6 Day Best of Grand Alaska Highlights Tour
What your day looks like
Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure as you journey from the rugged coastline of Seward to the towering peaks of Denali. This small-group tour takes you through glaciers, fjords, wildlife sanctuaries, and remote wilderness lodges—combining unforgettable scenery with authentic local charm. With guaranteed departure, dedicated guides, and seamless logistics, all you have to do is show up and soak in the magic of the Last Frontier at a relaxed pace with an expert local tour guide throughout.
The experience, in brief
- Scenic ride along the Seward Highway—one of America’s most beautiful drives
- Wildlife encounters at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Included Glacier & wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
- Guided walk to Exit Glacier and panoramic views of Matanuska Glacier
- Learn about the Gold Rush history at Independence Mine
- Enjoy stunning alpine scenery in Hatcher Pass
- Fullday Denali National Park wildlife tour
- Scenic journey aboard the famous Alaska Railroad
- Optional glacier landing flight seeing tour (weather permitting)
Your day, step by step
Anchorage
Sightseeing. Anchorage to Seward – Coastal Charm & Mountain Vistas. Anchorage to Seward – Coastal Charm & Mountain Vistas Meet your group and expert guide at in Anchorage for a warm welcome to Alaska. This morning we head out along the spectacular Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds between mountains and ocean for some spectacular Alaskan scenery.
Girdwood
Trains. Stop in the alpine town of Girdwood and enjoy an included ride on Alyeska Tram.
Anchorage
Sightseeing at Turnagain Arm. Reaching an elevation of 2300 feet, the aerial tram gives visitors unforgettable panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountain range. Enjoy some time on Mt. Alyeska’s observation deck, 2,300 feet above sea level before descending.
Girdwood
Sightseeing at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This afternoon you are in for real treat- enjoy and included visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to rescued grizzlies, musk oxen, bison, and moose and enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Anchorage
Arrive in Seward by late afternoon. Check in to your waterfront hotel.
Anchorage
Leisure. Enjoy time to explore this charming harbor town at your own pace—walk along Resurrection Bay, visit local art galleries, or try a cozy café. Dinner: Enjoy a group meal this evening. Self paid.
Anchorage
Overnight: Hotel Harbor 360, Seward Included Meals: Lunch
Anchorage
Boating at Kenai Fjords National Park. Kenai Fjords National Park – Glacier & Wildlife Cruise. This morning embark on an included half day cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park, a dramatic world of icy fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Watch for whales, sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals while enjoying narrated insights from local naturalists. Experienced captains will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water.
Anchorage
Whale Watching.
Anchorage
Leisure. After returning to port, spend your afternoon exploring Seward. Optional visits include the Alaska SeaLife Center, a top-tier marine research facility and aquarium.
Anchorage
Overnight: Hotel Harbor 360, Seward Included Meals: Breakfast, Deli style lunch onboard the cruise. Dinner: Enjoy fresh-caught halibut or salmon at a local favorite. Self paid.
Anchorage
Hiking at Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier Hike & Scenic Drive to Glacier View. Start your day with a guided gentle walk to the foot of Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park. Choose a shorter interpretive walk or opt for the more rewarding trail to Marmot Meadows, with sweeping views of the glacier and surrounding alpine scenery.
Anchorage
Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Anchorage
Sightseeing at Chugach Mountains. This afternoon, head north on a scenic route through forested valleys and mountain passes. Arrive at Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge, a hidden gem perched above the Matanuska Valley, where you’ll enjoy quiet evening views of the Chugach Mountains.
Anchorage
Leisure. Optional: Take a short stroll on the lodge’s private trails, or relax in the hot tub under the Alaskan sky.
Anchorage
Overnight: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner: Sample the local cuisine at the Majestic Lodge. Self Paid.
Anchorage
Hiking at Hatcher Pass. Hatcher Pass & Gold Rush History – Onward to Denali Today’s route leads through Hatcher Pass, an alpine wonderland of winding roads, tundra meadows, and gold mining history. Visit Independence Mine Historical Park, where century-old buildings and mine shafts bring Alaska’s gold rush era to life. Your expert guide will share captivating stories from the gold rush era, bringing to life the experiences of miners, the challenges of the landscape, and the impact on the region. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting. Continue through the Mat-Su Valley and arrive in the Denali area by late afternoon. Check into your cozy Creekside cabins just outside the park entrance.
Anchorage
Leisure. Stretch your legs on a nature walk or enjoy a quiet evening on your porch relaxing and listening to the sounds of the surrounding creek.
Anchorage
Overnight: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Denali Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner: Guide recommendations provided for nearby restaurants. Self Paid.
Anchorage
Sightseeing at Denali State Park. Denali National Park – Wilderness & Wildlife Exploration Spend a full day immersed in the vast wilderness of Denali National Park. Board the park Denali wildlife bus and head deep into the national park, where braided rivers, alpine tundra, and snowy peaks stretch as far as the eye can see. Weather permitting, catch breathtaking views of Denali itself—the highest peak in North America. Wildlife sightings may include grizzly bears, dall sheep, moose, caribou, golden eagles and more!
Anchorage
Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Anchorage
Overnight: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Denali Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner: Enjoy local fare. Self Paid
Anchorage
Talkeetna, Scenic Railroad & Return to Anchorage After breakfast, depart Denali and head to Talkeetna, a quirky and colorful mountain town known for its art scene and as the launching point for Denali climbing expeditions.
Anchorage
Leisure. Enjoy a picnic style lunch and some free time to explore this cute Alaskan town’s shops, riverside trails, or take an optional glacier landing flight seeing tour (weather permitting) -a truly unforgettable way to see the Alaska Range.
Anchorage
Trains. This afternoon, board the Alaska Railroad for a 3 hour journey through forests and valleys en route back to Anchorage. On this relaxing and fun way to take in amazing sights around every bend, you can enjoy views of the Susitna River, mountains, and even a glacier along the way and rugged wilderness.
Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage between 8–9 PM, where your guide will be waiting to assist with luggage and hotel drop-off. Included Meals: Breakfast Dinner: Available for purchase onboard the train.
What to know before booking
Included
Alyeska Tram Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Seward Glacier & Wildlife Cruise Guided Hikes in the National Parks Independence Mine Historical Park Denali Bus Tour Alaska Railroad Expert local tour guide throughout
Not Included
Evening meals Guide Gratuities
What to Bring
Sunscreen Sunhat/Baseball Cap Rain jacket (just in case) Comfortable shoes Warm sweater for the evenings Casual street clothes for at night and dinners out
Restrictions
Rate is for a twin shared room w/ queen beds.
Meeting & Pickup
Aloft Anchorage 310 West 36th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska, 99503 +1 (907) 273-3000 Drop off is at the same location at approx: 9 pm on day 6. We advise you not to book any flights on the last day before midnight if you intend to fly out this day.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Dietary requirements
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 7 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic