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, we’ll stop to explore the wilds surrounding the mountain town of Girdwood. Make your way along a winding boardwalk through the northernmost rainforest in North America. Later, ride the gondola up Mount Alyeska for a look at hanging glaciers clinging to high mountain cliffs. Continue to Talkeetna, a quirky town that welcomes many a mountaineer hoping to conquer Denali’s lofty summit. 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. At the gateway to the park, pick up junior ranger packets (if available) then meet a field educator at the Denali Education Center to learn about the surrounding ecosystems and the native people who have survived in these harsh conditions for centuries. This evening, we’ll travel to the home of a true Alaskan hero, Jeff King, who has won the grueling, 998-mile Iditarod dogsledding race four times! Snuggle a husky puppy and watch grown champion sled dogs go through their summer training routine. Stay: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (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 Resort (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 Resort (B)
This morning, we begin our journey back to Anchorage. 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: Denali Family Immersive Lecture, Denali National Park and Preserve
Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali
Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve
Arrival transfer
Alaska SeaLife Center admission
Kenai Fjords National Park cruise
Mount Alyeska tram
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
Definite Departure. Minimum numbers reached for this departure to operate.
Available Departure. Minimum numbers not yet reached, so while this departure is expected to operate, it’s not yet a Definite Departure.
Not Available. Places on this departure are unavailable.
Exclusive Global Journeys Savings. Available for a limited time or until sold out.
Note 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.