Tour Code: 528-20169
6-Day Best of Grand Alaska Highlights Tour from Anchorage (Small Group, Exclusive 50+ years of age available)
- Small groups tour average group size is 14 guests
Itinerary
Day 1:Anchorage - Girlwood - Seward (Coastal Charm & Mountain Vistas)(511 miles)
Meet your group and expert guide at in Anchorage for a warm welcome to Alaska. This morning we head out along the spectacular Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds between mountains and ocean for some spectacular Alaskan scenery.
Stop in the alpine town of Girdwood and enjoy an included ride on Alyeska Tram. Reaching an elevation of 2300 feet, the aerial tram gives visitors unforgettable panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountain range. Enjoy some time on Mt. Alyeska's observation deck, 2,300 feet above sea level before descending. This afternoon you are in for real treat- enjoy and included visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to rescued grizzlies, musk oxen, bison, and moose and enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Arrive in Seward by late afternoon. Check in to your waterfront hotel and enjoy time to explore this charming harbor town at your own pace - walk along Resurrection Bay, visit local art galleries, or try a cozy cafe.
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Girlwood, AKGirdwood lies in a valley in the southwestern Chugach Mountains, surrounded by seven glaciers feeding into a number of creeks, which either converge within the valley or empty directly into the arm.
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Alyeska TramThe Alyeska Tram in Girdwood, Alaska, offers a 7-minute scenic ride to a 2,334-foot summit, providing panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountains.
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Mt. Alyeska's observation deckMt. Alyeska's observation deck sits at 2,334 ft, accessible by tram. It offers a 360-degree panorama of Turnagain Arm, seven glaciers, and the Chugach Mountains, ranked among the best summit views.
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation CenterThe Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. Visitors can observe Alaska's animals like brown bears, moose, and bison up close.
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Seward, AKThis small town is on the southern coast of Alaska, and is home to a successful fishing economy. Its second most lucrative industry is tourism, since it is nearby Denali National Park.
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Resurrection BayResurrection Bay is a deep fjord on the Kenai Peninsula, famed for its stunning mountain scenery and abundant marine wildlife. It's a prime destination for whale watching, sea birds, and glaciers.
Day 2:Kenai Fjords National Park - Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
This morning embark on an included half day cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park, a dramatic world of icy fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Watch for whales, sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals while enjoying narrated insights from local naturalists. Experienced captains will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area's wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. After returning to port, spend your afternoon exploring Seward. Optional visits include the Alaska SeaLife Center, a top-tier marine research facility and aquarium.
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Seward, AKThis small town is on the southern coast of Alaska, and is home to a successful fishing economy. Its second most lucrative industry is tourism, since it is nearby Denali National Park.
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Sea Life CruiseThis cruise explores the area around Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park in an effort to spot the area's local wildlife, which includes otters, whales, and many more species.
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Alaska SeaLife CenterThis facility is the premier aquarium in the state of Alaska, sitting on Resurrection Bay in Seward. A large part of work done here focuses on the rehabilitation of injured animals so they can be released back into the wild.
Day 3:Exit Glacier Hike & Scenic Drive to Glacier View
Start your day with a guided gentle walk to the foot of Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park. Choose a shorter interpretive walk or opt for the more rewarding trail to Marmot Meadows, with sweeping views of the glacier and surrounding alpine scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting. This afternoon, head north on a scenic route through forested valleys and mountain passes. Arrive at Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge, a hidden gem perched above the Matanuska Valley, where you'll enjoy quiet evening views of the Chugach Mountains.
Optional: Take a short stroll on the lodge's private trails, or relax in the hot tub under the Alaskan sky.
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Seward, AKThis small town is on the southern coast of Alaska, and is home to a successful fishing economy. Its second most lucrative industry is tourism, since it is nearby Denali National Park.
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Exit GlacierThis glacier is located in the Harding Icefield, near Seward, Alaska. It received its name because it served as the exit point for the first recorded crossing of the Icefield in 1968.
Day 4:Hatcher Pass & Gold Rush History - Onward to Denali(154 miles)
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Hatcher Pass, AKHatcher Pass, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, the Hatcher Pass area is extremely rich in plant resources and is a paradise for locals and self-driving enthusiasts, with alpine glacial lakes and beautiful wildflowers dotted between the mountains, without losing the grandeur of Alaska.
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Independence Mine Historical ParkIndependence Mine State Historical Park is one of Alaska's best-preserved gold mining sites. Visitors can explore WWII-era buildings and learn mining history amidst the stunning Hatcher Pass scenery.
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Matanuska-Susitna Valley, AK (Passing By)An area in Southcentral Alaska south of the Alaska Range about 35 miles (56 km) north of Anchorage, Alaska. It is known for the world record sized cabbages and other vegetables displayed annually in Palmer at the Alaska State Fair.
Day 5:Denali National Park - Wilderness & Wildlife Exploration
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Denali National Park and Preserve, AKThis massive national park rests in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, covering over 4 million acres of land. It is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America.
Day 6:Talkeetna, Scenic Railroad & Return to Anchorage(181 miles)
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Talkeetna, AKThis small town in Alaska is about 115 miles north of Anchorage and has a population of just 876. It is the base for expeditions to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Departure & Return
| Location | Address | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 8:00am |
- Arrive in Anchorage between 8–9 PM, where your guide will be waiting to assist with luggage and hotel drop-off.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Activities & Attractions
| Destination | Adult | Child | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seward, AK | |||
| Alaska SeaLife Center (Optional) | $30 | $20 (4-12 yrs) | $28 (65+) |
| Talkeetna, AK | |||
| Scenic Flight to Denali, with or without Glacier Landing - $300 - $600 depending on flight path and destination. (Optional) | $600 | $600 | |
Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
If you would like to join the optional activities, please pay the fee in cash to the tour guide. You cannot buy / use the tickets on your own or use City Passes. The tour guide will arrange the tickets for the group.