Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure

Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, meet your Trip Leader early in the morning (meeting time and location to be confirmed upon reservation).

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. Board a small boat 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! A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled on the edge of a protected tidal lagoon, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront and breathtaking views of stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property before settling into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (L,D)

After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge and peruse our natural history library, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront or relax in a rocking chair taking in the spectacular view. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)

This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak, or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Midday, we'll embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward followed by a delicious dinner at the Seward Windsong Lodge. In the evening, take a casual stroll to the face of the massive Exit Glacier located just down the road from the lodge. Overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge. (B,L,D)

Begin the journey north to the historical town of Talkeetna, mountaineering gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and this quaint town'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. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, continue traveling north to the entrance area of Denali National Park. We'll make stops along the way to enjoy views of the Alaska Range from the southside, and on clear days, we may glimpse the awe-inspiring peaks of Denali. Today, we'll meet with Denali locals to learn about the park's rich geography, ecology and history, and we'll put our newfound knowledge to work in the field on a guided hike. Afterward, we'll retire to our delightful accommodations at Tonglen Lake Lodge, where cozy and private guest cabins await.

One of the best ways to spot Alaska's iconic wildlife is to spend devoted time to sightseeing in and around migratory paths and nature habitats. We'll explore Denali by bus today, scanning for caribou, moose, eagles, ptarmigan, Dall sheep and possibly grizzlies. This evening, share stories with your fellow travelers on your favorite sights from the day during appetizers, and after dinner, enjoy time around the bonfire or on a casual stroll around the property, enjoying the lake views.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the peaceful setting of Tonglen Lake Lodge. Later this morning, bid farewell to Denali and board the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m.