Jewels of Alaska

July 8-19, 2023

SAT, July 8: Arrive Anchorage, Transfer to the Hotel, Free Evening

Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel centrally located in downtown Anchorage. The evening is free to relax, rest or wander the city.

Accommodations: Hotel Captain Cook & Embassy Suites

Meals: D

SUN, July 9:  Tour Orientation, Anchorage City Tour, Alaska Heritage Center, Welcome Dinner

Begin the day with a Tour Orientation to meet your fellow travelers and learn more details about the tour. Today, you will explore Alaska’s largest city. Take a city tour of Anchorage and learn about its history. Along the way, visit Lake Hood - the largest and busiest seaplane base in the world. Your guide will explain the importance of aviation in Alaska and how planes are used as a vital link in remote areas. Make a stop at Earthquake Park to hear about the 1964 earthquake and how it affected Anchorage. Visit Chugach State Park for amazing panoramic views of Anchorage, the Alaska Range, Cook Inlet and the Turnagain Arm. After lunch, you are off to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Hear the heartbeat of 10,000 years of Alaska’s indigenous people. Gain insight into their history and culture. Explore six authentic life-sized native dwellings situated in the wooded area around Lake Tiulana. Each village has its own traditional structure with daily life artifacts from a particular native culture. Take in Alaskan native dances, game demonstrations and listen to intriguing storytelling. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at one of Anchorage’s best-loved restaurants.

Accommodations: Hotel Captain Cook & Embassy Suites

Meals: B, L, D

MON, July 10:  Talkeetna Farm-To-Table Tour with Lunch, Arrive Denali

After breakfast, begin the journey northward to Denali. Along the way, stop in Talkeetna. The best-kept secret about Alaska is that they grow the sweetest vegetables, brew the tastiest beer and use the forest & fields to sustain themselves. And...they eat like kings. This farm and food tour honors the spirit of the Alaskan home garden and kitchen. Visit a local farm, delight in an Alaska-grown meal, taste the sweet syrup from a local birch tapping operation and enjoy a beer at Alaska's second-largest brewery - Denali Brewing Company. Afterward, arrive in Denali where your lodge will look out to the Alaska Range. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Grand Denali Lodge

Meals: B, L

TUES, July 11:  Denali National Park & Preserve Visitor's Center, Denali Bus Tour with Wildlife Viewing, Free Evening

Board the Denali park bus today for a trip through Denali National Park’s prime wildlife habitat. Winding through the Alaska Range into the heart of the park, travel Park Road which offers opportunities to see Denali’s famed wildlife: grizzlies, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, eagles and more. On a clear day, view the highest peak in North America - Denali (elevation 20,310’). Breathe in the mountain air and relish in the awesome views. Enjoy the Visitor's Center with its exhibits, park films and ranger lectures. In the later afternoon, return to the lodge for an evening at leisure.  (NOTE: The Denali Park Road is now closed at Mile Marker 43 due to rock landslides and is expected to remain so until 2024. The bus will go to Mile Marker 43 but cannot go as far as the Eilson Visitor's Center).

Accommodations: Grand Denali Lodge

Meals: B, L

WED, July 12: Denali Morning Hike, Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, Dinner in Talkeetna

Take a guided morning hike in Denali. Experience the terrain of tundra, spruce forest, wildflowers and glaciers. In the early afternoon, board the train for an exceptionally scenic ride. Watch Alaska unfold along the tracks. The Denali Star Train offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296' bridge. Arrive in Talkeetna and enjoy dinner in town.

