Experience the true Alaska by traveling through the pristine countryside by rail, driving through Denali National Park, and exploring intriguing inland cities, often on your own so you’re free to see whatever you wish. This program features Denali National Park, antique automobiles, sled dog champions, and up-close wildlife viewing opportunities.
*This program begins in Fairbanks, Alaska therefore all flights must arrive at the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Fairbanks Airport, you will be met in the luggage claim area and transferred to Pikes Waterfront Hotel or similar in Fairbanks. The remainder of the day and evening are free, allowing you to settle in and relax. Meals are on your own.
DAY 2
After a buffet breakfast at the lodge, you will begin touring Fairbanks, where you will learn of its rich Gold Rush history.
A stop will be made at Trail Breaker Kennels to meet the canine athletes that run some of the biggest dog sled races in the world. Located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, Trail Breaker Kennel was established in 1980 by the husband and wife team of David Monson (Yukon Quest champion) and Susan Butcher (four-time Iditarod champion). Both were avid mushers and longed to fulfill their dream of mushing full-time and raising a family. In 1993, David and Susan decided to share their love of sled dogs with the public.
Trail Breaker Kennel is now one of the longest operating kennels in Fairbanks where visitors experience and enjoy an Alaskan mushing lifestyle. During the winter months, the Alaskan huskies train for and participate in sled dog races around Alaska. In the summer, the dogs take a break from racing and enjoy short training runs around the lake, swimming in the river, and interacting with visitors from around the world.
Following an included lunch at a restaurant in Fairbanks, you will get to spend time this afternoon at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Collection. This hidden gem rivals most collections found around the world and displays American-made antique automobiles and vintage clothing from Alaska’s post-Gold Rush era. Highlights include early steam, electric and hybrid cars, America’s first V16-powered automobile, and midget racecars. All automobiles in this collection are operational.
Later in the afternoon, the lodge will host an exclusive reception so you can get to know your travel companions. The evening is open for dinner on your own.
DAY 3
A buffet breakfast is served at the Lodge this morning before departing on a scenic motor coach journey from Fairbanks to Denali National Park.
By early afternoon you arrive in time for the 4.5 hour Denali Natural History Tour. Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this program includes several interpretive stops and an hour off-bus experience. Begin with a stop to learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film “Across Time and Tundra.”
Next visit Savage Cabin, the original ranger’s cabin, provides a living history into how the cabin was once used and how it continues to be used today. Finally, you will make a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years. All along the way your naturalist driver-guide will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park and Preserve. Tours are conducted in school busses.
NOTE: Depending on time and availability, there may be an opportunity to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Your Tour Director will be able to provide more information including cost and availability while you are on the tour.
After checking in at the Grand Denali Lodge or similar for the evening, evening is free for dinner on your own and other optional activities.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the lodge, the remainder of the morning is open for optional activities, such as helicopter flightseeing over Mt. Denali, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting on the Nenana River. The prices for each activity vary. These programs can only be booked at the lodge and are independently operated with no affiliation to the cruise line.
Early this afternoon you board a Deluxe Dome Railcar for the journey to Talkeetna. The inspiration for the 1990s TV program “Northern Exposure,” Talkeetna nestles at the confluence of three rivers: the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. Seating on the railcar is upstairs in the dome, which offers incredible views of Alaska’s stunning natural beauty from all sides of the railcar. Lunch is included downstairs in the dining room.
The remainder of the day will be free to explore the town, which is known for its restaurants, brewery and small shops. Weather permitting, Talkeetna also offers extraordinary views of Mt. Denali. The highest peak in North America, Mt. Denali can usually be photographed from several locales around town, including the back deck of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or similar, where you will spend the evening. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 5
After breakfast at the lodge, you will drive farther south to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. A brief orientation tour will present some of the highlights and suggestions for lunch on your own in the downtown.
Then, it’s on to Whittier, passing through a landscape so spectacular it holds three scenic designations: USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and All-American Road. Make a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see indigenous animals to Alaska in their natural habitat.
