Daily Itinerary
Night 1
Arrival into Anchorage. (Unguided day.) Depending on expected arrival time, recommendations and details will be provided for self guided exploration of Anchorage. Your hotel, the Quality Suites downtown has 24 hour complimentary shuttle service and complimentary hot breakfast.
Day 1
9:00 am Meet and greet your Alaskan Tour Guide in your hotel lobby and get ready for your escorted journey through Alaska. All guides are either longtime or lifelong Alaska residents who share their experiences for an informative and entertaining trip. Your tour does not include meals, but stops are made as needed by the family and recommendations are made by the guide. En route we’ll stop for any wildlife sighting and views of MT. McKinley and take a sled dog tour and ride! Tour Dream a Dream kennels. Vern Halter, a veteran Iditarod musher who weaves the history of the Iditarod into his informative presentation. Meet the huskies who make up the team, enjoy a short nature walk with the newest members, the pups! Then enjoy a special ride on a multi-seat All Terrain Vehicle with the option of standing positions too. These dog limos are the coolest and most realistic way to ride with a sled dog team in the summer months. It’s great training for the dogs and you’ll see how they love it! Continue travel to Denali Park, stopping as needed.
Overnight in Denali hotel.
Day 2
Today is an optional day. Family members can choose how they want to spend their time in Denali. Your Alaskan tour guide will provide all the transportation and assistance for the days events. Advance reservations are highly recommended for this time of year. Short nature hikes outside the park can be led by your guide. Park rangers lead nature walks around the Visitor Center. In addition to this and a visit to the Visitor Center, activity options and costs are listed. The Denali National Park Visitor center offers Denali's visitors a chance to learn more about the park by interacting with rangers, viewing the award winning film "Heartbeats of Denali," and exploring the exhibit area. The building boasts a number of environmentally sustainable features . The Morino Grill offers a variety of grab-n-go or sit down hot meals. Serving both breakfast and lunch. The Denali Bookstore offers an extensive collection of educational materials on the natural and cultural heritage of Denali.
2nd overnight in Denali hotel.
Day 3
Denali at 12:25 p.m., with check in 1 hour prior. Arrive in Talkeetna at 4:45 p.m. where you will be met by your Alaskan Tour Guide. Ride aboard The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, from Talkeetna to Denali. View sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Enjoy GoldStar Service, first-class service aboard double-deck dome cars, luxury rail travel has never been better. Reserved upper-level dome car seating, upper-level outdoor viewing deck, exclusive lower-level dining room, complimentary non alcoholic beverages. 4:45 p.m. If you didn't’t dine on the train, we suggest dinner in Talkeetna. A frontier town with rustic charm and some delicious diners. Travel continues by van south to Anchorage hotel. Approximate drive time is 2.5 hours.
Overnight in Anchorage hotel.
Day 4
Travel south on the Seward Highway. A National Scenic Byway which passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The landscape varies from the muddy waters of Turnagain Arm to the icy blue glaciers that hang almost to the sea. Wildflowers and waterfalls brighten every corner of the road as it glides below rough mountains that pierce thick, heavy clouds. Only Alaska's Seward Highway can offer this particular mix created by climate, geography, and geology. We take ample time to stop and see the incredible sights and any wildlife as well a couple recommended stops. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non profit organization that cares for rescued wildlife, injured and orphans. They promote better awareness of Alaska Wildlife conservation methods through public education and they provide a fantastic opportunity to photograph Alaska wildlife up close. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is built upon the terminal moraine left behind by Portage Glacier in 1914. The visitor center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits, educational presentations, the film "Voices from the Ice," information services, and an Alaska Natural History Association bookstore are available to serve the public.
Travel to meet Whittier or Seward cruise departures |
