Alaska’s Lodges, Glaciers & Denali

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 2 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Rail Depart Anchorage by coach for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. The 26 Glacier Cruise travels over 140 miles into Prince William Sound. Watch for playful sea otters, harbour seals, kittiwakes, bears, whales or mountain goats. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine (hanging), Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)

Day 3 Anchorage to Tutka Bay Lodge | Flight + Water Taxi Board your scenic flight over the Kenai Peninsula to the coastal waters of Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival in Homer we have included a transfer from the Homer Airport to the water taxi terminal for a scenic 20-minute ride across the bay to the lodge. Look for humpback whale, orca whales, and baby sea otters as you cross. Arrive to the dock where you are greeted by the property manager. Enjoy a brief introduction to the lodge and surrounding area and settle into your cabin overlooking Grace Ridge and Tutka fjord. Meet with your guide and plan day’s activities. Take part in the 3 pm yoga class or take an interpretive walk along the shore to spot eagles, black bears, whales, otters and sea glass. This evening enjoy appetizers and wine tasting in the evenings followed by a three course meal. After dinner, relax in the sauna or hot tub, or listen to a presentation later this evening on the history of Alaska and the area. Enjoy visiting with other guests with drinks and games. (Lunch and dinner included today)

Day 4 - 5 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice 2 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1: Deep Sea Fishing Board a charter boat for a day of deep-sea fishing for salmon or halibut today. Clean and fillet your catch at the dock if you’d like to keep it, or request that the chef prepare it for appetizers later that day! Option 2: Bear Viewing Following an approximately one-hour flight from Homer, visit the beaches of Katmai National Park, one of the largest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and watch bears in their natural habitat. After being dropped off by plane, your guide takes you to some of the best spots for viewing these magnificent creatures. Watch these animals catch salmon, forage in the woods, or digging for clams along the coast. Option 3: Wildlife Cruise Explore Kachemak Bay and beyond by boat to take in coastal views including incredible rainforests, waterfalls, mountain vistas, and marine wildlife. Keep your eyes out for humpback, minke, and orca whales, sea lions, sea otters, and plentiful sea birds. Option 4: Culinary-focus tour in Alaskan cuisine For those visiting Tutka Bay for the culinary program, take a customized trip foraging for wildflowers and herbs, visit a local oyster farm and explore the bountiful farms that source the lodge’s foods. Enjoy a cooking class at the Dixon’s Danish Daughter Farm or their La Baleine Cafe on the Homer Spit. Become immersed in Alaska cuisine and learn about preparing locally sourced, flavor-filled meals

Day 6 Tutka Bay Lodge to Anchorage | Flight Enjoy your last morning at Tutka Bay before transferring back into Homer and on to the airport for your scheduled flight to Anchorage.

Day 7 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad Depart early on the Denali Star Train by Goldstar Railcar to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali and for the stunning views of this famous mountain. This afternoon is at leisure to take a stroll down the main street for river views, local brews and great eats. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today) Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Embark on a narrated river cruise into Alaska’s wilderness, with views of Denali. Travel 20 miles as a naturalist shares insights on local history, wildlife, and Denali. Explore a Dena’ina Indian encampment and a historic trapper’s cabin, learn about trapping, and discover edible plants used by Native communities. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience | Small Aircraft This flightseeing tour brings you within 6 miles of Denali’s north (19,470 ft.) and south (20,320 ft.) summits. Explore rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, and Denali’s south and east faces. View the dramatic rise from 2,000 ft. to over 20,320 ft., the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, Great Gorge, and stunning blue meltwater pools. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing | Small Aircraft Fly within 6 miles of Denali’s north summit (19,470 ft) and south summit (20,320 ft), showcasing a landscape of rugged peaks, snow-capped mountains, and glacier-filled valleys. Explore the south and east faces of Denali, witnessing its dramatic rise from 2,000 ft to over 20,320 ft. Highlights include the flowing Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, Great Gorge with mile-high granite walls, and striking blue meltwater pools.

