Family Alaska

Arrive in Anchorage, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner.

This morning, set out to experience Alaska’s jaw-dropping landscapes on a family float trip down the Portage River. Savor Alaska’s prized fish during a lunchtime salmon bake. Later, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates injured or orphaned animals and returns them to the wild. During your visit, keep on the lookout for black and brown bear, moose, bison, wolf, a variety of birds and other species. Dinner this evening is at your leisure, perhaps to enjoy one of the fine local restaurants.

Cruise by private boat in the majestic glacier and marine wildlife country of Prince William Sound. Spy calving glaciers as well as species such as whale and sea lion at close range, even as a bald eagle wheels overhead. Go ashore for a guided beach walk during our cruise. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for dinner at your leisure, whether at your hotel or in neighboring Girdwood.

Approximately 90% of Alaska is not served by roads, so aviation plays a vital role in everyday life. Ride Like a Local as you fly to Redoubt Bay Lodge (weather permitting), the site of some incredible bear viewing. Embark by boat through “bear country,” watching for black and brown bear, and other wildlife along the way. Later, continue to your accommodations in a rustic-modern lodge that overlooks North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Enjoy this evening at your leisure.

Explore historic Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for Denali climbers. Visit the dog kennels of Iditarod racer Dallas Seavey and try your hand at dryland mushing. Visit the family-run Kahiltna Birchworks for tastings of birch-made candy and ice cream, for a uniquely sweet Family Foodie Experience. Set out on a guided walk of the town’s historic district, followed by time at leisure for lunch. Fly over the peaks and glaciers of Denali National Park. Then, land — and walk — on a glacier’s surface (weather permitting), surrounded by snowy peaks.

After a relaxing early morning, board a Deluxe Dome Rail Car to Denali National Park, viewing the most scenic section of this Alaska rail journey featuring the Alaska Range and Denali, while enjoying lunch on board. Arrive at the Denali station in the late afternoon to tour the Visitors Center and take a short hike near the park entrance. Then, enjoy dinner in Denali before returning to your lodge by motorcoach.

Continue exploring the magnificent Denali area with an all-ages kayak trip on placid Byers Lake. Next, join a knowledgeable naturalist guide on a hike that reveals Alaska’s abundant flora and fauna, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Then, continue to Anchorage, where you gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey with the new friends you’ve made.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.