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Highlights of Kenai Fjords & Denali Backcountry Delights

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Authentic Alaskan experiences and the contrasting scenery of Alaska’s cities and backcountry beckon on this independent adventure through America’s Last Frontier. 

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
8 days Sold out

2021 Tour code: WC-HKFN-21

About the tour

While gliding through sweeping expanses of wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad, flying over forests and mountains by floatplane and helicopter, and cruising through the icy waterways of Kenai Fjords National Park, find yourself enamored with the natural grandeur Alaska. This 8-day tour begins in Anchorage, where your first taste of adventure lies ahead on a bear viewing safari by floatplane. The excitement continues with a guided tour of the city ahead of a scenic drive to Girdwood. In Girdwood, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime helitour, which takes you to atop a glacier and to a dog-sledding facility. Find yourself surrounded by Alaska's wildlife en route to Seward, and then enjoy a cruise through the breathtaking fjords and ice formations at Kenai Fjords National Park. Drive along one of the most scenic highways in Alaska en route to Talkeetna and from here, board the Alaska Railroad bound for the pinnacle of the tour, Denali National Park. Put adventure at the forefront of your travel goals, and come experience the best of Alaska.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage/Floatplane to Redoubt Bay for Bear Viewing

Arrive in Anchorage, and kick off your adventure with an excursion to Redoubt Bay to see Alaska's black and brown bears in their natural habitat. By floatplane, travel 70 miles southwest of Anchorage to the entrance of Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve - home to the Redoubt Bay Lodge. Join a naturalist guide on one of the covered pontoon boats for a gentle cruise through the Big River Lakes to watch as the resident bears feed on sockeye and Coho salmon. You are returned to Anchorage by floatplane this evening. Overnight Anchorage.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 2 - Anchorage to Girdwood/Glacier Dog Sled Heli Tour

Get acquainted with the sights of Anchorage on this morning's private tour of the city. Gander at the historic buildings of Downtown and marvel at the contrast of culture and incredible scenery. Following, you are transferred to the mountain town of Girdwood by deluxe motorcoach. The journey follows along the Turnagain Arm and presents the endless beauty of Chugach State Park. Enjoy stops to look for wildlife and stunning views of the water as you approach your destination. Switch modes of transportation on arrival in Girdwood, boarding a helicopter for a glacier landing and dog sledding tour. Is there a most authentic way to experience Alaska? Back in Girdwood, you are transferred to the Alyeska Resort with the remainder of the day at leisure. The resort is surrounded by pristine backcountry and is a hub for outdoor adventures. You may wish to mountain bike or hike the local trails. At the resort, enjoy one of the spas or take part in a yoga class. Your package also includes air tram tickets to the peak of Alyeska. Overnight Girdwood.

Day 3 - Girdwood to Seward

The morning is yours to continue relaxing and exploring at Alyeska Resort, then this afternoon, join the coach for a short drive to lunch and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Located in Portage, this center provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife native to this region. During your time here, enjoy ample time to watch and photograph animals like moose, bison, muskox, caribou, elk and bear, amongst others. Our route toward Seward presses on, and if time allows, we stop at Exit Glacier for an up-close view of this magnificent glacier. You are transferred to your hotel in Seward on arrival and have the evening at leisure to enjoy the port town. Perhaps stroll along the harbor or grab a bite to eat at one of the Main Street establishments. Overnight Seward.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 4 - Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise

Gaze upon sculptural tidewater glaciers and frolicking sealife on today's full-day cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. This cruise ventures further into the park than any other and makes a stop at the stunning Northwestern Fjord, home to numerous tidewater and alpine glaciers. As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, sea otters, seals and whales, including humpbacks and orcas. Both a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch are served onboard for your convenience. Overnight Seward. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Seward to Talkeetna

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day in Seward before boarding your motorcoach to Talkeetna mid-morning. Our route follows the incredibly scenic Seward Highway, a 125-mile byway through the Kenai Peninsula. South-central Alaska's natural beauty is showcased as we travel through the Kenai Mountains, along the Turnagain Arm and past the Chugach National Forest. Mid-way through the journey, the coach makes a stop in Anchorage, where you can stretch your legs, lunch independently and explore for approximately 90 minutes before continuing to Talkeetna. You are transferred to your hotel on arrival and have the evening to enjoy the offerings of this quaint mountain town. Soak in the immense natural beauty that surrounds the town while perusing the shops, restaurants and breweries downtown. Overnight Talkeetna.

Day 6 - Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance

Make your way to the train station this morning to board the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, the  Denali Star, for a memorable journey to Denali National Park. You are treated to Goldstar Railcar service, as well as lunch onboard the train, as you weave through the wilderness toward the park. On arrival, take the afternoon to enjoy the many optional activities in the park, such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, hiking on or off the trails, wildlife viewing or helicopter flightseeing. Overnight Denali.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 7 - Denali National Park Touring

Delight in a grand introduction to Denali National Park on today's full-day expedition through the park. The tour begins with a narrated coach trip to Denali Park Lodge, making many stops along the 92 miles of Denali Park Road for photo opportunities and wildlife viewing. Your driver-guide will point out moose, wolves, caribou, bear, Dall sheep and other park animals during your drive, and you will gain invaluable knowledge about the park's biology and geology. Once you arrive at the lodge, enjoy a return trip by Alaskan bush plane. One of the most authentic modes of transportation in the Last Frontier, the bush plane offers a different perspective on the incredible scenery as you fly back to the park entrance. If the weather permits, the flight path will include an up-close view of Mt. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Overnight Denali. 

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 8 - Denali National Park/to Fairbanks

Denali National Park is brimming with adventure, and you have the morning to continue your explorations. Maybe go fishing in one of the local waterways or try your hand at cycling. You may wish to head to the sled dog kennels to meet the mushing crew or join a ranger-led hike or seminar. Early this afternoon, reboard the Alaska Railroad's  Denali Star to Fairbanks. Marvel at the passing backcountry scenes and gorgeous mountainscapes in the late afternoon sun as the journey proceeds north. Dinner is served aboard the train before you arrive in Fairbanks this evening. As the train pulls into the station, your adventure through Alaska concludes. 

Includes
  • Dinner

Additional information

Please Note

A porterage fee of $22 per person round-trip will be charged at time of booking for any bookings consisting of 5 guests or more.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hilton Anchorage

Hilton Anchorage

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Grand Denali Lodge

Grande Denali Lodge, Denali

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Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

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Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

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Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Talkeetna

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Train

Alaska Railroad's Denali Star

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Global Rail Adventures Brochure

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