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Jewels of Alaska

One Week Tour to Anchorage & Denali National Park | Operated by InsightVacations

  • 7 Days

  • 1 Country

    United States
  • 6 Cities

    Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Girdwood, Alyeska, Whittier
  • 11 Meals

    3 Dinner with Wines, 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunchs
  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.

Hotel: Marriott Anchorage Downtown
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Anchorage Welcome Dinner Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Notes
Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing and the Matanuska Valley

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, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.

Hotel: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Anchorage City Tour 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.
Insight Experiences: Visit a Local Farm in 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. 
Notes
Day 3: Talkeetna Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and make a visit to a trapper's cabin or enjoy a scenic float on the Talkeetna River. 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 take a hike and explore Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.

Hotel: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast
Insight Choice: Enjoy a Jet Boat Tour Enjoy a jet Boat Tour up the Chulitna River and visit a Trappers Cabin. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska.
Insight Choice: Enjoy a Scenic Float Enjoy a scenic Float Trip on the Talkeetna River for amazing views of Mountain Denali and possible wildlife sightings.
Notes
Day 4: Journey Along the Alaskan 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 rail car. Later, meet a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to a climb up one of the most daunting and tallest land-based mountains in the world, Denali. A trek that begins deep in the heart of the Alaskan Range and where conditions only get tougher further into the journey, forcing climbers to build snow walls for protection from the harsh elements. The climb which takes approximately 17-18 days round trip, takes incredible physical and mental fortitude. For tonight's dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant during your Dine-Around evening. 

Hotel: Grande Denali Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Board the Alaska Railroad Transport 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.
Top Rated Highlights: Visit Denali National Park and Join a Private Experience with a Local Climber 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.  
Authentic Dining: Dine-Around Denali 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.
Notes
Day 5: Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness

Embark on an extensive Denali Natural History Tour during which you’ll learn about the Alaskan natives who once lived in the park and the first ascent of Denali, North America’s highest peak. 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.

Hotel: Grande Denali Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast
Insight Experiences: Denali Natural History Tour Join a specialist for a Denali Natural History Tour and learn about the Alaskan natives who once lived in the park and the first ascent of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
Notes
Day 6: Girdwood and Mount Alyeska

Enjoy a scenic journey along the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake, AK and visit four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser at his own home. 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. A true insider experience into the world of the Iditarod, that very few get to experience. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.

Hotel: The Hotel Alyeska
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Insight Experiences: Meet a Champion Iditarod Racer in Denali Meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometer) while enjoying lunch at his home.
Authentic Dining: Girdwood Celebration Dinner In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.
Notes
Day 7: Prince William Sound Cruise and depart Anchorage

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-kilometer) 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. For those saying farewell today, travel back to Anchorage where you will arrive at the Anchorage Airport at approximately 20:00.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Top Rated Highlights: 26 Glacier Cruise 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.
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

Dining Summary
  • - 3 Dinner with Wines (DW)
  • - 6 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 2 Lunchs (L)
Authentic Dining
  • Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
  • 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.
  • In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.
Top Rated Highlights
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.  
  • 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.
Make Travel Matter
  • 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.
Insight Experiences
  • 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. 
  • Join a specialist for a Denali Natural History Tour and learn about the Alaskan natives who once lived in the park and the first ascent of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
  • Meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometer) while enjoying lunch at his home.
Insight Choice
  • Enjoy a jet Boat Tour up the Chulitna River and visit a Trappers Cabin. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska.
  • Enjoy a scenic Float Trip on the Talkeetna River for amazing views of Mountain Denali and possible wildlife sightings.

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Denali Wilderness Walking Tour (Available on Day 5)

Go for a hike! Take an interpretive, guided walk in the Denali area with a naturalist guide who will point out the landmarks and talk about the amazing geology and glacial history of this part of the world. Walk through boreal forests and discover how plants and animals have adapted to the extreme sub-arctic environment. Walk in the footsteps of animals, and gain a new appreciation for this far north landscape. The active pace is usually about one mile per hour.

Adult Price: $115 Child Price: $115 Denali Zipline (Available on Day 5)

Experience life above the trees! After a short trail ride shuttle and gearing up, certified guides will lead you along 6 suspension bridges and 8 thrilling zip lines, including the dual racer finale! The built-in, hands-free braking system allows you to relax and take in the breathtaking mountain views. Participants must be relatively physically fit for this active tour.

Adult Price: $139 Child Price: $139 Fixed Wing Flightseeing Denali Glacier Landing (Available on Day 5)

We offer the only flight that lands on glaciers at the base of Mt. Denali. The pilot will ensure everyone has ample opportunity for photographs, especially photos of Denali. Upon arrival at one of the glacier landing zones passengers deplane and step into the "Ice Age". Passengers spend 20 minutes snowball throwing, snow angel making, picture taking, or just being awed by the beauty of the "other worldly" surroundings.

