Alaska Holidays

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Trip Overview

A unique adventure across America's largest state, where the pristine national parks, sparkling fjords and incredible wildlife are sure to impress. Hike to stunning overlooks in Denali National Park, camp riverside in Wrangell-St Elias, see glaciers calve into Prince William Sound, and sea kayak at our exclusive wilderness camp. Home to the continent's tallest peaks, largest glaciers, and biggest mammals, Alaska is a naturalist's nirvana, chock-full of awe-inspiring sights and challenging experiences to satisfy even the most adventurous amongst us.

Optional Activities (paid locally)

• Canoeing US$35-US$75
• Scenic Denali flight US$225-$650
• Ice climbing US$90-$350
• Dogsled demo/tour US$20-$90
• Great National Park hikes US$FREE
• Alyeska mountain aerial tramway US$10-$20
• Kenai Fjords scenic cruise US$165-$200
• Kenai Fjords float plane trip US$225
• Mountain biking US$45-$95
• Fishing Trip US$125-$400
• Whitewater rafting (in season) US$100-$200

Tour Notes

Due to the Alaskan ferry schedule, this trip may operate in either direction.

Our Alaskan trips pass through rugged terrain and isolated areas. Many areas/campgrounds will only have basic/rustic facilities and little nightlife.

Alaskan Bear Viewing Extension

Want even more adventure? We offer a wild Alaskan bear viewing tour, from US$639, available before or after your trip. Contact us for more information or click here to view more >

Private Group Departures

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel. Please request at the time of booking.

Itinerary update

Due to the Alaskan ferry schedule, this trip may operate in either direction.

Day 1: Anchorage to Kachemak Bay

The largest city in Alaska with only 250,000 people, Anchorage has gone through quite a change since the earthquake of 1964. Now a bustling city fuelled by the oil boom and tourism, it was not that long ago that Anchorage was the last outpost before heading into the 'Last Frontier'. After leaving Anchorage we travel south to Homer and then board a boat that takes us to our deluxe wilderness camp overlooking Kachemak Bay. Surrounded by the magnificent Kenai (pronounced 'keen eye') Mountains, this is an ideal spot for our two-night stay.
Accommodation: Deluxe wilderness camp with meals included

Day 2: Kachemak Bay Deluxe Wilderness Camp

We get to experience a true Alaskan adventure in this remote wilderness paradise, with included activities such as sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and beach combing. You'll appreciate the home-cooked meals, including a salmon bake, while basking in the breathtaking scenery.
Accommodation: Deluxe wilderness camp with meals included

Day 3-4: Kenai Fjords National Park

We continue our journey to the colourful fishing village of Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike to views of Exit Glacier, fish the waters of Resurrection Bay or enjoy an amazing boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. Located on the south-eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula, this park covers more than 600,000 acres (2400 square kilometres. We get to enjoy spectacular views of this rugged coastline and the Kenai Mountains and also look out for sea mammals. It is also a premier bird watching opportunity and a visit to a tidewater glacier to experience the sights and sounds of icebergs being calved into the sea are all part of this perfect day out.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 5-6: Valdez

After an awe-inspiring ferry ride through Prince William Sound we arrive in Valdez (pronounced 'Val-dees'). Tucked away at the end of a glacier-carved fjord and called the 'Switzerland of Alaska' due to its surrounding snow-capped mountains, this is the most northerly ice-free port in the Western Hemisphere and the terminus of the Alaskan Pipeline that stretches 1300 kilometres (over 800 miles) to Prudhoe Bay. We enjoy a free day here and a memorable optional activity is kayaking to the foot of either the Shoup Glacier or the larger Columbia Glacier. The Shoup Glacier excursion is a shorter one, but both offer amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 7-8: Wrangell St-Elias National Park

Leaving Valdez, we travel over Thompson Pass and travel into the heart of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Bordering Canada's Yukon Territory, this stunning national park is the largest in the country, containing glaciers five times the size of Manhattan and nine of the sixteen highest peaks in North America! We camp on the banks of the Kennecott River in the shadow of Mount Blackburn with a beautiful view of Root Glacier. The next day is free to explore this vast wilderness region including the historic area of McCarthy and Kennicott. Optional activities available include ice climbing, hiking, sightseeing and glacier walking.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 9: Alaska Range

We head into the heart of the Alaska mountain range where we then spend the night in rustic cabins. Here we experience the quiet lakes of the tundra and look out for grazing caribous. This is a birder's paradise with many species often sighted and there is a chance to experience excellent fishing for grayling. This range is actually the highest mountain range in North America and includes Mount McKinley - the highest peak in North America.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals paid locally

Day 10-12: Denali National Park

We then follow the old Denali Highway to Denali National Park and Preserve, where nature survives in a timeless state. Surrounding the tallest mountain peak in North America, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, marmots and wolves all roam the park. Activities such as river rafting, dog sled demonstrations or walking on a quiet nature trail are available near our lovely campground setting bordering the park. The following days we are free to explore the backcountry. Take the included Denali shuttle bus, which offers scenic views of the taiga and sub-arctic tundra and offers superb opportunities to view wildlife as well as access to limitless hiking options. For a real treat why not try an optional scenic flight to get a good view of Mount McKinley's towering peak. You could even opt for a glacier landing!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 13: Anchorage

Leaving these highlights behind, but keeping memories you will long remember, our adventure comes to an end as we return to Anchorage.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

Book Online

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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