Anchorage
Highlights:Nature & Outdoor Excursions, Museums & Alaska Native Heritage Center, Whale Watching, Dog Sledding
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Itinerary Details
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Make your own way to the Anchorage airport and pick up your rental car
1 Night
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city nestled on the shores of Cook Inlet. Sandwiched between rugged peaks and tranquil water, this urban sprawl is home to nearly half of the state’s population. Don’t be surprised to see bears and moose sauntering across private yards or public parks – it’s a way of life here! The Alaska Native Heritage Center is your one-stop source for all things cultural with its traditional craft displays and dance performances. Top it off with a trip to the local museum for your fill of the region’s history. Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching tours let you explore the area by water, while scenic flight tours are a great way of discovering glaciers. Dog sledding remains a favorite pastime of visitors, followed closely by gold panning at the local mines. Back in town, dining experiences turn into gourmet feasts with fresh seafood and local produce dominating the culinary scene.
Included activities
Explore Anchorage Museum on Your Own
Dive into Alaskan history at the Anchorage Museum. The state’s largest museum, it has exhibits featuring everything from native culture to art to local wildlife. It opened its doors in 1968 with 60 borrowed paintings and 2,500 objects. Today, it has a collection of 25,000 objects and 500,000 photographs. Among the permanent collections is the Alaska Exhibition, which details the ingenuity and knowledge of the different groups of people that have lived and thrived in this often harsh environment. The exhibition is divided into 13 themes, each of which encapsulates a vital aspect of Alaskan life. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center is well worth your time too. This exhibition has over 600 objects on long-term loan from the Smithsonian. Among them are an 1893 Tlingit war helmet from southeast Alaska and a 1935 Iñupiaq feast bowl from northwest Alaska. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy)
Hotel options
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage – Opt 1
Room
1 King Bed [HILTONAKWEDD]
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Hyatt House Anchorage – Opt 2
Room
Studio
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 2 – 3
Drive yourself from Anchorage to Talkeetna in your rental car. Travel along the Glenn Highway, passing the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Thunderbird Falls and the Native Village of Eklutna. You may want to stop at Wasilla, the traditional restarting point of the world famous annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Further down, find Willow, where the official restart of the race is currently taking place on the first weekend of March, thanks to a continuing lack of snow in the Wasilla area. Continue on the Parks Highway north until you see a standing wooden grizzly signal. This is the turnoff to Talkeetna, a small community with unique Alaskan backcountry character. (Duration without stops: 2 hrs)
1 Night
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is all that you would expect in a typical Alaskan small town. Tucked into the Mat-Su Valley, this picturesque town with its colorful old buildings gives off an artsy vibe. Nestled at the foothills of majestic Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, it is a convenient base camp for climbing expeditions to major peaks. Log cabins and clapboard storefronts testify to its past as a gold mining center. The small museum in town chronicling the adventures of early climbers is worth a visit. Flightseeing tours offer panoramic views of the mountains and can even include glacier landings. Riverboat and jet boat tours enable you to explore the waterways and navigate deep into the canyons. Fishing and horseback riding are some of the activities that let you soak in the scenic beauty of the region. Sampling the local specialties at cozy cafes and browsing local galleries are excellent ways of unwinding after a busy day of outdoor fun.
Included activities
Group Flying Tour of Denali with glacier landing
This 1.5 hour flying tour gives you a unique perspective on the highest peak in North America and bring into focus the scale of the Alaskan range. Fly up to six miles’ distance from Denali’s summit, before swooping down through Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Gaze upon the stunning Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers and see the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter. See the sharp ridges of Mount Huntington and view the summit of the famous Moose’s Tooth, one of the toughest climbs in the range. Duration: 1.5 hrs flying time + 30 min check-in time; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group size: up to 10 people; Meals Not Included, Glacier Landing Included. Please note that this activity is weather-dependent and may get cancelled should conditions not permit a safe flight. USD 15 per person national park fee is not included and payable on site).
