Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savour a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers. (D) Stay: Marriott Anchorage Downtown
Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive.
This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite. (B) Stay: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
This morning, you have two memorable ways to explore Alaska's waterways: set out on an exhilarating jet boat adventure up the Chulitna River Gorge, traveling through a classic braided river system with multiple channels and shifting islands, and visit an authentic trapper's cabin along the way. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful scenic float down the Talkeetna River, soaking in the stunning views and serenity of the surrounding wilderness.
The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an Optional Experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide. (B)
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed rail car.
Upon arrival settle in at the lodge before meeting a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to climb Denali, one of the most daunting and tallest land-based mountains in the world. You'll learn about the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to withstand the 17 to 18-day round trip that presents conditions so challenging climbers are forced to build snow walls for protection against the elements. For tonight's Dine-Around evening, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park
Embark on an extensive Tundra Wilderness Tour for some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife. You'll have the whole afternoon free to participate in an array of optional activities. This magnificent land is nature at its most pure yet has something to offer all. From a blissful stroll through one of the meadows, to a rewarding hike, this Park is for everyone.
You will also find that to be true with the exciting optional experiences which include a rafting trip down the Nenana River, (waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour - just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings under the star filled night. (B)
Enjoy a scenic journey along the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake and visit four-time Iditarod winner Martin at his own home, Happy Trails Kennels. Arriving at the kennel, you will be greeted by between thirty and sixty excited sled dogs. Spend time with Martin and learn about the many challenges faced on the 1,049-mile dogsled race.
Take a virtual trip along the Iditarod trail alongside Martin's narration including countless stories from his thirty-five years of racing, as well as a great deal of Iditarod history - an insider experience into the world of the Iditarod. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort.
Tonight, join your Travel Director for a wonderful dinner complete with wine and good cheer. (B/L/D) Stay: Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska Resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometre) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop. Those saying farewell today will travel back to Anchorage. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- Anchorage: Get acquainted with Alaska's largest city on an immersive city tour. Discover how this urban landscape enriched with culture came to be as you explore the historic downtown.
- Alaska Railroad: Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed railcar.
- Denali National Park: Meet a local climber at a private reception and hear first-hand about their experience climbing the tallest land-based mountain in the world. A Denali climb begins deep in the heart of the Alaska Range and takes around 17-18 days round trip from the base – to hear the tales about such a trek from someone who has experienced it firsthand is truly captivating.
- Denali National Park: Embark on an exhilarating journey through the awe-inspiring road corridor, immersing yourself in the heart of Denali's wilderness and seizing unparalleled opportunities to witness its captivating wildlife. Travel to the Murie Cabin nestled near the East Fork River, where you'll walk in the footsteps of pioneering naturalist Adolf Murie.
- Whittier: Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord where you will come up close and personal to the glaciers. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse and enjoy an included lunch.
- Matanuska Valley: This afternoon, depart Anchorage and travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley making a stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing GIANT award- winning vegetables and flowers. Even through the growing season is months shorter than the rest of the country, Alaska's farmers grow some of the largest vegetables in the world. The photosynthetic boost also makes the produce sweeter – a fascinating and insightful experience that shows a different side of Alaska.
- Big Lake: Meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser. Learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometre) race and enjoy lunch at his home.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Talkeetna: Cruise on a jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and visit a trapper's cabin.
- Talkeetna: Enjoy a scenic Float Trip on the Talkeetna River for amazing views of Mountain Denali and possible wildlife sightings.
- Anchorage: Enjoy an exclusive Agutak (Inuit ice cream) making demonstration during a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue about an ancient people's remarkable ability to survive.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Anchorage: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers to savour classic Alaskan flavours over dinner.
- Denali National Park: For tonight's dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or your lodge's rustic restaurant during your Dine-Around evening.
- Girdwood: In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.
- Dining Summary: 3 Dinners (D), 6 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Jewels of Alaska' Reviews
Brochure
Insight Vacations North & South America (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
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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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Insight Vacations. 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.
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