13 Days • 12 Nights
Grand Alaska: Denali, Kenai, Bears & the Interior
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Denali National Park and its wildlife
- Fly-in brown bear viewing
- A Kenai Fjords glacier and whale cruise
- The gold-rush interior and Fairbanks
- Frontier towns and historic railways
- The full grandeur of the Last Frontier
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 13-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, with a welcome dinner of Alaskan seafood and the wild journey ahead.
You ride the scenic railroad north to Denali National Park, settling into your lodge near the park.
A full-day wilderness tour into Denali, searching for grizzlies, moose, caribou and wolves beneath the great peak.
You continue north to Fairbanks in the gold-rush interior, exploring its heritage, a riverboat cruise and a gold-panning experience.
A day exploring Fairbanks and its surroundings, the Museum of the North, hot springs, or an optional Arctic Circle trip.
You fly to a remote wilderness lodge in prime bear country, with your first guided viewing of brown bears in their natural habitat.
A full day of guided bear viewing, watching brown bears fish for salmon and tend their cubs at close but safe quarters.
You fly back and transfer to the Kenai Peninsula and the fishing port of Seward, amid mountains and sea.
A full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, watching glaciers calve and spotting whales, sea otters, sea lions and puffins.
You travel north to the frontier town of Talkeetna beneath Denali, with an optional flightseeing trip around the great mountain.
You return to Anchorage, with time to explore the city and a farewell dinner.
A free day to enjoy Anchorage, its museums, markets and trails, or take a final optional excursion.
After breakfast you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, having experienced the whole of Alaska.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 12 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board at the bear lodge 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 fly-in bear-viewing experience and a Kenai Fjords cruise
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
Why choose the thirteen-day grand tour?
It is the only way to experience all of Alaska, Denali, the interior, bear viewing and the Kenai Fjords, at a relaxed pace with time to enjoy each. Nothing of the state's remarkable wildlife and scenery is missed.
Is there a lot of travel involved?
Alaska is vast, so the journey combines scenic rail, road, flightseeing and a bush-plane fly-in, all part of the adventure. We pace it with two nights in most places and handle every connection for you.
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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