Day 2 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Rail
Depart Anchorage by coach for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. The 26 Glacier Cruise travels over 140 miles into Prince William Sound. Watch for playful sea otters, harbour seals, kittiwakes, bears, whales or mountain goats. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine (hanging), Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)
Day 3 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour
Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.
Option 2. Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
This full day tour from Anchorage includes an aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.
Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.
Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.
Option 5. Sunset Photo Safari
Chase the best light of the day, which during summer in Alaska can last for several glorious hours before sunset. You’ll be transported to scenic locations around Anchorage and Chugach State Park to shoot a variety of enchanting subjects. The itinerary is flexible and allows for spontaneous stops to photograph wildlife enroute. Along the way, you’ll be offered creative and technical support from your Alaska Photo Treks guide
Option 6. Anchorage Scenic City Tour
Embark on a historical tour starting in downtown Anchorage, where you’ll explore the origins of the city at Ship Creek. Witness Chinook salmon in the world’s only urban King salmon fishery. Discover Dena’ina heritage, visit Earthquake Park, and experience the world’s busiest seaplane base at Lake Hood. Conclude with panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside, where wildlife sightings, including moose and eagles, are possible.
Option 7. Instalaska Smartphone Turnagain Tour
Experience a thrilling smartphone photography tour that takes you from downtown Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway. Capture stunning panoramas of Turnagain Arm, surrounded by towering mountains. Discover a variety of photo opportunities, from breathtaking landscapes to iconic Alaskan wildlife like Dall sheep, moose, and beluga whales. Grab your selfie stick and join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Option 8. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
Option 9. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
Experience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman.
Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
Start this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 4 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad
Early this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 5 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
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 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.
Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour
This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.
Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft
Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.
Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter
Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 6 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad
This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska Railroad
This morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
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 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.
Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour
This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.
Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft
Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.
Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter
Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 3 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad
This morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Rail
Depart Anchorage by coach for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. The 26 Glacier Cruise travels over 140 miles into Prince William Sound. Watch for playful sea otters, harbour seals, kittiwakes, bears, whales or mountain goats. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine (hanging), Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)
Day 5 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour
Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.
Option 2. Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
This full day tour from Anchorage includes an aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.
Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.
Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.
Option 5. Sunset Photo Safari
Chase the best light of the day, which during summer in Alaska can last for several glorious hours before sunset. You’ll be transported to scenic locations around Anchorage and Chugach State Park to shoot a variety of enchanting subjects. The itinerary is flexible and allows for spontaneous stops to photograph wildlife enroute. Along the way, you’ll be offered creative and technical support from your Alaska Photo Treks guide
Option 6. Anchorage Scenic City Tour
Embark on a historical tour starting in downtown Anchorage, where you’ll explore the origins of the city at Ship Creek. Witness Chinook salmon in the world’s only urban King salmon fishery. Discover Dena’ina heritage, visit Earthquake Park, and experience the world’s busiest seaplane base at Lake Hood. Conclude with panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside, where wildlife sightings, including moose and eagles, are possible.
Option 7. Instalaska Smartphone Turnagain Tour
Experience a thrilling smartphone photography tour that takes you from downtown Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway. Capture stunning panoramas of Turnagain Arm, surrounded by towering mountains. Discover a variety of photo opportunities, from breathtaking landscapes to iconic Alaskan wildlife like Dall sheep, moose, and beluga whales. Grab your selfie stick and join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Option 8. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
Option 9. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
Experience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman.
Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
Start this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 6 Anchorage | Departure
Upon check-out of your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.