Extend your journey before or after your Alaska cruise with an 8-day adventure from Fairbanks to Denali, Talkeetna, and Anchorage. Meet reindeer and pan for gold in Fairbanks, then travel into Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour, spotting bears, moose, and caribou. Hike Curry Ridge, kayak on Byers Lake, and explore Talkeetna’s scenic trails and lakes. Ride the deluxe dome rail south through mountains and valleys, then continue your journey aboard Wilderness Adventurer, Wilderness Discoverer, or Wilderness Explorer. Expert guides lead the way through Alaska’s iconic wilderness, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes each day.
Highlights
Walk with reindeer in Fairbanks and learn about Alaska’s frontier life
Guided hikes and kayak excursions provide outdoor thrills and exploration
Witness moose, caribou, and grizzlies in their natural habitat
Pan for gold with a family-run mining experience in Fairbanks
Scenic dome rail ride through mountains and wide-open Alaskan valleys
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska, the largest city in the Interior. On arrival, an UnCruise Adventures representative meets you and transfer to your hotel. Arrival no later than 5:00 pm is required for the Welcome Reception, which includes a welcome beverage and time to meet fellow travelers over cheese and crackers.
Day 2: Fairbanks - Reindeer and Gold
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, visit a local reindeer farm, where you learn about reindeer and their role in the region. Continue to a local gold mining family and try panning for gold while learning about Fairbanks’ mining history. In the afternoon, visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center and hear from a local resident about daily life in Alaska’s Interior.
Day 3: Fairbanks to Denali
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your coach south to Denali National Park. Stop at the Denali Discovery Center in Healy for a box lunch and a short hike with a local naturalist guide. Continue to the Denali National Park Visitor Center to explore exhibits, talk with a ranger, or walk nearby trails.
Day 4: Denali National Park
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, travel into Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour of approximately five to five-and-a-half hours. Your guide shares stories about the park as you watch for wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou. In the afternoon, take a guided hike with Northern Epic Adventures of about three hours on trail.
Day 5: Denali to Talkeetna by Rail
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the Denali Rail Depot for your scenic train ride south aboard a deluxe dome railcar. Have lunch on the train as landscapes roll by. Arrive in Talkeetna, a quirky town that serves as basecamp for Denali climbers. Dinner is on your own at the lodge or in town.
Day 6: Talkeetna - Hiking and Kayaking
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy breakfast with a view before setting out on a hike along the Curry Ridge Trail. Take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, flora, and fauna. Later, kayak on Byers Lake in the heart of Denali State Park. The Curry Ridge hike is approximately five to six miles and four to four-and-a-half hours, so come prepared with good footwear, layers, water, and snacks.
Day 7: Talkeetna to Anchorage
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, set out on a guided hike in the Talkeetna Lakes area. Look for loons, kingfishers, moose, and bears along the trail. Lunch is included in Talkeetna before you travel south to Anchorage by motor coach or scenic train. The Talkeetna Lakes hike has about a 200-foot elevation gain and some uneven terrain, so proper footwear and layers are important.
Day 8: Depart Anchorage
1 Breakfast
Transfer to Anchorage Airport for your departure flight (booked on own).
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,9002-3 travelers
Notes
Select a Date
Available only as an extension to certain Alaska cruises. Price and itinerary subject to change based on cruise.
Initial deposit is 55%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by credit card. All final payments by credit card are subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
