Day 1 : Fly to Alaska

Our adventure begins with a flight to Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City and our home for the next three nights.

Day 2 : Fairbanks

Today, we’re introduced to Fairbanks’ history as we trace its development from the gold rush to the discovery of "Black Gold." Take in sights of the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline and become a gold-panning master at historic Gold Dredge 8, where we keep what we find! Afterwards, enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch at the Steamboat Landing, then board the Riverboat Discovery III sternwheeler. Our narrated journey along the Chena River includes a floatplane, sled dog demonstration, and a stop at a recreated Athabascan Native village. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 3 : Delta Junction Farms

This morning, we travel along the historic Richardson Highway and enjoy an iconic photo opportunity where the Trans-Alaska Pipeline makes a river crossing on a suspension bridge! Further down the road, we reach Delta Junction, an inland delta where the Chena and Tanana Rivers meet and feed Alaska’s largest agricultural area. Boasting spectacular views of the Alaska Range, this rural town lies in the fertile Tanana River Valley and got its start in farming by keeping workers fed during the Gold Rush. Take a walk through the past and learn about the development of Alaska’s Interior at Rika’s Roadhouse in Big Delta State Historical Park, once an important crossroad for miners, traders, trappers, and the military. Next, visit Mugrage Hay and Cattle farm to hear how they pasture raise the highest quality beef and advocate for agriculture. After an included lunch, discover the Delta Barley Project as we travel into the grain growing region and visit a local barley farm, Alaska Flour Company. Later, we return to our hotel.

Day 4 : Denali National Park and Preserve

Enjoy a relaxing morning on our motorcoach as we travel through the rugged Alaskan wilderness to the state’s most popular attraction, Denali National Park and Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world! Savor an included lunch before our exciting journey into the tundra with a naturalist guide who shares intriguing park history and helps us keep watch for majestic wildlife, such as moose and grizzly bears. Later, we settle into our nearby accommodations.

Day 5 : Iditarod Trail Headquarters

Take in more of Alaska’s extraordinary scenery today on a southbound drive to the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, the heart of Alaskan agriculture. Arriving in Wasilla, indulge in an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet at Settlers Bay Lodge before our visit to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters. Learn about the state sport of mushing and the world-famous Anchorage-to-Nome race while browsing a variety of fascinating displays. Afterwards, we check in to our accommodations in Anchorage and spend the evening relaxing or exploring independently.

Day 6 : Alaska State Fair

Our day starts with a visit to the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Get to know these magnificent animals that once roamed alongside saber-tooth tigers and learn about their fine underwool called qiviut. This is the only place in the world where you can find gently hand-combed qiviut fiber, which is rare and more durable than most other types of wool. This afternoon, we attend the Alaska State Fair, the locals’ last celebration before summer gives way to winter. Marvel at the giant fruits and vegetables, indulge in classic fair food, browse exhibits, or learn about the Matanuska Colony and see a barn that belonged to one of the original pioneers. We then visit one more local farm before returning to Anchorage.

Day 7 : Alaska Railroad & Kenai Cruise

We board the Coastal Classic for a breathtaking journey on the Alaska Railroad this morning, heading south into the Kenai Peninsula. Have your camera ready to capture magnificent scenery that can only be seen by train, some of the best in Alaska! Upon reaching Seward, we board a high-speed catamaran for a thrilling adventure. Admire the natural wonders during our 120-mile narrated cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and watch for sea otters, seals, whales, and other marine life. Our captain also stops for incredible views of a towering tidewater glacier! Our accommodations are in Seward tonight.

Day 8 : Alaska SeaLife Center

Our final morning in The Last Frontier is spent at Alaska SeaLife Center, where research and rehabilitation help some of the state’s threatened marine life. Get up-close to a variety of animals, including sea otter pups and puffins. We then celebrate our adventures with a Farewell Lunch before returning to Anchorage for our overnight flight home.

Day 9 : Arrive Home

We arrive home with wonderful memories of our time exploring Alaska’s agriculture and natural wonders.