Alaska, also known as “The Last Frontier”, after Russia give up this tundra land to America, not only did they discover an abundance of Black Gold, but also the rich hospitality development. Immerse yourself in some of Alaska’s most fabulous mountain scenery, tour its premier wildlife preserve with extra time in Denali National Park, and explore the “Golden Heart of Alaska”.
7 days 6 nights
May – September
Anchorage, AK
Upon arrival in the snow-covered city on Anchorage, Alaska, you will pick up your pre-arranged car. You will voyage into the world’s largest preservation land, the “Golden Heart of Alaska”, Denali National Park. You will travel through the tranquil land and vast landscape the park has to offer. After 3 hours of driving heading north on Parks Hwy #3, you will venture into Denali. Passing through you might want to look for the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. The broad white mountain tops overlook Alaska’s dense green forests. After checking into your cozy lounge, you can enjoy the rest of the day to explore the national park. There are plenty of activities to enjoy within nature’s playground. An ATV adventure that will test your adrenaline, a house-drawn covered-wagon tour that will make you feel like royalty, or a helicopter tour to get an up-close look at Mt. McKinley for those who want a bird’s eye view, there is something for everyone. Wander into Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre for an option to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and homespun entertainment and feel like you are in the olden days (fee extra). Stay overnight at McKinley Resort area.
In the morning, attend the Tundra Wilderness Tour, the only vehicle allowed to enter Denali National Park. Get the once in a lifetime chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Get to see bears hunting for food, Cariboo crossing the road, and elk in the water. Enjoy the afternoon to yourself and try out some other outdoor activities. These lively activities include river rafting, jet boat safari, hiking or a husky homestead.
After checking out this morning, continue north for about 2 hours, where you will arrive in the mesmerizing city of Fairbanks. Enjoy a delicious lunch break here at town centre before reaching Chena Hot Springs Resort. One of the first things you notice when arriving at Chena is the plume of steam into the cold misty air rising from the natural outdoor rock lake. Our outdoor hot springs rock lake is truly natural in every sense of the word; the earthy smell of sulfur will enlighten your nose. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum here in Chena Hot Springs; it is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment in the world. As you step inside the ice museum for the first, you are mesmerized by the ever-changing colored ice crystal chandeliers overhead depicting the Aurora Borealis. Inside the museum gallery, there are ice sculptures, life size jousters on horseback, a kid’s snowball 2 story fort, an igloo…etc. After touring, enjoy sipping special Appletini in an ice carved martini glass. (Overnight at Chena Hot Springs)
The next location will be Fairbanks, a place to chase the northern lights, bask in the midnight sun and dive into pure wilderness. A famous stop is the world-famous Alaska Oil pipeline. The substantial 1480 km Trans-Alaska pipeline begins from Prudhoe Bay through Fairbanks to Valdez, across the Arctic tundra zone and discontinuous tundra. Travelling through the Steese Expressway will lead you to the historical Gold Dredge No.8, a significant location in Fairbanks’ history. Then Richardson Hwy leads to the North Pole, where the Santa Claus House will bring you Christmas joy: You have the opportunity to take pictures with the jolly Santa Claus and his endearing reindeer. Return to the town center. Fairbanks is called “The Golden Heart of Alaska”, a reference to its location in Alaska’s interior to the discovery of gold in 1902. Do not miss the Museum of North located at the University of Alaska where you can exhibit Alaska’s historical wildlife, people, and land. Other highlights include: Log Cabin Visitor Information Center which was built in 1958 from white spruce with a sod roof. In the heart of downtown adjoining Golden Heart Plaza, the cabin is located near the Unknown First Family sculpture, the Milepost, Immaculate Conception Church, the Bridge of Flags, and the Carillon; or view the perfect trees and mountainous skylines at Pioneer Park for a sumptuous Alaska Salmon Bake dinner in the summer. (Overnight at Fairbanks)
Travel back south to Talkeetna on your journey. Watch the forest and mountain scenery unfold before your very eyes. Talkeetna is an electric town at the junction of three rivers, with nature trails and optional activities all around, such at flightseeing, Rafting or Jet Boat adventure. As the closest town to Mt. McKinley, it is an entrance for experiences hikers around the globe who want to conquer this rocky glacier mountain. (Overnight in Talkeetna)
This morning you will embark on a scenic southward adventure to Anchorage. Take a short stop at Wasilla and visit Iditarod Headquarter, where you can easily experience and understand the excitement Iditarod and dog mushing have to offer. In the afternoon, you arrive back in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Highlights include an information center, Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center to understand the development of Alaska’s history and their native culture. Most of all, you may visit the Egan Center, an enormous convention centre. Hotel check in time is after 3:00 PM, take a good rest! (Overnight in Anchorage)
Check out before 11 am, this wonderful trip ends when you return the rental car at the airport.