Accommodations: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Meals: B, D

THUR, July 13:  Talkeetna ATV Homestead Visit with Lunch, Visit Talkeetna, Evening At Leisure  + Optional Denali Flightseeing (additional cost)

After breakfast, take a guided ATV ride through Talkeetna and the surrounding area. This will be a scenic ride and a rare opportunity to visit an original and remote Alaskan homestead. In 1959, the DeVore family traded the comforts of their Michigan home for the harsh conditions of Alaskan homesteading. Dennis DeVore takes you back to yesterday on this fascinating and unique tour of his old family homestead that is accessible only by trail. You will view the original family cabin on Wiggle Creek and learn about the various tools used by his family. Hear about how early-day pioneers survived living in the wilderness of Alaska.  After lunch, you may choose to pan for gold, relax with a game of horseshoes, croquette or berry picking. The fresh air, silent serenity of the forest and the murmur of Wiggle Creek take you a million miles away. After returning to Talkeetna, the later afternoon and evening will be at leisure. Wander into Talkeetna - a classic Alaskan small town with plenty of its own history and tales about mountaineers, bush pilots and  Stubbs the Cat. Stubbs was Talkeetna's mayor for almost 20 years!  Or, sit back and relax for the rest of the evening at your mountain lodge with panoramic views of Denali.

Guests will have the option for Denali flightseeing this evening out of Talkeetna (remember, it will still be light). This excursion is not included in the tour but is an option for those who want to see Denali up close. View this incredible mountain, glacial ice falls, sheer vertical cliffs and the tremendous scenery of the Alaska Range.

Accommodations: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge 

Meals: B, L

FRI, July 14:  Depart Talkeetna, Matanuska Glacier Hike, Drive to Alyeska Resort, Free Evening

Today, depart Talkeetna and head south to explore Matanusa Glacier. You'll be outfitted with crampons, helmets and hiking poles to literally “walk on water” as you hike on the glacier with professional guides. View the features of the glacier including crevasses, seracs, falls and unique ice formations. Glacier trekking is for every ability - you don't have to be an expert climber. With the proper equipment and an experienced guide, explore the hidden treasure of Matanuska Glacier.  Afterward, head southward to Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort for an evening at leisure.

Accommodations: Alyeska Resort Hotel

Meals: B, L

SAT, July 15:  Mt. Alyeska Tram, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Travel the Kenai Peninsula, Arrive Seward

Start the day with a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska to take in the stunning views of mountain peaks and hanging glaciers in the Chugach Mountain Range. This is the top of the world!  Once back down, continue to travel south along the Turnagain Arm to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife. Learn about the rescued animals that live in this 200-acre natural habitat. Then travel southward along the Seward Parkway considered to be one of America’s most scenic drives. It crosses mountain passes and majestic valleys. Along the way, you will likely spot moose, eagles and other wildlife. Stop at Summit Lake Lodge for lunch. The last part of the day will take you further down the Kenai Peninsula to arrive in Seward.

Accommodations: Seward Windsong Lodge

Meals: B, L

 

SUN, July 16:  Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Dinner on Fox Island

Welcome to Seward nestled between the Kenai Mountains and Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic seaside towns. It offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops, art galleries, a sea life research center and outdoor activities. Today, board a sightseeing vessel to explore the wonders of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Learn about this glacially carved region known for its tidewater glaciers, spectacular scenery, steep cliffs and rich waters that are abundant with wildlife. Visit a tidewater glacier to search for marine wildlife including sea otters, puffins, sea lions, harbor seals and whales. The cruise will be a full-day excursion that includes dinner on remote Fox Island in the heart of Resurrection Bay.

Accommodations: Seward Windsong Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

MON, July 17:  Alaska Sea Life Center, Lunch in Seward, Exit Glacier Hike, Evening  at Leisure

After breakfast, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center - a research-focused marine aquarium and science facility. The center services sick, stranded and injured sea mammals and birds. Learn about how ASLC researchers conduct studies of Alaska's ocean waters. After lunch in Seward, take a guided hike to Exit Glacier.  This is one of the most visited glaciers in the world. It descends about 3000' in just a few miles forming a stunning natural ramp from the immense Harding Icefield - the source of 38 glaciers on the Kenai Fjords' outer coast. This hike can be an easy loop for some or more difficult for those who want to hike further to a glacier overlook. Learn about the glacier's retreat over the past 120 years.

