Quintessential Alaska: Denali, Glaciers & Fishing

Depending on your arrival time in Anchorage you may have time to take part in an optional tour or visit local attractions. Transfer to your hotel on your own. Overnight in Anchorage.

This morning transfer on own to the Anchorage train station for your departure to Denali aboard the Alaska Railroad.  This classic route takes you by rivers, over gorges and through mountain ranges offering spectacular views.  Upon arrival in Denali the transfer to your hotel via courtesy shuttle will be waiting with the evening at your leisure. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary.  The tour is approx. 3-6 hours long and takes you approx. 30 - 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting, ATV tours and flightseeing tours. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

This morning you are scheduled to depart aboard a comfortable motorcoach travelling southbound for Anchorage. Your driver will provide commentary along the way as you pass through the small towns of Talkeetna and Wasilla on your way back to Anchorage. After arriving in Anchorage it is a short walk to the rental car station where you will pick up a rental car. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Anchorage on your own. Local highlights include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, and a walk or bike ride on the Coastal Trail. Overnight in Anchorage.

Today starts with a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, one of the most beautiful segments of highway in the country. From Portage you will travel through mountain tunnels to the port town of Whittier where your glacier cruise will depart from. Watch for sea otters, Stellar sea lions, and birds as you travel through the glacier filled fjords. Stops will be made in front of glaciers for the chance to witness large chunks of the glacier fall into the water (known as glacier calving). A hot lunch is included on board. Following your cruise it is an about 2 hour drive to your destination of Soldotna. Overnight in Soldotna or nearby city of Kenai.

You will depart very early in the morning for a full day of fishing on the Kasilof River or Kenai River (varies by fishing conditions). The best fishing conditions are at the crack of dawn, so be ready for early wake up which you will coordinate with your fishing guide a few nights before. You will float the river in a drift boat or a power drifter. Your expert guide will assist both novice or skilled fishermen in the best techniques to get the most from the day on the river. Depending on the season fishing regulations, you may fish for king salmon, sockeye salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, and/or rainbow trout. Your day of fishing is approximately 8 hours, so be sure to soak in the beautiful scenery around you. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Soldotna or nearby city of Kenai.
(Please note that rainbow trout fishing is catch and release only.)

Depart the Kenai Peninsula at your leisure and drive north back to Anchorage along the Seward Highway. Optional stops include the aerial tram in Girdwood and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Overnight in Anchorage.

Depending on your departure flight you may have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Return your car to the Anchorage airport rental car station in time to meet your departure flight.