Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

This morning enjoy a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery, a three-hour journey that will take you into the heart of Alaska. Operated by a family who has made the Alaskan rivers home for five generations, you’ll witness a Bush Pilot take off and land beside the boat and hear stories of flying into remote Alaska firsthand. Halfway through the experience, you’ll be immersed in frontier living with a guided walking tour of a re-created Athabascan Indian village. See cabins made of spruce logs, along with indigenous dwellings that have allowed the strong Athabascan people to survive for thousands of years in this harsh environment. Afterwards, board your deluxe motorcoach for a city tour of Fairbanks before stopping in historic downtown for lunch on your own. This tour includes a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline and gives you a great overview of the Fairbanks community. Open afternoon and evening to explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

Overnight: Fairbanks

This morning, board your deluxe motorcoach to travel to Denali National Park. More than just a mountain, Denali National Park is six million acres of wild land. After lunch on your own, your tour will take you into this pristine region of Alaska on the only road into and out of the park. Along the way, enjoy a fully narrated ride learning about the flora and fauna of the area while looking out for the wild animals that roam freely and call this park home. While in this beautiful area, set aside time to experience the solitude and tranquility that vast wilderness can provide.

During your Denali Natural History Tour, travel into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and learning about the history of the park. The remaining part of the day is open for optional activities.

Overnight: Denali

Today’s itinerary includes a morning kennel tour. Learn about the Alaska state sport of dog mushing with an included stop at a local Iditarod sled dog kennel. You’ll be amazed to learn about this fascinating sport, the musher, the dogs and even get to hold a future champion puppy in your arms. After this authentic visit, we won’t be surprised if you are ready to run “The Last Great Race” yourself. Late morning, continue south by motorcoach to the town of Talkeetna. Continue on your journey south while traveling along the rails of the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Anchorage in a deluxe dome railcar. Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey.

Overnight: Anchorage

Open day in Anchorage to explore Alaska’s largest city.

Overnight: Anchorage

Transfer to the Anchorage International Airport for your flight to Seattle to embark on Norwegian Encore. Transfers in Anchorage as well as Seattle are included in the tour. Economy class flight from Anchorage to Seattle is included in the tour. Flight upgrades are not available.

Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World's Fair.

Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a treck worthwhile.

In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

Sail to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a United Nations World Heritage Site. Comprised of 3.3 million acres of natural wonders, it is home to magnificent glaciers, snow-capped mountains and abundant birds and wildlife. Take an Alaska cruise to experience the magnificent glaciers and wildlife at the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness.

Roam the spacious lawns of stunning Butchart Gardens with its exotic flora, unusual topiary and exquisite fountains. Explore historic Bastion Square, the treasures of Chinatown and the many sights and sounds to be found along the boardwalk of the Inner Harbour.

Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World's Fair.