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SDAN06 Alaska’s Glaciers and National Parks Holiday

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SDAN06 Alaska’s Glaciers and National Parks Holiday

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Alaska  is  the  land  of  glaciers  and  pristine  National  Parks.  This Alaska driving tour,  ‘SDAN06  –  Alaska’s  Glaciers  and  National  Park  Holiday’  combines  them  to  give  you  best  of  both  in  eight  days.  You  can  arrive  by  cruise  ship  or  by  flight  as  long  as  you  arrive  in  Anchorage,  this  road-trip offers  you  the  most scenic National Parks and locations.  You  start  in  Anchorage,  which  is  filled  with  lot  of  adventures  along  with  metropolitan  amenities.  With  thousands  of  moose,  very  many  national  parks  nearby  and  60  glaciers  in a  quick  drive  away,  it's  one  of  the  best  places  to  start  your  vacation.  From  Anchorage  drive north on the Parks Highway and stopover in Talkeetna,  which is located at the confluence of  three  wild  glacial  rivers.  Denali  National  Park,  nestling  in  the  shadows  of  towering  20.320  ft.  Mt.  Denali  will  be  your  next  stop.  Denali  National  Park  mesmerizes  everyone  with  its  pristine  beauty  amazing  hikes  and  great  wildlife  spotting.  Enjoy  the  breathtaking  scenery  as  you  travel  on  the  Denali  or Glenn Highway  towards  the  Wrangell/St.  Elias  National  Park.  One  of  the  highlights  on  this  trip  is  the  overnight  at  the  remote  town  of  McCarthy/Kennicott.  The Kennecott  Copper  Mine  tour  gives  you  a  great  jog  down  the  history  of  the  place  and  hardship  as  well  as  dreams  the  people  at  that  time  experienced.  After  which  you  can  join  a  glacier  hike  on  Root  Glacier.  From  Valdez  you  take  a  scenic  cruise  on board  the  Alaska  Ferry  through  scenic  Prince  William  Sound.  There  are  a  lot  of  things  to  do  ranging  from  side  trips  and  outdoor  activities  such  as  river  rafting,  flightseeing,  wildlife  viewing,  whale  watching  and  short  hiking  trips.  Please  read  our  itinerary  to  have  more  detailed  day-to-day  experience.  On  request,  this  trip  can  be  customized  and  can  be  organized  in  reverse  order. 

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Rental Car

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Anchorage - Denali National Park ( Driving Distance: 240 miles | Overnight: Denali Village )

Welcome to Anchorage. Pick up your rental car at the airport or in downtown Anchorage. The grandness of the nature starts right from Anchorage itself and driving every mile on the Parks Highway gets even better. It is a treat to watch the mountain peaks crowned with snow caps in the distance. On the way you travel across the fertile Matanuska Valley. Because of the immense amount of summer sunlight, vegetables grow to incredible sizes. Feel free to stop at the designated photo stops to enjoy more panoramic views. It is possible to stopover at Talkeetna for a flightseeing tour to Mt. Denali. Arrive at Denali Village. This evening visit Jeff King’s Sled Dog Kennel - Join an intimate group for a personal tour with four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King at his Husky Homestead Kennel.

Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

Denali National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing and spectacular sceneries. Pick up your tickets, board the bus and watch out for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and fox moving along the ridges and river beds. Your driver informs about the history of Denali National Park, its diverse wildlife and flora. Once an animal has been spotted the bus will stop that everyone can watch and take pictures. The bus turns around at Eielson Visitor Center - 66 miles one way/8 hours round trip. You can get off the bus anytime to go for a hike. Return to the Denali Park entrance anytime during the day. Optional: We can extend the transit bus tour to Wonder Lake or exchange to the Tundra Wilderness Tour, Kantishna Wilderness Trails or Backcountry Lodge Tour. Included: Denali Transit Bus to Eielson 

Denali - via Denali or Glenn Highway – Glennallen ( Driving Distance: approx. 230 - 340 miles | Overnight: Glennallen )

Today you have the choice to either travel on the Denali Highway - one of the last great wilderness gravel roads or take the scenic Glenn Highway. Both highways offer truly magnificent sceneries: stop at the Matanuska Glacier or explore the Tangle Lakes district with dense concentrations of archaeological resources. Once you have reached the Richardson Highway, you may get a breathtaking view of Mt. Deborah, Mt. Sanford and Mt. Drum. The Copper River area - known as a paradise for anglers and rafters searching for big fish and whitewater adventure. Gakona, Copper Center and Glenallen are great jump-off points to fish for the famed Copper River Sockeye. Watch native fishwheels turning at nearby Copper River Bridge, home of the famous Copper River Red Salmon.

