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Best of Alaska

10 days

Uncover the wilderness of America's most remote state on this 10-day escorted tour of Alaska from Anchorage. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the state's largest city and search for grizzly bears in Katmai National Park or Lake Clark. Hike through the diverse landscapes of Kachemak Bay State Park, take to the waters of Resurrection Bay aboard a kayak and search for whales on a nature cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Fly over Mount Denali on a scenic flight, enjoy a jet boat cruise in Denali National Park and ride a scenic train back to Anchorage.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Anchorage

Ends

Anchorage

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 6 / Max 14

Minimum age

6 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Sundays & Mondays

Hotel Rating

3-star hotels

Countries

USA

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 8, Dinner: 3
Per Person From
R 180,455.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 19,998.00
R 340,912.00

Tour Highlights

Anchorage - Start and end your journey in Alaska's largest city, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the highlights
Homer - Take one of Alaska's most scenic drives from Anchorage to Homer and make a stop at a wildlife refuge centre
Katmai National Park - Enjoy a 3-hour hike in this remote reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for majestic grizzly bears
Kachemak Bay State Park - Hike through the diverse landscapes of this dramatic reserve, accessible only by water
Resurrection Bay - Kayak along the coastline, keeping your eyes peeled for seals and swooping bald eagles
Kenai Fjords National Park - Join an 8.5-hour nature cruise and hope to spot giant humpback whales, sea lions, puffins and more
Denali National Park - Explore the national park on foot, by boat and by air with a scenic flight over North America's highest peak
Gold Star Dome Train - Ride this scenic train from Seward back to Anchorage

Included

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 3 dinners
9 nights 3 star hotels
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and airport departure transfer on day 10
Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide
Anchorage guided sightseeing tour
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center visit
Floatplane trip to Katmai (or Lake Clark) National Park
Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
Hike along Exit Glacier
Ocean cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay
Sunset train ride on Alaska Railway’s Gold Star Dome Train
Matanuska Glacier Hike
Jetboat adventure on the Susitna River
All national park entrance fees
Bus tour of Denali National Park’s interior
Flight tour of Denali summit and Ruth Amphitheater (weather permitting)
All relevant transfers and transportation in private vehicles
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions
Items of a personal nature
Optional activities
Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and hiking, and a decent fitness level is required. Please speak to us before booking your tour if you have concerns or questions about your level of fitness.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Alaska

On arrival in Anchorage, you will be transferred to our hotel. After time to freshen up, we embark on a scenic 15-mile trolley car tour of historic downtown Anchorage. This fully guided ride takes us to cultural and historical sites such as Lake Hood, scenic viewpoints, and Earthquake Park. Enjoy an included group dinner to celebrate the beginning of our Alaskan adventure.

Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.

Please also note: Our tour of Anchorage commences at 15:00 on day 1. Please ensure you arrive in Alaska in plenty of time to join the start of the tour!

Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Anchorage to Homer

Anchorage - Homer. This morning we leave Anchorage and take a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet, renowned for hosting one of the world's largest bore tides - keep an eye out for Beluga Whales! We'll stop at the Wildlife Conservation Centre, which serves as a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and ill animals. This route is among the most picturesque in Alaska, featuring numerous scenic viewpoints and points of interest. The total drive time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Overnight: Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Searching for grizzlies

Homer - Katmai National Park / Lake Clark National Park - Homer. This morning we fly from Homer to either Katmai National Park or Lake Clark, depending on the weather, for an opportunity to observe grizzly bears (flight included). Our journey includes a 4-5 mile hike over approximately 3 hours, traversing braided rivers and meadows to witness these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, before making the return journey to Homer.

