Alaska & Kenai Peninsula In-Depth Tour

Overview

This unique in-depth tour of America's largest state is sure to impress. Pristine national parks, sparkling fjords and incredible wildlife unfold on a daily basis. Home to the continent's tallest peaks, largest glaciers and biggest mammals, Alaska is a photographer's and naturalist's nirvana, full of awe-inspiring sights and challenging experiences. Explore the Kenai Peninsula and its abundance of wildlife, creaking glaciers, incredible hiking opportunities, wilderness kayaking and a full day float plane to Wolverine Creek in the Lake Clark region in search of bears.

Included Highlights

Full day ranger guided wildlife cruise around Resurrection Bay
Incredible hiking opportunities on Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield - one of the most beautiful hikes in Alaska
Full day float plane tour into Wolverine Creek in the Lake Clark National Park region for bear viewing
Kayaking in Kachemak Bay with potential sightings of dolphins and porpoise
Welcome dinner and some other meals included

Need to Know

Tour Style

Group Size

Max 13

Hotel

5 Nights

Other Inclusions

Services of a professional tour leader and local specialist guides
All transportation by private vehicle and ferry
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included

Essential Information

Prices quoted are land only. Call us on 0333 999 7951 for a flight quote (UK only)
This tour requires a minimum number of five to operate. On rare occasions we may run with lower numbers

Trip Dossier

Download the Alaska and Kenai In-Depth trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

Download Dossier

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.

Look out for the Trip Advisor logo in the itinerary below to read hotel reviews. On the rare occasion that accommodation is not available we will stay in a local property of a similar standard.

2019 Itinerary

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Day 1: Anchorage

Grand American Adventures in Anchorage

Welcome to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, with only 300,000 people. Now a bustling city fuelled by the oil boom and tourism, it wasn't that long ago that Anchorage was the final outpost before heading into the 'Last Frontier'. It's not uncommon to find bears roaming the outskirts of the city - this is one truly wild place. A great way to spend your day is to wander around town getting a feel for the 49th state, speaking to the locals and checking out some of the great cafes and restaurants. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs, followed by a welcome dinner to help you get to know your tour leader and fellow travelling companions.

Featured Hotel: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa

Enjoy a stay at the Sheraton, it’s enviable location in the beating heart of downtown Anchorage, boasts exciting views of the Cook Inlet and Chugach Mountain. The rooms offer unparalleled comfort with high speed Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs.

Trip Advisor

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Hotel included

Meals

Welcome dinner included

Optional Activities

Alaska Native Heritage Center US$25

Museum at Rasmuson Center US$18

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum US$15

Aerial tramway - Alyeska Mountain US$29

Day 2: Homer - Kachemak Bay

The Kenai Peninsula is like something from a larger-than-life children’s novel. It is staggeringly beautiful and offers wonderful wildlife and bird watching opportunities amidst dramatic fjords and glaciers. This morning you’ll make your way towards the city of Homer where you spend the afternoon exploring your new two-night home, and Kachemak Bay, by kayak. Sea kayaking is a great way to discover the peacefulness of this wilderness area and it is commonplace to spot sea otters and porpoise as well as Bald Eagles circling overhead. With snow-capped mountains and forest as your backdrop, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to Alaska and never leave. It is like nowhere else on planet earth!

Featured Hotel: Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Set on the tip of the Homer Spit and overlooking Kachemak Bay, Land’s End Resort is only six miles from the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. There's a refined seafood restaurant with bay views and outdoor seating. Other amenities include an indoor heated pool, a hot tub and a sauna, as well as an exercise room and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Trip Advisor

Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Hotel included

Meals

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 3: Soldotna

Today is all about bears and that quintessential Alaskan experience! The premier bear viewing fly-in experience is located at Wolverine Creek near the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. The bears are drawn to the waters where thousands of salmon are spawning in the shallows. After a 30-minute flight on a float plane, you fly past Mount Redoubt to land in search of these magnificent creatures. There will be numerous viewing opportunities, with previous groups spotting many bears in the course of one day. You will likely see Alaskan brown bears and possibly some black bears teaching their cubs how to eventually do their own fishing when they are older. You’ll end up as close as 30 feet from these magnificent animals in the complete safety of your guide’s boat while they go about their business of fishing and relaxing.

