AAA South Dakota - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Package details include:

No place in the Lower 48 states can match the rugged beauty and spirit of adventure you'll find in incredible Alaska. The landscape and its inhabitants are super-sized here whether you're talking about majestic Mount McKinley, towering glaciers or the bulky bears and bull moose you’ll see during your Tundra Wilderness Tour inside Denali National Park.

You'll get a good sense of what makes Alaska so unique by visiting some of the state's most popular attractions. Start in Anchorage with its beautiful native crafts and summer “midnight sun,” and Fairbanks, rich with gold rush history. Take in the landscapes of Denali National Park and learn about the flora and fauna of this spectacular region. Cruise past the three-mile face of Columbia Glacier in Prince William Sound while you keep your eyes open for puffins, seals and whales.

Later, aboard the Alaska Railroad bound for Anchorage, stay alert for black bears roaming the banks of the Susitna River. Back in Anchorage, Alaska’s native people take the spotlight, particularly at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Inside the center, each of the state’s indigenous peoples interprets its culture with displays of tools, watercraft, artworks, clothing, drums and more.

Price includes:
• 9 nights accommodations; 3 nights in Anchorage, and 2 nights each in Valdez, Fairbanks and Denali National Park
• 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
• Motorcoach transportation throughout tour
• Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
• Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
• Cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler
• Rail trip aboard Alaska Railroad
• Visits to: Valdez Museum, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center

Note: Itinerary below applies to all departures except September 10 which operates in reverse.

Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska
Fly into Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the hotel.
Accommodation: Inlet Tower Suites, Ramada Downtown, Clarion Hotel or similar - 1 night

Day 2 - Valdez, Alaska
Drive through the Matanuska Susitna Valley where world-record monster size vegetables grow in the 24-hour daylight. Stop by Worthington Glacier for a look at this gigantic piece of ice. Early evening arrival into Valdez, nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname, Alaska's Little Switzerland.
Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hotel, Best Western Valdez or similar - 2 nights

Day 3 - Prince William Sound & Columbia Glacier
This morning, enjoy an exploration of this port community with included entrance to the Valdez Museum. Then board a glacier and wildlife cruise and travel through the majestic Prince William Sound. Explore the three-mile face of the mighty Columbia Glacier and hear tales of the region as told by the Alaskan crew. Keep your eyes open for seals, sea lions, otters, whales, and puffins throughout this half-day exploration cruise.

Day 4 - Fairbanks
Journey north to the largest city in the interior, Fairbanks, better known to Alaskans as the Golden Heart City. The route takes you along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S.
Accommodation: Wedgewood Resort, Alpine Lodge or similar - 2 nights

Day 5 - Fairbanks
Today learn how the gold rush affected Alaska's interior on a sightseeing tour with an included visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Time is available for shopping, walking or dining on your own in the downtown area. Cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel. Travel back to the time when traditional riverboats plied the waterways of Alaska's interior during the late 1800s. Tonight, partake in an optional authentic salmon bake.

Day 6 - Denali National Park
Travel south to Denali National Park and enjoy an afternoon exploring this pristine area at your leisure by either participating in a complimentary park service activity or optional tour. There are many to choose from including mild or wild river rafting, flight seeing Mt. McKinley, a jet boat safari on the Nenana River, or a visit to the award-winning dog kennels of 2006 Iditarod champion, Jeff King. Tonight, partake in an optional Denali Dinner Theater.
Accommodation: Denali Park Resorts, Denali River Cabins or similar - 2 nights

Day 7 - Tundra Wilderness Tour
Today travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. This six- to eight-hour narrated journey provides insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region.
Note: Early May and September tours are five hours due to road conditions.

Day 8 - Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
The morning is at leisure. This afternoon, board the world famous Alaska Railroad for the trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. McKinley or black bear along the banks of the Susitna River.
Accommodation: Local Anchorage hotel - 2 nights

Day 9 - Anchorage
Enjoy a brief city tour of Anchorage which includes the historic downtown district. Then visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Tonight, feast on an Alaskan style meal and share tales from the road with your traveling companions.
Note: You can choose to depart for home after the city tour and receive a price reduction from main tour price.

Day 10 - Depart Anchorage
Your adventure comes to an end with a courtesy transfer to the airport.