Jewels of Alaska
7 Days from $2,835 per person
A haven for nature lovers, Alaska is home to sweeping landscapes, calving glaciers and spectacular national parks, wildlife and breathtaking views.
Overview
A haven for nature lovers, Alaska is home to sweeping landscapes, calving glaciers and spectacular national parks, wildlife and breathtaking views.
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Day 1: Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers
Welcome to Alaska. Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 6:00 for a Welcome Dinner at MUSE, located in the Anchorage Museum.
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Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing to Talkeetna
Get acquainted with Anchorage with an included city tour. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the fascinating traditions of Alaska's first people during a private presentation. In the afternoon, depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. Upon arrival, meet a bush pilot who will share fascinating stories about the joys and hazards of flying in rural Alaska. The evening is yours at leisure, so ask your Travel Director for suggestions on where is best to head for a bite to eat.
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Day 3: Journey along the Alaskan Railroad (2 Nights)
The morning is yours to explore more of Talkeetna. Later, board the world-famous Alaskan Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, towards Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed railcar before meeting a local climber who will tell stories about what it's like to brave a climb up the tallest land-based mountain in the world. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner hosted by Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. This theatrical dinner mixes old-time Alaska with storytelling, music and humor as you join a cast of characters in a tale of adventure in 1900s Alaska. The menu includes hearty Alaskan classics such as salmon, barbeque ribs and corn.
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Day 4: Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness
With the Denali National Park and Preserve just a short drive away from your hotel, you'll find a number of ways to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness on your own, or spend the day partaking in one of our optional activities. From an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River* to a helicopter flightseeing tour for close-up views of Mount Denali, the choice is yours—just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge and enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings at night.
*Note: Participation in this activity is at your own risk, and a signed liability waiver will be required.
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Day 5: Girdwood and Mount Alyeska (2 Nights)
Enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway. After lunch, meet the champion dog team of four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile dogsled race. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort and ski area. Ride the aerial gondola for sweeping views of the mountains and sea. The evening is free for you to enjoy.
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Day 6: Prince William Sound Cruise
Today is devoted to the 26-Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound and College Fjord. Experience the thunderous calving of glaciers and keep your eyes open for sea otters, porpoises, and whales. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, featuring a variety of local seafood specialties, complete with wine and good cheer. You'll get some shut eye at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska, which is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and spectacular ocean views.
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Day 7: To Seward and out of Anchorage
Visit the aquariums of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward and enjoy an exclusive presentation about their marine research and rehabilitation program. Have lunch and explore downtown at your own pace. Your Travel Director will be on hand to give you a few recommendations. Return to Anchorage and transfer to the airport or head to the trip hotel for guests extending their stay. Airport arrival will be at 5:00 pm.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 May 19 | 26 May 19 | $3,150$2,835pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 10 Jun 19 | 16 Jun 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 17 Jun 19 | 23 Jun 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 1 Jul 19 | 7 Jul 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 15 Jul 19 | 21 Jul 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 Jul 19 | 4 Aug 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Aug 19 | 18 Aug 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Aug 19 | 25 Aug 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Sep 19 | 8 Sep 19 | $3,375$3,038pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $1,195.
Room Share: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $81 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinner
Included Highlights
Signature Experiences
- Anchorage: Expand your understanding of Alaska's first people with a private presentation at the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center.
- Big Lake: Enjoy a chance to meet the dogs of a championship dog musher and learn about Alaskan Huskies and Arctic dog sleigh racers.
- Seward: Visit the aquarium and learn about the wildlife rescue efforts with a reseacher of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
- Denali: Meet a local climber at a private reception and hear first-hand about their experience climbing the tallest land-based mountain in the world.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Alaska Railroad: Relax on this flagship train and enjoy stunning scenery, all the way to Denali National Park and Preserve.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
