Grand Alaska Tour
2024 Itinerary
The Grand Alaska escorted land tour is an experience of a lifetime. See spectacular mountains and valleys, watch wildlife and sea-life in their natural habitats, and view enormous glaciers. This complete Alaska land tour vacation is a great option for small groups wishing to join an existing tour. Departure dates range from mid-May through early September allowing for spring, summer and fall options. This is the perfect tour for previous cruisers to Alaska! Standard tours begin in Anchorage on Friday, and conclude in Anchorage the following Friday. Tour can be modified to include an enhanced meal plan and align with a cruise sailing from Whittier or Seward.
DAY 1
Fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle and overnight in Anchorage (or purchase meet and great transfer service from the Anchorage Airport to your hotel in Anchorage).
Overnight: Anchorage
Meal: N/A
DAY 2
Breakfast will be included this morning. Enjoy an included local city tour of Anchorage featuring the historic downtown area, Lake Hood, Earthquake Park to learn about the 1964 Earthquake, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you will have the chance to learn about the history and culture of Alaska. Later, travel south along the scenic Seward Highway to the port town of Whittier. Upon arrival into Whittier, board your marine vessel for a scenic journey through Prince William Sound to the town of Valdez. Enjoy the pristine waters as you look out for marine animals, glaciers, and towering mountains.
Overnight Valdez.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Breakfast will be included this morning. You will then board your motorcoach for a journey north to the largest city in the interior, Fairbanks; known to Alaskans as the Golden Heart City. This route takes you along the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S., and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Overnight Fairbanks.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Breakfast will be included this morning. Today learn how the gold rush affected Alaska’s interior on a sightseeing tour with an included visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum of the north. Time is available for shopping, walking or dining on your own in the downtown area. Cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel. Travel back to the time when traditional riverboats plied the waterways of Alaska’s interior during the late 1800’s. Tonight, partake in an optional authentic salmon bake. Overnight Fairbanks.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 5
Breakfast will be included this morning. Ride the motorcoach south to Denali National Park. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring this pristine area at your leisure by either participating in complimentary park service activity or optional tours. There are many to choose from including mild or wild river rafting, flight seeing, a jet boat safari on the Nenana River or a visit to an Iditarod Champion’s award winning dog kennel. Overnight Denali.
Overnight: Denali National Park
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 6
Breakfast will be included this morning. Today travel into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the vast wilderness for bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. This five to six hour journey is narrated allowing for insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region including a snack on the bus.. Early May & September tours are shortened due to road conditions.
Overnight: Denali National Park
Meal: Breakfast, Snack
DAY 7
Breakfast will be included this morning. Later, you will be transferred to the Denali Rail Depot where you will board a deluxe dome railcar for a scenic transfer south to the climbing town of Talkeetna. Watch for a glimpse of Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) or black bear along the banks of the Susitna River. Upon arrival into Talkeetna, board your deluxe motorcoach for a scenic transfer south to Anchorage. Tonight, share stories of your Alaskan Adventure with your fellow travelers at an included closing night dinner
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Breakfast will be included this morning. Your Grand Alaska Tour comes to an end with a hotel courtesy transfer to the airport (or purchase meet/transfer service).
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast
Primary Hotel Listing
As our Guaranteed Departures are very popular, it is necessary to have multiple hotels at each location. Our “Or Similar” disclaimer protects you, the agent, from disappointed or confused guests should a hotel change occur last minute.
Primary Hotels by Destination are:
· Anchorage – Crown Plaza, or similar
· Valdez – Best Western Valdez, or similar
· Fairbanks – Rivers Edge Cottages or similar
· Denali – Grizzly Bear Resort or similar
Hotels are confirmed at 30 days prior to the start of the tour and documents for tour are forwarded electronically at that time.
GRAND ALASKA TOUR
