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Explore Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks

Visit two of the most popular Alaska National Parks each offering great wildlife viewing and breathtaking scenery.

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Tour Code: 147CTA

Tour Overview

Visit  Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park, on this classic Alaska adventure vacation out of Juneau. Start your adventure in Alaska with a visit to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, go whale watching for humpbacks and stay at Glacier Bay Lodge. In 1925, Glacier Bay NP was designated as a national monument to preserve this tidewater glacial environment for posterity and the public’s enjoyment as well as for 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 the mountain of Denali, North America’s tallest peak on a guided bus tour for wildlife viewing and narrated insights about the parks history, ecosystems and wildlife habitats. 

What's Included
  • 8 nights hotel accommodation (moderate class)
  • Round-trip flights between Juneau and Gustavus (smaller planes)
  • Scheduled Alaska Airlines flight from Juneau to Anchorage
  • Transfers in Gustavus
  • 3.5 hour whale watching cruise
  • 8-hour cruise into Glacier Bay National Park from Gustavus with lunch and park fees
  • Train from Anchorage to Denali
  • Scheduled motorcoach service from Denali to Anchorage
  • Approx. 7-8 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (in September tour may only be 4 hours long due to snow and road conditions)
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Transfers in Juneau and Anchorage (courtesy hotel shuttle may be available in Anchorage only), meals, optional excursions, and gratuities.

 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
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.

Day 2
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.

 

Day 3
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.

Day 4
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.

Day 5
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.

Day 6
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.

Day 7
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.

Day 8
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.

Day 9
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.

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

 

Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the Explore Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks:
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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 Alaska Gold Rush tale of adventure in early 1900’s Alaska. This dinner theater fun combines a great... Read more

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