Best of Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage, USA. Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment in the heart of the wilderness. Your Best of Alaska adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early enough, perhaps head to the Anchorage Museum or check out the sights and try spotting a moose wandering the streets of town (yes, really). This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with an included dinner with your group.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head north along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park. During the drive keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife hanging out in the unspoiled environment. Stop by charming Talkeetna for a coffee and pastry (if you like) along the way. On arrival at the park, head to the visitor centre to plan your next day’s activities, then your evening is free to relax – perhaps sit down for dinner with the group and prepare for your days of exploration ahead.

Rise and shine early this morning to prepare for a scenic drive Denali National Park after breakfast. You’ll take the Tundra Wilderness route, narrated by a trained driver-naturalist, that will take you to mile 43 of the Park Road. With Denali Mountain towering in the background, picture yourself winding along a road hugged by mighty pine trees and framed by snow-capped mountains as you stare wide-eyed from the window in search of local wildlife. You could be lucky enough to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves (amongst a long list of other wildlife) on your journey today. Yep, if nature had a highlight reel, Denali National Park might just be it.

This morning, enjoy a long scenic drive over the Thompson Pass and down the valley to Valdez, visiting the Worthington Glacier along the way. Surrounded on three sides by steep, snow-capped mountains, the blue-water port town of Valdez is best known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. On arrival in Valdez, check in to the hotel, and spend some time discovering this port town.

Today you’ll hit the water for an incredible cruise into the Prince William Sound, heading deep into the epic landscape and arriving at the Columbia Glacier. As one of the world’s most active glaciers, you may be lucky enough to see huge chunks of ice fall into the still waters below – a pretty unforgettable sight! Be sure to keep an eye out for marine wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals and puffins, as your boat navigates the Chugach Mountains and a rugged coastline of rocky outcrops, beaches and fjords. Enjoy lunch on board the boat, then return to Valdez for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive and step back in time to discover the town’s history.

Today, you can enjoy a free morning in Valdez to explore at your own leisure. With a number of fantastic hiking and walking trails, you’re never far from an adventure that’s framed by scenery that’ll take your breath away. With so many activity options to choose from, your leader will be on hand with suggestions on how to get the most out of this beautiful place. In the afternoon, settle in for another scenic drive, arriving at your local lodge in the Palmer region. Fringed with picture-perfect mountains, the atmosphere here is really something special.

After breakfast this morning, take a scenic driving tour to soak up the scenery of Palmer and nearby Wasilla before continuing south 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. In the ski town of Girdwood board the Mount Alyeska tram and ascend 2,300 feet to the chalet at the top where you'll be awed by sights of the mountains and glaciers below. Pause for lunch before continuing the drive down the Parks Highway to Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most picturesque towns. The town itself boasts galleries, boutique shops and a bustling harbour but it's perhaps best known as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Today is free for your own explorations in this scenic wonderland. Perhaps head out on a wildlife marine boat tour exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Set out among the fjords and glaciers, keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions, and puffins. On land, you may like to check out the Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of Alaska’s marine wildlife, or perhaps take a hike to experience stunning views of the Kenai Peninsula. The choices today are endless, we won’t blame you if you simply can't decide which experience to take – be sure to ask your legendary leader for their advice.

After breakfast, you’ll venture north this morning and return to where your adventure began in Anchorage. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the drive, you'll get the chance to stop off to take photos of whales, waves, and volcanoes. On arrival in Anchorage, you’ll get to know this eclectic city during a tour with your leader, where you’ll learn more about its history and special points of interest. During the tour you’ll visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you’ll get the chance to learn more about Alaska’s cultural heritage, hear the stories of the Indigenous people and have all of your questions answered. Discover 10,000 years of Alaska Native history on this fully-immersive tour that features demonstrations, art, dance and more. As this is your final night, after your walking tour and heritage centre visit, you may like to get together with the group for dinner to reminisce about the highlights of your epic journey through Alaska together.

As our adventure wraps up today, the morning is yours to enjoy at leisure before you check out. The authentic old-school charm of Anchorage is yours to explore, so take your time check out the sights and sounds of the city and its nearby inlets and communities.