Journeys: Discover Alaska
Journeys: Discover Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
Railroad to Denali National Park
Anchorage, Alaska
$4649
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Journeys: Discover Alaska," a National Geographic Journey that immerses you in the breathtaking wilderness of the Last Frontier. This small group tour offers an upgraded experience, taking you from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park. Marvel at the majestic Alaska Range, search for beluga whales on a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, and explore the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center. Hike with a naturalist guide in Denali, and learn about the Indigenous history of Alaska. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in hotels and cabins, and travel by private vehicle, boat, and national park shuttle. With a focus on adventure and discovery, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Alaska's stunning landscapes and wildlife. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage
Arrive at any time.
Additional Information: Please keep in mind, a lot of what there is to see and do in Alaska is weather-dependent. We give our CEOs the opportunity to adjust the schedule as needed based on weather.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2: Anchorage/Homer
Location: Anchorage, Homer
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel Homer
Accommodation Name: Aspen Suites Hotel Homer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel along the stunning coast of the Kenai Peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from mountains towards the ocean. As we drive along the Turnagain Arm, keep an eye out for beluga whales playing out at sea, or catch a glimpse of volcanoes across the Cook Inlet. Upon arrival in Homer, opt to stretch your legs on a short hike outside of town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Homer
Location: Homer
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel Homer
Accommodation Name: Aspen Suites Hotel Homer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Homer. Stroll the quaint streets and check out the restaurants and art galleries along the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long finger of land protruding into Kachemak Bay. Discover stories of life on the bay at the natural history museum or satisfy your adventurous side exploring Kachemak Bay by water taxi, kayak, on a self-guided hike, or perhaps trying your hand at the local sport of halibut fishing.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full day to explore the great outdoors.
Day 4: Homer/Seward
Location: Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward
Accommodation: Breeze Inn
Accommodation Name: Breeze Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Homer and travel the Kenai Penninsula to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the Ice Age still lingers. After lunch, hit the trail to view the impressive Exit Glacier and to witness the size of this natural phenomenon in person. Black bears frequent the area and are a common sight as well.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore the coastal town of Seward nestled in the majestic fjord of Resurrection Bay. Known for its abundance of sea life, often sea otters and harbor seals are spotted directly from the shore.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Head out on an amazing hike to view Exit Glacier. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. Follow this moderately strenuous 2.2 mile loop trail to the Exit Glacier Overlook and view the glacier in its own glacially carved valley.
Day 5: Seward
Location: Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park
Accommodation: Breeze Inn
Accommodation Name: Breeze Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, visit the world-renowned Alaska Sea Life Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. We'll also set out by catamaran to cruise the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy narration by a knowledgeable park ranger while scanning the sea for puffins, sea lions, colonies of seabirds, and whales (including, if we’re lucky, orcas). See three types of glaciers and watch and listen for ice calving off the tidewater glacier. Spend the evening at your leisure; opt to go hiking or explore the town.
ACTIVITY: On the shores of the scenic town of Seward sits the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s premier public aquarium. This esteemed marine science facility offers a combined focus on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and educating the public. Enjoy a visit to the centre, which frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives such as critter cams, expeditions, and the important Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear to extinction.
ACTIVITY: Cruise through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park on a large catamaran hosted and narrated by a National Park Ranger. See three different kinds of glaciers, including a piedmont glacier, several cirque glaciers and an active calving tidewater glacier. Take time to look for wildlife in the sky and surrounding waters as you learn about the region. Keep an eye out for Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Seals, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and more.
FREE TIME: Enjoy some time to explore this coastal town.
Day 6: Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Accommodation Name: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Keep your camera close during a scenic drive to Denali National Park, named for the highest mountain in North America—formerly known as Mount McKinley, at a dizzying 20,310 feet high. Beginning in the early 20th century, National Geographic has funded several exploratory expeditions and research initiatives in Denali National Park, from early aerial photographs and mapping expeditions, to research pertaining to the volcanic craters here and the behaviour of wolf packs. Upon arrival take time to settle into your rustic lodgings in the Denali wilderness before the group will meet with an instructor from the Denali Education Center. The instructor will share a presentation focusing on Indigenous history in Alaska. They will discuss the global and hyperlocal effects of the modern age on generations of Indigenous cultures while standing on the very land that five different native groups lived on and called home for thousands of years.
Additional Information: Please remember that due to the remoteness of the Denali area, the accommodation is simple, but allows you access to one of the most stunning wildlife areas in Alaska.
ACTIVITY: For thousands of years the traditional lands of five different indigenous groups intersected at Denali on the land that is currently part of Denali National Park. The Ahtna, Dena’ina, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim, and Tanana peoples each have their own language and traditions. During the presentation at the Denali Education Center our instructor will use an indigenous worldview as a framework to discuss human migration theory, colonization, its effects on Alaska, federal legislation, land rights, and the plight of sovereign Indigenous tribes today. The 1-hour program is an introduction to Indigenous history in Alaska and focuses on the global and hyperlocal effects of the modern age on generations of Indigenous cultures.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Accommodation Name: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart early and catch the shuttle into the heart of Denali National Park. As you make your way to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) take in breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and snap pictures of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Additional Information: Private vehicles cannot drive into the National park. The excursion today is a guided tour operated by the park and other travellers may also be on the excursion.