Adult Price: $649 Child Price: $649 Denali Fly Fishing (Available on Day 5)

Fly Fish in Alaska! Experienced or beginner; you will fish for Arctic Grayling on lakes in the heart of the Alaska Range. The catch and release fly fishing package offers half day opportunities with no experience necessary. This personalized and fully outfitted trip includes gear, guide, equipment, and transportation. Fishing License additional. 4.5 hour tour with 2.5 hours on the water fishing. 

Adult Price: $205 Child Price: $205 Denali Fixed Wing Flightseeing (Available on Day 5)

Travel like the Bush pilots of Alaska! Enjoy a 60-70 minute fixed wing flightseeing journey following the Alaska Range out to about one mile from Mt. Denali.

Adult Price: $400 Child Price: $400 Sled Dog Kennel Tour (Available on Day 5)

Enjoy a warm welcome and experience a true Alaskan lifestyle at a kennel with an Iditarod expert. Learn what it is like to live with the world’s greatest athletes as you visit with our puppies, witness sled dogs in action, and virtually experience running the Iditarod. Enjoy stories of the adventures of living both on and off the trail.

Adult Price: $56 Child Price: $56 Denali ATV Wilderness Adventure (Available on Day 5)

Get ready for some adventure! Whether a novice or expert ATVer, this tour will be a memorable 10 mile ride in the scenic Alaskan wilderness on a Single or Side by Side ATV. Riding along trails surrounded by Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, your adventure includes breathtaking 360° overlook stops with views of lakes and valleys in the Alaska Range.

Adult Price: $190 Child Price: $190 Helicopter Glacier Landing Expedition - 50 Minutes (Available on Day 5)

Step into another world most people never see. Walk upon an ancient glacier tucked away deep in the Alaska Range. Blue ice, stunning views, and towering peaks combine to make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fly east, away from Denali National Park. Glacier walking boots are provided.

Adult Price: $536 Child Price: $536 Helicopter Tundra Landing Expedition (Available on Day 5)

Don’t just fly over the mountains. Get out in them. Enjoy this short helicopter ride through the peaks and valleys that make up the Alaska Range. Explore the hills just outside of Denali National Park. Look down below for wildlife, keep your eyes on the horizon for a chance at viewing Mt. Denali. After a gentle landing, step out into this magical landscape. Sink your feet in the tundra, snap a flurry of photos, or just breathe in that crisp mountain air. Includes 15-20 minutes of flight, with a 15-20 minutes tundra landing. 

Adult Price: $249 Child Price: $249 Helicopter Dog Sled Tour (Available on Day 6)

A helicopter is used to transport you to our alpine camp where our experienced guide will accompany you as you mush along a snow-covered glacier. Drive the sled yourself or ride if you prefer as you enjoy the dramatic scenery. Back at camp you can bundle yourself up in actual Iditarod racing gear including an original bib-number for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. You will learn about Alaskan Huskies and the legendary Alaska dog mushing Seavey family.

Adult Price: $554 Child Price: $554 Helicopter Glacier Landing (Available on Day 6)

Land on a glacier!  Extend your flightseeing adventure by taking our most popular tour that explores the Lake George Glacier, Lake George Valley, Whiteout Glacier and Colony Glacier. As you fly through the Chugach backcountry, the panorama opens to glacial-formed valleys and magnificent fields of ancient translucent blue glaciers. Highlight your trip with a glacier landing on Colony Glacier or atop a high ridge with a 360-degree panorama of mountains and glaciers and become surrounded by the surreal landscape. In the summer, your return flight provides opportunities to see mountain goats, moose and bears.

Adult Price: $434 Child Price: $434 ATV-Backcountry Adventure (Available on Day 6)

Join this Alaskan ATV adventure where you will be guided along a trailhead to explore the backcountry up and down hills and near creeks and rivers. The tour includes a small hike to a spectacular waterfall where salmon sometimes can be spotted. This action packed ride is rain or shine so gear will be provided for your epic adventure in the backcountry.

Adult Price: $220 Child Price: $220 Portage River Scenic Float (Available on Day 6)

Take in panoramic views of cascading glaciers floating through the Portage Valley, as your guide rows down the Portage River.  Get views of Middle & Explorer Glaciers from the raft, there is no better way to see Portage Valley.  A perfect float for all ages.  Pick-up from the Hotel Alyeska followed by 20 minute drive to Portage Valley.  Learn about glaciers while your guide rigs the raft.  Look for moose, bears, wolves, porcupines, eagles and at the many cascading glaciers, as your guide rows you down the scenic Portage River Valley.  Rubber boots, rain gear, life jacket, and drink provided.

Adult Price: $125 Child Price: $125 Portage River Scenic Float and Salmon BBQ (Available on Day 6)

Take in panoramic views of cascading glaciers rafting through the Portage River Valley, as your guide rows down the Portage River to dinner. A perfect float for all Ages. With the Salmon Bake, you will enjoy an authentic Alaskan meal under the midnight sun alongside the river. You won’t have a finer remote dinner experience in Alaska. 

Adult Price: $225 Child Price: $225