Knik River and Denali Explorer

Arrive into Anchorage and transfer to your on 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.

In the morning, you have time to take part in an optional city tour (see Tour Add-Ons).

In the afternoon, enjoy a pretty drive from Anchorage to Knik River Lodge with a scheduled transfer. Knik River Lodge is nestled in the mountains above the Knik River, a braided glacial river named by the Dena’ina people who first settled the area. From the lodge, take a nature walk and bask in this peaceful setting. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.

Today is at your leisure to explore the area or enjoy an optional tour on Knik Glacier. You may pass an occasional stray iceberg, waterfalls and some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. This glacier is awe-inspiring as it pours from the Chugach Mountains’ large peaks. The 25-mile river of ice is over 5 miles wide and hundreds of feet thick. The day is at your leisure at Knik River Lodge for hiking, exploring the area, or helicopter glacier dog sledding (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight at Knik River Lodge.

In the morning, a pre-arranged taxi transfer is provided to the Wasilla train station to join the Alaska Railroad traveling north. The journey takes you from the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to the doorstep of Denali National Park. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for time to relax before tomorrow’s adventure into the park. Overnight at the Denali National Park entrance.

Today 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*. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Sleep in or enjoy a short optional excursion such as the Husky Homestead Tour (see Tour Add-Ons) before leaving the park area today. Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle to the Alaska Railroad depot. Just after noon you will depart for Anchorage. Stunning views from the train include the Alaska Range, Summit Lake, Hurricane Gulch and – if the weather is clear – Denali’s 20,310-foot peak. Stroll through the train, visit the dining car and learn from the knowledgeable local guides on board. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer on your own and enjoy dinner at one of Anchorage’s many great restaurants. Overnight in Anchorage.

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport. Tour concludes.