For many who visit Alaska for the first time, it is a bucket list trip. There are two great ways to explore Alaska and take in the beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife that it has to offer: by cruise or by land.

While cruises are a great way to explore Alaska, you are a bit more limited on what you can do and see unless you add on a pre- or post-cruise package. However, for those who choose to explore Alaska by land, there are plenty of options available.

So, for your first visit to Alaska, consider this itinerary.

Day 1

Fly to Anchorage. Unless you live in the western part of the United States, flying to Alaska is a full day process and most travelers will get in early to late evening in the day. Spend the night in Anchorage.

Day 2

Spend the day exploring Anchorage. A couple of options to consider are a city tour, trolley tour, or food tour. A fun option is a flightseeing tour to see glaciers and wildlife aboard Rust’s Flying Service.

Day 3

Head down to Seward early in the morning via train and arrive by lunchtime. Enjoy an afternoon dog sled tour and kennel visit to get a small taste of the famous Iditarod Race.

Day 4

Enjoy a half-day Kenai Fjord Cruise with lunch that will cover approximately 120 miles throughout the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 5

Enjoy a relaxing day around the lodge and around Seward before taking an evening motorcoach back to Anchorage for the night.

Day 6

Get ready for a full day of fun aboard the Luxury Dome Rail up to Denali National Park. Be prepared to be in awe with the beautiful landscape as you sit back and enjoy more than seven hours aboard while the conductor will gladly point out sights and points of interest along the way.

Day 7

Today will include a tundra wilderness tour through Denali National Park that will last up to six hours. This will be a great opportunity to see the wildlife that lives in Denali

Day 8

After several packed days of tours and traveling, this will be a good day to relax and explore Denali on your own.

Day 9

Another fun morning to take in the beauty of Denali before hopping aboard the Luxury Dome Rail this afternoon for a four-hour ride up to Fairbanks.

Day 10

Care to try your hand at panning for some gold? This two-hour adventure be- gins with a ride on the replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad through the gold fields of Interior Alaska. Once the train arrives at the camp, you’ll have your chance to pan for some gold!

Next enjoy the excitement aboard the Riverboat Discovery where you will be taken to the heart of Alaska to see float planes taking off, visit the kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and learn about the ancient Athabascan Indian Culture. Finally, you’ll be guided by Alaskan Natives who will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Day 11

All good things must come to an end. Today your journey through The Last Frontier ends as you fly out late in the afternoon.