Talkeetna Lake Trail at Leisure
Admire the soothing beauty of the Talkeetna Lakes on an evening hike. This well-maintained 3.5-mile walking trail goes around the lake, through lush old-growth forest. During the hike, you could spot belted kingfishers, darting swallows, and many other birds in the surrounding spruce trees. In addition, you might spot spot shy loons with beautiful black-and-white markings camouflaged on the shimmering surface of the lake. Hear stories about wildlife encounters, life in Talkeetna, and the survival of the native people in this remote wildland, from your guide. If you’re lucky, you might see migratory trumpeter swans as they head further north. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: very active; Available May-Sept; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and a jacket)
Hotel options
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Main Lodge Room w/ Forest View
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Mountainside Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Day 3 – 6
Drive yourself from Talkeetna to Denali National Park in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)
3 Nights
Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve, with its primeval landscape and untamed wilderness, promises a one-of-a-kind adventure. Located in the Interior Alaska region, it is home to Denali, the tallest peak in North America. This nature lover’s paradise offers an endless sequence of breathtaking vistas all around. Free-roaming moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves make for excellent wildlife viewing. Hiking along marked trails or going off the beaten path top the list of activities for visitors to Denali. Bicycling and bus tours are other ways of exploring the major attractions of this sprawling reserve. Entertaining sled dog demonstrations provide a peek into the life of park rangers and their canine partners. For a rush of adrenaline, go whitewater rafting over the rapids in the many rivers across the park. Aerial tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape with its mountains and glaciers.
Included activities
Denali Visitor Center at Leisure
The Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus were built in 2005. The campus includes the Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center, Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) and more. Though the park is open all year round, the Denali Center, the park’s main welcome and information point, is operational only in the summer months. Here you can learn more about the park through Heartbeats of Denali, a 20-minute film. This documentary plays throughout the day, giving information on the various seasons, landscapes, and wildlife of the park. You can also speak with park rangers for more information, or take some of the ranger-led activities scheduled in or beginning at the center. In fall, winter and spring, the MSLC acts as the visitor center. (Duration: 1 hr; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Available May-Sept; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket.)
Explore Denali National Park on your own (Transit Bus)
If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend taking a Transit Bus to explore Denali National Park in Alaska. The buses depart from Denali Bus Depot, located inside the park. They give you the option of hopping off along the way to spend more time enjoying a particular view or to explore the park on foot. When you are done, you can hail any passing transit bus and hop on, provided seating is available. All the transit buses make regular restroom stops as well. The bus driver will give you basic park and safety information and answer any questions you might have. Enjoy views of the mountains and picturesque river valleys as you ride on the highway. Your driver will also help you spot wildlife such as Dall sheep, moose, and even wolves and bears. If you do come across wildlife, your bus will stop so you can enjoy the sight and take photographs. (Duration: full day; Available from May 20 to mid-September; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)
Group Tour: Wilderness Scenic Run River Rafting
Enjoy a gentle scenic rafting tour along the Nenana River. Begin your rafting expedition near the entrance to Denali National Park. Choose oar rafts or paddle rafts for a unique experience. Best suited for first timers, oar rafts are rowed by an expert guide, while you hold on tight and enjoy the scenic views. Alternatively, in a paddle raft, you could be an active participant and follow the instructions of your guide to help paddle the raft downriver. Watch out for moose, caribou, bear, and sheep as you raft downstream for about 11 miles. (Only Possible From 20 May to 10 Sep; Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Min Age: 5; Please dress in warm outdoor clothes and in layers if possible; Do wear a wool or fleece beanie style hat, two pairs of wool socks, and eye glass retainers where necessary; A Gore-Tex dry suit, neoprene booties, and a life jacket will be provided; Five people are required to paddle each raft and thus, groups of guests may be combined to reach this figure; Please let us know in advance if you are allergic to latex)
Hotel options
Denali Park Village – Opt 1
Room
Village Lodge Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Resort
Denali Bluffs Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Day 6 – 7
Drive yourself from Denali National Park to Anchorage in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)
Make your own way to the Anchorage airport and drop off your rental car
Make your own way from Anchorage airport to your hotel
1 Night
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city nestled on the shores of Cook Inlet. Sandwiched between rugged peaks and tranquil water, this urban sprawl is home to nearly half of the state’s population. Don’t be surprised to see bears and moose sauntering across private yards or public parks – it’s a way of life here! The Alaska Native Heritage Center is your one-stop source for all things cultural with its traditional craft displays and dance performances. Top it off with a trip to the local museum for your fill of the region’s history. Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching tours let you explore the area by water, while scenic flight tours are a great way of discovering glaciers. Dog sledding remains a favorite pastime of visitors, followed closely by gold panning at the local mines. Back in town, dining experiences turn into gourmet feasts with fresh seafood and local produce dominating the culinary scene.
