• Explore Alaska’s colorful history with Aaron Micallef at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. 
• Learn how the Smithsonian’s Arctic Studies Center helps to preserve the cultural heritage of Native peoples from Aaron Crowell.
• Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a marine science facility in Seward.
• Ponder the wondrous Aurora Borealis, or “Northern Lights,” as physics professor Roger Smith explains this fascinating phenomenon of nature.
• Attend an in-depth discussion with wildlife biologist Andrea Swingley at Creamer’s Migratory Waterfowl Refuge to learn about Alaska’s diverse bird species.

Day 1: Anchorage, Alaska
Check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure.

Day 2: Anchorage
Enjoy a city tour of Anchorage en route to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, where you will celebrate the cultures and history of America's 49th state. The largest museum in Alaska, it is also home to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History Arctic Studies Center. A special lecture by a staff member introduces you to this unique program, which focuses on northern cultures. A private tour of the Alaska Gallery reveals a thorough presentation of Alaskan history and ethnology. Learn more about the early lifestyles of Alaska's Native peoples, as well as the effects of exploration and settlement of Alaska by the Russians, the gold rush era, World War II, and statehood. Your afternoon is at leisure for independent discovery. Gather this evening for a festive welcome reception and dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Anchorage - Alyeska
A morning of leisure affords you the opportunity to explore the city of Anchorage. Travel south, passing scenic Turnagain Arm, a deep glacial fjord, and arrive at the deluxe Alyeska Resort, your home for the next three evenings. (B, D)

Day 4: Alyeska - Seward - Alyeska
Begin your day with a visit to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Glacier where you will embark on a short cruise to view the massive Portage Glacier up close. Later, visit the Big Game Alaska Wildlife Park, located on 140 acres of Alaskan wilderness, created for the care of injured and orphaned animals. Return to Alyeska where the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this lovely town. (B, D)

Day 5: Alyeska - Kenai Fjords National Park
Today, cruise the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park. Pass by an abundant array of tidewater and piedmont glaciers, spot puffins and kittiwakes nesting in the cliffs, and look into the deep-blue water in search of otter, sea lion, harbor seal, porpoise, and humpback and orca whale. Stop at Fox Island for a festive grilled salmon dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Alyeska - Denali National Park
Experience a full day in the vastness of the Alaskan landscape as you drive along the Alaska Range through the unspoiled wilderness. Stop at Mt. McKinley overlook where, on a clear day, you will have an incredible view of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain. Continue your journey on the Parks Highway with excellent vistas of the Alaska and Talkeetna Mountain Range, glaciers and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Denali National Park in the early evening. (B)

Day 7: Denali National Park - Fairbanks
Board a park bus this morning and set off for a tundra wilderness tour. Wildlife is often spotted along the main park road, made easier by the park expert who accompanies you. Your expert will discuss various topics related to the park and help in spotting bear, dall sheep, moose, wolves, fox, caribou, and various bird species. In the afternoon, depart Denali National Park and travel to Fairbanks on the McKinley Explorer Domed Rail. Enjoy dinner aboard the train as you watch the spectacular landscape. (B, D)

Day 8: Fairbanks
Learn about the amazing Aurora Borealis during a morning lecture at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska. Outside of town, see the Alaska pipeline, constructed to move oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the ice-free port of Valdez. A free afternoon provides the opportunity to experience Fairbanks. Rich in natural beauty, your hotel's private, park-like atmosphere features endless opportunity for enjoyment and exploration with easy access to nature trails and Creamer's Wildlife Refuge. Tonight, enjoy a home hosted dinner with a local family, a wonderful opportunity for interesting conversation with members of the community. (B, D)

Day 9: Fairbanks
Begin your day with a scenic cruise aboard the popular stern wheeler, Discovery, a journey that showcases Alaska's diverse culture and rich history. Some of the interesting highlights during your cruise include a short-field take-off by an Alaskan bush pilot and a stop at a traditional Athabascan Indian village, where Native guides explain traditions and offer insight on many topics. Later, visit the home of Mary Shields, celebrated Alaskan dog-musher and author. Mary, the first woman to finish the famous 1,049-mile Iditarod Dog Sled Race, will share her first hand experiences with the challenges and adventures of mushing in the wilderness. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner and toast your fascinating and fun vacation. (B, D)

Day 10: Fairbanks - Tour Concludes

Stay a little longer...with a 1 night post-tour stay in Fairbanks, starting at $100 per person, double. 

10 days, 16 meals
8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners

Day 1, 2 - Anchorage Hotel
Day 3 - 5 - Alyeska Resort, Alyeska
Day 6 - Denali National Park
Day 7 - 9 - Wedgewood Resort, Fairbanks

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

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