Journeys: Discover Alaska
10 days, Anchorage to Anchorage
Itinerary
Day 1Anchorage
Arrive at any time.
Please keep in mind, a lot of what there is to see and do in Alaska is weather-dependent. We give our CEOs the opportunity to adjust the schedule as needed based on weather.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Anchorage/Homer
Travel along the stunning coast of the Kenai Peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from the mountains towards the ocean. Keep an eye out for beluga whales playing out at sea while driving along the Turnagain Arm, or catch a glimpse of volcanoes across the Cook Inlet. Opt to enjoy a hike outside of Homer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Hiking
FreeEnjoy a short hike outside Homer to get a little closer to the majestic landscape.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Homer
Enjoy a free day in Homer. Walk the quaint streets and visit the museum, restaurants, and art galleries. If you're feeling more adventurous, explore Kachemak Bay by water taxi or kayak, go hiking, catch a floatplane for remote grizzly bear viewing, or try your hand at a local sport — halibut fishing.
Free Time
Enjoy a full day to explore the great outdoors.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Halibut Fishing
200-300USD per personHead out with the locals to see if you can haul in some halibut, Homer has some of the best fishing in all of North America and is known as the 'The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.'
Hiking
FreeEnjoy a short hike outside Homer to get a little closer to the majestic landscape.
Kachemak Bay Exploration
75-85USD per personHop on a water taxi and head to Kackhemak Bay. Spend some time hiking the trails, exploring the cove or trying to spot some of the animals that stop to visit the bay like sea otters and seals. With so many different trails to choose from there's a little something for everyone. Many climb up over steep, rugged terrain and offer amazing views at the end, while others wind through deep coastal forests and meadows allowing you to really experience the vast wild landscapes of Alaska.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Homer/Seward
Leave Homer and arrive at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula where the ice age still lingers. Get a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the world-renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, an incredible marine science facility that frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on wildlife initiatives.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Alaska SeaLife Center
On the shores of the scenic town of Seward sits the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s premier public aquarium. This esteemed marine science facility offers a combined focus on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and educating the public. Enjoy a visit to the centre, which frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives such as critter cams, expeditions, and the important Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear to extinction.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Seward
Today, set out by ship to explore the Kenai Fjords, viewing glaciers, seabird colonies, puffins, sea lions, and whales (and if we're lucky, orcas). The afternoon is at your leisure. Opt to go hiking or explore the town.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Soak in the gorgeous coastline views from the comfort of a boat. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of whales (orca, humpback, fin and minke) and marvel at the view of the glaciers.
Free Time
Enjoy some time to explore this coastal town.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Coastal Trail Hike
FreeEnjoy an easier hike along the scenic Coastal Trail for about 2-3 hrs.
This 4.5 mile coastal trail in the Caines Head Recreation Area can be reached by boat for foot from Seward and offers up sweeping views of rolling alpine meadows and the North Pacific Ocean. Wander through ancient rainforest hanging with moss and then on to beach trails (some of which can only be accessed during low tide). From glaciers to bald eagles and vertical cliffs to WWII history this trail will certainly get you out into the wilds of beautiful Alaska.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
Enjoy a scenic drive, stopping for photos along the way. In the afternoon, reach the Denali National Park area, known for its diversity of wildlife and the highest mountain in North America, Denali (formerly called Mt McKinley). Settle in and meet our instructor from the Denali Education Center, and learn about the sometimes surprising, always extreme, conditions that shape life in Denali and define a subarctic ecosystem.
Please remember that due to the remoteness of the Denali area, the accommodation is simple, but allows you access to one of the most stunning wildlife areas in Alaska.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Denali Immersion
Visit the esteemed Denali Education Center for two lectures about the park’s history and culture, as well as characteristics of its subarctic ecosystem. Learn about the complex geology here and how First Nations people have survived for generations in one of the most formidable climates on the planet. Also head out on a hike with a naturalist guide to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness. Beginning in the early 20th century, National Geographic has funded several exploratory expeditions and research initiatives in Denali National Park, from early aerial photographs and mapping expeditions, to research pertaining to the volcanic craters here and the behaviour of wolf packs. We’ll learn more about National Geographic’s legacy with American national parks, as well as other projects National Geographic has supported in Denali NP and across Alaska.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Denali National Park and Preserve
Travel to the heart of Denali National Park on a day-long journey to the Eielson Visitor Center. The shuttle is run by the National Parks Service and includes several stops along the way. Hop on and off throughout the journey to make this day your own. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and its many peaks. Have your cameras ready to take pictures of wildlife, which may include caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves.
Private vehicles cannot drive into the National park. The excursion today is a guided tour operated by the park and other travellers may also be on the excursion.
Denali National Park Visit
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.
Shuttle
Hop on a national park transit bus to travel into the heart of Denali National Park. Make multiple stops en route to watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Denali National Park and Preserve
This morning, learn about the sometimes surprising, always extreme, conditions that shape life in Denali and define a subarctic ecosystem. Enjoy a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center, taking in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Denali wilderness. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the great outdoors with options to observe a sled dog demonstration by the National Parks Service or flightseeing.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Denali Immersion
Visit the esteemed Denali Education Center for two lectures about the park’s history and culture, as well as characteristics of its subarctic ecosystem. Learn about the complex geology here and how First Nations people have survived for generations in one of the most formidable climates on the planet. Also head out on a hike with a naturalist guide to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness. Beginning in the early 20th century, National Geographic has funded several exploratory expeditions and research initiatives in Denali National Park, from early aerial photographs and mapping expeditions, to research pertaining to the volcanic craters here and the behaviour of wolf packs. We’ll learn more about National Geographic’s legacy with American national parks, as well as other projects National Geographic has supported in Denali NP and across Alaska.
Free Time
Spend the day exploring Denali NP – with so much to see and do, your options are endless!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Denali Visitor Center & Dog Sled Demonstration
Learn about the flora and fauna throughout Denali NP at the visitor centre before a dog sledding talk and demonstration by the park rangers.
Denali Scenic Flight
220-420USD per personTake to the skies for a bird's eye view of the spectacular grandeur. Get a better view of the mountains, glaciers, and wilderness from a few thousand feet up.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage. Opt for a final dinner with the group and reminisce about your epic journey into the wild.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Anchorage
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.