TRANSPORT: Hop on a national park transit bus to travel into the heart of Denali National Park. Make multiple stops en route to watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
ACTIVITY: Depart early to explore Denali National Park. Take the shuttle bus to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, getting deeper into the heart of the park. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and shows off the stunning wilderness of Denali.
ACTIVITY: Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.
Day 8: Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Accommodation Name: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Learn about the extreme conditions that shape life in Denali and its subarctic ecosystem, hearing stories of the resilient First Nations people who have survived here for generations. Head out on a guided hike with a naturalist and take in the rugged beauty of the Denali wilderness. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore on your own. Opt to observe a dog-sledding talk and demonstration.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend the day exploring Denali NP – with so much to see and do, your options are endless!
ACTIVITY: Rejoin the Denali Education Center for an interactive introduction to the park and its subarctic ecosystem. Learn about National Geographic’s legacy with American national parks, as well as other projects National Geographic has supported in Denali NP and across Alaska. Listen to stories about the park’s history and culture, as well as characteristics of its subarctic ecosystem. Learn about the complex geology here and how First Nations people have survived for generations in one of the most formidable climates on the planet. Then head out on a hike with a naturalist guide to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness.
Day 9: Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Anchorage
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage, following the Alaska Range southward along the picturesque Susitna River. Opt for a final dinner with your fellow travelers this evening, and reflect on your epic journey into the wild.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 10: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), cabins (3 nts). -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner -
Denali Immersion: An Indigenous History of Alaska Presentation
Experience a presentation on the Indigenous history of Alaska at Denali National Park and Preserve.
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Denali Immersion: Welcome to the Subarctic
Participate in a welcome session to the subarctic region of Denali.
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Alaska SeaLife Center visit
Explore the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.
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Kenai Fjords National Park wildlife cruise
Enjoy a wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park narrated by a National Park Ranger.
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National Park Service excursion to East Fork Bridge
Join a National Park Service excursion to East Fork Bridge in Denali National Park.
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Transportation is provided between destinations and to/from included activities.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour start and end locations is not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, boat, hiking, walking, national park shuttle.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 6 nights and cozy cabins for 3 nights, providing a perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm throughout your Alaskan adventure.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 12, avg 10.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Some meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available and we believe you should have the opportunity to explore a bit and taste the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicles, boats, hiking, walking, and national park shuttles, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through Alaska's breathtaking landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
If you choose to participate in optional activities, you can make reservations with your CEO in country.
2.TRAVEL DAYS
In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different places along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.
3. WALKS AND HIKES - OPTIONAL
All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape.
4. LEGAL DRINKING AGE
Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas or New Orleans is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.
While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.
5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
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About Accommodation
This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels/lodges, well located in cities or near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the states.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket.
For days in the outdoors, layering is key. We recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days to spend hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.
NOTE: Mountains in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska could have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in Summer time. Spring time could be snowy (until end of June) and fall season could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have equipment and clothing for all conditions!
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the Kenai Fjords National Park cruise?
During the Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, you might see puffins, sea lions, colonies of seabirds, and whales, including orcas if you're lucky. The cruise is narrated by a knowledgeable park ranger who will help you spot these animals.
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What activities are available in Homer?
In Homer, you can stroll the quaint streets and explore restaurants and art galleries along the Homer Spit. You can also visit the natural history museum, explore Kachemak Bay by water taxi or kayak, go on a self-guided hike, or try halibut fishing.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center?
At the Alaska SeaLife Center, you will visit an esteemed marine science facility that focuses on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and public education. The center collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives.
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What is the Denali Immersion presentation about?
The Denali Immersion presentation focuses on Indigenous history in Alaska. It discusses the global and hyperlocal effects of the modern age on generations of Indigenous cultures, using an indigenous worldview as a framework. Topics include human migration theory, colonization, federal legislation, land rights, and the plight of sovereign Indigenous tribes today. ...more ...less
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels and lodges, well-located in cities or near park entrances. The rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom. In the Denali area, the accommodation is simple due to its remoteness, but it allows access to stunning wildlife areas. ...more ...less
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What should I pack for the tour?
You should pack lightly, using a backpack or medium-sized suitcase. A day-pack is essential for carrying personal gear during the day. Pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, and a light jacket. For outdoor days, layering with lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics is recommended. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, including snow and heavy rain, even in summer.
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What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is the group manager, leader, and driver. They organize and lead meal preparations, offer suggestions for activities and dining, and introduce you to local friends. They aim to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Journeys: Discover Alaska
10 Days Starting and ending in Anchorage, USA
Visiting: Anchorage, Homer, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Denali National Park, Denali National Park and Preserve ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24478
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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