Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Monday, 8 Jul 2019: Arrive Anchorage; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive no later than 5:00pm. Upon arrival in Anchorage use local transportation to get to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may have the opportunity to spend some time exploring Anchorage. The tour begins in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm. After introductions we will have dinner together and get better acquainted. Overnight Anchorage - 1 night
Tuesday, 9 Jul 2019: Girdwood; Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (B)
This morning we depart for the Kenai Peninsula, just south of Anchorage, and drive along beautiful Turnagain Arm, a part of Cook Inlet famous for its bore tide. Our first stop is the town of Girdwood where there will be time to explore. Consider taking the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway, a seven-minute ride to a viewing deck with breathtaking panoramic views. Our next stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization that takes in orphaned and injured animals from around the state. Our final destination is the port community of Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Overnight Seward - 2 nights
Wednesday, 10 Jul 2019: Alaska Sealife Center; Kenai Fjords Cruise; Dinner (B,L,D)
Today we begin with a visit to the Alaska Sealife Center where we are introduced to the inhabitants in and around these waters. Stroll through the center at your own pace. We re-gather at the dock around 11am to spend the day on the water in Kenai Fjords National Park watching wildlife and getting close to a tidal glacier. If we’re lucky, we may see a glacier "calve." It's an incredible sight to see and hear! A deli-style lunch will be served onboard. Upon disembarking, we will have time to freshen up and relax before having dinner.
Thursday, 11 Jul 2019: Kenai River Float; Return to Anchorage (B,L)
This morning we return to Anchorage. We’ll travel by mini-coach to Cooper Landing where we climb into rafts to view the majestic scenery and wildlife from the vantage point of turquoise waters. Our raft guide will do all the work and will narrate the sights as we float down the river. (This activity is suitable for anyone; no rafting experience is needed.) We'll enjoy a picnic lunch along the river afterwards. Upon arrival back in Anchorage the rest of the day is at leisure. Consider a visit to the Alaska Experience Theater or visit the Anchorage Museum of History and Art at the Rasmuson Center. Overnight Anchorage - 1 night
Friday, 12 Jul 2019: Train to Denali; Cabin Nite Dinner Theater (B,L,D)
All Aboard! This morning we depart on the Denali Star bound for Denali National Park. We'll travel in luxury via GoldStar Dome Service, some of the newest domed cars on the train that feature large curved glass windows allowing excellent 360-degree viewing. The views of the Alaskan wilderness are outstanding and perhaps we'll even glimpse moose, bald eagles and bears. Upon arrival we check in and freshen up before enjoying an evening of good old-fashioned fun at a dinner theater. Overnight Denali Area - 2 nights
Saturday, 13 Jul 2019: Tundra Wilderness Tour; Husky Homestead (B,L)
Our day begins early as we embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour that will take us deeper into Denali National Park to increase our chances of seeing wildlife up close and to gain a better perspective of North America’s tallest peak. Denali is more than a mountain; it's six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. This is an evening return but no worries, the sun will still be up long after we arrive back at the hotel. After dinner we will visit the kennels of Iditarod champion Jeff King and learn how the dogs (and the mushers) are trained for what is considered the most grueling sled-dog race in the world.
Sunday, 14 Jul 2019: Free Morning; Afternoon Train to Talkeetna (B)
This morning is at leisure to take in additional activities or just sleep late. We’ll re-gather in the early afternoon to transfer to the rail station where we'll continue on a much shorter journey, retracing our steps and heading back south. Upon arrival in the historic village of Talkeetna nestled at the base of Denali, we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is free. Overnight Talkeetna - 2 nights
Monday, 15 Jul 2019: Optional Flightseeing to Denali; Afternoon Free; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today if you so wish, we flightsee! The day is unstructured to better take advantage of flight times. Our tentative plan is a 1-hour optional flightseeing excursion in the morning (cost not included in tour base price) and free time this afternoon. Your WTT Tour Leader will make suggestions for additional things to do today. How about a jet-boat river trip or a kayaking outing? Or simply enjoy exploring the small town of Talkeetna or take an easy hike to photograph the magnificent scenery! This evening we will have dinner together at the hotel restaurant.
Tuesday, 16 Jul 2019: Return to Anchorage; Free Time (B)
We return to Anchorage again today. You'll have time to sleep late and have a leisurely breakfast. We will be back in Anchorage mid-afternoon and will check back into our hotel after which the remainder of the day is free. Overnight Anchorage - 1 night
NOTE: You have the option to return home tonight if it is more convenient. 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.
Wednesday, 17 Jul 2019: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our Alaskan adventure has come to an end and it’s time to return to the lower 48. You will transfer to the airport via the convenient hotel shuttle.