Alaska’s Lodges, Glaciers & Denali

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Arrive in Anchorage and transfer independently to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Alaska’s largest city, set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. Walk part of the coastal trail, explore downtown restaurants and local galleries, or settle in with mountain views as your Alaska vacation begins.

Day 2 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Alaska Railroad Travel from Anchorage toward Whittier, following the scenic Turnagain Arm corridor where mountains, tidal flats and coastal water create one of Southcentral Alaska’s classic journeys. Board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and enter a sheltered marine world of fjords, waterfalls, floating ice and tidewater glaciers. As the vessel travels deeper into the sound, watch for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds, bears and mountain goats, with glacier faces and icefields rising from the surrounding mountains. After returning to Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the scenic evening rail journey back toward Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 3 Anchorage to Tutka Bay Lodge | Flight + Water Taxi Board your scenic flight over the Kenai Peninsula to the coastal waters of Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival in Homer we have included a transfer from the Homer Airport to the water taxi terminal for a scenic 20-minute ride across the bay to the lodge. Look for humpback whale, orca whales, and baby sea otters as you cross. Arrive to the dock where you are greeted by the property manager. Enjoy a brief introduction to the lodge and surrounding area and settle into your cabin overlooking Grace Ridge and Tutka fjord. Meet with your guide and plan day’s activities. Take part in the 3 pm yoga class, or take an interpretive walk along the shore to spot eagles, black bears, whales, otters and sea glass. This evening, enjoy appetizers and a wine tasting, followed by a three-course dinner. After dinner, relax in the sauna or hot tub, or listen to a presentation later this evening on the history of Alaska and the area. Enjoy visiting with other guests with drinks and games. (Lunch and dinner are included today.)

Day 4 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice - Choose 2 of 4 Excursions Personalize your two-day stay at Tutka Bay Lodge by choosing two of the following four excursions. Enjoy your first selected excursion today, with your second scheduled for Day 5. Option 1. Deep-Sea Fishing Board a charter boat for a day of deep-sea fishing for salmon or halibut. Your catch can be cleaned and filleted at the dock if you would like to keep it, or you can ask the lodge chef to prepare it as an appetizer later that day. Option 2. Bear Viewing Following an approximately one-hour flight from Homer, visit the beaches of Katmai National Park, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of brown bears. After being dropped off by plane, your guide takes you to some of the best locations for observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Watch as they catch salmon, forage in the woods or dig for clams along the coast. Option 3. Wildlife Cruise Explore Kachemak Bay and beyond by boat, taking in coastal rainforest, waterfalls and mountain scenery. Watch for humpback, minke and orca whales, as well as sea lions, sea otters and abundant seabirds. Option 4. Alaska Culinary Experience Take a customized culinary excursion that may include foraging for wildflowers and herbs, visiting a local oyster farm and exploring the farms that supply the lodge. Enjoy a cooking class at Dixon’s Danish Daughter Farm or La Baleine Café on the Homer Spit while learning how to prepare locally sourced, flavour-filled Alaska cuisine.

After your excursion, return to Tutka Bay Lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day surrounded by the wilderness of Kachemak Bay. Overnight at Tutka Bay Lodge.

Day 5 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice - Second Excursion Begin your day with an optional morning wellness session before breakfast, then enjoy the second of the two Freedom of Choice excursions you selected from the options listed on Day 4. After returning to Tutka Bay Lodge, unwind in the hot tub or wood-fired sauna, take a refreshing dip in the bay, explore the shoreline or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain and coastal scenery. This evening, gather for appetizers and dinner prepared with locally sourced Alaska ingredients. Depending on the lodge’s evening program, end your day around an oceanside bonfire with house-made blueberry marshmallows.

Day 6 Tutka Bay Lodge to Anchorage | Flight Enjoy your last morning at Tutka Bay before transferring back into Homer and on to the airport for your scheduled flight to Anchorage.

Day 7 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad Depart Anchorage aboard Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel north through the wide-open landscapes of Southcentral Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, watch the route pass Knik Arm, wetlands, river country and the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north. On clear days, Mt. Susitna and possible views of Denali add to the sense of scale as the train approaches Talkeetna. This afternoon is free to stroll the historic main street, walk to river viewpoints or enjoy local restaurants in this characterful Alaska rail town. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.) Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Cruise into Alaska’s wilderness on a narrated jet boat tour with views of Denali when conditions allow. Travel along the river with a naturalist guide, learn about local history and wildlife, and visit a Dena’ina encampment and historic trapper’s cabin. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits for a dramatic view of rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater and the Great Gorge. This flightseeing experience showcases the scale of Denali’s rise from lowland forest to the highest peak in North America, weather permitting. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits and add a glacier landing, weather permitting. The route may include the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, the Great Gorge and brilliant blue meltwater pools, with time to experience the mountain landscape from the air and on the ice.

Day 8 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Rejoin Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and continue north from Talkeetna toward Denali National Park Entrance. This is a wilder, more remote stretch of the rail journey, where the line moves beyond the main highway corridor into backcountry landscapes of river valleys, forest, mountain views and open northern sky. Watch for views toward the Alaska Range as the train travels through country shaped by rivers, glaciers and long Alaska winters. On clear days, Denali and the surrounding peaks may appear above the horizon before you arrive near the entrance to Denali National Park. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 9 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 10 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad Enjoy a relaxed morning near Denali before boarding Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the final rail journey north to Fairbanks. The scenery changes again as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels into Interior Alaska, where broad river valleys, boreal forest, open sky and northern light give the landscape a quieter, more expansive feel. Settle into the GoldStar dome car, step onto the outdoor viewing deck and watch the route unfold through river country, small communities and remote forest before arriving in Fairbanks, where your Alaska journey comes to an end. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali National Park | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in Fairbanks and travel south into the changing landscapes of Interior Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, the route moves through river valleys, boreal forest, broad northern sky and small Interior communities as the Alaska Range begins to draw closer. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance later this morning, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the mountain setting or choose an optional activity. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.)

