Denali National Park

Day +1: Arrive Fairbanks, Alaska
Welcome to Fairbanks! The city is also known as “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the discovery of gold in 1902 and its location in Alaska’s interior. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leader and traveling companions at a welcome reception, and prepare for your upcoming Denali activities and excursions. 
Overnight: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (D)

Day +2: Fairbanks / Alaska Railroad / Denali National Park 
Along with your Orbridge Expedition Leader, board the train to Denali National Park on the Denali Star train route, one of the most scenic stretches of the world-famous Alaska Railroad. It cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska where gold miners came to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rich panoply of views of America's northernmost frontier as you travel in the upgraded glass-dome GoldStar train car. 

Delight in breakfast aboard the train before arriving in Denali. Upon arriving at the park, take a short walk with your Expedition Leader to the Denali National Park Visitor Center for a brief orientation. View the exhibits or sign up for ranger-led talks, hikes, and other activities available during your stay in Denali. Afterward, take the courtesy shuttle to the Grande Denali Lodge. This evening, enjoy a lively dinner where you'll explore fun and unique features of the park with a presenter from the Murie Science and Learning Center. 
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,D)

You may purchase the following optional excursions in advance from our Guest Services team to enjoy during your free time in Denali. We recommend you reserve early for best availability as space is limited.

• DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: An intimate visit to an Alaskan frontier home to learn about the lives of the world’s greatest athletes, sled dogs, and racing the Iditarod.
$65/person and $55 per youth 12 and under

• Denali Glacier Landing Flight: A 100-minute plane tour of Denali to view the continent's deepest gorge, glaciers, and surrounding peaks and valleys. Also land on one of Denali's pristine glaciers. 
$685/person and $635 per youth 10 and under 

• Arctic Circle Flight: Enjoy expansive views of the Brooks Range, Yukon River, and Trans-Alaska Pipeline on this approximately seven-hour air-and-land tour. After your flight crosses the Arctic Circle, land in the Yukon-Koyakuk region and walk with a local resident guide as you tour one of only a few year-round, lived-in communities located this far north. 
$565/person and not recommended for youth under 10

• Wilderness Wave Raft Tour:  Enjoy a rafting trip along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. You’ll glide through 11 miles of glacially carved valleys and amazing vistas with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and the
Nenana Canyon with your rafting guide. Although you’ll encounter the occasional rapid, this option
is mellow enough for all ages. You can actively paddle or sit back and relax.
$120/person and $70 per youth 11 and under

• Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure:  Whether a novice or experienced ATVer, this trip is a memorable experience in the Alaskan wilderness on your own automatic single ATV or 2-passenger side-by-side ATV. Riding along trails
surrounded by Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, your adventure includes breathtaking 360° overlook stops with views of the Alaska Range. Navigate through rocky creek beds and even spend time splashing through the water (weather dependent). Knowledgeable guides lead you through the rugged terrain and provide opportunities for wildlife photography. Total tour covers about 10 miles with 1 1⁄2 hours on the trails.
$130/single ATV and $225/2-person side-by-side

• Midnight Sun ATV Adventure:  Land of the Midnight Sun, Land of All Night Fun! Make the best part of your day the start of your night. Novice and experienced riders, night-owls and daylight adventurers can appreciate this limited Wilderness Adventure guided tour departing at 9 pm during the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice. The Midnight Sun illuminates forest trails and prolonged sunsets bathe the mountains in rosy alpenglow. Choose from your own automatic single ATV or multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. Total tour covers about 10 miles with 1 1⁄2 hours on the trails. Note this tour is timing specific and offered on a single departure date only. 
$130/single ATV and $225/2-person side-by-side

Normal Orbridge cancellation policies apply whereby optional excursions are non-refundable within 90 days of departure. Not all excursions listed may be available. Availability is subject to sufficient participation and weather conditions. We recommend you reserve early for best availability as space is limited. For flight excursions, weight and minimum age requirements apply. Individual dressed weight and birthdate must be provided at time of booking.
 
Day +3: Denali National Park Wilderness Excursion 
Today, travel along the Denali National Park Road on a naturalist-guided, back-country adventure for incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to view the majestic Mount Denali. This tour includes walks in Denali's wilderness to learn more about its landscapes, wildlife, and history. Enjoy a box lunch in this special setting. Be sure to have your binoculars ready to spot for the many species of plants and wildlife.

This evening is at your leisure.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,L)

Day +4: Denali National Park
After breakfast, participate in one of the pre-purchased optional excursions or enjoy free time to explore Denali. Take advantage of the many self-guided hiking trails or informative ranger-led talks and activities offered in the park while marveling at the scenery.

Later, reconvene for wine and hors d'oeuvres as you listen to Alaskan homesteader, Jimmie Hendricks, as he relives his journey and lifelong dream to explore Alaska and make it his home. Be amazed by his years of training, hard work, determination, and eventual summiting of North America’s tallest peak.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,R)

Day +5: Denali National Park / Talkeetna / Anchorage 
After an early breakfast, continue your journey to Anchorage by motor coach, following the nearby Alaska Railroad route. 

Arriving in Talkeetna, embrace the panoramic views of Denali, North America's tallest peak (weather permitting). Enjoy free time to explore the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum and the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station to learn about mountaineering operations, the scenic Talkeetna river trail, and various shops and cafes in town. 

Continuing the journey, view the serpentine banks of the Talkeetna, Susitna, Knik, and Matanuska Rivers. These provide additional stunning scenery on the way to the Anchorage Museum, Alaska's largest museum. Here, learn about Alaska's history, native cultures, and many other facets of the Last Frontier. This evening, explore downtown Anchorage's many fine eateries and shops, and relax in your luxury hotel. 
Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook (B,L,R)

Day +6: Depart Anchorage
Today the group will take a complimentary transfer to the Anchorage International Airport and board the same flight to meet the Discover Southeast Alaska main program. (B,L)

R = Reception, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Pre-tour space is limited, so it's recommended to reserve early for best availability.

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.

• 1 night accommodation at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, 3 nights accommodations at Grande Denali Lodge, and 1 night accommodation at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage
• 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 receptions
• Rail transport to/from Denali National Park 
• Hotel courtesy shuttle between Grande Denali Lodge, the Denali Park Visitor Center, town, and the rail depot
• A full-day wilderness tour into Denali National Park (including a box lunch) with your Orbridge Expedition Leader and a Murie Science and Learning Center naturalist guide
• A lively dinner event with a special presentation from a Murie Science and Learning Center educator, plus an engaging discussion with Jimmie Hendricks, a colorful local who will share his experiences of homesteading and eventual summiting of Denali
• Deluxe motor coach transport to Talkeetna and Anchorage 
• Transport aboard the distinguished Alaska Railroad with reserved seating in the upper-level glass-dome car and priority seating in the dining room for breakfast and two complimentary alcoholic beverages/unlimited non-alcoholic beverages)
• Services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader
• Gratuities for Orbridge Expedition Leader, local guides, drivers, porters, housekeeping, and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times