July 9 – 21, 2022
SAT, July 9: Arrive Anchorage, Transfer to Hotel; Tour Orientation; Welcome Dinner in Anchorage (Meals: D)
Hotel: Hotel Captain Cook
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel centrally located in downtown Anchorage. The afternoon is free to relax, rest or wander the city. That evening, gather for a Tour Orientation. Meet your fellow travelers, the Alaskan guides and learn more details about the tour. Afterward, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at one of Anchorage’s best-loved restaurants.
SUN, July 10: Anchorage City Tour; Alaska Heritage Center; Free Evening (Meals: B, L
Hotel: Hotel Captain Cook
Today, you will explore Alaska’s largest city. Take a city tour of Anchorage and learn about its history. Along the way, visit famous Lake Hood, the largest and busiest seaplane base in the wold. 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 a wooded area around Lake Tiulana. Each village has a its own traditional structure with daily life artifacts from that particular native culture. Take in Alaskan native dances, game demonstrations and listen to intriguing storytelling. That evening will be at leisure.
MON, July 11: Matanuska Glacier Hike; Lunch; Arrive Talkeetna Free Evening (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
After breakfast, begin the journey northward. Along the way, stop at Matanuska Glacier. Get outfitted with crampons to literally “walk on water” as you hike on the glacier with a professional guide. View the features of the glacier including crevasses, seracs and unique ice formations as well as spectacular ice falls. Glacier hiking is for every ability. Later, continue north through the Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, a classic Alaskan small town (the gateway town to Denali) with lots of history and tales about mountaineers and bush pilots. Arrive in Talkeetna and head into town to visit the historic sites and local shops. Or, sit back and relax for the rest of the afternoon at your mountain lodge with panoramic views of Denali.
TUES, July 12: Talkeetna ATV Homestead Visit; Alaskan Birch Syrup Factory; Free Evening (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
After breakfast, take an Alaska wilderness ATV tour with a a narrated tour of historic Talkeetna, 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 the old family homestead accessible only by trail. You will view the original cabin, various implements and tools used by his family. Learn how early day pioneers survived living in the wilderness of Alaska. Then, it’s lunch at Dennis‘ personal cabin on Wiggle Creek. 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. Return by ATV to Talkeetna. After a break, visit the Alaska Birch Syrup Factory in Talkeetna to learn about this Alaskan cottage industry and the taste the syrup tapped from the local birch forest – ‘goods from the woods’.
*OPTIONAL EXCURSION: DENALI & ALASKA RANGE SCENIC FLIGHT*
On this day in the later afternoon, you have the option of taking a scenic flight over the Alaska Range & Denali. This is considered the greatest flight on earth and it’s likely you’ll talk about it forever! This is a flightseeing tour out of Talkeetna to Denali. From the air, nature presents itself on a scale beyond your wildest comprehension! This is an optional excursion at an additional cost.
WED July 13: Alaskan Chef Cooking Class; Arrive Denali National Park; Free Evening (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Grand Denali Lodge
Continue your journey north as you travel through the Chugach State Park to Denali National Park. Weather permitting, enjoy views of the Alaskan Range, including Denali. On the way, we’ll make a stop for a culinary experience with award-winning chef, Laura Cole. Laura is Owner/Executive Chef of 229 Parks Restaurant who has a passion for Alaska and combines it with her culinary talents. She has appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef. Alaska’s bounties are large both from land and sea. Participate in a hands-on cooking class taking advantage of freshly harvested, locally grown seasonal offerings. Afterward, arrive at Denali National Park and your lodge to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
THUR, July 14: Denali National Park Bus; Wildlife Viewing; Arrive Eilson Visitor Center; Hike; Return to Lodge (B, L)
Hotel: Grand Denali Lodge
Today, board the park bus for a trip through Denali National Park’s prime wildlife habitat. Winding through the Alaska Range deep into the heart of the park, travel the Denali 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’) and the Alaska Range. Once arriving at Eilson Visitor Center, enjoy the ‘gallery of art’ inspired by Denali’s wilderness and wildlife. Take a guided (easy) hike with the wildflowers in bloom and breathe in the mountain air and awesome views. That afternoon, return to the lodge.
FRI, July 15: Free morning in Denali; Alaska Railroad Dome Car to Anchorage; Drive to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood (M, L)
Hotel: Alyeska Resort & Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning. You can visit the Denali Visitor Center close to the hotel to see the exhibits or hear the park rangers speak about the mountain and wildlife habitat. Other options are to hike from the Visitor’s Center or relax at the hotel. In the early afternoon, board the Alaska Railroad dome car for a scenic ride back to Anchorage. Once in Anchorage, transfer to Girdwood for an overnight stay at Alaska’s beloved ski resort – Alyeska Hotel & Ski Resort.
SAT, July 16: Mt. Alyeska Tram, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center; Drive the Kenai Peninusla; Arrive Seward (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge
Start the day with a seven minute tram ride from Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt. Alyeska. At an elevation of 2300’, witness the stunning views of the Turnagain Arm, seven hanging glaciers and endless peaks in the Chugach Mountain Range. This is the top of the world! Once back down, travel south along the edge of the Turnagain Arm on the Seward Parkway. This road is considered America’s most scenic road, crossing mountain passes and majestic valleys. Along the way, spot moose, eagles and other wildlife. On the way to Seward, make a stop at Beluga Point and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife. Visit and learn about the rescued animals in their 200-acre natural habitat. The last part of the day will take you down the Kenai Peninsula to arrive in Seward.
SUN, July 17: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Free Evening (B, L)
Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge
Welcome to Seward nestled between the Kenai mountains and Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic seaside villages. It offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops, art galleries, a sea life 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 abundant with wildlife. Visit a tidewater glacier to search for marine wildlife including sea otters, puffins, sea lions, harbor seals and whales. The evening will be at leisure in Seward.
MON, July 18: Alaska Sea Life Center; Iditarod Sled Dog Kennels; Dinner in Seward (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge
After breakfast, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center, a world-class marine science facility. The center serves to rehabilitate sick, stranded or injured sea mammals and birds. See these animals in their habitat. Observe marine research as it is being conducted. 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.
TUES July 19: Resurrection Bay Sea Kayaking; Free Afternoon; Dinner in Seward (Meals: B, D)
Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge
Head out in the morning to Resurrection Bayfora quiet morning kayak. Mornings are often calm making this a great way to be in nature and take in the beauty of Resurrection Bay. On your way to the launch location, learn about life in Seward, both past and present, from the local guide. Then 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. Stop and walk along Tonsina Creek to see the salmon spawning stream. Once back in Seward, enjoy the afternoon to relax, shop or take a hike. In the evening, join the group for dinner at one of Seward’s most-loved restaurants.
WED, July 20: Free Morning; Late Lunch; Return to Anchorage; Alaska Railroad Dome Car to Anchorage (Meals: B, L)
Hotel: Hotel Captain Cook
The morning will be free to hike, visit Seward on your own or relax at the hotel. In the later afternoon, have lunch in Seward. In the later afternoon, travel back to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad Goldstar dome car. This is a beautiful ride and a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery (remember, it will still be light out).
THURS, July 21: Free Day in Anchorage; Transfer to the Anchorage Airport; Fly Home (Meals: B)
Today will be a free day to relax, pack or visit downtown Anchorage on your own. You will be within walking distance to the Anchorage Museum, city parks and other attractions. Depending on your own flight schedule, you will be transported to the Anchorage airport to fly home.
JEWELS OF ALASKA – RELATED LINKS:
–Tour Overview
–Financial Terms & Conditions
–Registration