Jewels of Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savor a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.

Get acquainted with Anchorage on an immersive city tour, from its downtown streets to views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. At the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you sample Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) and hear how this tradition connects Alaska’s first peoples across generations. Travel on to the quaint community of Talkeetna, where independent shops and mountain views set the scene for an evening to explore and dine as you choose.

This morning, you have two memorable ways to explore Alaska’s waterways: set out on an exhilarating jet boat adventure up the Chulitna River Gorge, traveling through a classic braided river system with multiple channels and shifting islands, and visit an authentic trapper’s cabin along the way. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful scenic float down the Talkeetna River, soaking in the stunning views and serenity of the surrounding wilderness. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an Optional Experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed railcar. Upon arrival, settle in at the lodge before meeting a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to climb Denali, one of the tallest and most daunting land-based mountains in the world. You'll learn about the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to complete the 17- to 18-day round trip, where conditions are so challenging that climbers must build snow walls for protection against the elements. Hearing tales of such a trek from someone who has experienced it first-hand is truly captivating. For tonight's Dine-Around evening, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant.