Compare Alaska Explorer by Audley Travel vs Ultimate Active Alaska by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 19 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 8,182 | $ 4,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 431 | $ 321 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners |
| Description |
The USA’s largest state, Alaska is also its wildest corner. As you explore its vast national parks, you’re more likely to see grizzly bears than other visitors. Mountains rise like giant meringues over dense evergreen forests laced with hiking trails. And, along the island-strewn coastline, you can watch as humpback whales twist and twirl their huge bodies out of the water, blowing plumes of spray before disappearing again beneath the waves. Planning a trip to somewhere so untouched can seem daunting, but our specialists, having visited the region, can help tailor an Alaska holiday to your interests. Alongside the state’s natural world are towns and cities with a rich gold-mining past. Skagway could have been plucked from a history book with its brightly painted wooden buildings. From here, you can hop on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, following in the footsteps of gold prospectors caught in the fever of the Klondike Gold Rush. |
This two-week journey through Alaska is just the ticket to get you into the land of epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching towards the horizon. Journey to the far north and make the most of the longer days by hiking and camping in the Alaskan wilderness. Explore Valdez, hike to a glacier, kayak past icebergs on Glacier Lake, wander through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and get a true sense of the great outdoors. |
Day 1 : Anchorage
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Anchorage. On arrival in Anchorage make your way to your downtown accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
Day 2 : Anchorage
Enjoy a day at leisure in Anchorage, relaxing after your flight. You may wish to visit the museums and shops and admire the nearby Chugach Mountains.
Day 3 : Denali Park Entrance
Collect your hire car from the airport depot and drive to Denali National Park. The remainder of the day is free to go white water rafting or explore the vicinity of the park.
Day 4 : Denali Park Entrance
Enjoy a full day trip, by bus, into Denali National Park. This long journey is where most visitors to the park see the vast majority of wildlife. After lunch, return back to the Park Entrance in the afternoon.
Day 5 : Denali Park Entrance
Today you have a full day to explore Denali Park Entrance region. You may wish to take part in some of the many available activities or, alternatively, explore the magnificent scenery of the region.
Day 6 : Fairbanks
Drive north to Fairbanks where you will spend the night. This afternoon you may wish to take a paddle wheeler cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers.
Day 7 : Fairbanks
Travel by mini coach and light aircraft on a spectacular journey beyond the Arctic Circle. You will see vast stretches of lake-strewn tundra, the Alaska oil pipeline and there will be time to walk on the spongy tundra and learn all about this northern wilderness.
Day 8 : Kennicott & McCarthy
Set off early and drive to Chitina where you board a light aircraft and fly into the mining ghost town of Kennicot on the edge of Wrangell St Elias National Park.
Day 9 : Kennicott & McCarthy
Spend the day exploring Kennicot, McCarthy and Wrangell St Elias National Park. There are some magnificent walks amongst the mountains here and wildlife is prolific.
Day 10 : Kennicott & McCarthy
Enjoy another full day exploring this spectacular national park. Don't miss a visit to the nearby Kennicott copper mine which splendidly evokes the history and industry of the area.
Day 11 : Valdez
After a spectacular early flight back to Chitina re-join your car and drive south to Valdez. The afternoon is free to explore upon arrival.
Day 12 : Seward
Today, board the ferry that will take you across the remarkable Prince William Sound to Whittier. Upon arrival, drive south to Seward.
Day 13 : Seward
Embark on a full day cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you will be able to appreciate the stunning beauty of the coastal scenery, including icebergs and glaciers, whilst looking out for the abundant wildlife. A delicious salmon and prime rib lunch on Fox Island is included.
Day 14 : Seward
Spend a day exploring the little town of Seward and neighbouring Kenai Fjords National Park. Many activities are available such as walking and canoeing.
Day 15 : Homer
Today, drive to Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Homer is well known for halibut fishing so you may wish to try your hand at hooking one of these large fish.
Day 16 : Homer
Take a thrilling light aircraft flight to Katmai National Park, where you land on a deserted beach. From here you will walk in a small group, with your experienced guide, looking for grizzly bears that are seen in significant numbers in the green meadows here. After the bear viewing enjoy the views from the aircraft on your flight back to Homer.
Day 17 : Cooper Landing
Drive to Cooper Landing, a convenient stopping place on the road back to Anchorage.
Day 18 : International return flight
Depart after breakfast to Anchorage Airport where you drop off your hire car before boarding your onward flight.
Day 19 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 Anchorage/Seward
After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to Seward this morning for a trip to Churgach State Park. Start out with a rewarding hike on the Crow Pass Trail to Crystal Lake. Keep a look out for wildlife along this 6.2 mile hike teeming with wildflowers. Climb over 2000 ft elevation to the clear waters of Crystal Lake, nestled in the alpine meadows. Afterwards, the group will transfer to the accommodations in Seward along Resurrection Bay. In the evening, enjoy dinner together around the campfire.