Glennallen - Flight to McCarthy / Kennicott ( Driving Distance: 70 miles| Overnight: Kennicott/McCarthy )

Short drive to Chitina and park your car at the airport. From here take a scenic bushplane flight to Kennicott/McCarthy. You will see the Kennicott Glacier as it winds its way 25 miles to the North where it tumbles off the South East face of Mt. Blackburn. The Root and Gates Glaciers flow from ridges of Mt. Regal to join the Kennicott forming one of the most spectacular vistas in the park. Hotel check-in. This afternoon join a guided glacier hike on the Root Glacier. After meeting your guide, you'll start out on the 1.8 mile hike to the "white ice" of the Root. Once on the ice you will explore other-worldly formations unlike anything else you have ever seen: blue pools, crevasses and moulin holes drilled hundreds of feet deep into the ice by the flowing meltwater. Included: Kennecott Glacier Hike

Kennicott - Flight to Chitina, Drive to Valdez ( Driving Distance: 120 miles | Overnight: Valdez )

Join this morning the tour of the historic Kennecott Mine with it's white-trimmed red buildings that stand out against the dramatic mountain-and-glacier backdrop at the actual mine site. In recent years, the National Park Service has restored many of the mine buildings and a guided tour of the huge mill building, bunkhouses and train depot is a must. Scenic return flight to Chitina. Drive south on the Richardson Highway and stopover at Worthington Glacier with boardwalks leading to the face of the glacier. Drive through the scenic Keystone Canyon and arrive in Valdez - also known as “the Switzerland of Alaska” - and the gateway for salmon fishing trips and narrated cruises to magnificent Columbia Glacier. Included: Kennecott Mill Tour

Valdez – Prince William Sound Ferry to Whittier - Seward ( Driving Distance: 90 miles | Overnight: Seward )

Scenic cruise across Prince William Sound onboard the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. Prince William Sound is an area famous for its scenery and wildlife. Dotted with islands, this 70-mile-wide gulf extends 30 miles north and west from the Gulf of Alaska to the Kenai Peninsula, bounded to the southeast by Montague and Hinchinbrook islands. To the north: a rugged, glaciated coastline and the Chugach Mountains. Watch out for whales, bald eagles, sea lions and other marine wildlife. Arrive in Whittier and drive to Portage Glacier. After a stop at the visitor center continue to Seward, a small fishing town at the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Spend some time to visit Exit Glacier. Short trails lead to the edge of the glacier where you can take a good photo in front of glacier ice.

Seward ( Overnight: Seward )

This morning board the stable catamaran for a spectacular cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park with actively "calving" glaciers and magnificent scenery. Covering 110-miles, the trip is narrated by a National Park Ranger, who is highly adept at spotting wildlife and pointing out the many sights. Kenai Fjords showcase the best of Alaska’s marine world in a compact package. Sea otters float belly-up eating mussels while Harbor seals haul out on icebergs off Aialik and Northwestern Glacier. Look out for Steller sea lions on Chiswell Island as well as Humpback and killer whales. After reaching the tidewater glacier, guests witness "glacier calving" a process by which glaciers shed giant slabs of ancient ice. Included: Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Seward - Anchorage ( Driving Distance: 130 miles )

Spend some time in the morning at the Alaska SeaLife Center – the world's largest and first cold water marine search institute with wildlife rehabilitation and public education facilities, try some outstanding halibut or salmon fishing within Resurrection Bay, book a half day kayak tour from Lowell Point to Holgate Glacier or hike the scenic Exit Glacier Trail - the choice is yours ! Take the Seward Highway north towards Anchorage. Feel free to take a break at the designated photo stops to enjoy the panoramic views over Cook Inlet. Arrive in Anchorage later in the day and drop off your rental car at the airport or in downtown.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 14 - May 31 $4089 $2605 $2164 $1934 $875
June 1 - August 31 $4784 $2952 $2397 $2105 $875
September 1 - September 30 $4089 $2605 $2164 $1934 $875
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 14 - May 31 $4663 $2892 $2362 $2097 $875
June 1 - August 31 $5511 $3316 $2644 $2308 $875
September 1 - September 15 $4663 $2892 $2362 $2097 $875

What’s included

7 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

8 Days Midsize Rental Car ( For additional Upgrades and Extras Click Here )

Unlimited Free Mileage

Rental Car Licensing Fees

CFC, State & City Rental Car Sales Taxes

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Round Trip Flight Chitina to Kennicott/McCarthy

