Epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see: everything is bigger in Alaska. Journey to the far north—where the sun never quite sets in the summer—and make the most of long days on hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions in the Alaskan wilderness. Explore Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where kids will set out on educational adventures to claim their junior ranger badges.
Travel Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Family Journeys Moment: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Visit, Girdwood
Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali
Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve. Arrival transfer. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Visit. Hike to Exit Glacier. Alaska SeaLife Center admission. Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit. Denali National Park transit bus to East Fork Bridge (Mile 43). All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies moose caribou Dall sheep and wolves, Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters colorful puffins and leggy octopi, Watch sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about mushing traditions, Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.
How large will the group be?
20
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts)
Itinerary
Anchorage
Welcome to Anchorage–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Anchorage/Seward
Travel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Hike to view Exit Glacier on the Glacier Overlook trial. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking.
Seward
Visit the famed Alaska Sealife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover’s paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board.
Seward/Talkeetna
On our journey back north, experience a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where the National Geographic TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue has been filmed. The show follows dedicated animal caretakers from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—as well as other animal centres throughout the state—and showcases their efforts to protect and respond to wild animals in need in the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Wander the scenic loop, learn about the resident wildlife, and try spotting brown bears, moose, wood bison, or wolves in the sanctuary's 200 acres. From here, the group will travel to the Thunder Bird Falls Trail and enjoy a short hike out to the waterfall before finishing the journey to Talkeetna where everyone will have a free evening in town.
Talkeetna/Denali National Park and Preserve
As we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or “the great one”—North America’s highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. Since the beginning of the early 20th century, many explorers have undertaken expeditions within the wilds of Alaska funded by National Geographic. These research initiatives included early aerial photographs and geographical mapping of what was once America’s “Last Frontier.” Once in the park we’ll travel to a dog sledding facility. Here, snuggle a husky puppy, watch sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season, and learn about mushing traditions
Denali National Park and Preserve
This morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park’s incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, make it your mission to spot Denali’s “big five:” grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing.
Denali National Park and Preserve
This morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America’s northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center where the kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. After having lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area.
Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
This morning stop for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which made National Geographic Travel’s “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list as THE cultural site to see during your time here. Enjoy a private tour and a unique presentation about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Afterwards, finish the short journey to Anchorage and join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.
Anchorage
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
