Map of Alaska Discovery		 including United States Of America

Journey into the heart of Alaska on a nature-focussed adventure

Discover the quiet, majestic calm of this vast wilderness area filled with striking landscapes and unique animals on a seven-day journey through its untamed heart. Travel through Denali National Park on an Alaska safari, keeping an eye out for grizzlies, caribou and moose along the way, and journey through forests, around mountain ranges and down the coast to Whittier. You’ll cruise past alpine glaciers in Prince William Sound and experience big views of the Alaska Range and Denali in Talkeetna. Add an expert leader to show you the way and you’ve got the perfect adventure.


Start
Anchorage, United States
Finish
Anchorage, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
SASO
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Join an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.

  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Whittier, while someone else does the driving.

  • Experience the quirky small town side of Alaska in Talkeetna, famous for its big views of Denali and the Alaska Range

  • Cruise Prince William Sound from Whittier to see both tidewater and alpine glaciers, as well as a chance to search for wildlife like whales, otters, seals and birds

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • As Alaska is a huge state with long distances between towns and cities, be prepared to spend a lot of your time in the car. This is all part of the adventure and a great way to see a variety of Alaskan landscapes.

  • While Alaska can experience warm summers, you should still be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night, and also rain, which can (and does) happen year-round. Bring warm clothing with you, including base layers, a warm hat, gloves and a thick coat, as well as a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.

  • Mosquitoes are found across the USA, even in the colder regions. They can be a problem a lot of the time, especially in July. It’s recommended that you bring insect repellent with you and anything else you think is applicable.

  • The summer months in Alaska see very long daylight hours, with the sun not completely setting until after midnight. As most people are likely to sleep before midnight, you might want to bring an eye mask to block out the light.

Itinerary

Welcome to Alaska, the United States’ largest state and one that’s big on wildlife and epic scenery. Your adventure begins in Anchorage where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a briefing at 6pm. If you arrive with time to spare, why not stop by the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you'll have the chance to learn more about Alaska indigenous culture and heritage. After your meeting, you may like to head out for dinner with your group or check out the local bars and the town’s live music scene.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the group meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
In the morning, head north along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park. During the drive keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife in this amazing, unspoiled environment. 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 your group and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Denali National Park - Visitor Centre
  • Denali National Park - Entrance Fee
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.
It’s an early start today for an incredible scenic bus journey through Denali National Park. Join your expert certified naturalist guide and driver for a journey on the park road to Teklanika Flats at Mile 25. Keep an eye out for shaggy grizzly bears, moose and full-curl Dall sheep. You'll visit the original park ranger cabin and enjoy an Alaska Native presentation to learn how indigenous Alaskans have used this land for over 10,000 years. You’ll have time to get out of the bus, take photos and take in the incredible views of Denali on a clear day. The rest of the day is yours to hike in the park or simply relax at your hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Denali National Park - Park Bus Tour with Naturalist Driver
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Rest stops occur around every 90 minutes throughout the bus trip. Bus riders are permitted to leave the bus to hike in the park (restrictions apply). The tour's duration is approximately 4.5 - 5 hours.
After breakfast, drive from Denali to Talkeetna and begin your exploration with a leader-led orientation walk around this scenic town that’s famous for its incredible views of Denali and the Alaska Range. Talkeetna was also the inspiration behind the cult-hit television series Northern Exposure. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. Talk to your leader for recommendations for a variety of optional excursions, go for a hike or visit a local brewery and shops. Talkeetna is famous as the jumping off point for mountaineers hoping to summit Denali. It’s also a great place to meet the hardy locals and get to know what it’s like to live in small town Alaska.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Talkeetna - Leader-Led walk
Optional Activities
  • Talkeetna - Southside Explorer Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD390
  • Talkeetna - Southside Explorer Scenic Flight - USD270
  • Talkeetna - Summit Tour Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD580
  • Talkeetna - Summit Tour Scenic Flight - USD460
  • Talkeetna - Grand Denali Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD525
  • Talkeetna - Grand Denali Scenic Flight - USD405
  • Talkeetna - Mountain Voyager Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD465
  • Talkeetna - Mountain Voyager Scenic Flight - USD364
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.
Drive to Anchorage and join a leader-led city tour which takes in Lake Hood where float planes take off and land from, Earthquake Park commemorating the 1964 earthquake that shook the whole neighbourhood here into the inlet (the most powerful quake of the century at 9.2 on Richter scale), and downtown Anchorage which is full of restaurants and bars. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries – your leader will be on hand with tips on amazing things to do. Perhaps try one of the famous Reindeer sausages sold from carts outside the courthouse or rent a bike to explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for incredible views of Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna. You may like to join your group for dinner and hang out with the locals at the iconic Moose’s Tooth Pizza Pub tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Anchorage - Leader-Led City Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.
Depart Anchorage and drive 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 and take some great photographs at scenic stops along the way. In Portage, you’ll drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, to the town of Whittier set between high mountains and Prince William Sound. Take a glacier cruise from Whittier where you’ll see both tidewater and alpine glaciers, and have the chance to spot wildlife like whales, otters, seals and seabirds. Enjoy lunch onboard the cruise as you take in the scenery. After your return to Anchorage in the late afternoon, the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy your way.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Anchorage - Turnagain Arm
  • Whittier - Glacier Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's driving time is approximately 3 hours excluding stops.
Your tour ends after breakfast and you’re free to depart at your leisure or stay and explore more of Anchorage on your own. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).  
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private Van, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Denali National Park - Visitor Centre
  • Denali National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Denali National Park - Park Bus Tour with Naturalist Driver
  • Talkeetna - Leader-Led walk
  • Anchorage - Leader-Led City Tour
  • Anchorage - Turnagain Arm
  • Whittier - Glacier Cruise

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Alaska Discovery trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Anchorage. This trip ends on the morning of Day 7 in Anchorage.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews