Signature: Alaska's Fairbanks, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula

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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - 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 and hear stories of the trail. It’s an authentic encounter with the heart and soul of the "Last Frontier."Activity - 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.Accommodation - SpringHill Suites Fairbanks

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - 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.Activity - 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: 2-5kmAccommodation - Grand Denali Lodge

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Grand Denali Lodge

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - 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.Accommodation - Alyeska Resort

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - 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.Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Alyeska Resort

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Alyeska Resort

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.