Overview
Begin your adventure in Anchorage where you’ll enjoy city sightseeing and a visit to the Anchorage Museum which celebrates Alaska’s Native cultural heritage. Then board the world-famous Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, read more a quaint example of small-town Alaska. On this train trip, you’ll travel through Alaska’s natural wonders and begin to understand its allure.
Continue by coach for two nights to Denali National Park and Preserve and have the opportunity to explore this majestic park, home to six million acres and North America's highest peak (20,310-foot Denali). Perhaps go for a hike or participate in an optional outing, such as a wilderness tour to seek out grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and more. Or take to the skies for exhilarating views from above on an optional flightseeing tour.
Witness stunning panoramic vistas as you travel through the interior of Alaska across the Denali Highway, a very seldom-traveled road. Proceed over the top of Thompson Pass and into Valdez, nicknamed “Alaska’s Switzerland” due to the striking landscapes reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront with views of the mountains and colorful harbor filled with fishing boats.
Board an unforgettable cruise across magnificent Prince William Sound to take in the three-mile face of the Mears Glacier and the pristine blue water while watching for marine wildlife, such as otters, seals, and whales. Return to Anchorage where your journey ends but the spectacular scenery, wildlife watching, and awe-inspiring experiences will have created memories that will last a lifetime!
Itinerary
Welcome to Anchorage! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Settle into your downtown hotel and perhaps venture out and start exploring the shops and restaurants or stroll on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along the waterfront.
This morning, enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, with a visit to the Anchorage Museum where you will see a fascinating display of artifacts of the native people of Alaska. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring.
This morning, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable train journey to Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for climbers attempting to summit Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Denali is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. Enjoy strolling along the shops downtown or take a walk to the river. Then early this afternoon, journey to Denali National Park and Preserve for a 2-night stay.
Denali National Park and Preserve majestically dominates the park's six million acres. Enjoy a free day for independent activities like a hike along one of the many wilderness trails. Perhaps take advantage of several exciting optional outings, including a wildlife tour to spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep; a Denali photography excursion; a raft trip down the Nenana River; or an exhilarating flightseeing tour over the park. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions.
Relish one last look at the outstanding scenery and wildlife of Denali before traveling across the Denali Highway. This seldom-traveled road, the first road to allow access to Denali National Park, is in the true wilderness and offers the opportunity for frequent wildlife sightings and amazing views of the Alaska Range.
Next, climb over the top of Thompson Pass, well-known for its annual winter snowfall which averages 46 feet but, in the summer, offers unforgettable views. End today's journey in the town of Valdez, nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname, Alaska's Little Switzerland.
Embark on a cruise across magnificent Prince William Sound to explore the three-mile face of the mighty Meares Glacier and hear tales of the region as told by the Alaskan crew. Keep your eyes open and cameras ready for marine wildlife such as otters, seals, and whales while viewing spectacular glaciers and scenery. Watch for eagles soaring above and salmon leaping out of the cold, pristine water. Disembark in the remote village of Whittier then return to Anchorage via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America.
Your vacation ends this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Anchorage
- Admission to the Anchorage Museum
- Rail journey aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna
- Entrance fee to Denali National Park & Preserve
- Scenic drive on the Denali Highway
- Prince William Sound cruise from Valdez to Whittier
- Enjoy the spectacular colors of Alaska on our Fall Foliage departures from mid-August to early September (Mother Nature permitting).
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
- Anchorage: The Voyager Inn (Tourist Class)
- Denali National Park: Denali Bluffs Hotel (First-Class)
- Valdez: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (Moderate First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.
- Alaska experiences a great amount of daylight in the summer months. We take advantage of these extended daylight hours resulting in some long travel days. We ensure there are frequent photo and comfort stops.
Operator
Enjoy inside visits to North America's must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
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Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. For all itineraries that include a cruise, Cosmos may apply a surcharge depending on the cabin categories available on your selected departure. Your Travel Advisor will provide this information in your quote if applicable. Your Travel Advisor will also apply any appropriate discounts automatically and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