Hotel options
Hotel Captain Cook – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Hotel Captain Cook – Opt 2
Room
Junior Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 7 – 8
You will be transferred from your hotel to Anchorage train station in a private vehicle
Board the Coastal Classic train in Adventure Class from Anchorage to Seward (Duration: 4 hrs; Departure: 6:45am)
Board the Coastal Classic train with GoldStar Service from Anchorage to Seward (Duration: 4 hrs; Departure: 6:45am)
You will be transferred from the train station in Seward to your hotel in Seward in a shared vehicle organized by your hotel
1 Night
Seward
Seward is a charming port city perched at the tip of Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Tucked between the ocean and the mountains, it offers an array of experiences to suit every taste. Picturesque trails including one that winds up to the summit of Mount Marathon lead you to stunning landscapes, each more photo-worthy than the next! From watching seals and puffins at the Alaska SeaLife Center to fishing expeditions sailing out of the harbor, the rich marine life promises hours of enjoyment. If boats are not for you, fly over the glaciers in a helicopter or a seaplane. Meanwhile, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is ideal for sightings of bear and moose. Soak in the old world charm of the historic downtown area that also boasts a vibrant food and nightlife scene. Spend an enjoyable afternoon viewing the many vibrant murals of downtown or visiting art galleries showcasing local talent. Having a good time comes easy in Seward with a host of nightspots and restaurants to choose from.
Included activities
Explore Alaska SeaLife Center on Your Own
Explore the oceans at this popular public aquarium and marine research institute which hosts educational programs and has a wildlife response team. After breakfast or lunch in your hotel, head to the Alaska SeaLife Center at the waterfront by Resurrection Bay in Seward. Learn about Alaska’s fragile marine ecosystems at the center. Catch the numerous marine exhibits and watch giant Pacific octopuses, sea lions, schools of arctic fish, puffins and other sea birds go about their daily lives. See harbor seals laze on a rocky beach and sea otters frolic in an underwater kelp forest. Learn about the center’s research studies and marine animal rehabilitation efforts. Don’t miss dropping by the touch tank, seabird aviary, harbor seal and stellar sea lion habitats, and many interactive exhibits. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear light sweater & comfortable walking shoes)
Shared Glacier & Wildlife Cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
Set sail into an ice age! The Kenai Peninsula plays host to Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding icefield into the Pacific Ocean. Board a cruise to explore them and the unique habitat they engender for the seals, whales and puffins that call this region home. Depart from the town of Seward with your trusty and knowledgeable captain in charge. The unique experience of the crew in navigating the Arctic aquatic landscape makes all the difference, as they are able to point out the coastal rainforests, remote Alaskan islands and tidewater glaciers you pass on your journey. Make sure to pack your camera! Please note that this tour is weather-dependent. (Shared Activity; Transfer not Included; Duration: 6 hrs; Timings: 8am and 11:30am departures; Please arrive 1 hour before your departure time; Lunch included)
Hotel options
Seward Gateway Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Harbor 360 Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Harbor Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 8 – 10
A courtesy shuttle will take you from Fjords Adventure Center to the Seward train station.
Board the Coastal Classic train in Adventure Class from Seward to Girdwood (Duration: 2 hrs 50 min | 6pm – 8.50pm)
Board the Coastal Classic train with GoldStar Service from Seward to Girdwood (Duration: 2 hrs 50 min | 6pm – 8.50pm)
You will be transferred from the Girdwood train station to your hotel in a shared vehicle
2 Nights
Girdwood
Girdwood, tucked into a valley within the Chugach Mountains, has the distinction of being Alaska’s only resort town with plenty to offer year round. Hemmed in by seven glaciers, it offers an idyllic escape just an hour’s drive from Anchorage. Guided hikes and aerial tours allow you to discover the area’s glaciers while kayaking is ideal for enjoying the vistas from the water. The tram ride to the top of Mount Alyeska offers dramatic views of the spectacular landscape. Mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding await active travelers. For visitors in quest of an adrenaline rush from the ultimate Alaskan experience, dog sledding is a must! Wildlife spotting opportunities abound at the conservation center set on the outskirts of town. Watch the town come to life with music, dance, and craft displays during the annual spring and summer festivals. The onset of winter brings with it world-class opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
Included activities
Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram on your own
If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend a ride on the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram. Once you have bought your tram tickets, embark on the three to seven-minute scenic trip that offers panoramic views of the Alaskan wilderness. As you ascend 2,300 feet, take in dramatic views of Turnagain Arm, towering snow-capped mountains and several glaciers. Once you get to the top of Mount Alyeska, proceed to the viewing deck equipped with telescopes. Take a closer look at the majestic peaks of the Chugach Mountains, seven hanging glaciers and the historic Roundhouse Museum. In the summer months, keep an eye out for wildlife such as coyotes, moose and brown bears on the slopes. Enjoy the great outdoors and examine the flowers covering the mountain side. Far below, you may spot hikers rambling along streams and spruce trees. You could treat yourself to lunch at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar before returning back to base. (Duration: half day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Transfers, entrance fees & meals are not included; Each tram car holds a maximum of 60 ppl; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)
Hotel options
Alyeska Resort – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Resort
Alyeska Resort – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Resort
Day 10 – 10
Your chauffeur will drive you from Girdwood to Anchorage in a private vehicle (Duration: 1 hr)
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city nestled on the shores of Cook Inlet. Sandwiched between rugged peaks and tranquil water, this urban sprawl is home to nearly half of the state’s population. Don’t be surprised to see bears and moose sauntering across private yards or public parks – it’s a way of life here! The Alaska Native Heritage Center is your one-stop source for all things cultural with its traditional craft displays and dance performances. Top it off with a trip to the local museum for your fill of the region’s history. Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching tours let you explore the area by water, while scenic flight tours are a great way of discovering glaciers. Dog sledding remains a favorite pastime of visitors, followed closely by gold panning at the local mines. Back in town, dining experiences turn into gourmet feasts with fresh seafood and local produce dominating the culinary scene.