Kennecott Mill Town Walking Tour

Half-Day Root Glacier Hike

Alaska Ferry Transfer from Valdez - Whittier / Car

Alaska Ferry Transfer from Valdez - Whittier / Passengers

6 hr Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise including lunch

Seward Port Fee

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

 Daily  from  May  18th  –  September  15th

Anchorage: Bear Viewing Tour Day Trip to Brooks Falls / Katmai

Take off from Anchorage to an all day bear viewing expedition past glaciers and volcanoes - within the land of the giant animals: the brown bear country of southwest Alaska. You'll fly to Katmai's - worlds famous Brooks River Falls where brown bears feed on salmon. Each year millions of sockeye salmons burst from the Bering Sea into lakes and streams of the Katmai National Park. These fish provide the primary food source for the worlds largest population of brown bears. As many as 50 bears may be viewed up-close-and-personal from elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms fishing along the 1 1/2 mile Brooks River during peak season (July). Local National Park Rangers are answering all of your questions about this incredible park during the self guided full day tour. Lunch is included at Brooks Lodge.

More Details & Pricing

 

Denali: Extend Denali Transit Bus Tour to Wonder Lake

The Denali Transit Bus is the official shuttle bus service into Denali National Park. The shuttle is best suited for those visitors who are seeking flexibility in their day trip into the Park and would like to have the option of getting off the bus to hike or explore on your own. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities all along the Park Road. Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake offers visitors stunning views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range, as weather permits. Along the Park Road, alder and willow carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by waterfowl and other wildlife. Reflection Pond, an amazing photo stop on a clear day, requires you utilize the Kantishna Transit Bus or hike 2.5 miles from the Wonder Lake turnaround stop.

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Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. The tour will last approximately eight to nine hours and includes ample photo and rest stops. When your tour driver is able, he/she will take video footage of animals along Park Road and project these images onto drop-down video screens, featured only our specially designed tour buses. This way you can get a close-up look at the roadside action. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Tundra Wilderness Tour” DVD, which will feature some of the video footage shot from your tour! Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

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Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour

The Kantishna Wilderness Trails tour is the premier Denali Park wilderness bus excursion. Spend the entire day in Denali National Park and discover a piece of Alaska's gold rush history and warm hospitality at the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, located just past Wonder Lake on the banks of Moose Creek. Your 12 to 13-hour fully-narrated excursion to Kantishna travels via a custom motorcoach through 95 miles of Denali National Park's prime wildlife habitat. The last 30 miles allow for full viewing of Mt. Denali, weather permitting. The wilderness backcountry of Denali Park provides diverse habitats which support big-game species such as black bear, grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and wolverine. Hot beverages and refreshments are included en route to the Kantishna Roadhouse. After a hearty deli style lunch in the dining room at the Roadhouse, relax and visit the Historical Recorder's Cabin and enjoy a dog sled demonstration or gold panning. Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

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Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour

The Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour is another premier Denali Park Wildlife bus excursion. This full-day, 13-hour tour travels 95 miles in each direction to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. You'll travel by private bus with a trained naturalist driver/guide giving interpretation along the way helping you search for bear, moose, caribou and other wildlife while pointing out the biology and geology of the region. Several photo and rest stops will be made. Snacks, drinks and lunch are provided. Lunch is served at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. Lunch consists of a sandwich bar, soups, fruits, snacks, fresh baked goods and non-alcoholic drinks. After lunch try your luck at gold panning near the lodge or take a guided nature walk before returning to the Park entrance.

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Seward: Extend Kenai Fjords Cruise to Northwestern Fjords Cruise

The premium 8 1/2 hrs Kenai Fjords Cruise covers magnificent Northwestern Fjord - the home to three amazing tidewater glacier, hanging alpine glacier, abundant wildlife such as Orca Whales, Steller Sea Lions, playful Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Puffins and of course the magnificent scenery. On this tour we travel futher into Kenai Fjords National Park than most other daily cruise tour operators. In addition we visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Chiswell Island's seabird rookeries within Resurrection Bay. Make sure you bring your camera to photograph the abundant marine and coastal wildlife, many types of sea birds and the untouched beauty of Alaska's shorelines. Tour includes a light breakfast and hot lunch. Total 150 miles round trip.

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Seward: Godwin Glacier Helicopter Sled Dog Tour

Imagine running a team of Huskies on snow in the summer... Combine three thrilling activities: Helicopter Flightseeing, Glacier Landing and Dog Mushing - everything with breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding glacier-carved mountain ranges. Over 80 Alaskan Huskies wait to share an essential part of Alaska's culture - dog mushing. An experienced guide will explain how to run a dog team, then you're off across a snow field and the lure of the trail and thrill of driving a dog team will create the ultimate experience of a lifetime. Rain gear and waterproof equipment available. This is a 90 minute tour that includes 15 minutes of flightseeing.

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Marcus, FL: We stayed a night at Kennicott Glacier Lodge and it wasn't enough! Everything about our stay was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We flew in to McCarthy which was a real experience in its own right flying through the mountain passes with glaciers all round us.