Alaska – Glaciers & Wildlife

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Seattle

Fly to Seattle and private transfer to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2 – Onwards to Anchorage

Enjoy a free morning exploring downtown Seattle before an afternoon flight to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. A private transfer will take you to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

Day 3 – Matanuska Valley Sightseeing

This morning journey north to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This region was carved by glaciers and is bounded by the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains as well as the Alaska Range. Visit the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry before some free time in the quaint downtown community of Palmer. There will ample time for lunch and to explore the area with its historic railway station. Return to Anchorage this afternoon with a stop at Eklutna Historical Park and visit the old log Russian Orthodox Church

Day 4 – Alaska Native Heritage Centre

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre this morning, a renowned cultural centre and museum in Anchorage, and learn of Alaska's indigenous people. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure in Anchorage.

Day 5 – Coastal Classic Train

Depart this morning on a 4-hour Coastal Classic train journey to Seward, which takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Kenai Mountains. In Seward you will take a cruise around Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay keep a watch for sea lions, harbour seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Stop in front of the glacier for a chance to watch ice calve off into the ocean with a splash! A lunch buffet will be served on board. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore this coastal community.

Day 6 – Sights of Seward

Today you will visit Exit Glacier, located within Kenai Fjords National Park, the only area within the park accessible by road. Learn about Mt. Marathon and Seward’s history as the start to the Iditarod Trail before having lunch at the Resurrection Roadhouse. There will be an optional sled dog ride with the famous mushing family, the Seavey’s, or enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, board the Coastal Classic train returning to Anchorage for an overnight stay.

Day 7 – Denali Star Train

Morning departure aboard the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna. This afternoon you will embark on a 2-hour jet boat adventure aboard the Talkeetna Queen. Cruise to a wilderness site and take a leisurely nature walk to an authentic trapper's cabin. See how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century. Along the river there will be an opportunity to look for bald eagles, beavers, and possibly even moose and bears. After checking into to the hotel, explore the shops of this artsy town or enjoy an optional McKinley Flightseeing tour.

Day 8 – Talkeetna to Denali

Continue your journey north today aboard the Denali Star train. This rail segment is the most scenic between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the surrounding valleys. In Denali, visit the Visitors Centre to learn more about the national park before an evening dinner theatre show. Spend 2 nights at the entrance to Denali National Park.

Day 9 – Denali National Park

Join a sightseeing bus early this morning and embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park. Travel through the pristine wilderness as your experienced driver provides an overview of the land and its wildlife. Along the way, stops will be made at scenic overlooks and for viewing wildlife, such as bears and moose. A snack box and water are included today.

Day 10 – Denali to Fairbanks

Enjoy the morning at leisure before boarding the Denali Star train, arriving late evening into Fairbanks for a 2-night stay.

Day 11 – Sternwheeler Riverboat Cruise

This morning take a Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise down the Chena River, the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area's natural history and the Athabascan Native culture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Fairbanks.

Day 12 – Explore Fairbanks

Enjoy the sights of Fairbanks, including a visit to the Museum of the North which houses over 1 million artefacts as well as the largest collection of gold in the state. View the Alyeska Pipeline which reaches from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez and there will be free time at Pioneer Park before an evening flight to Anchorage.

Day 13 – Glacier Discovery Train to Whittier

Board the Glacier Discovery train this morning for the community of Whittier. Travel along Turnagain Arm and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Upon arrival in Whittier, board a cruise vessel for a full day of sightseeing in Prince William Sound. Weather permitting you will have the opportunity to view numerous glaciers both up close and those nestled in the mountains as well as a variety of marine wildlife. Lunch will be included on the cruise. Return to Anchorage by rail for your final night’s stay.

Day 14 – Homeward Bound

Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.