Best of Grand Alaska Highlights 6-Day Tour

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Anchorage to Seward – Coastal Charm & Mountain Vistas

Meet your group and expert guide at in Anchorage for a warm welcome to Alaska. This morning we head out along the spectacular Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds between mountains and ocean for some spectacular Alaskan scenery.

Stop in the alpine town of Girdwood and enjoy an included ride on Alyeska Tram. Reaching an elevation of 2300 feet, the aerial tram gives visitors unforgettable panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountain range. Enjoy some time on Mt. Alyeska’s observation deck, 2,300 feet above sea level before descending. This afternoon you are in for real treat- enjoy and included visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to rescued grizzlies, musk oxen, bison, and moose and enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.

Arrive in Seward by late afternoon. Check in to your waterfront hotel and enjoy time to explore this charming harbor town at your own pace—walk along Resurrection Bay, visit local art galleries, or try a cozy café.

Dinner: Enjoy a group meal this evening.  Self paid.

Included Meals: Lunch
Overnight: Hotel Harbor 360, Seward

Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park – Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

This morning embark on an included half day cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park, a dramatic world of icy fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Watch for whales, sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals while enjoying narrated insights from local naturalists.

Experienced captains will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water.

After returning to port, spend your afternoon exploring Seward. Optional visits include the Alaska SeaLife Center, a top-tier marine research facility and aquarium.

Dinner: Enjoy fresh-caught halibut or salmon at a local favorite. Self paid.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Deli style lunch onboard the cruise.
Overnight: Hotel Harbor 360, Seward

Day 3: Exit Glacier Hike & Scenic Drive to Glacier View

Start your day with a guided gentle walk to the foot of Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park. Choose a shorter interpretive walk or opt for the more rewarding trail to Marmot Meadows, with sweeping views of the glacier and surrounding alpine scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.

This afternoon, head north on a scenic route through forested valleys and mountain passes. Arrive at Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge, a hidden gem perched above the Matanuska Valley, where you’ll enjoy quiet evening views of the Chugach Mountains.

Optional: Take a short stroll on the lodge’s private trails, or relax in the hot tub under the Alaskan sky.

Dinner: Sample the local cuisine at the Majestic Lodge. Self Paid.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge

Day 4: Hatcher Pass & Gold Rush History – Onward to Denali

Today’s route leads through Hatcher Pass, an alpine wonderland of winding roads, tundra meadows, and gold mining history. Visit Independence Mine Historical Park, where century-old buildings and mine shafts bring Alaska’s gold rush era to life. Your expert guide will share captivating stories from the gold rush era, bringing to life the experiences of miners, the challenges of the landscape, and the impact on the region. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.

Continue through the Mat-Su Valley and arrive in the Denali area by late afternoon. Check into your cozy Creekside cabins just outside the park entrance.

Stretch your legs on a nature walk or enjoy a quiet evening on your porch relaxing and  listening to the sounds of the surrounding creek.

Dinner: Guide recommendations provided for nearby restaurants. Self Paid.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Denali

Day 5: Denali National Park – Wilderness & Wildlife Exploration

Spend a full day immersed in the vast wilderness of Denali National Park. Board the park Denali wildlife bus and head deep into the national park, where braided rivers, alpine tundra, and snowy peaks stretch as far as the eye can see. Weather permitting, catch breathtaking views of Denali itself—the highest peak in North America.

Wildlife sightings may include grizzly bears, dall sheep, moose, caribou, golden eagles and more! Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Dinner: Enjoy local fare. Self Paid

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Denali

Day 6: Talkeetna, Scenic Railroad & Return to Anchorage

After breakfast, depart Denali and head to Talkeetna, a quirky and colorful mountain town known for its art scene and as the launching point for Denali climbing expeditions.

Enjoy a picnic style lunch and some free time to explore this cute Alaskan town’s shops, riverside trails, or take an optional glacier landing flight seeing tour (weather permitting) -a truly unforgettable way to see the Alaska Range.

This afternoon, board the Alaska Railroad for a 3 hour journey through forests and  valleys en route back to Anchorage. On this relax­ing and fun way to take in amaz­ing sights around every bend, you can enjoy views of the Susitna River, mountains, and even a glacier along the way and rugged wilderness.

Arrive in Anchorage between 8–9 PM, where your guide will be waiting to assist with luggage and hotel drop-off.

Dinner: Available for purchase onboard the train.

Included Meals: Breakfast