Alaska Grand Journeys (trip)

Alaska Grand Journeys

  • Anchorage
  • Active & Adventure
Alaska, United States

from $5,895* per person11 DaysJune-September
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 2
Operator: AdventureSmith Explorations 12 people max
These exciting overland adventures combine two of Alaska's most popular destinations, the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park. There are two different versions of this journey varying by length. The trip is designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of 9 or 11 days away from home. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys. Venture into the wilderness by raft, explore the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters, hike up to see views of North America's highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.

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Locations visited/nearby

Alaska, United States

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1 testimonial about the provider, AdventureSmith Explorations:

  • Reviewer: R. and D. Ivanova

    Galapagos Motor Yacht Eric/Letty/Flamingo Cruise

    Thank you for the most incredible experience! We just came back from our trip to the Galapagos. We were on the Eric - a terrific yacht and an even greater team. The islands are beyond belief, but I wanted to tell you how perfect the entire trip was.  Everything went incredibly smoothly from our arrival (late) in Quito where our guide was waiting for us despite the late hour, to all transfers, luggage and ticket arrangements - everything. Our guides were fabulous, as was the entire crew, including the Captain.  AdventureSmith Explorations did a terrific job!

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Anchorage to Kenai Fjords
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers this morning in the hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pederson Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: lunch and dinner
Days 2-3 – Kenai Fjords National Park
Enjoy two full days of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 – Kenai Fjords National Park
This morning allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe or beachcomb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Enjoy a fine dinner with your group and spend the evening relaxing at our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing. After dinner, enjoy the wood-fired sauna, relax on our riverside deck, or try fishing in our eddy on the Kenai River.

Accommodations: Kenai Riverside Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 – Raft in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Travel to our launch site on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing and gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 – Kenai Wildlife Refuge Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 – Talkeetna / Mt. McKinley
Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight in Talkeetna.

Accommodations: Talkeetna Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 – Denali Wildlife Safari and Kantishna
After breakfast, continue venturing north to Denali National Park, stopping for lunch at the park entrance. After lunch, board the Kantishna Roadhouse private bus and embark on a 6-hour wildlife drive through Denali National Park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 9 & 10 – Kantishna Exploration
Enjoy two full days of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations, and mountain biking. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 – Denali Wildlife Drive / Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the first class cars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar cars) for your comfortable journey back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast

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