Alaska - The Great Land
SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOUR
ANCHORAGE | SEWARD | PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND | VALDEZ | FAIRBANKS | DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Alaska conjures images of massive sweeping glaciers, salmon leaping into the mouths of waiting bears, endless white-capped mountains, whales breaching from frigid seas and the lure of gold that lives with the land. There’s nowhere quite like it….
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Small group touring
- The scenic majesty of the Denali National Park
- Unforgettable hiking experience on Matanusk Glacier
- Stunning Kenai Fjord National Park
- Discover the small frontier town of Talkeetna
- Travel to the top of Mt. Ayeska by tram
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Anchorage
On arrival in Anchorage you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 : Anchorage - Seward
Sit back and enjoy the spectacular landscape roll by as you head to the seaside town of Seward. Following the Turnagain Arm enjoy sweeping views of first the Chugach Mountains then the Kenai Range; the drive along the dramatic shoreline of Turnagain Arm with its immense tidal flats is one of the most beautiful roads in North America. Then climb to Turnagain Pass and descend into the Anchorage Bowl, which is often blanketed with colourful wildflowers. Approaching Seward we come to Moose Pass where the start of the 1600 km Iditarod Trail begins; here teams of hardy men and huskies begin one of the toughest, most arduous races in the world. On the final stretch to Seward we encounter numerous glacier lakes including Kenai, Meridien and Grayling.
Day 3 : Seward - Valdez (via Prince William Sound)
Board the ferry to cruise past Prince William Sound’s massive icebergs, calving glaciers and abundant sea life. Make sure to have your camera handy for the puffins, seals, otters and even whales on this stretch of water! After disembarking continue to Valdez; during this stretch of road keep an eye out for bear, moose and sheep.
Day 4 : Valdez - Fairbanks
Enjoy incredible stops along the way as we head to Fairbanks through towering mountain ranges, glaciers and wildlife. Expect to see cascading waterfalls, colourful glacier terminus lakes, alpine tundra, historic buildings and maybe even a stop in North Pole to send some postcards to the kids!
Day 5 : Fairbanks - Denali
A short drive from Fairbanks brings us to Denali National Park with it’s abundant wildlife, expansive tundra and, of course, the 6193 metre Mount McKinley dominating the horizon will be a lifelong memory.
Day 6 : Denali National Park Shuttle Bus Tour
Today we team up with the park staff to join their Wonder Lake Tour. This full-day trip delves into the heart of Denali National Park. Along the way expect to see an abundance of wildlife including caribou, foxes, wolves, bears and so much more. Wonder Lake is a glacier-carved gem with the gorgeous backdrop of Mount McKinley.
Day 7 : Denali - Anchorage
Heading south we complete our mountainous loop, moving through ever-changing landscapes with wildlife and history around every bend. Enjoy some free time in Anchorage this afternoon, perhaps taking time to explore and shop.
Day 8 : Anchorage Departure
Your tour ends this morning.
This tour the perfect add-on to a cruise to or from Vancouver or Seattle, where you can see the pristine glaciers calving into the ocean, visit gold rush towns and experience the stunning beauty ofthe famous Inside Passage. Just ask us for details and how we can include this tour in your itinerary.