Welcomed at the Anchorage airport and escorted to your hotel, meet your guide and fellow travelers at an evening wine and cheese reception. Overnight at Hilton Anchorage (or similar).

Hop the rails in a deluxe dome railcar to Talkeetna, while your guide narrates sights and points of interest along the way. Take a break for lunch and exploring at this “Denali adventure hub,” followed by a guided, level hike on the Talkeetna Lakes trail. Later, check into the lodge. A local naturalist meets you after dinner for a presentation on tomorrow’s activities as well as the region’s natural history—flora, geology, fauna. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or similar).

Expert backcountry hiking and kayak guides take you on a day of adventure. Low elevation trails uncover the plants, birds, and animals of these mountains, along crystal clear lakes. Or, for a more rigorous exploration, tighten your hiking boots and climb 1,500 feet (above tree line), with staggering views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range when the clouds part. After an included lunch, gear up and get out on Byers Lake with a kayak and local residents (trumpeter swans, loons, beavers). Keep your eyes peeled. Grab dinner in the charming recreation hub of Talkeetna or at the hotel on your own. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or similar).

Delve further into the Alaskan Range aboard a deluxe dome railcar for an eye-popping view on your way to Denali National Park. Optional tours for purchase include river rafting and Denali flightseeing, or take advantage of no-cost options like hikes and interpretive programs at the park headquarters. Overnight at Denali Bluffs Hotel (or similar)

All Denali, all day long. It’s a Tundra Wilderness Tour on a full-day excursion into the heart of the park. Your narrated tour with a certified driver-naturalist digs deep into Denali’s history while staying on the lookout for hawks, wolves, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Relax from a big day with an overnight at Denali Bluffs Hotel (or similar).

Your mid-morning motor coach ride is bound for Anchorage. Make a special stop to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Discover Native traditions and legends about Alaska's Native tribes through presentations, exhibits, and demonstrations. After your cultural exploration, it’s a short ride into the city where the afternoon is yours to explore town. Join your travel mates for a group dinner. Overnight at Hilton Anchorage (or similar).

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to join your Cruise adventure.