Day 2 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional Denali-area activities before you board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the southbound journey to Talkeetna. Leaving Denali National Park Entrance, the route passes through backcountry landscapes of river corridors, forested valleys and mountain views as the Alaska Range recedes behind you. On clear days, Denali and the surrounding peaks may appear above the horizon before the train arrives in Talkeetna, a relaxed rail town known for its river setting, local character and deep connection to Denali climbing and flightseeing. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 4 Talkeetna to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad Enjoy much of the day at leisure in Talkeetna, where wooden storefronts, river views, local cafes and a frontier-town character make it one of Alaska’s most memorable small communities. Stroll the historic main street, walk to the river overlook for possible clear-day Denali views, browse local shops or choose an optional excursion before continuing your journey. Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Cruise into Alaska’s wilderness on a narrated jet boat tour with views of Denali when conditions allow. Travel along the river with a naturalist guide, learn about local history and wildlife, and visit a Dena’ina encampment and historic trapper’s cabin. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits for a dramatic view of rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater and the Great Gorge. This flightseeing experience showcases the scale of Denali’s rise from lowland forest to the highest peak in North America, weather permitting. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits and add a glacier landing, weather permitting. The route may include the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, the Great Gorge and brilliant blue meltwater pools, with time to experience the mountain landscape from the air and on the ice.

Late afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and continue south from Talkeetna to Anchorage. Settle in as the train leaves this historic rail town and travels through river country, boreal forest, wetlands and the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear evenings, watch for final views toward Denali and Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, as the landscape shifts from open wilderness to the lights of Anchorage. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 5 Anchorage to Tutka Bay Lodge | Flight + Water Taxi Board your scenic flight over the Kenai Peninsula to the coastal waters of Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival in Homer we have included a transfer from the Homer Airport to the water taxi terminal for a scenic 20-minute ride across the bay to the lodge. Look for humpback whale, orca whales, and baby sea otters as you cross. Arrive to the dock where you are greeted by the property manager. Enjoy a brief introduction to the lodge and surrounding area and settle into your cabin overlooking Grace Ridge and Tutka fjord. Meet with your guide and plan day’s activities. Take part in the 3 pm yoga class, or take an interpretive walk along the shore to spot eagles, black bears, whales, otters and sea glass. This evening, enjoy appetizers and a wine tasting, followed by a three-course dinner. After dinner, relax in the sauna or hot tub, or listen to a presentation later this evening on the history of Alaska and the area. Enjoy visiting with other guests with drinks and games. (Lunch and dinner are included today.)

Day 6 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice - Choose 2 of 4 Excursions Personalize your two-day stay at Tutka Bay Lodge by choosing two of the following four excursions. Enjoy your first selected excursion today, with your second scheduled for Day 7. Option 1. Deep-Sea Fishing Board a charter boat for a day of deep-sea fishing for salmon or halibut. Your catch can be cleaned and filleted at the dock if you would like to keep it, or you can ask the lodge chef to prepare it as an appetizer later that day. Option 2. Bear Viewing Following an approximately one-hour flight from Homer, visit the beaches of Katmai National Park, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of brown bears. After being dropped off by plane, your guide takes you to some of the best locations for observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Watch as they catch salmon, forage in the woods or dig for clams along the coast. Option 3. Wildlife Cruise Explore Kachemak Bay and beyond by boat, taking in coastal rainforest, waterfalls and mountain scenery. Watch for humpback, minke and orca whales, as well as sea lions, sea otters and abundant seabirds. Option 4. Alaska Culinary Experience Take a customized culinary excursion that may include foraging for wildflowers and herbs, visiting a local oyster farm and exploring the farms that supply the lodge. Enjoy a cooking class at Dixon’s Danish Daughter Farm or La Baleine Café on the Homer Spit while learning how to prepare locally sourced, flavour-filled Alaska cuisine.

After your excursion, return to Tutka Bay Lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day surrounded by the wilderness of Kachemak Bay. Overnight at Tutka Bay Lodge.

Day 7 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice - Second Excursion Begin your day with an optional morning wellness session before breakfast, then enjoy the second of the two Freedom of Choice excursions you selected from the options listed on Day 4. After returning to Tutka Bay Lodge, unwind in the hot tub or wood-fired sauna, take a refreshing dip in the bay, explore the shoreline or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain and coastal scenery. This evening, gather for appetizers and dinner prepared with locally sourced Alaska ingredients. Depending on the lodge’s evening program, end your day around an oceanside bonfire with house-made blueberry marshmallows.

Day 8 Tutka Bay Lodge to Anchorage | Flight Enjoy your last morning at Tutka Bay before transferring back into Homer and on to the airport for your scheduled flight to Anchorage.

Day 9 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Alaska Railroad Travel from Anchorage toward Whittier, following the scenic Turnagain Arm corridor where mountains, tidal flats and coastal water create one of Southcentral Alaska’s classic journeys. Board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and enter a sheltered marine world of fjords, waterfalls, floating ice and tidewater glaciers. As the vessel travels deeper into the sound, watch for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds, bears and mountain goats, with glacier faces and icefields rising from the surrounding mountains. After returning to Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the scenic evening rail journey back toward Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 10 Anchorage | Departure After check-out, your Alaska vacation comes to an end. Depart Anchorage with memories of glaciers, mountain horizons, rail journeys and the wide-open landscapes that make the Great Land so unforgettable.