fbpx

Alaska Summer Family Holiday

Alaska Summer Family Holiday

From $ 6,210 AUD

Description

See the best of icy Alaska in the summer seasons on a seven-day family-focused adventure from Anchorage. As you travel through the America’s northernmost reaches, take in spectacular scenic viewpoints across Flattop Mountain and Cook Inlet, learn of rich First Nations cultures and stroll lifelike villages. Cruise the extraordinary Kenai Fjords National Park, hike to see the toe of Exit Glacier, and take in the scenery in Denali National Park. With an ideal balance between active inclusions and plenty of family time, this Alaskan exploration is a perfect fit for all types of families.

Trip Name
Alaska Summer Family Holiday
Last Updated
2023-04-15
Days
8
Capacity
11
Highlights
  • Walk through life-sized village displays and learn of the rich First Nations cultures and communities of Alaska with an included visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.
  • Spend the day cruising past icy calving glaciers, rugged clifftops and an array of wildlife – the kids will love looking for sea otters, puffins and maybe even whales in the Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Hike through the world famous Denali National Park on a family friendly trail.
  • Work as a family as you kayak along the shores of Moose Pass. A local guide will tell you and your family tales of local characters as you paddle on Trail Lake.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Anchorage
Welcome to Anchorage – Alaska’s largest centre and main city. Set on Cook Inlet, this acts as the starting point of your summer family adventure. There isn’t anything planned today until a group welcome meeting at 5 pm, so you are free to arrive at any time today. After this all-important briefing where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travelling families, keep the introductions going as you head out together for an optional dinner.
Day 2 - Anchorage to Seward
Today’s destination is the town of Seward – the gateway of the original Iditarod Trail to interior Alaska – with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Learn about the important work the centre does and see some of Alaska's iconic animals up close. On arrival in Seward, check into your hotel and have the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations on what to do and where you could eat, so be sure to ask them.
Day 3 - Seward
All aboard for a 6-hour scenic cruise from Seward scaling the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Kenai Peninsula is perfect to see on the water, and your comfortable boat will get you as close as possible to the glaciers and wildlife. The cruise captain will give a full narration today, providing insight into the area’s main sights as well as its ecology, history and geology. Highlights of the day include watching the mighty Holgat Glacier calve as chunks of ice crash into the water, as well as spotting sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, eagles, harbour seals and seabirds. Fingers crossed you might even spot a whale or two breaching in the water around you. After disembarking the ship back in Seward, you and the crew are free to relax in and around town tonight.
Day 4 - Seward
After a hearty breakfast, lace up your walking shoes for a leisurely walk like no other. Join your leader and head to Exit Glacier, where you’ll enjoy an easy 3-kilometre (2-mile) round-trip hike to the glacier lookout. It’s a spectacular sight to see, especially in the summer months with the sun glistening on the surface. Then you’ll travel to Moose Pass for a kayaking trip on Trail Lake with a local guide who will share tales about local characters like Alaska Nellie, Gold Miner Joe and Mad Sally, the region’s most cantankerous cat. Afterwards, transfer back to your accommodation for a free evening.
Day 5 - Talkeetna
It’s an early start for the drive to Talkeetna, stopping off at Girdwood along the way for lunch and a walk along the boardwalk where you might get to see moose tracks alongside the trail. You may like to ride the gondola up Mount Alyeska (own expense) before you hop back in the van for the journey to Talkeetna where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 6 - Talkeetna to Denali
Keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife as you head north along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park. On arrival at the park, head to the visitor centre to plan your next day’s activities and chat to the rangers about the area’s incredible wildlife, then your evening is free to relax. You might like to have dinner with the group and prepare for your days of exploration ahead.
Day 7 - Denali National Park
Get ready for a day of adventure as your expert leader takes you on a family friendly hike in Denali National Park. You might see the tallest mountain on the continent reaching high into the sky, hike along tundra trails that weave through wildflowers and maybe even spot some wildlife living among the landscape. Whichever trail your leader chooses, it’s sure to be a day to remember.
Day 8 - Anchorage
Leaving after breakfast, you’ll farewell the mountains and make your way to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center – an interactive range of exhibitions, educating travellers about the traditional owners and First Nations peoples of this territory and beyond. Walk through six life-sized village sites dotted around the grounds – representing Alaskan territories such as the Athabascan, Inupiaq and Yup’ik/Cup’ik communities – and perhaps head into the Hall of Cultures, which displays works from Alaska Native artists.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-07-202304-08-2023AUD $ 6,210-
05-08-202311-08-2023AUD $ 6,210-
06-07-202413-07-2024AUD $ 6,265-
13-07-202420-07-2024AUD $ 6,265-
20-07-202427-07-2024AUD $ 6,265-
27-07-202403-08-2024AUD $ 6,265-
03-08-202410-08-2024AUD $ 6,265-

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nights)

Transport

Private Van,boat

Map