Alaska：6-Day Summer Season Discovery Tour | Anchorage | Whittier | Glacier Cruise | Denali National Park | Gold Rush Town

Today you will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. This is the economic center and transportation hub of “The Last Frontier.” After arriving, check into your hotel to rest (check-in is available after 3pm at all local hotels).

   

Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning, and travel to the old naval port town of Whittier. On the way you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of lofty mountains, icy glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and the twisting ocean shoreline of Turnagain Arm. Just before arriving in Whittier, you'll pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest double-use highway and railroad tunnel in the U.S. at 4.05 km. Once in Whittier, visit the famous Begich Towers residential building (outside only) and take in the naval port town scenery (about 20 min. total). While in Whittier you have the opportunity to go on a Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (at additional expense, it is suggested that you book in advance). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 8:00-8:30pm.

Whittier:

One of the most interesting towns in Alaska, Whittier was a naval port during the Cold War. After the naval facilities were abandoned, they were converted into Begich Towers, the most unique residential building in America. Most of the 200-some residents of the town live in the building, and there is also a school, post office, and supermarket inside. Whittier is also the gateway to access many famous glaciers, and is surrounded by 3,500 ft. (1,067 m) tall mountains. It was first chosen as the site for a military base in World War 2, and today has evolved into a world-class cruise ship port, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Optional activity: 

Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (5 hours total, includes western-style box lunch, narration in English) Board the boat around noon, and start soaking up the magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Prince William Sound. The glaciers end in steep cliffs of ice, and when sunlight hits the ice, it seems to glow from within. When you hear a glacier let out a deep rumble, you may witness pieces of the glacier falling off into the water. You'll be able to observe up-close floating icebergs and where the glaciers meet the sea, and have the opportunity to see all types of marine animals (such as sea lions, sea otters, and seals) as well as birds. It is suggested that you bring a warm jacket, hat, etc. 

   

   

   

Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning , and travel to the scenic Hatcher Pass, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, the Hatcher Pass area is extremely rich in plant resources, and is a paradise for locals and self-driving enthusiasts, with alpine glacial lakes and beautiful wildflowers dotted between the mountains, without losing the grandeur of Alaska. Along the way, head to Independence Mine State Historical Park, the abandoned gold mine is no longer the grand event of the past, and now it welcomes tourists with its unique retro style. Then we'll visit a small local brewery, and in the American beer industry, Alaska is a place that can't be ignored, the local brewery brands have their own characteristics. Not only can we learn a little about Alaska's local beer making, but we can also sample fresh craft beers (tasting is at your own expense, only 21 years old can drink alcohol, please show ID at that time). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 17:00-17:30. 

Leave from the hotel at around 9:00 in the morning, and travel to the gold rush town of Talkeetna, at the foot of Denali. Once you've arrived, head to the Denali National Park Talkeetna Ranger Station to get your official park stamp (about 15 min.), then get a look at Denali from a viewing platform (about 15 min.). You'll also have time to freely explore the unique restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and antique-themed shops. If you want to get a close look at Denali, you can choose to do an optional Denali Flightseeing Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance) or Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance). Due to time constraints, it is only possible to choose one of these two activities. Estimated return to Anchorage is between 7:00-7:30pm.

Talkeetna:

This town was once an extremely lively center of gold rush activity, and today continues to showcase the spirit and style of pioneer Alaska. The main street is lined with small log cabins and antique storefronts. Talkeetna is not only the gateway to Denali and the setting-out point for mountaineers, it's also a nature lover's paradise.

   

Talkeetna:

This town was once an extremely lively center of gold rush activity, and today continues to showcase the spirit and style of pioneer Alaska. The main street is lined with small log cabins and antique storefronts. Talkeetna is not only the gateway to Denali and the setting-out point for mountaineers, it's also a nature lover's paradise.

   

Optional activities: 

 1) Denali Flightseeing Tour* (About 1 to 1.5 hours roundtrip, English narration)

Ride in a small flightseeing plane, and get a bird's-eye view of snow-covered Denali and the majestic Alaska Range. If weather conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to land on a glacier and personally experience being surrounded by the snowy mountains.

2) Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (About 2 hours roundtrip, English narration) 

Your boat captain will take you on a river-based tour, with views of the wilderness scenery on each bank. Here you are less than 100 km (about 60 miles) from Denali, the highest peak in North America. As you travel through the forests surrounding the Susitna River, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and gaze at the high peak reaching into the sky. When the weather is clear, you'll be blown away by the view. The tour includes a visit to an Alaska Native hunting camp.

   

Leave from the hotel around 7:30 in the morning, and head to the Anchorage Train Station to check in for your train for your journey to Denali on the Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train*(ticket included). You'll arrive at the Denali Train Station around 3:40pm. You'll be picked up from the train station and taken to your hotel, after which you can enjoy some free time.

Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train:

This is one of the most popular summer tourist activities in Alaska, especially the portion of the route between Anchorage and Denali, with its stunning scenery. The train is equipped with comfortable seats and a glass dome ceiling that allows for 180° views. On this moving observation platform, as you head toward Denali, you'll have plenty of opportunity to photograph the beautiful scenery you pass. You'll personally experience the scenic Alaska rail route first established during the gold rush era over a hundred years ago, and the thrill of seeing the highest peak in North America.

Notes:     

1) The summer glass dome train is a sightseeing train with limited ticket availability. The specific route and seating are subject to change.

2) Your guide will drop you off and pick you up at the train station, but will not accompany you on the train.

   

Today you can choose what you want to do. You can sleep in at the hotel, or at additional expense you can experience the nature of the Denali National Park area close-up through a choice of different outdoor activities.

Leaving from the hotel around 2:00 in the afternoon, drive to the Fairbanks airport, arriving there around 5:00pm. Today your tour ends, and it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Alaska.

Denali National Park:

Denali National Park was founded in 1917 and is one of the longest continuously protected nature reserves in the world. Inside the park can be found many different species of wildlife, as well as exceptional unblemished natural scenery, including the Alaska Range mountains and huge areas of tundra. The incredible natural beauty here attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The beautiful scenery, along with the fun of looking for wildlife, guarantees that visitors here, whether they come to take in the view, climb mountains, or hike, all go home full of happy memories.

Optional Activities:

1) Denali Highway Wilderness Explore* (about 5 hours round trip, Chinese narration).

Before departure, the guide will lead you to purchase the lunch or you can prepare in advance. We then head to the area south of Denali and take the Denali Highway, famous for its stunning scenery, for exploring the rich and diverse area outside of Denali Park. Surrounded by small, dense trees, swamps and patches of wild blueberries may occasionally encounter moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife that inhabit the area. The experienced guide will explain the flora and fauna along the way and take you to a lesser-known niche viewpoint, during which you will also have a short wilderness walk that is sure to surprise you even more. Today we will have an outdoor picnic with a relaxing lunch while admiring the view, which is the best way to experience Denali (remember to pack up the garbage and take it away when you end).

2) Denali Natural History Tour* (Must be booked in advance, about 4-5hours roundtrip, English narration)

Travel 30 miles (about 50 km) into Denali National Park. This will be a classic and relaxing journey where you will have the opportunity to observe the wildlife within the reserve, when the weather is nice you can also see Denali Peak in the distance.

3) Denali ATV Adventure* (Suggested to be booked in advanced, about 2.5 hours total, including about 1.5 hours of ATV riding, English guide)

Ride on an amphibious all-terrain vehicle, and speed over the surface of a lake or race across the wilderness. Travel down dirt roads, rocky riverbeds, and twisting forest paths. On the way you can observe unique Alaskan wildlife and breathtaking terrain.