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Vista of Denali in Alaska
Colorful bird in Alaska
Sled dogs running a sled tour
Sled dog resting
Denali Horizon
Denali at sunset
Panoramic view of Talkeetna
Male Alaskan caribou in the wild
Museum of the North exterior sign
Alaska Railroad Gold Star train car
Family perched on viewing car on the Alaska Railroad
Alaska Railroad Gold Star train through Alaskan countryside
Coastal view of Alaska Railroad Gold Star train
Alaska Railroad Gold Star train en route
Alaska Railroad Gold Star train through wilderness
Guests seated in dining car viewing glaciers on Alaska Railroad Gold Star train
Close-up exterior view of Alaska Railroad Gold Star train
Panoramic view of Anchorage from the water

Denali National Park

Journey into the scenic wilds of America's northernmost state, through Alaska's rugged forests and wildlife. Your destination: the magnificent six-million acre Denali National Park and Reserve. Uncover the many wonders of the park during guided trail hikes and walks. And choose from a variety of exciting optional excursions to further personalize your experience. A highlight of this adventure includes traveling the historic Alaska Railroad route with superior viewing from your train's upgraded glass-dome seat.

Itinerary

Day +1: Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska
Welcome to Fairbanks—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 fellow travel companions at a welcome dinner, and prepare for your upcoming Denali activities and excursions.
Overnight: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (D)

Day +2: Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad | Denali National Park
With your Orbridge Expedition Leader, board the train to Denali National Park, traversing 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 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 up to 30 days prior to your depature.

DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: Visit the home and kennel of Iditarod musher, Mike Santos, for an authentic look into rural Alaskan life. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship dog-sled team, and hear compelling stories from the trail—see actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear, and equipment used to traverse 1,100 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. Meet Alaskan husky puppies before watching adult huskies explode from the kennel on a training run. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 3 hours. Transportation is included.
$65 per person; $55 per youth 12 and under (not recommended for children under 3)

Denali Glacier Landing Flight: This exclusive 100-minute plane tour of Denali is the only tour where guests are granted permission to land and stand (for approximately 20-25 minutes) on one of Denali's glaciers. On board the aircraft, witness dramatic views of Denali's summit and the surrounding peaks and glaciers in the park, including the worlds deepest gorge at Ruth Glacier. Flight routes may change based on weather conditions. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Transportation is included.
$685 per person; $635 per youth 10 and under

Arctic Circle Flight: Travel to the Arctic Circle on an extensive air-and-land adventure. From Denali, fly north across the Arctic Circle for a birds-eye view over the Alaskan wilderness, including the Brooks Mountain Range, Yukon River and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Land and visit an Arctic community with a population of less than 15. In the Brooks Mountain Range, take a walking tour with your guide, a descendant of the first homesteaders, and learn about subsistence living, survival ingenuity and the choice to live in the Arctic year-round. Re-board the plane for the return flight and, if the weather permits, take in aerial views of Denali. Upon returning, receive an official Arctic Circle Certificate. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 7 hours. Transportation is included. Age and weight restrictions apply.
$565 per person (not recommended for youth under 10)

Wilderness Wave Raft Tour: Enjoy a rafting trip along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. 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 per person; $70 per youth 11 and under

Canyon Wave Raft Tour: Set off on a rafting excursion through 11 miles of amazing rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Paddle with the rafting team or sit back and enjoy the ride on the oar boat.
$120 per person; $70 per youth 11 and under

Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure: Whether a novice or experienced ATVer, this excursion is a memorable experience in the Alaskan wilderness on your own automatic single ATV or 2-passenger side-by-side ATV. Led by knowledgeable guides, ride along trails around Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, including photography stops with breathtaking 360° views of the Alaska Range. This excursion covers approximately 10 miles during 1.5 hours on the trails.
$130 per single-rider ATV; $225 per 2-person side-by-side ATV

