9 Days • 8 Nights
Alaska Family Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Riding the glass-domed Alaska Railroad
- Searching for bears and moose in Denali
- A Kenai Fjords glacier and whale cruise
- Meeting sled dogs and husky puppies
- Panning for gold like a stampeder
- Long summer days for endless adventure
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
The family is met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner, with the wild adventures ahead.
You board the glass-domed Alaska Railroad north to Denali, an exciting journey through wilderness. Settle into your lodge and meet a team of sled dogs and their playful puppies.
A family wilderness tour into Denali National Park, searching for grizzlies, moose, caribou and Dall sheep beneath North America's highest peak, a thrilling day of wildlife spotting.
You travel to the frontier town of Talkeetna, where the family can try panning for gold like the old stampeders and, weather permitting, take an optional flightseeing trip around Denali.
A scenic journey down the Kenai Peninsula to the fishing port of Seward, with a stop at a wildlife conservation centre to see bears, moose and musk oxen up close.
A family cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, watching a glacier calve into the sea and spotting whales, sea otters, sea lions and puffins, a highlight for all ages.
You return to Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway, with time for an optional glacier hike or a stop for wildlife along Turnagain Arm.
A free family day to explore Anchorage, its museums, markets and trails, or take an optional adventure, ending with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast the family transfers to the airport for the onward flight home, full of Alaskan adventures.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Kenai cruise lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and wildlife activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park entry and cruise fees as per itinerary
- the Alaska Railroad, a Denali wilderness tour, a Kenai Fjords cruise, a sled-dog visit and gold panning
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Alaska is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected as elsewhere in the USA, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Best time to visit: The main season runs May to September, with long daylight hours, open roads and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest and busiest, while late August and September add autumn colour and early Northern Lights
- Northern Lights: The aurora is best seen from late August to April on clear, dark nights, especially around Fairbanks; the peak summer months have too much daylight for aurora viewing
- Wildlife: Alaska is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, moose, whales, eagles and more; always keep a safe distance, carry bear awareness in the backcountry and follow your guide's advice
- Weather & layers: Alaskan weather is changeable even in summer, so pack warm and waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and a hat; conditions can shift quickly, especially on glaciers and at sea
- Getting around: Distances are vast and some areas are roadless; itineraries combine scenic rail, small-ship or day cruises, flights and self-drive, all arranged for you. Daylight is very long in summer, so plan for plenty of activity
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly; bring insect repellent for summer mosquitoes. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does this suit?
It works wonderfully for families with children of around five and up. The train, wildlife tours, cruise and sled dogs delight all ages, and the long summer daylight means there is always time for more. We tailor the pace to your family.
Is summer daylight really that long?
Yes — in June and July Alaska enjoys up to 18 to 20 hours of daylight, so days feel wonderfully long and there is ample time for activities. We help you plan around it, including blackout tips for young children's sleep.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or cruise meals. Alaskan seafood, from king crab to wild salmon, is a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The main season is May to September, with long daylight and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest, and late August to September adds autumn colour and the first Northern Lights. Winter trips focus on the aurora and are timed separately.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Alaska is superb for wildlife, with excellent chances of seeing bears, moose, eagles, sea otters and, on the water, whales and sea lions. Our guides and cruises maximise sightings, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Can we see the Northern Lights?
In summer there is too much daylight for the aurora, but our autumn and winter itineraries (late August to April), especially around Fairbanks, offer excellent chances on clear, dark nights.
How do we travel around Alaska?
We combine the best options, the scenic Alaska Railroad, day or small-ship cruises among the glaciers and fjords, flights over roadless areas and comfortable self-drive or coach touring, all arranged and built into your itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of parks, cruises and wildlife, add a Denali stay, an Inside Passage voyage or an aurora extension, and tailor the pace and lodges to your interests.
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