of your train journey. Read a book or admire ever-changing views of the Alaska wilderness as you travel south to Anchorage. (B)

Day 7 — Anchorage

Enjoy a free day to explore Alaska's largest city as you wish. Set on the Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a hub of Alaskan culture and a gateway to numerous wilderness areas. Visit one of the city’s museums, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, rent a bike for a ride along the shores of the Cook Inlet, or meander among cafés and shops that sell local art and handicrafts.

Day 8 – Anchorage / Return Home

Make your way from your hotel to Anchorage Airport in time for your onward flight.