Midnight Sun ATV Adventure: Make the best part of your day the start of your night. Novice and experienced riders, night owls and daylight adventurers can appreciate this exclusive Wilderness Adventure guided tour departing at 9:00 pm during the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice. The Midnight Sun illuminates forest trails and prolonged sunsets bathe the mountains in a rosy glow. Choose from an automatic single ATV or multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. This excursion covers approximately 10 miles during 1.5 hours on the trails. NOTE: This tour is offered during certain departure dates due to seasonality and varying hours of daylight. Call for more information.
$130 per single-rider ATV; $225 per 2-person side-by-side ATV

Optional excursions are non-refundable within 90 days of departure; prices subject to change. Not all excursions may be available. Availability is subject to sufficient participation and weather conditions. Space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability. 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.

The evening is at 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 the 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.

Arriving to the Anchorage Museum—Alaska's largest museum—learn about Alaska's history, native cultures and many other facets of the Last Frontier.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a farewell reception followed by leisure time to explore downtown Anchorage's many fine eateries and shops.
Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook (B,L,R)

Day +6: Depart Anchorage
After breakfast, take the complimentary transfer to Anchorage International Airport for the group flight to join guests on the main program. (B,L)

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

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Guests should be 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.

Accommodations

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge

Situated on the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers unbeatable views and warm, comfortable accommodations. Enjoy hotel amenities, including an aromatherapy steam room, fitness room, restaurant, cozy lounge, ATM, 24-hour guest laundry and gift shop.

Room Amenities: Chena River view room, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee and tea maker, safe, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer and Aveda® shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap.

Pike's Waterfront Lodge exterior aerial view
Pike's Waterfront Lodge king suite room
Pike's Waterfront Lodge indoor restaurant
Pike's Waterfront Lodge outdoor waterfront dining

Grande Denali Lodge

The Grande Denali Lodge is located just north of the Denali National Park main entrance on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain with unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Spacious guest rooms, on-site dining, and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your adventures. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar and lounge, convenient shuttle services, a self-service laundromat, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an espresso/snacks stand.

Room Amenities: View room, air conditioning, cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge and en suite bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and hair dryer.

Grande Denali Lodge exterior aerial view
Grande Denali Lodge lobby
Grande Denali Lodge outdoor panoramic view sitting area
Grande Denali Lodge outdoor viewing platform

Hotel Captain Cook

Built by former Secretary of the Interior and two-term Alaska Governor Walter J. Hickel to help Anchorage's economy recover from the devastating 1964 earthquake, this renowned hotel boasts Alaskan history from its reclaimed teak interior features to artifacts and art illustrations from Captain Cook's 18th-century voyage. Expect exceptional Alaskan hospitality and service at its four restaurants, on-site shops, athletic club, and spa.

Room Amenities: Deluxe room, air conditioning, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, bathrobes and slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryer.

Hotel Captain Cook standard king room
Hotel Captain Cook indoor restaurant
Hotel Captain Cook wine bar
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Double: $3,499
Single: $4,799

—plus $350/person internal airfare—
---------------------------
Optional DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: $65/person and $55 per youth 12 and under 
Optional Denali Glacier Landing Flight: $685/person and $635 per youth 10 and under 
Optional Arctic Circle Flight Tour: $565/person and not recommended for youth under 10
Optional Wilderness Wave Raft Tour: $120/person and $70 per youth 11 and under
Optional Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure: $130/single ATV and $225/2-person side-by-side
Optional Midnight Sun ATV Adventure: $130/single ATV and $225/2-person side-by-side (Seasonal; limited to 1 departure)

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.

Pre-tour rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Internal airfare from Anchorage to Main Program is an additional $350 per person. General airfare not included.

What's Included

  • 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 Denali National Park along 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 (and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages) 
  • Hotel courtesy shuttle between the rail depot, Grande Denali Lodge, the Denali Park Visitor Center and town
  • A full-day guided wilderness tour into Denali National Park
  • Deluxe motor coach transport to Talkeetna and Anchorage 
  • 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