Upon arriving in Whittier, you will embark the ship to begin your cruise.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Fly into the Fairbanks International Airport. You will be greeted by a cruise line representative and transferred to the Pikes Waterfront Lodge or similar for check in at 3:00pm.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy as you please. Meals are on your own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
6:00am Buffet breakfast starts at the lodge
9:00am Fairbanks city tour with visit to Trail Breaker Kennels
11:30am Lunch at a Fairbanks restaurant
1:30pm Visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Collection
Return to the lodge for an exclusive reception and lecture
PM Open for dinner on own and optional activities
Overnight at the Pikes Waterfront Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 3
6:00am Buffet breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Motorcoach drive from Fairbanks to Denali National Park
11:30am Arrive in Denali National Park
Lunch on own
1:00pm (Approximate Time) Depart on the Denali Natural History Tour
6:00pm (Approximate Time) Return from the Denali Natural History Tour
PM Open for dinner on own and optional activities
Overnight at the Grande Denali Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 4
6:00am Buffet breakfast begins at the lodge
Open morning for optional activities to explore in/around Denali National Park
12:15pm Dome Rail from Denali to Talkeetna with lunch included on board
4:30pm Arrive Talkeetna, Transfer to Talkeetna Alaska Lodge
PM Open for dinner on own and optional activities
Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 5
6:00am Buffet breakfast at the lodge
8:00am Depart Talkeetna for Anchorage
10:45am Arrive in Anchorage for a brief city tour, lunch on own
12:00pm Depart for Whittier
1:00pm Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
4:00pm Arrive in Whittier for ship embarkation
Accessibility:
This program is wheelchair accessible. Please notify RSSC if a tour coach with lift or accessible rooms are required as rooms are limited and vehicles need to be secured in advance.
Expected Weather:
The average temperature is 55° to 65° Fahrenheit. However, summer temperatures can rise into the 70’s and 80’s. Weather conditions are unpredictable here.
What to Bring:
Warm clothing, rain jacket, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and or hiking boots, hat, sunglasses, camera, charger, mosquito repellant
Local Currency:
US Dollar
Electricity:
The electric current in the United States is 110 volts. You may need a converter if you have 220-volt devices. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for guests who are not from North America.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required
Hotel addresses:
Pikes Waterfront Lodge – 1850 Hoselton Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Grande Denali Lodge - George Parks Hwy, AK 99755
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – 23601 Talkeetna Spurr Road, Talkeetna, AK 99676
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
HOTELS AND LODGES
The best available hotels and lodges in Alaska are used throughout the land program. They are comfortable and rustic. Guests accustomed to the level of services at an international five-star hotel will find that the same services are not available in Alaska. Due to peak season in Alaska from May through September, it may be difficult to change rooms during the hotel stay as all hotels have very high occupancy. Hotels are subject to change.
Program includes:
•Two nights at the Pikes Waterfront Hotel (standard double room)
•One night at Grande Denali Lodge (standard double room)
•One night at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (standard double room)
•Visit to Trailbreaker Kennel
•Viewing of Fountainhead Antique Auto Collection
•Denali Natural History Tour
•Two lunches
•One opening reception
•Deluxe dome rail tour
•Tours and sightseeing as per program
•Full breakfast daily
•Fully escorted
•Luggage handling
•Airport transfers as applicable
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Gratuities for Tour Director and motor coach driver
•Any meals or activities not specified above
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
ADDITIONAL TOURING
While you are in the Denali area at the beginning of the tour program, your guide will present additional touring programs for sale. These tour options vary from week to week and therefore can’t be pre-purchased. However, your guide will do everything possible to help you secure space. Optional tours cannot be pre-reserved through RSSC.
BAGGAGE
As your baggage will travel on many different modes of transportation, please choose sturdy cases that have been properly tagged with personal identifications, both inside and out. It is important to keep all valuables and documents on your person. As amenities such as elevators and baggage handling are limited at some locations, we suggest you only carry one bag per person while on the land tour. Alternately, your tour director will collect any pieces that you do not want to take on and off the bus each day and it will be stored on the motor coach in a locked bay. Please pack accordingly and bring any medications and documents with you.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact Luggage Forward to make your own luggage transfer arrangements (at own cost) from your home to the ship -www.luggageforward.com
Phone: 877-231-5131
CLOTHING AND CLIMATE
With a broad variety of weather possibilities, we encourage you to bring clothes that are suited to layering. Daytime attire in Alaska is strictly casual. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are a must. The following items should be included: water-repellant coat or jacket, collapsible umbrella, rain hat, lightweight windbreaker, and sweaters. It could be warmer inland with summer temperatures in Denali reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
ALTITUDE
Travel in Alaska is generally at lower elevations. The maximum altitude is 2,800 feet in Denali National Park.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weather conditions are unpredictable. While the cruise line and its appointed ground operators will do everything possible to assist with alternative arrangements, we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred if a land program, tour or private arrangement made through the cruise line is disrupted due to adverse weather.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The published itinerary is based on component suppliers expected to be operating for the land program. Changes to the availability of flights, flight and tour schedules or other itinerary components out of the cruise line’s control may require an adjustment to the final itinerary. The local ground operator will handle meal vouchers, train tickets, or tour tickets included in the program. The cruise line reserves the right to substitute hotels, if necessary.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Price: $2,899 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
