Best of Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage, USA. The Best of Alaska adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment in the heart of the wilderness. Arrive early enough and explore the city by visiting the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

*Optional tours may be available for this itinerary. Please talk to your Trip Planner about options and costs.

This morning, you’ll drive from Anchorage to Homer along the scenic Turnagain Arm – an American Road passing Cook Inlet and named after British explorer James Cook, who was forced to ‘turn again’ when the waterway didn’t hold the Northwest Passage in 1778. Along the way, you’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley – a sanctuary that preserves local wildlife through conservation, education, research, and animal care. Learn how they take in injured and orphaned Alaskan animals and provide them with care, spacious enclosures, and a home. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range, you’ll meet bison, moose, and deer and explore the conservation area before moving on to Homer for the night. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an included group dinner at a local restaurant.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Included Activities:

• Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tour

Today is a free day to explore Homer and the surrounding bay. You might want to head to the local bakery nearby for a breakfast of coffee and pastries, then take up one of the optional activities this gorgeous town has on offer. Explore on foot or book a tour of the bay. Maybe take the local ferry to explore the town of Seldovia, where you can take a wildlife boat tour, looking out for sea otters, bald eagles, ducks, orcas, and more. If you’d prefer to kick back at the local winery, you can go for a tasting and tour this afternoon. Tonight, just ask your trip leader for some local dinner recommendations.

This morning, drive along the scenic Kenai Peninsula from Homer to Seward. Grab a window seat to take in stunning views of turquoise lakes near Moose Pass, with mountains and volcanoes in the distance on a clear day. Stop in Moose Pass for an optional kayaking tour before continuing to Seward. This afternoon, hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska’s most accessible valley glaciers. Afterward, check into your hotel in Seward and enjoy a free evening to explore the town or visit a local restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Included Activities:

• Seward - Exit Glacier

This morning after breakfast, 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 and 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.

Included Activities:

• Seward - Kenai Fjords Cruise

Today, hit the road again and drive along the Turnagain Arm, soaking in the stunning views along the way. Stop in Girdwood to ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for panoramic views of seven glaciers and the valley below. Enjoy a deli lunch at the summit before continuing to the small town of Talkeetna. Upon arrival, join your leader for a guided walk around town, then spend the rest of the day exploring or finding a great spot for dinner.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Included Activities:

• Anchorage - Alyeska Tram
• Talkeetna - Leader-Led walk

After breakfast, explore Talkeetna at your own pace. Book an optional scenic flight with a glacier landing for a closer look at Denali, North America's tallest mountain. Later, drive to Denali National Park, watching for caribou and other wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Denali Visitor Center to learn about the park and, if conditions allow, catch a glimpse of the towering mountain. Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing before heading out for a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Included Activities:

• Denali National Park - Entrance Fee
• Denali National Park - Visitor Centre

Rise early to set out on a scenic "Alaskan safari" drive through Denali National Park. Travel the Tundra Wilderness route with a trained driver-naturalist, reaching mile 43 of the Park Road. With Denali Mountain towering in the background, wind along a road framed by mighty pines and snow-capped peaks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife—moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and even wolves may appear along the way.

Included Activities:

• Denali - Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour

After breakfast, return to where your adventure began in Anchorage. Upon arrival, explore this eclectic city on a guided tour. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s cultural heritage, hear stories of Indigenous Alaskans, and discover 10,000 years of history through demonstrations, art, and dance. After the walking tour and heritage center visit, consider gathering with the group for a farewell dinner to reminisce about the highlights of your journey through Alaska.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Included Activities:

• Anchorage- Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Anchorage - Leader-Led City Tour

This morning, enjoy leisure time on your own before checkout. Take a scenic walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, visit the Anchorage Museum, or explore the sights and sounds of the city and its nearby inlets and communities.