Authentic Alaska Northbound Cruisetour

This itinerary starts AFTER the accompanying cruise itinerary.

Your Norwegian Cruise Line Tour Director will greet you in Seward upon debarkation of Norwegian Jewel for your fully escorted tour. Board your deluxe motorcoach and head down the Seward and Sterling Highway into more of the dramatic beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. Watch along the banks of the rivers where fishermen call this area home from May to September. A lunch stop will be made in the community of Soldotna, also known as the "Fishing Capital of the World." Enjoy a brief stop near the world-famous Kenai River and see where the monster King Salmon fish are lured by fisherman, and learn about the five species of salmon that call Alaska home. As you continue through the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula down the coast, enjoy the spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains and several volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet, including Mt. Augustine, Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. Redoubt. Near the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula you'll encounter the town of Homer, an authentic Alaskan community not geared toward mass tourism and often described as "where the land ends and the sea begins." Homer has a history steeped in commercial fishing and a mild climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean. This results in warmer winters and cooler summers compared to other areas of Alaska. Homer is also famous for the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long natural spit of land extending into Kachemak Bay, which you can explore in the evening.

Open morning in Homer to explore this community. Book an optional fishing excursion for Halibut and Salmon, ride one of the ferries to the remote communities of Halibut Cove or Seldovia, or simply stay in town to enjoy the many local galleries and restaurants. Late this afternoon, visit the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center your window to the largest seabird refuge in the world with all the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay right outside its doors. The Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is a partnership between the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, dedicated to understanding and conserving the marine environment. Enjoy the modern displays, movies and information throughout as the Center takes you on an incredible journey through this rough and rugged land.

This morning, you'll head north and tour around the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway. This "All American Scenic Highway" has spectacular views of the Cook Inlet and Chugach Mountains. In dramatic fashion, see where the mountains meet the sea. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you will see moose, bears, musk ox and other indigenous animals of the region. Taking in orphaned animals and providing quality animal care year-round, the Conservation Center is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Alaska's wildlife. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild are given a permanent home at the Center.

Today you'll ride on the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Denali with 360 views from your deluxe dome railcar seats. As the gorgeous scenery of Alaska rolls past, be watchful for wildlife, as well as glimpses of Mt McKinley, or, as local Alaskans call it, "The Great One." Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey. Open evening for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking, or one of the park service programs.

Today's itinerary includes a morning kennel tour in Denali. Learn about the Alaska state sport of dog mushing with a 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. More than just the mountain, Denali National Park is six-million acres of wild land. This afternoon, 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 included Tundra Wilderness Tour, you will travel 53 miles into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to see wildlife in its natural setting. A light snack is included on the tour. Tour duration is approximately 7 hours. Upon arrival in Alaska, your Tour Director will advise you of your tour time.

This morning, board your deluxe motorcoach for Alaska's Golden Heart City, Fairbanks. Upon arrival, enjoy a Fairbanks city tour, including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline. This afternoon, enjoy a ride 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 recreated Athabascan Indian village. See cabins made of spruce logs, along with other indigenous dwellings that have allowed the strong Athabascan people to survive for thousands of years in this harsh environment. Open evening to explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

Transfer to the Fairbanks International Airport for your flight home. The transfer between the hotel and airport is included in the tour.