Anchorage, Alaska
Arrive Anchorage, Alaska. Overnight hotel room and tax. This day is unguided and meal expense at own cost.

Palmer Colony House/ Musk Ox Farm / Hatcher Pass.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Palmer and visit the Colony House, an original homestead from 1935 when colonists settled the fertile valleys. Early artifacts and photos, and often the stories of original Pioneers tell the tale of life and times back then. A short tour of the Musk Ox Farm to see the descendants of the prehistoric Woolly Mammoth. Learn about the unique qualities of their fibers and how the Alaska native people use it for it’s incredible warmth. Explore Hatcher Pass, a high mountain pass of incredible scenic beauty. Wildflower covered tundra, jagged mountain peaks and crystal blue rivers enchant you. Glimpse into gold-mining’s past as you tour the Independence Gold Mine. Easy walking trails and interpretive signs depict life in the earlier days of hard rock mining. (B,L,D)

Sled Dog Kennel Tour / Talkeetna / McKinley Jetboat Safari.
Today we travel to Talkeetna, en route we stop and tour a veteran Iditarod mushers kennel to learn about this favorite sport of Alaskans and the 1150 mile sled dog race to Nome. Visit with the dog team and love some puppies before a short ride in a wheeled cart behind a team of huskies. Our travel continues north to Talkeetna, a rustic town with incredible views of Denali. Time is allowed to explore this little town with big Alaskan flavor - diners, artists shops, quirky museums and a walk to the river to view Mt. McKinley. Enjoy a McKinley jetboat safari aboard the Talkeetna Queen. A 10 mile journey upriver, takes you to a short nature walk and tour of a trapper’s cabin, complete with rustic furnishings.
Dinner is enjoyed in an Alaskan restaurant with lakeside views and hearty Alaskan fare. (B,L,D)

Alaska Native Heritage Center / Alaska Wildlife Center / Whittier.
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a cultural gathering center with displays and dance and storytelling demonstrations which depict the culture of Alaska’s indigenous people. After lunch we head south towards Whittier. The scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm includes several spots for possible wildlife viewing. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Center, a park dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of Alaska’s wildlife. See moose, bear, bison, musk ox and other rescued wildlife. We take ample time to stop and observe sights and wildlife as we make our way to the town of Whittier where you depart mainland Alaska by cruiseship. (B, L)