Soul of Alaska (8 Days)

Alaska’s Rich Cultural Tapestry

Your Alaskan adventure begins with a visit to the fascinating Native Heritage Center, which gives you an opportunity to enrich your understanding of Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Departing from Anchorage, your path takes you north to the Matanuska Valley. En route, you’ll explore the Native village of Eklutna, where you’ll witness the unique blending of Native American and Russian Orthodox traditions at a historic chapel and burial site.

Continuing on north to Wasilla, you’ll enter into the Mat-Su Valley, the farming belt of Alaska.

Arctic Wonders

At the Musk Ox Farm, take advantage of a guided tour where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see one of the Arctic’s oldest living species—including powerful bulls and adorable calves!

Glacier Trek

After lunch, discover the true beauty of glaciers up close. Ice crampons are provided for your adventure. Follow your guide to explore Matanuska Glacier’s ice and rock formations (no prior experience necessary). Picnic benches are intermittently placed along the trek, allowing guests to choose their level of participation. There are also many excellent photo opportunities along the trek.

Available Upgrade

Helicopter Glacier Landing | $269/person 

• This scenic 45-minute helicopter ride lands at a glacial pool on the Matanuska Glacier, which is only accessible by air
• See wildlife and experience the glacier in a spot few have ever visited

Mountain Vistas

Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive in the quaint town of Talkeetna, known for its frequently photographed iconic landscapes: the towering peaks of Mt. Denali and the breathtaking Alaska mountain range.

Two Activity Options Available

1 – Denali Flightseeing (1 hr activity + travel time)

• Upgrade activity: $250/person
• Get within six miles of Denali’s summit, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet! 
• Includes window seats for each passenger
• An experienced pilot-guide will highlight points of interest along the way

Available Upgrade to Flightseeing

• Ruth Glacier Landing on the Side of Denali | $100/person

2 – Riverboat (2 hr activity + travel/prep time)

• Included activity
• Adventure down the river on an enclosed jet boat and see unique views of Mt. Denali 
• Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century

Into the Wild

Denali National Park boasts grandeur in every aspect: in its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and magnificent fauna. While wildlife watching, you may spot moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll board the Denali Park Shuttle at the Wilderness Access Center and take a five-hour round-trip tour deep into the park. Remember your camera and binoculars! The bus stops regularly for up close animal sightings and about once an hour for restroom breaks.

For more opportunities to explore the park. Soak in the scenery and experience Denali at your own pace. Take a 2.1 mile self-guided hike on one of our favorite trails in Denali National Park or elevate your adventure by taking on a 4-hour self-guided E-bike ride to Savage River. Pedal yourself into the park on the only road that exists in the entire National Park. Your bike comes equipped with racks, bear spray, and quality rain suits to adventure in any type of weather.

Recharge Your Battery

Today is a day of leisure. Spend a morning at the Denali National Park headquarters, where you can watch interesting films about the region and its wildlife, or immerse yourself in nature on one of the many hiking trails in the area (which range from easy to challenging). The Murie Science and Learning Center is a treasure trove of fascinating information about this boreal forest, and informative talks with knowledgeable rangers are also available. Just tell your guide where you would like to go!

Available Upgrades

1 – ATV 4-Wheeler Adventure (1.5 hrs)

• $150 single rider, $250 double rider, $350 triple rider
• Explore 10 miles of varied terrain: coal mining trails, rocky creek beds, hill climbing, and water and mud crossings 

2 – Midnight Sun Golf | $125/person

• With tee times from 7 a.m. to sunset, play a round—or several—at Black Diamond, a short but challenging course full of Alaskan hazards like tundra marsha and the occasional moose hoof print

3 – Denali Zipline (3 hrs) | $165/person 

• Your adventure begins with a three-mile trail ride through scenic Alaskan wilderness 
• After gearing up, certified guides will lead you along six sky-bridges and seven thrilling ziplines

4. Fat Truck Tour (2.5 hrs) | $249/person

• Travel up an old mining trail to the “upper lookout” where you will see vista views and learn about the geology and history of the area. Test out the amphibious qualities of the truck with your guide!

Iditarod Headquarters

Meet a seasoned musher and his team of dogs as you learn about the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. You can even take a ride around the quarter-acre track.

Knik Glacier Boat Tour

Next, you’ll head to Lake George, at the base of the Knik Glacier—one of Alaska’s incredible natural attractions. Knik Glacier formed around 600,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Glaciation Period and once covered the Anchorage area and the Cook Inlet completely. While the glacier’s movement is hard to see, it’s still an active and constantly changing natural wonder.

Next, you’ll travel to Anchorage where you’ll have the night to rest up. Early tomorrow morning, you will begin your choreographed two-day railroad Kenai Peninsula adventure.

Breathtaking Views

Embark on one of the world’s most incredible rail journeys! Join us for a ride on the renowned Alaska Railroad and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, a truly unique and scenic gem of Alaska. You’ll travel south from Anchorage along the magnificent Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the port city of Seward. Along your rail journey, you’ll go through mountain passes, over gorges, and within a mile of three majestic glaciers: Spencer, Bartlett, and Trail.

Explore the Coastline

Upon arrival in Seward, adventure on a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, considered “Alaska’s # 1 Wildlife and Glacier Cruise.” These custom cruising vessels have walk-around viewing decks and inside seating with large picture windows perfect for up-close, clear viewing of glaciers, wildlife, and the rugged coastline. You’ll journey into the heart of the Kenai Fjords National Park and have a chance to see the abundance of marine and land-based wildlife that call the park home: whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and more than eighty different species of birds.

Available Upgrade

1 – Upgrade to Gold Star Rail | $350/person

• Enhance your rail experience with upper-level glass-dome ceilings and outdoor viewing platforms
• Includes breakfast and drinks

Adventure Awaits

Your day begins with a trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center—one of the only non-profit organizations in the world that has both a public aquarium and a fully supported research facility in the same building! Afterwards, enjoy the downtown area with quaint shops, museums, and unique eateries or add an optional upgrade.

Available Upgrades

1 – Dog Sled Tour | $125/person

• Feel the power and energy of the amazing sled dogs as you mush through the Alaskan wilderness, getting a behind-the-scenes look at training for the most demanding race on earth: the IdIditarod! 
• This unique tour was chosen as one of Alaska’s Top Twenty Attractions

2 – Kayak Tonsina Point | $125/person

• Chart the waters of beautiful Resurrection Bay in a tandem kayak while you look for wildlife including otters, salmon, and eagles

3 – Helicopter & Glacier Dog Sled Ride | $595/person

• Touch down on the upper part of Godwin Glacier, just outside of Seward
• Experience the magic of winter year-round while mushing with the sled dogs

4 – Zipline Adventure | $165/person

• Take in incredible panoramic views of many glaciers across the valley as you soar across eight ziplines

5 – Half or Full-Day Salmon, Halibut, or Combo Fishing Charter | Pricing varies

• Experienced captains, great vessels, and the right equipment will make your fishing experience in the Gulf of Alaska an unforgettable one
• Half Day—Salmon (Jul–Aug) | $385
• Full Day—Halibut (June) | $550
• Full Day—Combo (Jul–Aug) | $575
• Charters subject to fuel surcharges

Return Transportation Options

• Depart Seward via rail at 6 p.m. (Gold Star Upgrade | Dinner INCLUDED, Adventure Class | Dinner NOT INCLUDED) with arrival in Anchorage at 10:30 p.m. at the downtown train depot. Taxi is required for transportation to the airport (not included).
• Depart via deluxe motorcoach at 6:30 p.m with a 9:30 p.m. arrival at the Anchorage Airport.