Overnight: Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Kachemak Bay State Park hiking

Homer - Seward. After a 30-minute boat cruise to Kachemak Bay State Park, which is accessible only by water, we will embark on a hike guided by a local naturalist through three distinct ecosystems: the marine environment, coastal forest, and glacial moraine. Once we’re dropped off at Glacier Spit, we begin our hike through Alaska's lush forests. For the first 1.5 miles, the trail winds through a mix of cottonwood and Sitka spruce trees. Take a moment to marvel at the massive cottonwoods, some of the largest in the park. After 1.5 miles, the trail heads straight towards the lake across alluvial flats. Keep an eye out for small hawks and bald eagles perched in the treetops, hunting for prey. Revel in the stunning view of Grewingk Glacier, its lake dotted with icebergs, and the serene Alaskan wilderness before concluding our hike along the Saddle Trail. Return to Homer by water taxi, taking in the timeless beauty of the landscape one last time.

After lunch, we journey across the peninsula to Seward. Enjoy the scenic drive to this charming city, which takes about 4.5 hours. After checking into our hotel and having an early dinner, we end today by exploring Exit Glacier and Kenai Fjords National Park. There are multiple hikes and scenic walks to choose from, allowing you to savour the sunset in this iconic wilderness.

Overnight: Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Sea kayaking & optional dog sledding

We'll start the day by sea kayaking along the stunning coastline of Resurrection Bay. This adventure is an excellent introduction to sea kayaking, offering spectacular views of towering mountains, soaring bald eagles, curious harbour seals, and a captivating ghost forest.

After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure, or you can embark on an optional helicopter flight to a glacier followed by a dog sled ride. Board one of our helicopters and soar up to an ancient glacier, where you'll land at a dog camp. A team of eager sled dogs will be ready to whisk you across the pristine white snow. Dog sled tours on Godwin Glacier are among the most thrilling experiences you can have in Alaska! After your sled ride, enjoy cuddling the adorable puppies, taking photos of the breathtaking Alaskan scenery, and chatting with your musher about their best trail stories. The cost of this optional excursion is USD $615.00 per person.

Overnight: Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Kenai Fjords National Park nature cruise & train to Anchorage

Seward - Anchorage. This morning, we enjoy an 8.5-hour nature cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. During the trip, we'll have the opportunity to spot puffins, sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions, and cormorants. The cruise will take us to one of the park's least visited fjords for an up-close view of a tidewater glacier in Northwestern Fjord, where the glacier calves directly into the ocean.

For those who prefer calmer waters, you can opt for a 3-hour cruise in the bay, followed by a dog sled tour or a similar activity. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and a scenic train ride back to Anchorage on the Gold Star Dome Train.

Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Mount Denali scenic flight & Talkeetna

Anchorage - Talkeetna. Departing Anchorage, our first destination today is the Matanuska Glacier for a 2-3 hour ice excursion. Spend the morning exploring the vibrant blue and basal ice, while learning about the history and glaciology of the Matanuska Valley. This hands-on adventure promises an authentic Alaskan experience. As we traverse the recessional moraine to the glacier's terminus, our guide will lead you through a fascinating landscape of glacial features including moulins, crevasses, open water streams, and conduits.

After lunch, we continue north to the historic town of Talkeetna. Weather permitting, embark on a scenic flight to witness North America’s tallest peak. Fly within 6 miles (10 km) of Denali’s summit, then descend into the breathtaking Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Take in the views of the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers, the sharp ridges of Mount Huntington, the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter, and the renowned Moose’s Tooth. Marvel at the 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier, Little Switzerland's peaks, Kahiltna Base Camp, and the imposing east face of Mount Foraker. After the flight, relax and enjoy your evening in historic Talkeetna, with stunning views of Denali in the distance.

Overnight: Talkeetna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Jet boat cruise & Denali National Park

Talkeetna - Denali National Park - Denali Park village. This morning, we embark on a 20-mile cruise aboard a state-of-the-art jet boat, enjoying majestic views of Denali and the Alaska Range as we sail. Our 2-hour trip begins aboard the "Talkeetna Queen," a fifty-two-passenger jet boat, or one of her smaller sister boats, designed for 15 or 20 passengers. These advanced jet boats safely navigate previously inaccessible rivers, whisking you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. As we travel, our naturalist guide will share the history of the area, insights about the Susitna River, and information on Denali. Keep an eye out for nesting bald eagles along the way.