Transfer to the Airport
International Departure
Embark on a scenic road trip to discover the stunning natural beauty of Alaska. Your enchanting journey begins in Anchorage, where you can learn about the region’s history as you browse the Anchorage Museum’s collection of 25,000 artifacts. Gaze at Denali, North America’s highest peak, on an enthralling flying tour over the mighty Alaskan range, and set foot on a glacier as well!
Savor the wilderness of Denali National Park with the park’s ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus service. Your driver will make scenic stops along the way and help you spot Dall sheep, moose, and even wolves. You will also get to go on a thrilling rafting expedition, during which you could spot moose, caribou, bear and sheep.
While in Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and enjoy a lovely cruise around the icy landscape of Kenai Fjords National Park, which is home to seals, whales and puffins. Wrap up your Alaskan sojourn in the resort town of Girdwood. We recommend taking Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram to the top of Mount Alyeska, from where you can admire the majestic Chugach Mountains, and seven hanging glaciers.
Price & Inclusions
Option 1
From$6,890 USD/ person
Option 2
From$7,490 USD/ person
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare
What Our Guests Say
Katie and Kenny did a fantastic job in both the planning stages and the actual implementation. We are so glad we had them help us with our 50th Anniversary trip.
Rating 5/5
Sherry Bartosh
USA
I have used ET 3 times now for trips to Africa Iceland and Alaska and am considering trips to South America and Antarctica with them. The ET team had been terrific to work with. Informed experienced accessible and responsive. I could not pick a better travel consultant team
Rating 5/5
David Jolly
USA
Enchanting Travels helped us plan, down to every detail, exactly what we wanted in our trip. In the early stages there was constant contact to fine-tune our trip to what our interests were. During the trip we had the confidence that our Trip Coordinator had our back.
Rating 4/5
Norm Bartlett
USA
We would highly recommend using Enchanting Travels for an Alaskan vacation. They curated the experiences that we most wanted including lots of opportunities to see the beauty of the landscape, do wildlife tours for animal sighting, and gain understanding of the Native culture. We trusted the specific tours that they arranged in terms of safety (plane flights, etc). They were very supportive throughout our trip; daily check ins to ensure that the reservations for tours and hotels would all go smoothly. We were very impressed by the individual attention and support of our coordinator, Heike.
Rating 5/5
Amy Weisz
USA
Enchanting Travels makes planning your next adventure so easy. I would recommend them to everyone. We will certainly be using their services again.
Rating 5/5
Lisa Jensen
USA
Enchanting Travels coordinated a customized bucket-list trip to Alaska for us that exceeded our expectations. There were suggestions made in the itinerary that we would have never thought of several being highlights of the trip. Prior to the trip, all of the booking and coordination was taken care of and in Alaska, this is helpful since many places do not open booking until a certain time, and do not offer the ease of online reservations. We would not have experienced as much as we did if we tried to coordinate this trip on our own. During the trip, our coordinator Miriam was excellent with communication and made for a stress-free trip. We only had one minor hiccup with one of the hotel reservations but it was corrected promptly and of little inconvenience. She was always available and quick to reply. I highly recommend this service. If you book with Enchanting Travels, you will be glad that you did.
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