Day 1: This is the day we have been waiting and planning for! For those who choose, we meet at the office in Yoder for our transfer to the Wichita airport. We fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, to start our journey. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 2: This morning, enjoy a welcome breakfast before leaving by motorcoach. Our first stop is a picture opportunity at the Matanuska Glacier. This is the largest glacier accessible by vehicles in the United States. Its terminus feeds the Matanuska River, which we will be traveling alongside this morning. We stop at the Wrangell St. Elias Visitors Center to learn about the largest National Park in the United States. We also visit Bridal and Horse Tail Falls. (B, L)

Day 3: We board the Stan Stephens Columbia Glacier Cruise, where we visit Prince William Sound and Meers or Columbia Glacier (ice pending). In addition to the amazing ice, we will see wildlife along the way that calls the Sound home. We also learn about the oil shipping, earthquake, and fishing history of the area. (B, L)

Day 4: What an exciting day is in store for us! We depart for a unique day trip experience. We fly on small charter planes out of Chitina. On our flight, we see awe-inspiring views of Mt. Blackburn and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A flyby of Kennicott and McCarthy before we land helps orient us to the area we are about to explore. We visit Kennicott Mine, an abandoned copper mining camp established in 1903. Kennecott Mining Corporation operated 5 mines in the area. Kennecott became a bustling mining camp filled with miners and their families. Here we view the giant red mill building from the old Kennecott Copper Company, which stands 14 stories above the Kennicott Glacier. (B, L, D)

Day 5: This morning we head up the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks, making stops along the Pipeline. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, we enjoy dinner before checking into our hotel for a 2 night stay. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Today is a free day on your own. We get many requests to experience “North of the Arctic Circle” since it is only about 150 miles from Fairbanks. You may choose to fly to Fort Yukon, a historic fort. Maybe you would like a driving tour to the Arctic Circle or a drive/fly to the Arctic Circle. There are attractions right in Fairbanks, including the Museum of the North, golfing, ATV or fishing. Or it may feel good to simply relax at the lodge for part of the day. We will help you make arrangements for your free day. (B)

Day 7: We board the Riverboat Discovery for a trip that will introduce us to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. No stop in Alaska is complete without talking about the Iditarod. We visit Susan Butcher’s home, Trail Breaker Kennels, for an introduction to dogsledding and the Iditarod. Maybe there will be a future Iditarod puppy to play with. Leaving Fairbanks this afternoon, we are in for an incredibly scenic drive as we head south. By late afternoon, we arrive outside the Denali Park entrance for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 8: This morning we board the park bus for a narrated journey deep into Denali National Park. Our tour takes us all the way to Kantishna, the farthest point visitors are permitted to travel. Along the way, an experienced driver‑guide shares the natural and cultural history of Denali as we take in sweeping views of the Alaska Range and hear stories of the mountain’s historic climbs. Weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of “The Mountain” itself — and perhaps some wildlife. (B, L)


Day 9: Enjoy a leisurely morning at the cabins before boarding the Alaska Railroad Goldstar for a scenic train ride to Talkeetna. We travel along the Nenana River and Denali Park for the first part of the journey before going over Broad Pass. We cross Hurricane Gulch at 296 feet above the creek. The bridge was built in 1921 and spans 914 feet, the longest on the railroad. As we enter Talkeetna, we cross the Talkeetna River near the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chuitna Rivers. Talkeetna is home for the next 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 10: Today, we embark on Mahay’s Jet Boat. On the boat, we experience a river excursion through Denali State Park and into the nationally registered Wild River Park of “Devil’s Gorge.” Along the way, we stop and see how the early settlers of the area lived. There is also a visit to an authentic trapper’s cabin with its original furnishings to see how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century. (B, L)

Day 11: Leaving Talkeetna, we stop for a Farm Tour in the Matanuska Valley. Then continuing south to Seward with a few stops along the way. Seward is home for 2 nights. (B)

Day 12: Kenai Fjords National Park is our adventure today on our wildlife and glacier tour. We travel to towering walls of ice where you can hear the glaciers move as well as see the brilliant blues in the ice. The most commonly seen sea life includes otters, sea lions, seals, eagles, and possibly whales. Lunch is served on board the vessel. This evening is free to shop and explore the town of Seward. (B, L)

Day 13: Today we have free time to continue exploring this beautiful state. We make our way back to Anchorage for a late evening flight. No seaplanes for us today as we go to the International Airport in Anchorage for our flight home. One last glance at the majestic mountains, unusual glaciers, thunderous waterfalls, and shimmering sea, as we soar into the blue skies headed towards home. (B)

Day 14: With wonderful memories of our awesome vacation in ALASKA, we arrive in Wichita, then transfer to Yoder.