Alaska Prospector

Day 1 : Fly to Alaska

We meet in Anchorage, the metropolis in the wilderness, and check-in to our overnight accommodations.

Day 2 : Turnagain Arm

Appreciate the wilderness with intimate views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Marvel at snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers while on the lookout for eagles, moose, and Dall sheep. Learn about Turnagain Arm's fascinating bore tide and love the views at Bird Point. Meet Alaska’s incredible and varied animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center before enjoying sweeping views from the tram followed by lunch at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Spend the rest of the day in Anchorage as you please with various museums, attractions, and the city to enjoy.

Day 3 : Prince William Sound

Witness state-of-the-art exhibits that capture Alaska's natural wonder using artful lighting and sound at Begich Boggs Visitor Center located in the scenic Portage Valley. Our adventure continues with a Glacier & Wildlife Cruise on Prince William Sound. Our narrated cruise offers a chance to see the wildlife that makes the sound its home. See Meares Glacier, a tidewater glacier that is currently advancing, located in the Chugach National Forest. Whales, sea otters, Dall's porpoise, and sea birds are often seen while cruising the waters of Prince William Sound. Enjoy an included lunch on the cruise. Later, we arrive in Valdez for two nights.

Day 4 : Alaskan Scenery

Today, experience the ultimate in Alaskan scenery with a drive through Keystone Canyon to Worthington Glacier and Thompson Pass. There will be plenty of stops for photos. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Optional activities today in Valdez include visits to the Whitney and Valdez Museums, the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery as well as flightseeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

Day 5 : The Bold North

We make our way into the interior of Alaska. Catch glimpses of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline as we travel on the Richardson Highway, stopping to see a unique pipeline suspension bridge along the way. Later we stop at the Santa Claus House before arriving in Fairbanks for a two-night stay.

Day 6 : Gold Panning & Sternwheeler Cruise

We’ll visit historic Gold Dredge 8 to learn about old gold mining methods and pan for gold ourselves! After an included lunch at Discovery Landing, we board the Riverboat Discovery III for a narrated cruise. Aboard this sternwheeler, learn about life in Alaska’s Interior along the Chena River. We'll witness a short takeoff and landing by an experienced bush pilot and see a sled dog demonstration at the home of the late Susan Butcher, Iditarod Champion. Then, we’ll go ashore to view the recreated Athabascan settlement, learning about indigenous shelter and clothes.

Day 7 : Denali National Park

Travel to Denali National Park to begin our adventure in a six million acre wilderness. During our Tundra Wilderness Tour we will cross from the boreal forest onto the tundra; our driver guide provides commentary and insights into this rare ecosystem. Watch for bears, moose, caribou and Dall sheep while we also hope to spy majestic Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Our accommodations for the evening are in the Denali area.

Day 8 : Jet Boat Adventure

Immerse yourself in the wilderness as we navigate the glacially fed Susitna River on a guided jet boat excursion. We step ashore to visit a Dena'ina Native Encampment and authentic trapper's cabin. Our guide introduces us to wildflowers and plants once used for medicinal purposes. While back on the boat, we'll look for views of Denali as we return to Talkeetna for the night.

Day 9 : Iditarod Trail HQ

Enjoy breakfast before we head out for the day, making our way back to Anchorage. Our lunch at Settler's Bay Lodge affords breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. We visit the Iditarod Trail Headquarters where we learn about the iconic dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome. We’ll view an authentic checkpoint cabin and get a chance to explore. We return to Anchorage for our last overnight.

Day 10 : Culture & Celebrations

Take time this morning to relax and reflect on our shared adventures before a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Lunch where you can exchange memories with your fellow travelers and new friends. This afternoon, visit the Anchorage Museum with displays of history, art, ecology, science, and ethnography. Continue with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s indigenous peoples including housing, lifestyles, language, song, and dance. This evening we board our overnight flight home.

Day 11 : Arrive Home

We travel home with unforgettable memories of our Alaskan adventure.