Later, we enjoy a leisurely quarter-mile nature walk to a Dena'ina Indian Encampment, the earliest native settlement in the area. Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin, complete with original furnishings, and learn about the lifestyle of turn-of-the-century trappers in "bush" Alaska. Our experienced guide will showcase local furs and demonstrate traditional trapping methods. Naturalists will introduce you to the region’s abundant wildflowers and plants, highlighting edible varieties used by Native Indians for food and medicine, some of which are still consumed today.

In the afternoon, our journey continues north. We make stops in Denali State Park and other scenic areas, before pausing for lunch. Explore the Denali National Park Visitors Center and the small town of Denali. Enjoy some of the shorter hikes and walks available in this beautiful destination. For those interested, the hiker shuttle into the park is an excellent option, with tickets available for pre-purchase. A group dinner is included at Denali Park, where we spend the night.

Overnight: Denali National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Denali National Park tundra experience

Today we head into the Alaskan tundra on a wilderness tour. Diving into Denali National Park, we can take in the breath-taking scenery of this pristine wilderness and hope to spot all manner of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, wolves and caribou. As we journey along the stunning road corridor, your likely experiences will depend on the season. Each day brings unique experiences, with Denali’s wildlife moving at its own pace and responding to the changing seasons. During the peak summer season, our tour extends beyond the Toklat rest area to Stony Hill Overlook, where we can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Alaska Range and potentially catch a glimpse of North America’s highest peak. A bottle of water and a snack pack are provided today, and we return to Denali Park village after our excursion.

Overnight: Denali National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Return to Anchorage

Denali Park village - Anchorage. We leave Denali in the morning and drive directly to Anchorage, stopping for a farewell lunch along the way. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled for 15:00 or later.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Springhill Suites Midtown
Anchorage

This straightforward all-suite hotel is located 2 miles from the Anchorage Museum and 4 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The modest suites feature free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, pull-out sofas, and desks, as well as minifridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Guests enjoy complimentary perks such as breakfast. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, a hot tub, an exercise room, a business centre, and laundry facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Best Western Bidarka Inn
Homer

Located 4.2 km from Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay, this welcoming low-rise hotel is 10.1 km from the Homer ferry terminal. The comfortable rooms feature free high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, desks, as well as mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness centre, a games room, and a fish packing and cleaning centre, along with a business centre, a meeting room, and on-site laundry facilities. The hotel also offers a bar and restaurant, and a lounge.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Harbor 360 Hotel
Seward

Located off Route 9, this relaxed waterfront hotel offers views of Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Mountains and is 3.2 km from the Alaska SeaLife Center. The straightforward rooms provide mountain views, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, and the hotel features an indoor pool, a hot tub, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Talkeetna

Situated 1.6 km from the town centre, this seasonal rustic-modern lodge offers stunning views of North America's highest peak, Denali, and Denali National Park. The traditional rooms come with satellite TV, Wi-Fi access (for a fee), and coffee makers. The main lodge features an outdoor viewing deck, a 14-metre river-rock fireplace, a fine-dining restaurant, and a casual bistro and lounge. Additional amenities include a business centre, fitness facilities, and a gift shop.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Denali Park Village
Denali National Park

Offering mountain views, this relaxed, seasonal lodge on the Nenana River is a 12-minute walk from Triple Lakes and 12.9 km from the Denali Visitor Centre within Denali National Park and Preserve. The straightforward rooms, decorated simply, feature flat-screen TVs. Amenities include a casual restaurant, a dinner theatre, a coffee shop, and a rustic-chic saloon with a patio. There is also a terrace with a fire pit.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 6 travellers. 'Twin / Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
29 Jun - 8 Jul
Sold Out
Sold Out
13 Jul - 22 Jul
R 180,455
R 191,735
27 Jul - 5 Aug
R 180,455
R 191,735

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