Natural Wonders of Alaska

Day 1 - Anchorage

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown (4-star)

Day 2 - Anchorage - Valdez

We travel north through the glacier-carved valley of Matanuska-Susitna. They grow the enormous vegetables here, in the 24-hour daylight. We follow the Matanuska River upstream into the mountains and spend the afternoon travelling through the spectacular mountain passes. On our approach to Valdez we’ll witness the majestic waterfalls crashing at the side of the road.

Best Western Valdez (3-star)

Day 3 - Prince William Sound - Columbia Glacier

We take a step back into the history of Copper River Valley with a visit to Valdez Museum. The rest of our day is dedicated to the natural wonders of Alaskan sea life, beautiful fjords and magnificent glaciers as we take a cruise into Prince William Sound - the vast fjord created by Alaska’s iconic Columbia Glacier. We’ll view the dramatic cascade of ice into the ocean as we watch out for seals, otters, sea lions and porpoises.

Best Western Valdez (3-star)

Day 4 - Wrangell-St Elias National Park - Fairbanks

We continue our journey to the impressive sights and spectacular mountain scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. We’ll make a stop at the Visitor Center, before continuing to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city.

Bridgewater Hotel, Fairbanks (3-star)

Day 5 - Fairbanks

Located 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks enjoys 21 hours of daylight during summer and high temperatures. A city tour this morning brings to life the town’s gold-mining heritage and we’ll stop at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North. A cruise on board a sternwheeler riverboat, guided by local Fairbanks families, combines the colourful history of the river and native traditions, including a visit to a local village recreated by Athabascan Indians.

Bridgewater Hotel, Fairbanks (3-star)

Day 6 - Fairbanks - Denali

We join the Alaska railroad for a memorable rail journey through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in Alaska, winding through dramatic canyons as we approach Denali. This afternoon and evening are free.

Denali Park Village Lodge (3-star)

Day 7 - Denali

A day to spend as you choose. Relax, enjoy some of the activities available in Denali or perhaps take in one of the Denali National Park Service Programmes.

Denali Park Village Lodge (3-star)

Day 8 - Wasilla

This morning is at leisure in Denali before we travel down the Parks Highway to Wasilla, where, weather permitting, you will get a view of Denali.

Grandview Inn, Wasilla (2-star)

Day 9 - Hatcher Pass - Anchorage - Seward

We travel up to Hatcher Pass, a mountain pass named after Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner. Situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, it’s a beautiful alpine valley with a spectacular glacier view. We continue to Anchorage before heading towards the harbour town of Seward along the picturesque Seward Highway. Brimming with waterfalls, blue glaciers, mountains, tranquil ponds and stormy ocean fjords, this highway is like a destination in itself.

Seward Windsong Lodge (3-star)

Day 10 - Seward

The morning is free; maybe visit the Seward Museum, which displays the town’s history through photos and documents, from its first native inhabitants through to the earthquake of 1964. This afternoon we visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research and rehabilitation facility for sick and injured marine animals including endangered Steller sea lions and harbour seals, as well as sea birds. Situated on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay, there’ll be free time to explore here before returning to our hotel.

Seward Windsong Lodge (3-star)

Day 11 - Anchorage

We travel to Anchorage, stopping en route at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A local expert will take us on a guided tour, educating us on the land mammals of Alaska with the chance of viewing bears, moose and caribou in their natural setting. Enjoy a city tour of Anchorage this afternoon.

Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown (4-star)

Day 12 - Anchorage

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Anchorage