Best of Alaska

On arrival in Anchorage, you will be transferred to our hotel. After time to freshen up, we embark on a scenic 15-mile trolley car tour of historic downtown Anchorage. This fully guided ride takes us to cultural and historical sites such as Lake Hood, scenic viewpoints, and Earthquake Park. Enjoy an included group dinner to celebrate the beginning of our Alaskan adventure.

Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.

Please also note: Our tour of Anchorage commences at 15:00 on day 1. Please ensure you arrive in Alaska in plenty of time to join the start of the tour!

Anchorage - Homer. This morning we leave Anchorage and take a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet, renowned for hosting one of the world's largest bore tides - keep an eye out for Beluga Whales! We'll stop at the Wildlife Conservation Centre, which serves as a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and ill animals. This route is among the most picturesque in Alaska, featuring numerous scenic viewpoints and points of interest. The total drive time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Homer - Katmai National Park / Lake Clark National Park - Homer. This morning we fly from Homer to either Katmai National Park or Lake Clark, depending on the weather, for an opportunity to observe grizzly bears (flight included). Our journey includes a 4-5 mile hike over approximately 3 hours, traversing braided rivers and meadows to witness these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, before making the return journey to Homer.

Homer - Seward. After a 30-minute boat cruise to Kachemak Bay State Park, which is accessible only by water, we will embark on a hike guided by a local naturalist through three distinct ecosystems: the marine environment, coastal forest, and glacial moraine. Once we’re dropped off at Glacier Spit, we begin our hike through Alaska's lush forests. For the first 1.5 miles, the trail winds through a mix of cottonwood and Sitka spruce trees. Take a moment to marvel at the massive cottonwoods, some of the largest in the park. After 1.5 miles, the trail heads straight towards the lake across alluvial flats. Keep an eye out for small hawks and bald eagles perched in the treetops, hunting for prey. Revel in the stunning view of Grewingk Glacier, its lake dotted with icebergs, and the serene Alaskan wilderness before concluding our hike along the Saddle Trail. Return to Homer by water taxi, taking in the timeless beauty of the landscape one last time.

After lunch, we journey across the peninsula to Seward. Enjoy the scenic drive to this charming city, which takes about 4.5 hours. After checking into our hotel and having an early dinner, we end today by exploring Exit Glacier and Kenai Fjords National Park. There are multiple hikes and scenic walks to choose from, allowing you to savour the sunset in this iconic wilderness.

We'll start the day by sea kayaking along the stunning coastline of Resurrection Bay. This adventure is an excellent introduction to sea kayaking, offering spectacular views of towering mountains, soaring bald eagles, curious harbour seals, and a captivating ghost forest.

After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure, or you can embark on an optional helicopter flight to a glacier followed by a dog sled ride. Board one of our helicopters and soar up to an ancient glacier, where you'll land at a dog camp. A team of eager sled dogs will be ready to whisk you across the pristine white snow. Dog sled tours on Godwin Glacier are among the most thrilling experiences you can have in Alaska! After your sled ride, enjoy cuddling the adorable puppies, taking photos of the breathtaking Alaskan scenery, and chatting with your musher about their best trail stories. The cost of this optional excursion is USD $615.00 per person.

Seward - Anchorage. This morning, we enjoy an 8.5-hour nature cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. During the trip, we'll have the opportunity to spot puffins, sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions, and cormorants. The cruise will take us to one of the park's least visited fjords for an up-close view of a tidewater glacier in Northwestern Fjord, where the glacier calves directly into the ocean.

For those who prefer calmer waters, you can opt for a 3-hour cruise in the bay, followed by a dog sled tour or a similar activity. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and a scenic train ride back to Anchorage on the Gold Star Dome Train.

Anchorage - Talkeetna. Departing Anchorage, our first destination today is the Matanuska Glacier for a 2-3 hour ice excursion. Spend the morning exploring the vibrant blue and basal ice, while learning about the history and glaciology of the Matanuska Valley. This hands-on adventure promises an authentic Alaskan experience. As we traverse the recessional moraine to the glacier's terminus, our guide will lead you through a fascinating landscape of glacial features including moulins, crevasses, open water streams, and conduits.

After lunch, we continue north to the historic town of Talkeetna. Weather permitting, embark on a scenic flight to witness North America’s tallest peak. Fly within 6 miles (10 km) of Denali’s summit, then descend into the breathtaking Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Take in the views of the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers, the sharp ridges of Mount Huntington, the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter, and the renowned Moose’s Tooth. Marvel at the 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier, Little Switzerland's peaks, Kahiltna Base Camp, and the imposing east face of Mount Foraker. After the flight, relax and enjoy your evening in historic Talkeetna, with stunning views of Denali in the distance.

Talkeetna - Denali National Park - Denali Park village. This morning, we embark on a 20-mile cruise aboard a state-of-the-art jet boat, enjoying majestic views of Denali and the Alaska Range as we sail. Our 2-hour trip begins aboard the "Talkeetna Queen," a fifty-two-passenger jet boat, or one of her smaller sister boats, designed for 15 or 20 passengers. These advanced jet boats safely navigate previously inaccessible rivers, whisking you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. As we travel, our naturalist guide will share the history of the area, insights about the Susitna River, and information on Denali. Keep an eye out for nesting bald eagles along the way.

Later, we enjoy a leisurely quarter-mile nature walk to a Dena'ina Indian Encampment, the earliest native settlement in the area. Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin, complete with original furnishings, and learn about the lifestyle of turn-of-the-century trappers in "bush" Alaska. Our experienced guide will showcase local furs and demonstrate traditional trapping methods. Naturalists will introduce you to the region’s abundant wildflowers and plants, highlighting edible varieties used by Native Indians for food and medicine, some of which are still consumed today.

In the afternoon, our journey continues north. We make stops in Denali State Park and other scenic areas, before pausing for lunch. Explore the Denali National Park Visitors Center and the small town of Denali. Enjoy some of the shorter hikes and walks available in this beautiful destination. For those interested, the hiker shuttle into the park is an excellent option, with tickets available for pre-purchase. A group dinner is included at Denali Park, where we spend the night.

Today we head into the Alaskan tundra on a wilderness tour. Diving into Denali National Park, we can take in the breath-taking scenery of this pristine wilderness and hope to spot all manner of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, wolves and caribou. As we journey along the stunning road corridor, your likely experiences will depend on the season. Each day brings unique experiences, with Denali’s wildlife moving at its own pace and responding to the changing seasons. During the peak summer season, our tour extends beyond the Toklat rest area to Stony Hill Overlook, where we can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Alaska Range and potentially catch a glimpse of North America’s highest peak. A bottle of water and a snack pack are provided today, and we return to Denali Park village after our excursion.

Denali Park village - Anchorage. We leave Denali in the morning and drive directly to Anchorage, stopping for a farewell lunch along the way. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled for 15:00 or later.