Details:

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.

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, but 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.

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage; Holiday Inn Express Anchorage OR Similar. 

Details:

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.

Clothing suggestions: Outdoor sports shoes and a lightweight warm coat.

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.

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage; Holiday Inn Express Anchorage OR Similar. 

Details:

Leave from the hotel around 7:30 in the morning, and head to the Anchorage Train Station to check in for your train for your journey to Denali on the Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train* (ticket included). You’ll arrive at the Denali Train Station around 3:40pm. You’ll be picked up from the train station and taken to your hotel, after which you can enjoy some free time.

Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train:

This is one of the most popular summer tourist activities in Alaska, especially the portion of the route between Anchorage and Denali, with its stunning scenery. The train is equipped with comfortable seats and a glass dome ceiling that allows for 180° views. On this moving observation platform, as you head toward Denali, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to photograph the beautiful scenery you pass. You’ll personally experience the scenic Alaska rail route first established during the gold rush era over a hundred years ago, and the thrill of seeing the highest peak in North America.

Denali National Park:
Denali National Park and Preserve was established in 1917. It is the second national park established after the establishment of the U.S. National Park System and is also the world's longest continuously protected ecological reserve. There are many kinds of wild animals in the park, and it has unique pristine natural landscapes: Alaska Mountains, boreal vegetation, and so on. The inclusive beauty attracts many nature-loving tourists from all over the world. The beautiful scenery, coupled with the fun of exploring wild animals, makes people who come here for natural scenery, mountaineering or hiking come back with a lot of good memories.

Notes:      

1. The summer glass dome train is a sightseeing train with limited ticket availability. The specific route and seating are subject to change.

2. Your guide will drop you off and pick you up at the train station, but will not accompany you on the train.

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Hotel: Denali Totem Inn OR Similar.

This morning, we will take a tour of the Denali Scenic Highway. Before departure, the tour guide will lead everyone to buy lunch for the day or ask you to prepare a simple meal in advance. Then we will go to the southern area of ​​Denali and drive on the Denali Highway, which is famous for its magnificent scenery, to start a journey to explore the rich and diverse wild fun in the Denali area. The swamps and patches of wild blueberries hidden in the short and dense bushes, occasionally encounter various wild animals such as moose and bighorn sheep living here. The experienced tour guide will explain the knowledge of animals and plants to you along the way and take you to less-known niche viewing spots. During this period, you will also have a short outdoor hiking experience, which I believe will bring you more surprises. Today we will have a picnic outdoors, enjoy the beautiful scenery and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This is the best way to experience Denali (please remember to clean up and pack up the garbage at the end). After the trip, we will go to Fairbanks, the capital of the Aurora.
Fairbanks is a transportation hub for exploring the interior of Alaska and the Arctic Circle. It is also the best place in the world to watch the Northern Lights. There are more than 243 days of clear night sky in a year to observe the Northern Lights. Since it is only 310 kilometers away from the Arctic Circle and is backed by the barrier of mountains, it can avoid bad weather. Therefore, Northern Lights seekers will gather in this city where the Northern Lights are most easily observed. After arrival, check in at the hotel and take a short rest. During this period, you can prepare various equipment for the Northern Lights observation at night. When night falls, in order to avoid urban light pollution, it is planned to take the Northern Lights shuttle bus to our carefully selected Northern Lights observation cabin* at 22:00. The location is excellent, which increases your chances of observing the Northern Lights. Our professional Aurora guide will introduce you to the relevant knowledge of the Northern Lights, camera parameter adjustment and Northern Lights shooting techniques to help you take wonderful Aurora photos. Free hot drinks, coffee and Northern Lights monitoring screens are provided in the cabin, where you can wait for the Northern Lights warmly (the first aurora observation, included in the fee). We are expected to arrive at the hotel at 02:00 the next morning to rest.

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Hotel: Hyatt Place Fairbanks OR similar.

Today you will enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the old town of Fairbanks, Golden Heart Park and Morris Visitor Center. The huge statues in Golden Heart Park symbolize the vitality of national integration. The exhibition hall of Morris Visitor Center displays the original appearance of local life in Alaska and miniatures of early gold mining, which are presented through sound, images or simulated scenes, taking you back to the historical years of Alaska. We will "travel" to the most retro Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. This is a park with the theme of early Americans pioneering Alaska. As soon as you enter the park, you can see the staff wearing early 20th century costumes, which will take you into the historical atmosphere.

When night falls, in order to avoid urban light pollution, it is planned to take the Northern Lights shuttle bus to the surrounding areas outside Fairbanks at 22:00. Our professional aurora guide will take you to the most favorable area for observing the aurora to track the aurora according to the weather conditions of the day, the direction of the aurora and his rich experience in chasing the aurora. During the tour, we will also introduce you to the knowledge about the Northern Lights, camera parameter adjustment and Northern Lights photography techniques to help you take wonderful photos of the Northern Lights (the second Northern Lights observation is included in the fee). You are expected to arrive at the hotel at 02:00 the next morning to rest.

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Hotel: Hyatt Place Fairbanks OR Similar.

Today you'll end your trip and bid farewell to beautiful Alaska. You can choose an optional activity to participate if your flight takes off in evening.

Options:  

1. Dog-pulled ATV experience tour (including round-trip hotel transportation, approximately 2 hours total)

2. Fairbanks gold panning experience (including round-trip hotel transportation, approximately 3 hours total)

Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own

Tips:    

1. The check-out time for most hotels in Alaska is 12:00 p.m., but please confirm the check-out time with your hotel.

2. For flights within the U.S., please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.

3. To avoid the risk of a missed flight, please book a flight that leaves after 7:00 a.m. on the last day of your trip.

4. 24-hour free airport shuttle service is provided through your hotel, please reserve with the hotel staff in advance. Information need to reserve the shuttle: room number, name (in pinyin), number of people, departure time.

5. If you plan to continue your stay in Fairbanks after your tour, you can book a hotel extension in advance.

**The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon whose appearance and visibility are dictated by weather and other natural conditions. Thus, there is no guarantee that you will see them.**

**If there are discrepancies between any time stated in the itinerary and the time given by your guide, please meet at the time your guide has informed you of.**

**The sequence of activities in this tour itinerary is subject to change based on the tour departure date, weather conditions, etc., but the content of the tour will not change. The below sequence is provided for reference only, and may not match your final itinerary.**

  The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.

  The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.

  Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.

  You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.

  Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.

  Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.

  These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.

  Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.

  All the prices are listed in USD.

  Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.

  Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.

  Prices may change without any notice.

  Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.

  Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.

  Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.

  Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.

  There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.

  Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.