Glaciers and Wildlife

Arrive into Anchorage on your own. Transfer to your hotel on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Overnight in Anchorage.

Today is yours to explore the city. Go shopping, tour local attractions, or take a hike or bike ride in one of Anchorage’s many parks. City highlights include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, the Log Cabin Visitor Center, the Alaska Zoo, local breweries, and the Coastal Trail. Experience more by adding an optional bear viewing excursion or sightseeing tour (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Anchorage.

Early this morning transfer on your own to the Anchorage rail depot for travel on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. This scenic journey along Cook Inlet and through the glacier filled Kenai Mountains was rated one of the best train rides in the country! In Seward, depart on a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine, and tidewater glaciers and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Stellar Sea Lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. Your boat will stop in front of the glacier for a chance to witness the deep blue ice crash off into the ocean. After returning to port at 5:30pm, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Seward.

Start your day with a leisurely morning in Seward. At 10:30am, depart on a motorcoach to Talkeetna. While enjoying the mountains and coastal scenery, keep your eyes open for wildlife on the way to Anchorage. In the city you will have 90 minutes for lunch before continuing north to Talkeetna. Talkeetna is known as a starting point for Mt. Denali climbing expeditions. When the weather is clear views of the mountain are spectacular. After arriving in Talkeetna at 5:30pm, the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Talkeetna

Spend a free day in the scenic and historic town of Talkeetna. Explore downtown, relax at your hotel, admire views of Denali, or go for a hike. Optional tours include ski-plane flights to land on a glacier on Denali, fishing trips, and jet boat adventures (see Tour Add-Ons). At about 5:45pm, you will depart to Denali via motor coach, arriving at 9pm. 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 (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Sleep in this morning or enjoy a short excursion before leaving the national park. Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle to the Alaska Railroad depot for a noon departure. Stunning views from the train include the Alaska Range, Summit Lake, Hurricane Gulch, and – if the weather is clear – Mt. Denali’s 20,310’ peak. Stroll through the train cars, visit the dining car, and learn from the knowledgeable local guides on board. Upon arrival in Anchorage about 8:00pm, transfer on your own to your hotel. Overnight in Anchorage.

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport. Depart or start an additional program.