Welcome to Alaska! Your adventure in the USA’s largest state (one that’s big on wildlife and epic scenery) begins in Anchorage. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, why not stop by the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you'll have the chance to learn more about Alaska’s Indigenous culture and heritage. Later, you might like to head out for dinner with your group or check out the local bars and the town’s live music scene.
This morning, head north along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park. During the drive, keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife in this amazing, unspoiled environment. On the way, you’ll visit Eklutna Village Historical Park to see the Russian and Native Alaskan burial grounds at the Orthodox church here for some local history and insight. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your group then hop back in the car. When you arrive at the park, head to the visitor centre to plan your next day’s activities, then your evening is free to relax – maybe sit down for dinner with your group and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.
It’s an early start today for an incredible scenic bus journey through Denali National Park. You’ll take the Tundra Wilderness route, narrated by a trained driver-naturalist, that will take you to mile 43 of the Park Road. With Denali Mountain towering in the background, wind along the road hugged by mighty pine trees and framed by snow-capped mountains. As you pass the gorgeous scenery, look out for the abundant local wildlife – you might be lucky enough to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves (among a long list of other wildlife) on your journey.
After breakfast, drive from Denali to Talkeetna and begin your exploration with a leader-led orientation walk around this scenic town, famous for its incredible views of Denali and the Alaska Range. Talkeetna was also the inspiration behind the cult-hit television series Northern Exposure. This afternoon is yours to explore your way – talk to your leader for recommendations for a variety of optional excursions, go for a hike or visit some local shops. Talkeetna is famous as the jumping-off point for mountaineers hoping to summit Denali. It’s also a great place to meet the hardy locals and learn what it’s like to live in small town Alaska. Head to a local brewpub tonight for a pizza dinner (and a beer) with your group.
This morning, drive along Turnagain Arm – an All-American Road, famous for its incredible views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. Look out for Dall sheep in the cliffs along the road and beluga whales in the inlet and take some great photos at scenic stops along the way. Stop for a group picnic lunch in a scenic spot and then take in some epic views as you walk to the viewpoint of Exit Glacier – a glacier in the Kenai Mountains and a gorgeous part of the Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, where you’ll spend the night.
Today is a free day in Seward and trust us, there's plenty to do! If you’d like to get active, maybe go hiking to Mt Marathon, or head out on the turquoise waters of Resurrection Bay during a sea kayaking tour. Maybe you'd like to let someone else do the work? In that case, book a wildlife and glacier cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park.
This morning you’ll drive back to Anchorage, where you’ll visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Experience one of America’s cultural treasures here and learn about the Dena’ina Athabascan tribe, visit the gallery and support the local native artists with some souvenir shopping at the art, jewellery and apparel shop. After, check in to your hotel and maybe head out for a group farewell dinner to talk about your adventures.
Your trip ends today and you are free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay in Alaska for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