Accommodations: Seward Windsong Lodge

Meals: B, L

TUES, July 18: Resurrection Bay Kayaking, Iditarod Dog Kennels, Alaska Railroad Goldstar Train to Anchorage

Head out in the morning to Resurrection Bay for a quiet morning kayak. Mornings are often calm making this a great way to be in nature and take in the beauty of Resurrection Bay.  Launch your kayak to take in turquoise blue waters and beautiful mountain vistas. It’s common to encounter sea otters, harbor seals and bald eagles in Resurrection Bay. Stop and walk along Tonsina Creek to see the salmon spawning stream. After lunch, visit Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey’s kennel where you’ll take a two-mile sled ride (summer version). Feel the power, excitement and energy of the dogs. Mush through the Alaska wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek. The guide will tell stories from the trail and explain how the dogs are trained. Upon return to the kennel, see the facilities and cuddle with his adorable husky puppies. In the evening, board the Alaska Railroad Goldstar Train to Anchorage. Arrive later in the evening and transfer to your hotel in Anchorage.

Accommodations: Hotel Captain Cook & Embassy Suites

Meals: B, L

WED, July 19:  Transfer to the Anchorage Airport; Fly Home

You will be transported to the Anchorage airport to fly home today. We trust you will have had a memorable journey in Alaska!

 

PRICE:  $8370 per person - double or single occupancy

Includes:

• 11 nights accommodations in 4* & 5* city hotels, mountain lodges and oceanside hotels
• 12 days service of an award-winning Alaskan guide
• Private coach transportation
• Alaska Railroad Goldstar Dome Car (Denali to Anchorage & Seward to Anchorage)
• Guided excursions & activities
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Gourmet Alaskan meals in select restaurants and cafes, as per Daily Itinerary
• All site entrance fees and activities
• Free time built-in to relax or explore on your own

Excursions/Activities Include:

• Anchorage City Tour
• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Guided Matanuska Glacier Hike
• Talkeetna ATV Old Homestead Visit
• Talkeetna Farm-To-Table Tour with Lunch
• Denali National Park Tour with Wildlife Viewing
• Denali Guided Hike
• Mt. Alyeska Tram
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise + Dinner on Fox Island
• Alaska Sea Life Center
• Sea Kayaking on Resurrection Bay
• Iditarod Sled Dog Kennels in Seward
• Exit Glacier Hike

Not Included:

• Airfare
• 3rd meal or snack during travel or free time
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Tip for the Guide
• Travel Insurance
• Talkeetna Scenic Flight to Denali - optional/additional cost

 

Tour Deposit:

A deposit of $1500 is required to hold a spot on this tour. The balance is due 90 days out from departure or April 10, 2023.

 

Tour Payment:

Tour payment can be made by eCheck or credit card.

 

Tour Cancellation:

This tour can be canceled through April 10, 2023. You will receive a refund less a $250 service charge. After April 10, 2023, refunds cannot be given.

If the tour has to be canceled by Pack A Fork, for any reason, all monies will be refunded.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to offset tour cancellation, airline and other travel-related fees. We also recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes coverage related to COVID-19.

 

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

For the safety and health of all guests, we require the full COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. We will request a copy of your vaccination card.

 

Air Reservations:

Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. Exito will have Pack A Fork’s tour information for connecting you to the group. They can assist you with the best flights from your home city.  The agent we work with is Leanne Reuss, 800-655-4053, Ext. 8528 or by email at leanne@exitotravel.com

Alternatively, if you make your own reservations, please contact Pack A Fork to coordinate flights and logistics for arrival in Anchorage.

 

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend you obtain a travel insurance policy with COVID-19 protections. Not all policies are the same. Be sure to understand your coverage. Travel insurance should protect you from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions and lost or damaged baggage. We recommend visiting the website Square Mouth or TravelEx to compare policies and obtain the best coverage.  For those under 70, we recommend World Nomads.

How to Register for the Jewels of Alaska Group Tour:

Click on the link below to begin your registration.

Register Now!

A deposit of $1500 per person is required at the time of tour registration.

The balance will be due 90 days out from departure. You will receive a final invoice which can be paid online by eCheck or credit card.