Alaska Discovery - 8 Days

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 can learn more about Alaska’s Indigenous culture and history. 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. 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. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a charming resort in the village of Denali Park, just a short drive from the main visitor centre.

It’s an early start today as you take the scenic bus journey through Denali National Park. With the tallest mountain in North America, Denali, 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. You’ll make plenty of stops for wildlife sightings, and if you like, you can spend more time in the park and hop on a later shuttle to head back to the hotel. You might also like to check out the sled dog demonstrations at the park’s kennel – the working dogs are active in the winter, patrolling the park with the rangers.

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 own way. Maybe go for a hike, visit some local shops or talk to your leader for some recommendations for optional excursions. This town 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 local 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. 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.

This morning, head to the docks for a full day cruise of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Look out for wildlife like orca whales, porpoises, puffins and other birdlife as you sail the still waters and explore the gorgeous surroundings. Marvel at the electric-blue tidewater glaciers – if you’re lucky, you may get to see one calve some ice into the sea. Enjoy lunch on the boat before cruising back to Seward. This afternoon, you may have some free time to head out on a hike or visit the Seward SeaLife Centre.

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 into 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.