Trip Advisor

Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Hotel included

Meals

Breakfast included

Day 4: Seward - Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you will hike the spectacular trail from Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield for views of deep crevasses and huge seracs on the glacier. At an elevation of 900m, you will eventually reach a lookout point over the icefield and the views will be out of this world. This has been rated as one of the finest hikes in Alaska. The walk is strenuous and entirely dependent on weather conditions; however, views along the way and especially from the top are simply magical. There's an easier option available if you prefer, using an accessible trail to reach a different viewpoint of the glacier. For those who want to explore Seward afterwards, the impressive Alaska SeaLife Center, which houses a remarkable public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue centre, is a fun place to visit.

Distance: 9.7 miles (return)
Elevation gain: 3953 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Time: 6-8 hours (depending on your ability)
Departing: Bottom of Exit Glacier

Featured Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Just outside the town of Seward, down the winding road that leads to the Exit Glacier, towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River is Seward Windsong Lodge. It is surrounded by breath-taking scenic beauty, offering incredible opportunities for exploration, and the chance to wind down after a long day out.

Trip Advisor

Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Hotel included

Meals

Breakfast included

Day 5: Seward

Today you set off on a full day wildlife viewing cruise around Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. To maximise your experience on board, your guide will give a detailed commentary on the wildlife you see and the local area. On previous trips, travellers have spotted sea lions, otters, Dall's Porpoise and an endless variety of seabirds including puffins and eagles. Orcas are often spotted and if you're lucky, Humpback Whales can be seen! Enjoy a fresh salmon and prime rib lunch on board (included - vegetarian options available). You will also spend time in front of two active tidewater glaciers: Holgate and Aialik Glaciers, so close you can hear them creaking and see chunks of ice fall to the water.

Trip Advisor

Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Hotel included

Meals

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 6: Anchorage

You begin to make your way slowly back to Anchorage today but the fun is not over yet. After driving through the Alaskan wilderness, you’ll stop at Alyeska in the Chugach Mountain Range, ideal for a final wilderness walk before returning to the State's capital, Anchorage. Beginning with a forest walk and pulley system which takes you over a stream, this eventually leads you to Alyeska Resort which is where you begin the trail. You can also opt to pay for the gondola to the top for beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, wild flowers and your final breaths of Alaskan wilderness before finishing up in Anchorage.

Containing around half the population of the state, Anchorage in some ways looks just like any other sprawling American town and after exploring small towns and villages the bustling streets of the city will feel somewhat different. If you decide to stay on, why not explore the art galleries and craft shops where you can see the beautiful Eskimo handicrafts being made?

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

Accommodation

None included. Tour ends at 17:00 hrs

Meals

Breakfast included

Tour Extras

We offer a whole range of travel extras, from additional hotel nights to flights and insurance, so you can organise everything you'll need for your trip.

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Book Extra Nights in Anchorage

Our tours depart at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.

ANCHORAGE - EMBASSY SUITES

600 E Benson Blvd, Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Conveniently located in midtown Anchorage, close to the Anchorage Museum of History & Art, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms with mountain views, free Wi-Fi, a state of the art fitness centre and indoor swimming pool.

Full room (Your own single or double room)

From £337| US$444 | Eur405 | AU$573 | NZ$602
Price per room per night

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

The hotel operates a complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle service. When you arrive to the airport, please call the hotel and they will send a shuttle and driver to collect you. Whilst this is a free service, a tip of US$2 is generally expected.

Book Flights (UK Only)

Our specialist flights department can offer UK customers a great airline fare to all of our destinations. We have preferred contracts with many international carriers and have secured some of the most competitive prices in the industry.

Why Book Your Flights with Grand American Adventures?

Secure your flight with a deposit of only £125 per person
Date changes free of charge (subject to terms)
We are ATOL protected and IATA licensed
Personal service - you're more than just a number

Call us now on 0208 682 8920 for today's special offers or request a flight quote online

Travel Insurance

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday. That's why we recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed we do.

If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel.

See our insurance page for more information.

Optional Activities During Your Tour

There are loads of exciting optional activities available for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. A list of optional activities and approximate costs are shown at the end of each day by day itinerary descriptions above.

Your tour leader will arrange your chosen activities during the tour so no need to pre-book. You'll also pay for these locally so ensure you budget for the bucket list items!

As local weather conditions and seasonality can change not all optional activities may be available on your trip and prices can be subject to change.

Featured Hotel: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Featured Hotel: Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Land’s End Resort (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Featured Hotel: Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Seward Windsong Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Accommodation

Meals

ANCHORAGE - EMBASSY SUITES

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

Why Book Your Flights with Grand American Adventures?

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