fbpx

Alaska Discovery

Alaska Discovery

From $ 6,595 AUD

Description

Discover the quiet calm of scenic Alaska and its vast wilderness on this eight-day journey through striking landscapes. Traveling from Anchorage through Denali National Park, keep an eye out for grizzlies, caribou and moose – the wildlife here is definitely a major draw card. Move through the tundra landscape within the Alaska Range, surrounded by views of Denali (on clear days). Walk through forests and mountain ranges, drive down the coast to Kenai Fjords National Park and cruise past calving glaciers. On your boat ride, look for marine wildlife like orcas and porpoises popping out of the water. Then, discover Talkeetna, Seward and Turnagain Arm and enjoy heaps of free time to customise your adventure with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing and scenic flights.

Trip Name
Alaska Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Go deep into the Denali National Park wilderness for the chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat.
  • Hear the thunderous roar of calving glaciers and keep an eye out for orcas, porpoises and other marine life on a boat cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Experience the quirky small-town side of Alaska in Talkeetna, famous for its big views of Denali and the Alaska Range and enjoy dinner at a local brewpub.
  • Walk out to the viewpoint of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park and witness the colossal scale of this electric-blue natural marvel.
  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastline of the Turnagain Arm from Talkeetna to Seward – while someone else does the driving, so you can take in the scenery.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Anchorage
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.
Day 2 - Denali
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.
Day 3 - Denali
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.
Day 4 - Talkeetna
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.
Day 5 - Seward
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.
Day 6 - Seward
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.
Day 7 - Anchorage
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.
Day 8 - Anchorage
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 6,790-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 6,790-
03-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 6,595-
31-07-202707-08-2027AUD $ 6,595-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 6,790-
14-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 6,790-
03-06-202810-06-2028AUD $ 7,130-
17-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 7,130-
08-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 6,925-
05-08-202812-08-2028AUD $ 7,130-
12-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 7,130-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Rustic Inn (1 night)

Transport

Private Van

Map