SHORTLIST

Jewels of Alaska - Classic Group - 30 Jun 2025 to 08 Sep 2025

Explore the wild and wonderful Alaskan wilderness during this 1-week guided tour. Begin your adventure in Anchorage with a sweet treat: Taste agutak — Inuit Ice Cream — after an exclusive demonstration by Alaska's Indigenous people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Board a jet boat for a tour along the Chulitna River to a trapper’s cabin, where you will learn about the lifestyle of hunting and trapping in the state. Ride along the world-famous, glass-domed Alaskan Railroad toward Denali National Park, where the country’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, will greet you. Meet the champion dog team of a four-time Iditarod winner and allow him to regale you with tales of the 1,049-mile dogsled race over lunch at his home. From Whittier, take a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and the see the glaciers of College Fjord.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$9,425
Number of Days	7
Start Location	Anchorage, United States Of America
End Location	Anchorage, United States Of America
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	Virtuoso
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savour a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.

Anchorage Sightseeing and the Matanuska Valley

Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.

Talkeetna Sightseeing

This morning, you have two memorable ways to explore Alaska’s waterways: set out on an exhilarating jet boat adventure up the Chulitna River Gorge, traveling through a classic braided river system with multiple channels and shifting islands, and visit an authentic trapper’s cabin along the way. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful scenic float down the Talkeetna River, soaking in the stunning views and serenity of the surrounding wilderness. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an Optional Experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.

Journey Along the Alaskan Railroad Relaxed Start

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed rail car. Upon arrival settle in at the lodge before meeting a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to climb Denali, one of the most daunting and tallest land-based mountains in the world. You'll learn about the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to withstand the 17 to 18-day round trip that presents conditions so challenging climbers are forced to build snow walls for protection against the elements. For tonight's Dine-Around evening, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant.

Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness

Embark on an extensive Tundra Wilderness Tour for some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife. You’ll have the whole afternoon free to participate in an array of optional activities. This magnificent land is nature at its most pure yet has something to offer all. From a blissful stroll through one of the meadows, to a rewarding hike, this Park is for everyone. You will also find that to be true with the exciting optional experiences which include a rafting trip down the Nenana River, (waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour - just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings under the star filled night.

Girdwood and Mount Alyeska

Enjoy a scenic journey along the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake and visit four-time Iditarod winner Martin at his own home, Happy Trails Kennels. Arriving at the kennel, you will be greeted by between thirty and sixty excited sled dogs. Spend time with Martin and learn about the many challenges faced on the 1,049-mile dogsled race. Take a virtual trip along the Iditarod trail alongside Martin's narration including countless stories from his thirty-five years of racing, as well as a great deal of Iditarod history - an insider experience into the world of the Iditarod. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort. Tonight, join your Travel Director for a wonderful dinner complete with wine and good cheer.

Prince William Sound Cruise and depart Anchorage Relaxed Start

Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska Resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometre) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop. Those saying farewell today will travel back to Anchorage.

Inclusions

3 Dinner (D)
6 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch (L)

Departure dates

All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
07 Jul 2025	13 Jul 2025	onRequest	$9,425
14 Jul 2025	20 Jul 2025	onRequest	$9,425
21 Jul 2025	27 Jul 2025	onRequest	$9,425
04 Aug 2025	10 Aug 2025	onRequest	$9,425
11 Aug 2025	17 Aug 2025	Available	$9,425
18 Aug 2025	24 Aug 2025	Available	$9,425
01 Sep 2025	07 Sep 2025	Available	$9,425