Day 1 : Fairbanks
Welcome to the vast beauty of the north. Your expedition begins in Fairbanks, where the subarctic light stretches long across the horizon and the air carries the particular stillness of the interior. You are met and transferred to your hotel and after settling in, the afternoon brings an immediate introduction to one of Alaska's most celebrated traditions — dog sledding. Learn about the huskies and meet a veteran musher. This evening, join your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail and dinner as the golden light fades over the boreal forest.
Please note your arrival flight should land no later than 1:00 PM in order for you to be on time for the 3:45 PM Veteran Musher & Sled Dog Presentation.
Arrival Transfer
Fairbanks International Airport - Fairbanks 0h15m 11km
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Veteran Musher & Sled Dog Presentation
Fairbanks 1h - 1h Afternoon 3:00 4:00
Experience the legacy of Alaska at Trail Breaker Kennel, founded in 1976 by mushing icons Susan Butcher and David Monson. This one-hour tour offers a deep dive into the lifestyle of Interior Alaska, from historic racing feats to modern training philosophies. You'll walk the grounds with expert mushers, hear stories of the trail, and—most importantly—cuddle adorable husky puppies. It’s an authentic encounter with the heart and soul of the "Last Frontier."
Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Fairbanks 1h
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Day 2 : Fairbanks/Denali
Board the Gold Star dome car for a scenic rail journey toward the shadows of the Alaska Range — one of the most cinematic train rides in North America. Settle into your seat or step into the open-air sky dome to feel the crisp mountain air as the landscape shifts from boreal forest to open tundra, the peaks growing larger with every mile. Upon arrival in Denali, stretch your legs on the McKinley Station trail, a winding path through fragrant spruce with views that hint at the wilderness to come. The evening is spent at your lodge, sharing a group dinner as the last light fades over the rugged peaks of the range.
Train
Fairbanks - Denali 4h
Enjoy the scenic vistas of the Alaskan tundra from the panoramic windows of the Denali Gold Star Dome train. You can also choose to enjoy the views from the outdoor dome car. On clear days you might see Denali in the distance as you travel further south.
Afternoon Guided Walk on Denali's McKinley Station Trail
Denali 1h30m - 2h 2km
This afternoon after arriving to Denali join the group for an included, guided walk on Denali's McKinley Station Trail. If you are feeling tired after today's train ride you can choose to remain back at the hotel and relax, or join a shorter section of the trail.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Length: 2-5km
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 : Denali
Rise early to venture deep into Denali National Park, one of the most pristine wilderness areas on earth. Travel the park road as the tundra opens up, stopping to scan the vast valleys for grizzly bears, moose, and caribou that move freely across the landscape. After lunch at the visitor centre, choose your pace: join your Expedition Leader for an included hike along the turquoise waters of Horseshoe Lake, or take part in a ranger-led program exploring the park's extraordinary biodiversity. The evening gathers the group back together for a communal dinner, and reflection on the day's activities.
Denali Natural History Tour
Denali 4h30m - 6h 5km
The Denali Natural History Tour highlights the natural and cultural history of Denali National Park. The tour includes several interpretive stops with about an hour off the bus, including the Denali Bus Depot, historic Savage Cabin, and Primrose Ridge with an Alaska Native presentation. A driver-naturalist provides insights into the park’s landscape, geology, and history throughout the trip.
Denali Visitor Center
Denali 0h15m - 0h45m 5km
Explore the visitor center and join one of the ranger-led programs or join your Expedition Leader for a walk along the Front country including Horseshoe Lake Trailhead.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 : Denali/Talkeetna
Leave the high peaks behind and head south, keeping a watchful eye on the horizon for Mount McKinley's massive snow-covered summit — which reveals itself only on the clearest of days. Arrive in the characterful town of Talkeetna for an afternoon on the water, floating the Talkeetna River as your guide traces the flora and fauna thriving along its banks. Before dinner, a local mountaineer shares stunning photography and firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs of climbing North America's highest peak — stories that reframe the summit you've been watching all day.
Private Vehicle
Denali - Talkeetna 3h - 3h Morning 245km 09:00 12:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Talkeetna River Float Trip
Talkeetna 2h - 2h 01:30 03:30
Enjoy a peaceful float down the Talkeetna River on a private, guide-paddled raft designed for small groups. This calm-water excursion focuses on the area’s natural history, with expert commentary on regional flora, fauna, and local wildlife. It’s a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness while learning about the delicate ecosystem of the river valley.
Lifestyle and Mountaineering Presentation
Talkeetna 1h - 1h 4:30 5:30
Enjoy an intimate presentation by a local mountaineer describing the culture and unique lifestyle of Denali. Featuring stunning photography and personal stories, this session highlights the raw beauty of the Alaska Range and the perseverance required to navigate its peaks, providing deep insight into one of the world’s most formidable wilderness areas.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 : Talkeetna/Girdwood
Travel toward the Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a living gateway to the Indigenous heart of the Great Land. Step into the rhythm of the North during a cultural dance performance, where the beat of the drum and traditional movements tell stories passed down through generations. Join a Culture Bearer (a person who practices, preserves, and teaches their community's traditional arts, beliefs, and culture to future generations) for a private tour of the centre and learn about Alaska’s diverse Indigenous groups. After lunch, sit down with an Elder for a conversation about the enduring spirit of village life. Watch a demonstration of Akutaq, a traditional delicacy, served with a contemporary flair, before continuing to Girdwood for a free evening.
Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit
Anchorage 1h - 1h 10:00 11:00
Enjoy a unique experience at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre as you journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, films, traditional dwellings, and in-depth exhibits. Regarded as THE cultural site to see on National Geographic Travel’s “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list, the Center is the perfect place to engage with history, discover a more in-depth look at Alaska’s past, and ask questions about what you learn.
Private Vehicle
Talkeetna - Anchorage 2h - 2h Morning 175km 8:00 10:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Elder Talk & Akutaq Demonstration
Anchorage 1h - 1h Afternoon 1:00 2:00
Experience an exclusive cultural session featuring an Akutaq demonstration and narratives from Elder Cultural Guides. You will learn about traditional village life and the evolution of Alaska Native culinary practices, blending ancestral traditions with modern influences. After tasting freshly prepared Akutaq—a unique "something mixed" dessert made of whipped fat and tundra berries—you will depart with a recipe card and a deeper understanding of the vital role subsistence living plays within Alaska Native communities.
Private Vehicle
Anchorage - Girdwood 1h - 1h Afternoon 75km 2:00 3:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free time:
Girdwood Afternoon
Enjoy your free time exploring Girdwood’s lush rainforest trails or browsing local shops. You can take a scenic tram ride for mountain views, visit a nearby waterfall, or simply relax. It is the perfect opportunity to soak in the town's laid-back atmosphere at your own pace.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 6 : Girdwood
The scale of Alaska's glacial landscape announces itself at the Exit Glacier Nature Centre, where an informative presentation precedes a walk along the Glacier View loop — the retreating ice a stark, visceral reminder of the forces reshaping this wilderness. Free time for lunch follows in the seafaring town of Seward, before a private tour of the Alaska SeaLife Centre. Meet a member of the research team to gain insight into the protection of the marine ecosystem and the extraordinary lives of the animals that navigate these cold, remote waters.
Private Vehicle
Girdwood - Kenai Fjords National Park 2h - 2h 160km
The drive from Girdwood to Kenai National Park follows a stunning scenic route. You’ll pass dramatic coastal cliffs and hanging glaciers before climbing through mountain passes into lush forests. The route is famous for views of tidal flats, alpine lakes, and frequent sightings of Dall sheep and eagles.
Kenai National Park Exit Glacier Nature Center Visit
Kenai Fjords National Park 1h30m - 1h30m Morning 2km 10:30 12:00
The Exit Glacier Nature Center serves as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords, offering interactive exhibits on glacial retreat and the local ecosystem. From the center, well-maintained trails lead you to dramatic overlooks where you can witness the massive river of blue ice up close. It is an accessible and powerful way to experience the shifting Alaskan landscape while learning about the park’s unique geology and wildlife.
Alaska SeaLife Center Visit
Seward 1h - 1h Afternoon 2:00 3:00
Experience a specialized tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center, a premier global hub for marine research. You’ll explore public exhibits with an educator, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at ongoing science projects, and meet a member of the Chiswell research team. This immersive visit offers a rare look into Steller sea lion conservation and the remote video monitoring used to study nearby rookeries.
Private Vehicle
Kenai Fjords National Park - Girdwood 2h - 2h Afternoon 150km 3:00 5:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7 : Girdwood
Today belongs entirely to Prince William Sound. A private, naturalist-led charter navigates hidden coves and remote beaches inaccessible to the crowds. Observe the unique wildlife of the region, view sea lion colonies and step ashore on isolated islands to explore the intertidal zone up close. Towering glaciers frame the horizon as the emerald water carries you deeper into the sound — a day of pure, unhurried discovery that feels as far from the ordinary world as it's possible to get. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner, celebrating the memories made across the Alaskan wilderness.
Private Vehicle
Girdwood - Whittier 1h - 1h Morning 40km 8:00 9:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Prince William Sound Cruise
Whittier 8h - 8h Full day 9:00 5:00
This immersive expedition into Prince William Sound offers a deep dive into the wild heart of Harriman Fjord and Port Wells. Led by expert naturalist Aubrey Jurgerson, the flexible itinerary includes viewing tidewater glaciers, visiting sea lion rookeries, and going ashore on remote beaches to explore the world’s northernmost rainforest. Designed as a true field study, this tour prioritizes patience to witness wildlife like sea otters and puffins, providing an intimate and secluded experience within the Chugach National Forest.
Private Vehicle
Whittier - Girdwood 1h - 1h Evening 42km 5:00 6:00
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 : Girdwood/Anchorage International Airport
Enjoy a final morning at leisure, perhaps taking a deep breath of the mountain air or a final stroll through the forest. Your expedition to the Last Frontier concludes as you depart for the airport in Anchorage for your travels home.
Private Vehicle
Girdwood - Anchorage International Airport 1h - 1h Morning 70km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
