Alaskan Adventure

Day 1: Anchorage

Welcome to North America! You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no scheduled activities. You can check in after 3pm but if you arrive early you can store your luggage. You won't be meeting your leader or your group until the morning of Day 2. Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment situated in the heart of the wilderness. Established in 1914 as the construction headquarters for the Alaskan Railroad, it's the state's largest and most sophisticated city and home to more than half of its occupants. As there's no time spent in Anchorage on this trip we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be able to assist. 

Days 2-4: Denali National Park

There will be an important welcome meeting at 8am on Day 2. Meet in the hotel reception/lobby. We'll be collecting your insurance details, kitty and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Drive north to Denali National Park (420 km, approx 5 hrs). Explore a natural wonderland on a breathtaking bus ride through Denali National Park. Grizzly bears, elk, caribou, wolves and many species of bird live here. Choose to take one of the shorter trails near the park entrance or stay on the bus for a longer ride. During our stay there are options to hike, raft, or take a scenic flight over the park and Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. 

Day 5: Delta Junction

Pass through Fairbanks, the second largest city in Alaska and the northernmost part of our journey, on our way to Delta Junction (385 km, approx 4.5 hrs). Delta Junction is the last milepost of the Alaskan Highway. Accommodation Camping (with facilities) (1 nt) Day 6 Kluane National Park Leave Alaska and enter Canada's Yukon Territory. Drive south along the Alaska Highway to Burwash Landing, situated between Kluane National Park, and Yukon's largest lake, Lake Kluane (588 km, approx 6 hrs). 

Day 6: Kluane National Park

Temporarily farewell Alaska and enter Canada's Yukon Territory. Camp at Burwash Landing on Lake Kluane's shores.

Days 7-8: Skagway

Continue on to Haines (400 km). Experience a close encounter with America's national emblem at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve at Haines. The preserve has one of the largest congregations of bald eagles in the world. Take the ferry to Skagway, Alaska. This rustic town was one the most important ports during the Gold Rush. 

Day 9: Whitehorse

Travel north to Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory and its largest town. There are a number of sights to enjoy in Whitehorse. Visit the White Pass Train Station, the former home of the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, one of the most scenic railways in the world. This building now stands as a reminder of Whitehorse's great history as a vital stepping off point to the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago. Camp at Takhini Hot Springs where you can soak, swim and relax in the natural mineral water. 

Days 10-11: Dawson City

Travel to Dawson City. Dawson City was once the El Dorado of gold diggers. Enjoy a night out on the town and perhaps roll the die at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall. 

Day 12: Tok

Embark along the 'Top of the World Highway', which provides a great opportunity to drink in the vastness of this landscape. Beautiful scenery and unique northern outposts are some of the attractions we encounter on our way back into Alaska. Spend the night camping near the small town of Tok, a centre of dog-sledding. 

Days 13-14: Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Take another scenic drive with spectacular views of the Alaska Range on our way to Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest national park in the country. It includes the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers, and greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 ft, including 18,008 ft Mount St Elias, the second highest peak in the United States. This stunning setting provides for thrilling optional activities including hiking, scenic flights, glacier walks, or ice climbing. We spend these nights camping in nearby McCarthy, which serves as the base for our exploration into the park. 

Days 15-16: Valdez

Continue our journey over Thompson Pass and around the Worthington Glacier towards the coastal town of Valdez (300 km, approx 4 hrs). Known as the 'Switzerland of Alaska' for its snow-capped mountains, Valdez is also the point where the Alaskan Pipeline, which bisects the state and runs for 1300km, comes to an end. There's an option to kayak on Prince William Sound and view the picturesque Columbia Glacier. Other summer activities include fishing, hiking and biking. 

Day 17: Anchorage

Travel through the Cooper Valley and catch a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier on our way back to Anchorage (approx 5.5 hrs). Choose to relax at the campsite or discover the city by night. 

Days 18-19: Seward

View the blue ice of Portage Glacier on the way to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, deep fjords, bears, whales, puffins, and seals. Optional activities in this spectacular landscape include a boat cruise around the glaciers of the park (several tours of varying lengths are available), a short walk up to Exit Glacier, or hiking to the Harding Icefield. 

Day 20: Homer

Travel around the enchanting Kenai Peninsula on the way to Homer (275 km, 4.5 hrs). There will be time to explore some of this Arctic wonderland with its numerous lakes, glaciers and fascinating coastline. The area is also famous for its many anglers, who follow the salmon on their annual migration up the peninsula's many wide rivers. 

Days 21-22: Anchorage

Drive along the Turnagain Arm and the National Forest Scenic Byway on our way back to Anchorage (380 km, approx 5.5 hrs). Keep your eyes peeled today for a glimpse of beluga whales. Spend the night camping near Anchorage. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.