Journeys: Discover Alaska - 10 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female51%
- Male49%
Average age
Start / End
- Anchorage
- Anchorage
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
13Highlights
- Search for beluga whales out at sea on a National Park Ranger narrated Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
- Explore the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Alaska Range
- Hike in the Denali area with a naturalist guide
Interested in this tour ?
Our travel experts will help answer any questions you have and book your next adventure.
JessSenior Travel Expert
Summary
Embark on an unforgettable voyage in Alaska, venturing from the sparkling coast of the Kenai Peninsula to the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park. Encounter incredible wildlife by land and sea—grizzly bears and caribou, puffins and whales—and get close to calving glaciers and soaring peaks. On scenic excursions by private vehicle, catamaran, and foot, get immersed in the untouched splendour of America’s Last Frontier.
Map
Itinerary
Days 1-0: AnchorageArrival Day
Arrive at any time.
Days 2-1: Anchorage/Homer
Travel along the stunning coast of the Kenai Peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from mountains towards the ocean. As we drive along the Turnagain Arm, keep an eye out for beluga whales playing out at sea, or catch a glimpse of volcanoes across the Cook Inlet. Upon arrival in Homer, opt to stretch your legs on a short hike outside of town.
Days 3-2: Homer
Enjoy a free day in Homer. Stroll the quaint streets and check out the restaurants and art galleries along the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long finger of land protruding into Kachemak Bay. Discover stories of life on the bay at the natural history museum or satisfy your adventurous side exploring Kachemak Bay by water taxi, kayak, on a self-guided hike, or perhaps trying your hand at the local sport of halibut fishing.
Days 4-3: Homer/Seward
Leave Homer and travel the Kenai Penninsula to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the Ice Age still lingers. After lunch on your own, hit the trail to view the impressive Exit Glacier and to witness the size of this natural phenomenon in person. Black bears frequent the area and are a common sight as well. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore the coastal town of Seward nestled in the majestic fjord of Resurrection Bay. Known for its abundance of sea life, often sea otters and harbor seals are spotted directly from the shore.
Days 5-4: Seward
Today, visit the world-renowned Alaska Sea Life Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. We'll also set out by catamaran to cruise the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy narration by a knowledgeable park ranger while scanning the sea for puffins, sea lions, colonies of seabirds, and whales (including, if we’re lucky, orcas). See three types of glaciers and watch and listen for ice calving off the tidewater glacier. Spend the evening at your leisure; opt to go hiking or explore the town.
Days 6-5: Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
Keep your camera close during a scenic drive to Denali National Park, named for the highest mountain in North America—formerly known as Mount McKinley, at a dizzying 20,310 feet high. Beginning in the early 20th century, National Geographic has funded several exploratory expeditions and research initiatives in Denali National Park, from early aerial photographs and mapping expeditions, to research pertaining to the volcanic craters here and the behaviour of wolf packs. Upon arrival take time to settle into your rustic lodgings in the Denali wilderness before the group will meet with an instructor from the Denali Education Center. The instructor will share a presentation focusing on Indigenous history in Alaska. They will discuss the global and hyperlocal effects of the modern age on generations of Indigenous cultures while standing on the very land that five different native groups lived on and called home for thousands of years.
Days 7-6: Denali National Park and Preserve
Depart early and catch the shuttle into the heart of Denali National Park. As you make your way to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) take in breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and snap pictures of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Days 8-7: Denali National Park and Preserve
Learn about the extreme conditions that shape life in Denali and its subarctic ecosystem, hearing stories of the resilient First Nations people who have survived here for generations. Head out on a guided hike with a naturalist and take in the rugged beauty of the Denali wilderness. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore on your own. Opt to observe a dog-sledding talk and demonstration.
Days 9-8: Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage, following the Alaska Range southward along the picturesque Susitna River. Opt for a final dinner with your fellow travelers this evening, and reflect on your epic journey into the wild.
Days 10-9: Anchorage
Depart at any time.
Prices & Availability
Please select the number of adults and children to see start dates and prices
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 1Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.Vegetarian options available
Local Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Itinerary Notes
There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see <a href="https://www.gadventures.com/health-safety-journeys/">here</a> for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.
Important Notes
1. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIESIf you choose to participate in optional activities, you can make reservations with your CEO in country.2.TRAVEL DAYSIn order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different places along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.3. WALKS AND HIKES - OPTIONALAll walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape. 4. LEGAL DRINKING AGEPlease note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas or New Orleans is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind. While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Packing List
Clothing: • A sun shirt with hood • Camp shoes and sandals • Comfortable camp clothing • Comfortable sleepwear (that layers for temperature fluctuations) • Fleece jacket or warm layer • Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes ((gore tex or water resistant)) • Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended) • Long-sleeved shirts • Shorts • Short sleeve t-shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear • Synthetic hiking shirts (long and short sleeved.) • Synthetic Hiking Socks • Thermal base layer • Warm gloves • Warm hat Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Locks for bags • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle (for travel days) • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Checklist
Cold Weather: • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater • Scarf • Warm gloves • Warm hat • Warm layers Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) Essentials: • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket. For days in the outdoors, layering is key. We recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days to spend hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.NOTE: Mountains in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska could have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in Summer time. Spring time could be snowy (until end of June) and fall season could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have equipment and clothing for all conditions!