Today you will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. This is the economic center and transportation hub of “The Last Frontier.” After arriving, check into your hotel to rest (check-in is available after 3pm at all local hotels).

   

Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning, and travel to the old naval port town of Whittier. On the way you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of lofty mountains, icy glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and the twisting ocean shoreline of Turnagain Arm. Just before arriving in Whittier, you'll pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest double-use highway and railroad tunnel in the U.S. at 4.05 km. Once in Whittier, visit the famous Begich Towers residential building (outside only) and take in the naval port town scenery (about 20 min. total). While in Whittier you have the opportunity to go on a Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (at additional expense, it is suggested that you book in advance). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 8:00-8:30pm.

   

Whittier:

One of the most interesting towns in Alaska, Whittier was a naval port during the Cold War. After the naval facilities were abandoned, they were converted into Begich Towers, the most unique residential building in America. Most of the 200-some residents of the town live in the building, and there is also a school, post office, and supermarket inside. Whittier is also the gateway to access many famous glaciers, and is surrounded by 3,500 ft. (1,067 m) tall mountains. It was first chosen as the site for a military base in World War 2, and today has evolved into a world-class cruise ship port, attracting visitors from all over the world.

   

Optional Activity: Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (about 5 hours total, includes western-style box lunch, narration in English) Board the boat around noon, and start soaking up the magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Prince William Sound. The glaciers end in steep cliffs of ice, and when sunlight hits the ice, it seems to glow from within. When you hear a glacier let out a deep rumble, you may witness pieces of the glacier falling off into the water. You'll be able to observe up-close floating icebergs and where the glaciers meet the sea, and have the opportunity to see all types of marine animals (such as sea lions, sea otters, and seals) as well as birds. It is suggested that you bring a warm jacket, hat, etc.

     

Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning, and travel to the scenic Hatcher Pass, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, the Hatcher Pass area is extremely rich in plant resources and is a paradise for locals and self-driving enthusiasts, with alpine glacial lakes and beautiful wildflowers dotted between the mountains, without losing the grandeur of Alaska. Along the way, head to Independence Mine State Historical Park, the abandoned gold mine is no longer the grand event of the past, and now it welcomes tourists with its unique retro style. Then we'll visit a small local brewery, and in the American beer industry, Alaska is a place that can't be ignored, the local brewery brands have their own characteristics. Not only can we learn a little about Alaska's local beer making, but we can also sample fresh craft beers (tasting is at your own expense, only 21 years old can drink alcohol, please show ID at that time). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 17:00-17:30. 

Leave from the hotel at around 9:00 in the morning, and travel to the gold rush town of Talkeetna, at the foot of Denali. Once you've arrived, head to the Denali National Park Talkeetna Ranger Station to get your official park stamp (about 15 min.), then get a look at Denali from a viewing platform (about 15 min.). You'll also have time to freely explore the unique restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and antique-themed shops. If you want to get a close look at Denali, you can choose to do an optional Denali Flightseeing Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance) or Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance). Due to time constraints, it is only possible to choose one of these two activities. Estimated return to Anchorage is between 7:00-7:30pm. At additional expense, you can upgrade to the Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train* for the return journey. If you choose this option, you'll arrive at the Anchorage train station at around 8pm, and your guide will pick you up and return you to the hotel.  

   

Today your tour ends, and it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Alaska.

Talkeetna:

This town was once an extremely lively center of gold rush activity, and today continues to showcase the spirit and style of pioneer Alaska. The main street is lined with small log cabins and antique storefronts. Talkeetna is not only the gateway to Denali and the setting-out point for mountaineers, it's also a nature lover's paradise.

   

Optional Activities: 

 1) Denali Flightseeing Tour* (About 1 to 1.5 hours roundtrip, English narration)

Ride in a small flightseeing plane and get a bird's-eye view of snow-covered Denali and the majestic Alaska Range. If weather conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to land on a glacier and personally experience being surrounded by the snowy mountains.

2) Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (About 2 hours roundtrip, English narration) 

Your boat captain will take you on a river-based tour, with views of the wilderness scenery on each bank. Here you are less than 100 km (about 60 miles) from Denali, the highest peak in North America. As you travel through the forests surrounding the Susitna River, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and gaze at the high peak reaching into the sky. When the weather is clear, you'll be blown away by the view. The tour includes a visit to an Alaska Native hunting camp.

3) Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train* (Talkeetna – Anchorage, 5 - 8pm, no accompanying guide) 

The train is equipped with comfortable seats and a glass dome ceiling that allows for 180° views. You'll personally experience the scenic Alaska rail route first established during the gold rush era over a hundred years ago and have plenty of opportunity to photograph the beautiful scenery you pass.