This tour is a taste of Alaska both literally and figuratively. We’ll begin our trip with three days on the beautiful Kenai Peninsula and experience the beauty of the sea and glaciers. We’ll then venture north by first class rail for a visit to Denali National Park where we will get our first look at Mt. McKinley – the highest peak in North America. Our final destination will be Talkeetna, where we will be the closest to Mt. McKinley and have the fabulous opportunity to take a flightseeing tour, approaching within 6 miles of the mountain! We’ll spend plenty of time viewing wildlife and glaciers, plus we will travel by train. What fun! If all this were not enough, remember that at this time of the year, there is almost 24 hours of daylight in Alaska. It's an experience you will never forget!
This trip is guaranteed to depart...Come join us!
Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Wednesday, June 13 – Arrive Anchorage; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive no later than 5:00pm. Upon arrival in Anchorage you’ll be transferred to the hotel by their courtesy shuttle. Depending on when you arrive, you may have the opportunity to explore Anchorage. We will gather as a group this evening for a welcome dinner and get better acquainted. Overnight Clarion Suites.
Thursday, June 14 - Girdwood, Portage and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (B)
This morning we depart via mini-coach for the Kenai Peninsula. Along the way we will see one version of the Alaskan wilderness – lush valleys, white water rivers and towering glaciers. Our first stop is the town of Girdwood where you will have time to explore and have lunch. Consider taking the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway - a seven-minute ride to a viewing deck with breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and hanging glaciers (price not included).
We make our next stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you see Alaska’s critters up close. The center is a nonprofit organization that takes in orphaned and injured animals from around the state. Our final destination for the day is the port community of Seward where we will spend the next two nights.
Friday, June 15 - Alaska Sealife Center; Kenai Fjords National Park - Cruise; Dinner (B,L,D)
Today we begin with a visit to the Alaska Sealife Center were we are introduced to the inhabitants in and around the waters. Stroll through the center at your own pace. We will re-gather at the dock at 11:00am for our fjord cruise. Using a stable catamaran, we spend the day on the water in Kenai Fjords National Park not just looking at wildlife, but visiting some of the tidal glaciers in the area. If lucky, we may even see the glaciers "calving." This term is used when large pieces of glacier ice break off from the main flow and hit the water, making a sound similar to dynamite. It's an incredible sight to see! A deli-style lunch will be served on board. Upon return from the cruise we will have time to freshen up and relax before having dinner.
Saturday, June 16 - Kenai River Float; Return to Anchorage (B,L)
This morning we depart for Anchorage but there will be plenty to see and do before we arrive! We travel by mini-coach to the town of Cooper Landing. Here we will climb into rafts and see the scenery and wildlife from the turquoise water. Our raft guide will do all the work and will explain the sights as we float down the river. (This activity is suitable for anyone; no rafting experience is needed.)
At the conclusion of the float trip we will be served lunch before re-boarding the coach and returning to Anchorage. The rest of the day is at leisure. Consider a visit to the Alaska Experience Theater for a viewing of “Alaska the Greatland” dramatizing the splendors of Alaska’s great outdoors and information about the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Or, visit the Anchorage Museum of History and Art located across the street from the hotel. This Alaskan gallery has objects dating from prehistoric time through European exploration. (admissions not included). Overnight Anchorage
Sunday, June 17 - Train to Denali - Gold Star Dome Service; Denali Dinner Theater (B,D)
ALL ABOARD! This morning we have an 8:15am departure from Anchorage on the Midnight Sun Express – one of the routes on the Alaskan Railroad. Climb up to the upper level and enjoy your trip with panoramic views in the Dome Car. We’ll head north to Denali National Park arriving mid-afternoon (3:45pm). During our travels we’ll see views of the Alaskan wilderness – from the towering Mt. McKinley to the quietness of running streams. We’ll have a good chance to view wildlife such as moose, bald eagles and bears. Upon arrival we will check in and freshen up before enjoying an evening of good old fashioned fun at the Denali Dinner Theater. Overnight McKinley Chalet Resort - 2 nights.
Monday, June 18 - Homestead Kennels; Denali National Park Natural History Tour (B, L)
Our day begins with a visit to the kennels of Iditarod champion Jeff King where we will learn how the dogs (and the sled drivers) are trained for the Iditarod. This afternoon we will enjoy a Tundra Wilderness tour that goes deep into Denali National Park. Here we will learn about the flora and fauna of this wondrous region and hopefully see lots of wildlife. This is an evening return but no worries, the sun will still be up long after you are back to the hotel.
Tuesday, June 19 - Morning Free; Afternoon train to Talkeetna (B)
This morning is at leisure to take in additional activities or just sleep in late. We’ll re-gather in the early afternoon and transfer to the rail station. At 12:40pm we depart to continue our much shorter journey, retracing our steps and heading back South (standard rail car with large picture windows). Upon arrival in Talkeetna at 4:40pm we will transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is free. Overnight Talkeetna Alaska Lodge - 2 nights.
Wednesday, June 20 - Flightseeing Excursion; Afternoon Free, Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today is our flightseeing day. We have left this day unstructured to take the best advantage of flight times, but the plan is to do a 1 hour flightseeing excursion in the morning and have the afternoon free. Your WTT tour leader will make suggestions for additional activities today. How about a jet-boat river trip or a kayaking outing. The town of Talkeetna is also there to explore. There are easy hikes, or just relax and enjoy the scenery! This evening we will have dinner together at the hotel restaurant.
Thursday, June 21 - Return to Anchorage; Free Time (B)
Today we return to Anchorage. Since we depart at 11:00am you have time to sleep late and have a late breakfast. We will be back in Anchorage mid-afternoon and will check back into the Quality Suites. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight Clarion Suites Anchorage.
NOTE: You have the option to return home tonight or overnight in Anchorage and return home on Friday. If you go home tonight, book your flight any time after 5:00pm. You will have use of your hotel room as long as you need it. Transfers provided to the Anchorage Airport by the hotel shuttle.
Friday, June 22 - Return Home (B)
Transfers provided to the Anchorage Airport via the hotel shuttle. Depart at your convenience.