Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer. Epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see: everything is bigger in Alaska. Journey to the far north—where the sun never quite sets in the summer—and make the most of long days on hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions in the Alaskan wilderness. Explore Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where kids will set out on educational adventures to claim their junior ranger badges.
Itinerary
Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included. Stay: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage
Travel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Hike to view Exit Glacier on the Glacier Overlook trial. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking. Stay: Breeze Inn (B)
Visit the famed Alaska Sealife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover’s paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board. Stay: Breeze Inn (B/L)
On our journey back north, experience a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where the National Geographic TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue has been filmed. The show follows dedicated animal caretakers from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—as well as other animal centres throughout the state—and showcases their efforts to protect and respond to wild animals in need in the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Wander the scenic loop, learn about the resident wildlife, and try spotting brown bears, moose, wood bison, or wolves in the sanctuary's 200 acres. From here, the group will travel to the Thunder Bird Falls Trail and enjoy a short hike out to the waterfall before finishing the journey to Talkeetna where everyone will have a free evening in town. Stay: Swiss Alaska Inn (B)
As we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or “the great one”—North America’s highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. Since the beginning of the early 20th century, many explorers have undertaken expeditions within the wilds of Alaska funded by National Geographic. These research initiatives included early aerial photographs and geographical mapping of what was once America’s “Last Frontier.” Once in the park we’ll travel to the home of a true Alaskan hero, Jeff King, who has won the grueling, 998-mile Iditarod dog sledding race four times! Snuggle a husky puppy and watch grown champion sled dogs go through their summer training routine. Stay: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (B/L)
This morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park’s incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, make it your mission to spot Denali’s “big five:” grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing. Stay: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (B/L)
This morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America’s northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center. Kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Stay: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (B)
This morning stop for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which made National Geographic Travel’s “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list as THE cultural site to see during your time here. Enjoy a private tour and a unique presentation about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Afterwards, finish the short journey to Anchorage and join the group for a farewell dinner this evening. Stay: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage (B/D)
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies moose caribou Dall sheep and wolves.
Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters colorful puffins and leggy octopi.
Watch champion sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about Iditarod traditions.
Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.
Your Family Journeys Moment: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Visit, Girdwood
Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali
Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve
Arrival transfer
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Visit
Alaska SeaLife Center admission
Kenai Fjords National Park cruise
Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit
Denali National Park transit bus to East Fork Bridge (Mile 43)
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Hotels (8 Nights)
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the USA.
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)
Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.
Note A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These 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.