Eight Days, One Action-Packed Adventure
Departures
Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
Starting Price
$4,549 | Based on Double Occupancy
Glaciers, Wildlife, and Scenic Landscapes
Savor a leisurely eight-day journey through Alaska’s rugged beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of land and marine wildlife and Native Alaskan culture. Experience glacier trekking, riverboat adventures, photo opportunities amidst stunning icebergs, a scenic rail ride, whale watching, and the charm of multiple distinctive Alaskan towns. This post-season economical tour offers it all!
A Land of Dramatic Contrasts
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Itinerary
This meticulously crafted itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, natural marvels, and exciting experiences that showcase the Soul of Alaska. Take in the scenic beauty and diverse wildlife of two national parks. Trek a glacier, enjoy a ride on a famous rail line, and learn about Native Alaskan culture. Join us to revel in the wonder and majesty of the north.
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Day 01
Anchorage, Eklutna, & Wasilla
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.
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Day 02
Palmer
Upgrade available on this day.
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 | $249/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
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Day 03
Talkeetna
Upgrade available on this day.
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
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Day 04
Denali National Park
Upgrade available on this day.
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.
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Day 05
Denali & Wasilla
Upgrade available on this day.
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!
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Day 06
Palmer
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.
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Day 07
Kenai Peninsula & Seward
Upgrade available on this day.
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
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Day 08
Seward & Alaska SeaLife Center
Upgrade available on this day.
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.
Get All the Details
Download the full itinerary here.
Rates & Inclusions
Soul of Alaska Package
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with our Soul of Alaska Package, which includes all listed activities, transportation, quality hotels, some meals, a river jet boat ride in Talkeetna, and an Adventure Class railroad trip to Seward.
2025 RATES :
- $4549 Per Person (Double Occupancy)
- $4299 Per Person (Triple/Quad Occupancy)
- $5499 Per Person (Single Occupancy)
- $330 Per Person Tax
What’s Included in Your tour
- Accommodations for Seven Nights
- Partial Meal Plan
- Executive 14-Seat Mini-Coach
- Private Alaskan Guide
- Musk Ox Farm
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Mt. Denali Flightseeing (Upgrade Activity)
- Talkeetna River Jet Boat Ride
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Knik Glacier Boat Tour
- Denali Park Wildlife Tour
- Matanuska Glacier Ice Trek
- Native Heritage Cultural Center
- First-Class Gold Star Rail (Upgrade Available)
- Adventure Class Rail
Available Activity Upgrades
Want to make your Alaskan adventure even more magical? We have activity upgrades on select days, allowing you to enjoy the Alaskan tour of your dreams. Check out the tour itinerary for available upgrades.
Tour Add-Ons
Looking to make this trip of a lifetime even more memorable? We have some experiences to recommend! Our add-on experiences begin at the end of your official tour. We’re happy to provide suggestions of activities and accommodations as well as assist with the planning and coordination of your touring.
Bear Viewing
Anchorage Add-On
Lake Clark Bear Viewing (6–8 hrs)
$1,150/person + park fee
After a scenic ride on a float plane that passes three active volcanoes, numerous salmon streams, and towering glaciers, you’ll arrive at this ideal oceanfront bear viewing habitat to watch brown bears interacting with each other in the wild. Observe them as they frolic in the grass with their cubs, dig for clams, and take afternoon naps.
Anchorage Add-On
Katmai Bear Viewing (8–10 hrs)
$1,350/person + park fee
The federally protected Katmai National Park and Preserve is world famous for having the largest population of Alaska brown bears. Accessible only by air, this is Alaska wilderness in its rawest form. At Brooks Falls, where numerous bears congregate to catch salmon, three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed, extraordinary bear viewing.
Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodations
Anchorage Add-On
Pre-Tour Hotel Stay
$395 / night
Anchorage Add-On
Post-Tour Hotel Stay
$395 / night
FAQ
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When and how do I make my reservations?
You should make your reservations as soon as you know your desired dates of travel. Prime dates sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended!
If you’re in the United States, please call 800.580.3494 to speak with one of our Tour Coordinators. Outside the United States? Please call 866.343.5618.
We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska time, which is four hours earlier than East Coast time. -
How is this tour different from the Best of Alaska (8 Days)?
Late May, early June, and late August are beautiful times to visit Alaska. However, these times are considered shoulder season, which means some things are a little different. In late May and early June, water levels are lower, so we cannot offer rafting. Additionally, the snow isn’t fully melted in Hatcher Pass at this time of the year, so we cannot offer Gold Panning either. But the baby animals of early June more than make up for the activities we can’t offer at that time! Come late August, the landscape changes again in Alaska when our short fall season begins. Photographers from across the world come to photograph our freshly snow-dusted mountains and the August fall colors that highlight the red tundra and golden birch trees. This tour truly gives you the perfect balance of exciting excursions and Alaska scenery at a relaxed pace.
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When and how should I arrive in Alaska, and is there transportation from the airport to other locations?
As you will be buying your flights independently, you’ll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to ensure you don’t miss parts of the tour or your flight home.
You will be arriving and departing from Anchorage International Airport. Transportation between the airport and/or cruise piers (if you are leaving Alaska by ship) are not included in the price of your tour package. You may add private transportation to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability).
Your flight must arrive prior to 11 a.m. on Day 1 of your tour. If you cannot arrive by this time, your Tour Coordinator can book a pre-tour hotel in Anchorage for you. Similarly, if you need a post-tour hotel, we can arrange that upon request. Your tour typically arrives back into Anchorage at 10:30 p.m. via rail on Day 8 of your tour itinerary. There are earlier transportation options available; please ask your Tour Coordinator about them at the time of booking.
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How long is our travel day?
Because Alaska sits near the top of the globe, the sun can shine for as many as 20 hours a day during peak season! Your travel day will usually begin at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. However, you will generally only be in the tour vehicle for no longer than 1.5 hours while driving to each destination. Stops are provided for restrooms, meals, photo opportunities, and for the daily excursions. Evening hours with sunlight are free for photos and leisure time.
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What additional costs may not be included in my tour package?
Gratuities: In addition to standard tipping practices (ex: waiters and waitresses, housekeeping staff, taxi/shuttle drivers, and baggage handlers), in Alaska it’s common to tip those who provide personalized services.
Drivers/guides who offer a particularly informative trip generally receive a tip from passengers at the end of the tour. The industry standard is $20 per person, per day. Fishing and rafting guides are commonly tipped by their clients. Gratuities may also be given to pilots following a particularly good flightseeing or bear-viewing trip. Tips are appreciated, but never expected; please use your discretion.Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not included on tour. Open containers are not allowed in our vehicles at any time.
Upgrades and Add-Ons: Any additional activities, tours, or hotel nights are not included in the tour package price.
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Are your tours accessible for all ability levels?
Our vehicles are not wheelchair or handicap accessible. Our “soft adventures” require easy to moderate levels of activity. If you have any questions about specific activities and abilities, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to determine the right tour for you.
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Do you accept reservations for just one passenger?
Yes, we do. The only cost difference is that the full cost of accommodations is reflected in the price rather than split between a couple. We offer numerous guaranteed departure dates.
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Can I customize my tour?
Yes! We have set itineraries but can customize add-ons and activities around a tour framework. We can assist in booking anything in the state of Alaska in conjunction with a tour, from a remote lodge experience to an Inside Passage cruise. Call one of our Tour Coordinators for details!