Visit two of Alaska’s most famous parks – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park! Begin your Alaska vacation tour in Juneau with a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. In 1925, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was designated as a national monument to preserve the glacial environment for public enjoyment and scientific study. It has since become one of the most popular destinations in Alaska.
Continue your tour with a flight from Juneau to Anchorage. Then travel aboard the Alaska Railroad into the interior of Alaska. Visit Denali National Park, home of mountain Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
Arrive in Juneau
Arrive in Juneau at any time and enjoy the day to sightsee in Alaska's capital city. Attractions include the Mt. Roberts Tram, the State of Alaska Museum, and Mendenhall Glacier. Overnight in Juneau.
Juneau to Gustavus
Transfer to the Juneau airport in morning on own. Here you will board a small plane for a 25-minute scenic flight to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park*. Upon arrival in Gustavus a transfer to your accommodations is provided. Enjoy the afternoon at the lodge and explore the area on a walk/short hike or even kayaking tour (not included, optional). Overnight at Glacier Bay Lodge.
Glacier Bay National Park
Early in the morning take a short walk to Bartlett Cove for your 8-hour narrated cruise of Glacier Bay National Park. Watch for whales, Stellar sea lions, puffins and sea otters as the high-speed catamaran cruises through the park to the face of the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers which are two of 16 tidewater glaciers found in the park. You may be fortunate enough to see glacier calving (ice falling off into the ocean). Lunch is included and park rangers are aboard to provide interpretive information. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Glacier Bay Lodge.
Gustavus to Juneau
This morning, enjoy a 3.5-hour whale watching cruise to Icy Strait and Point Adolphus to see humpback whales in their summer feeding grounds. The whales' unique feeding techniques, acrobatics and vocalizations make this tour unforgettable. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the Gustavus airport for your flight back to Juneau (small plane). Upon arrival in Juneau, transfer on your own to your hotel. Overnight in Juneau.
Juneau to Anchorage
The morning is at your leisure in Juneau. Take a walk through Juneau downtown to see Juneau's historical and State capital buildings. Take a tram ride up to Mt. Roberts, providing scenic views (weather permitting). Then take a taxi on your own to the Juneau airport for a 2-hour scheduled jet flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel by shuttle or on your own. The evening is free to explore Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage to Denali National Park
This morning transfer to the Anchorage train station by courtesy hotel shuttle or on your own. You will travel from Anchorage to Denali National Park aboard the Alaska Railroad and transfer to your Denali hotel by courtesy shuttle. Tonight we recommend the delicious salmon dinner and amusing antics served at the Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre Show (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali National Park Tour
Early this morning depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This tour takes you through the best wildlife viewing portion of the Park Road, approximately 55 miles into the 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 and make stops during your approx. 7-8 hour tour**. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali to Anchorage
Sleep in this morning or enjoy a short excursion such as Denali flightseeing before departing for Anchorage. In the afternoon board a comfortable motorcoach and relax as you travel south through the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle or on your own. Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage Departure
Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer by shuttle or on your own to the airport. Depart or start an additional program.
* Flights to/from Gustavus are typically in small planes. / ** Please note that in September the bus tour into Denali Nat Park may be shorter (only up to 4 hours) due to road and weather conditions.
To complete this reservation we will need for each person: Full name including middle name(s), gender, date of birth and body weight.
The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.
If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.
The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.
All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.
Get a taste of old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic, Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Gold Rush tale of adventure in early 1900's Alaska. This dinner theater fun combines a great mix of colorful storytelling, spirited music... Read More
Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
Book the "Explore Glacier Bay & Denali National Park", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
This independent self-drive tour features Alaska’s finest accommodation with a stay in Girdwood and Talkeetna as well as a wilderness lodge experience in Denali National Park!... Read more.
Experience the grandeur, wildlife and wilderness of Denali National Park while staying at Kantishna Roadhouse, an authentic Alaska wilderness lodge located deep inside this iconic... Read more.
Travel first class! Focusing on visiting Denali National Park with a wilderness lodge stay, this deluxe independent tour is perfect as pre or post cruise program. It captures the... Read more.
Bettles Lodge is a remote and beautiful Alaska wilderness lodge, rustic in style yet modern in terms of its facility, built originally in 1948 and located 35 miles north of the Arctic... Read more.
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