**** WAIT LIST ONLY ****
From the heart of Denali to the famous Kenai Peninsula, encounter magnificent scenery and amazing wildlife around every turn. Ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska, walk the harbor shores in Homer, and cruise the calm waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Towering glaciers will amaze you, and an adventure along the Alaskan rails will open your eyes to pristine landscapes unlike any you have seen before!
Terms & Conditions Printable brochure, registration form, and insurance information
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Round-trip airport transfers
Round-trip air to Anchorage (air allowance of $1,000)
Private motorcoach transportation
8 nights' accommodations
8 breakfasts, 1 snack, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Admission to attractions as stated on itinerary
Porter service of one bag per person at hotels
Taxes and gratuities for included services
Professional tour manager in Alaska
Meals other than those listed on the itinerary
Beverages other than tea/coffee/water with included meals
Items of a personal nature/souvenirs
Optional excursion driver/guide gratuities
Phone calls/faxes from hotels
Current baggage fees at the airport as assessed by the airline
Fees related to any COVID-19 requirements for this destination
Any service not listed in the above inclusions
Today we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The city combines wild Alaska beauty, convenient urban comforts, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture. Here we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to the Anchorage Marriott (or similar) for an evening at leisure.
Note: The airport location and airline will be confirmed nine months before departure.
This morning we will transfer to the Rail Depot and board a deluxe dome railcar for the scenic journey north to Denali National Park, home to six million acres of pristine wilderness and the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. Breakfast will be served on the train, and lunch will be available for purchase. Relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas visible through the large picture windows. As we head toward Talkeetna, the train will cross the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Denali rising high above the Susitna River will come into view just south of Talkeetna. North of town, the tracks will veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area, which offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin, and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions. Upon our arrival in Denali, we will settle into the Denali Park Village (or similar) for the next two nights and enjoy the remainder of the day on our own. Relax or participate in an optional excursion such as flightseeing, whitewater rafting, guided hiking, and much more.
(Breakfast included)
Today we spend the day in Denali. Following breakfast at the hotel, we will travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep amid the vast wilderness. Only one road interrupts the park’s millions of acres of stunning forests, mountains, glaciers, and lakes! This six-to-eight-hour journey is fully narrated, offering wonderful insight into the flora and fauna of this unique region. Keep your eyes peeled and you might see a shaggy grizzly sow watching over rambunctious cubs, a lone bull moose browsing in thick willows, or a rare full-curl Dall sheep bedded down high upon a craggy ridge. A snack will be included on board and plenty of photo and rest stops will be made. After a full day, refuel with a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
(Breakfast and snack included)
Following breakfast we’ll venture back toward Anchorage where we will continue south on the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway widely hailed as one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. The first forty miles of the trip parallel the stunning waterway called the Turnagain Arm. Watch for Dall sheep and beluga whales and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we journey to the small mountain town of Girdwood and Alyeska Resort (or similar), the chateau-style hotel that is Alaska’s premier resort destination. Here the group will ride the aerial tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska to take in the panoramic views of mountains, hanging glaciers, streams, and forests. The evening is yours to enjoy the amenities at this top-rated ski resort, such as the full-service spa, indoor pool, sauna, and more. Grab dinner at one of the resort restaurants or relax with a drink in the cozy lounge.
(Breakfast included)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before we set out on the scenic drive to the coastal community of Seward. From the Seward Small Boat Harbor we will embark on exciting day on the water aboard a deluxe marine vessel as we cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park through the glacier-carved fjords of Resurrection Bay. Our guide will narrate the journey, pointing out the spectacular sights and sharing information on the area’s history, its geology, and the wildlife that thrives in the icy waters and lush forests. We’ll gaze in awe at towering glaciers and keep our eyes peeled for orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds. A hearty deli lunch is included on board. Once back on land, we will settle into the Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar), a tranquil retreat set alongside the Resurrection River.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Our journey will take us through the heart of Alaska’s famous Kenai Peninsula and down the Sterling Highway toward Homer. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the world-renowned Kenai River and the spectacular views over the water along the coastline of Cook Inlet. Upon arrival in Homer, the halibut fishing capital of the world, we’ll settle into the Aspen Suites Hotel Homer (or similar) for the night and explore the area for dinner on our own. This cheerful coastal town boasts an artsy downtown and many dining opportunities serving up fresh seafood, produce, brews, and baked goods. It is one of the few places in the world where several glaciers and active volcanoes can be viewed at the same time!
(Breakfast included)
Up first today is a visit to the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center to explore the wonderful wildlife exhibits, interactive stations, and simulated experiences that will take us on a virtual journey through a far-reaching wildlife refuge. We’ll take a sweeping look at life along Alaska's 5,000 miles of Pacific coastline, from the bottom of the Inside Passage, clear out to the tip of the Aleutians, and then all the way up to the Arctic. Then, a guided Dock Walk will teach us more about the harbor and the wildlife that call this marine ecosystem home. This afternoon and evening are free for optional activities such as flightseeing in search of wildlife, sea kayaking in Kachemak Bay, halibut fishing, or sightseeing in the community.
(Breakfast included)
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Homer before we journey north to Anchorage. A stop will be made along the way at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to view wildlife up close. This non-profit sanctuary takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and maintains over 200 acres of large, spacious habitats for the animals to feel at home and display their natural behavior. We may see brown bears cooling off in the water, a bull moose strutting, wood bison roaming the pastures, and much more! We’ll arrive in Anchorage early this afternoon and check in to the Anchorage Marriott (or similar). Settle in, relax, or get out and explore the surrounding area. The downtown is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants and the short walk to the shore delivers picture-perfect views of Cook Inlet. We’ll cap off our day with a lovely farewell dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Following breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight home.
(Breakfast included)