Day 2 Seward
After a camp breakfast, spend the day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. This spectacular 7.4 mile trail begins on the valley floor and then winds through cottonwood and alder forests, heather filled meadows, and climbs above the tree line for a breathtaking view of the Icefield. It will take 6-8 hours to complete and offers plenty of impressive views along the way to keep you going.
Day 3 Seward
Today is all about Seward. After breakfast, how the day will go is up to you. The morning will consist of a challenging hike up Mount Marathon or free time in town to do as you please if you aren’t in the mood for this hike. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to find a lunch spot in Seward and then opt to walk around the waterfront of downtown, visit the Alaska Sealife Center, watch for otters playing in the water, or rent a kayak and explore Resurrection Bay.
Day 4 Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
Travel to Denali National Park with the group in the morning. Along the way make a stop to hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail through lush old-growth forest. Search for wildlife in one of the area's most beautiful settings. In the late afternoon continue on to Denali National Park where you’ll be camping with shared bathroom facilities.
Day 5 Denali National Park and Preserve
Breakfast this morning will be boxed so you can eat it on the go. The group will be taking the shuttle bus into the park to experience more of the scenery and wildlife that Denali has to offer. After a picnic lunch, the group will hike the Horseshoe Lake trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by.
Day 6 Denali National Park and Preserve
Wake up at camp this morning and eat a quick breakfast before heading out to explore the park and the surrounding areas today. You'll have free time to enjoy optional front country hikes in the park: Mount Healy Overlook Trail which offers dramatic views over the Nenana Valley and surrounding mountains and ridges and gains 1700 feet of elevation in only 2.5 miles and/or The Horseshoe Lake Trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by. You can also choose other optional activities near Denali like rafting, or scenic flights with or without glacier landing before returning to the campsite in the evening.
Day 7 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Settle in for your drive back to Anchorage. Enjoy free time in Anchorage this afternoon and evening before heading out on the next leg of the adventure tomorrow morning.
Day 8 Anchorage/Valdez
This morning the group will leave Anchorage and travel to the Matanuska Recreation Site where you will be able to view the glacier along the interpretive nature trail. After a picnic lunch the group will continue travelling onward to Valdez where you will have the opportunity to walk and visit the Worthington Glacier. Set up camp in the evening and have dinner as a group around the fire.
Day 9 Valdez
What’s in store today will certainly be an adventure. After a quick breakfast, you'll have free time to walk, journal, or hang out with friends. After lunch head to Glacier Lake in Valdez where you’ll go on a hike and guided kayak tour of the lake. If you have yet to set your eyes on an iceberg, this might just be your chance. This gorgeous lake in Valdez is often home to large chunks of floating ice coming from the Valdez Glacier. With great views and miles of open water to paddle there’s no better way to get in touch with nature.
Day 10 Valdez/McCarthy
You’ll spend time today in a private vehicle en route to McCarthy, but don’t worry there will be plenty of epic road trip worthy stops along the way. First up is a stop at Thompson's Pass viewpoint to start the day with stunning vistas. As you continue driving highway 10 there will be plenty of quick stops at worthy viewpoints all along the Copper River. Then enjoy a visit to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site where you can stretch your legs and visit the falls, which plunge 20 ft into the Liberty Creek. Continue along the scenic highway to McCarthy. Stop and see the fish wheels at Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge, along Gilahina River, and at Gilahina Trestle Wayside. Arrive in McCarthy, visit the town, maybe catch some live music after dinner.
Day 11 McCarthy
Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and spend the day hiking along the Bonanza Mine trail. A hike that includes stunning scenery, a trek to the top of a mountain and 1930’s mining ruins all in a frontier Alaskan setting. Coming in at 9 miles total, the hike is strenuous, but with the views you’ll be admiring, you might not notice at all. In the evening relax back at camp and have dinner as a group.
Day 12 McCarthy
Hiking is unique in its ability to nourish the body and the mind, but it’s nice to have a free day every now and then to let your body recover and your mind wander. Spend today in McCarthy choosing from a variety of optional activities to keep you busy. Head out on a guided ice walk tour, visit the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, hop on a scenic flight of the national park, or set out on a rafting trip. Unwind at camp in the evening and talk about your adventures.
Day 13 McCarthy/Glennallen
Leave McCarthy behind and travel along a scenic highway to Glennallen. There will be stops along the way to embark on short hikes that lead to lakes, streams, or fishing holes. Visit the Copper Visitor Center and go for short walks in the area while there and make sure not to miss the amazing viewing platform that can be reached from the Visitor Center. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening staying at-and exploring-Alaska's oldest continually operating roadhouse.
Day 14 Glennallen/Anchorage
In the morning transfer with the group from Glennallen to Anchorage, tour ends on arrival.
