10 Days in Alaska
Rugged wilderness with wildlife, high mountain peaks, and beautiful water- this is what Alaska is all about. This itinerary travels to several destinations only a car ride away from each other, but each location offers something unique.
Day 1
Arrive in Anchorage. Pick up car rental from the airport and check into the Hotel Captain Cook. This is a historic hotel with fantastic views.
Day 2
Explore Anchorage. Head to the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or the Botanical Garden for a primer on everything Alaska. If on a weekend, make time for the Anchorage Market and Festival held in downtown Anchorage. For outdoor enthusiasts, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which is an 11-mile trail that begins downtown. The slightly more adventurous can drive to Chugach State Park 20 miles outside of town for a day hike.
Day 3
Travel to Denali. Take in the beautiful four-hour drive, arrive in the afternoon and check into the McKinley Chalet Resort, located two miles from the entrance to the Denali National Park. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4
Explore Denali National Park. Full day of touring. If time allows, visit the Park Kennels to see a sled dog demonstration.
Day 5
Explore the Denali area. Take an early morning aerial tour of Mt. McKinley and stop on a glacier to walk around. Other options include a return to Denali National Park or a whitewater 2-hour adventure. In the afternoon, travel back to Anchorage for the night.
Day 6
Travel to Seward in the morning. After lunch check into the Seward Windsong Lodge, set in a glacier valley and river near the town, or the Harbor 360 Hotel, which is in town and overlooks the docks. Then spend the afternoon in Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier and experience the dense blue ice while listening to it crackle. Several guided hikes are offered daily in addition to hiking on your own.
Day 7
Full day on the water. Begin with a tour of guided sea kayaking tour in the morning, a delicious salmon and steak lunch with a presentation by a Park Ranger, and the afternoon on the Resurrection Bay Boat Tour with views of jagged cliffs, seabirds, marine wildlife and alpine glaciers.
Day 8
Travel to Girdwood, a half morning drive, and check into The Hotel Alyeska, a resort tucked into the mountains. Take the aerial tram up the mountain for amazing water views in the afternoon.
Day 9
Sleep in a bit in the morning. Take a drive south to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and take a short boat tour of the Portage Glacier on Portage Lake. Another option is the outdoor activities at the Hotel Alyeska, several hiking and biking trails leave right from the property.
Day 10
Day of departure. Travel back to Anchorage via Seward Highway and take advantage of the many pull off stops to view the water, mountains and wildlife. Known for its natural beauty, Dall sheep, and Beluga whales, this might just be the most beautiful trip to the airport you will ever have.