Day 8 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad This morning take the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar to Denali National Park. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier or hiking. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)

Day 9 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.

Day 10 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska Railroad This morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)

Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.

Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali. The evening is at your leisure. Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its stunning views of Mount Denali. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)

Day 4 Talkeetna to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad Most of the day is at leisure to take a stroll down the main street for river views, local brews and great eats. Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Embark on a narrated river cruise into Alaska’s wilderness, with views of Denali. Travel 20 miles as a naturalist shares insights on local history, wildlife, and Denali. Explore a Dena’ina Indian encampment and a historic trapper’s cabin, learn about trapping, and discover edible plants used by Native communities. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience This flightseeing tour brings you within 6 miles of Denali’s north (19,470 ft.) and south (20,320 ft.) summits. Explore rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, and Denali’s south and east faces. View the dramatic rise from 2,000 ft. to over 20,320 ft., the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, Great Gorge, and stunning blue meltwater pools. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Fly within 6 miles of Denali’s north summit (19,470 ft) and south summit (20,320 ft), showcasing a landscape of rugged peaks, snow-capped mountains, and glacier-filled valleys. Explore the south and east faces of Denali, witnessing its dramatic rise from 2,000 ft to over 20,320 ft. Highlights include the flowing Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, Great Gorge with mile-high granite walls, and striking blue meltwater pools.
Late afternoon, board the Denali Star train and continue your rail journey to Anchorage. Enjoy the evening scenery as you travel south to Anchorage where your incredible Alaska land adventure comes to an end. (Dinner is included onboard the train today)

Day 5 Anchorage to Tutka Bay Lodge| Flight + Water Taxi Board your scenic flight over the Kenai Peninsula to the coastal waters of Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival in Homer we have included a transfer from the Homer Airport to the water taxi terminal for a scenic 20-minute ride across the bay to the lodge. Look for humpback whale, orca whales, and baby sea otters as you cross. Arrive to the dock where you are greeted by the property manager. Enjoy a brief introduction to the lodge and surrounding area and settle into your cabin overlooking Grace Ridge and Tutka fjord. Meet with your guide and plan day’s activities. Take part in the 3 pm yoga class or take an interpretive walk along the shore to spot eagles, black bears, whales, otters and sea glass. This evening enjoy appetizers and wine tasting in the evenings followed by a three course meal. After dinner, relax in the sauna or hot tub, or listen to a presentation later this evening on the history of Alaska and the area. Enjoy visiting with other guests with drinks and games. (Lunch and dinner included today)

Day 6 - 7 Tutka Bay Lodge | Freedom of Choice 2 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1: Deep Sea Fishing Board a charter boat for a day of deep-sea fishing for salmon or halibut today. Clean and fillet your catch at the dock if you’d like to keep it, or request that the chef prepare it for appetizers later that day! Option 2: Bear Viewing Following an approximately one-hour flight from Homer, visit the beaches of Katmai National Park, one of the largest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and watch bears in their natural habitat. After being dropped off by plane, your guide takes you to some of the best spots for viewing these magnificent creatures. Watch these animals catch salmon, forage in the woods, or digging for clams along the coast. Option 3: Wildlife Cruise Explore Kachemak Bay and beyond by boat to take in coastal views including incredible rainforests, waterfalls, mountain vistas, and marine wildlife. Keep your eyes out for humpback, minke, and orca whales, sea lions, sea otters, and plentiful sea birds. Option 4: Culinary-focus tour in Alaskan cuisine For those visiting Tutka Bay for the culinary program, take a customized trip foraging for wildflowers and herbs, visit a local oyster farm and explore the bountiful farms that source the lodge’s foods. Enjoy a cooking class at the Dixon’s Danish Daughter Farm or their La Baleine Cafe on the Homer Spit. Become immersed in Alaska cuisine and learn about preparing locally sourced, flavor-filled meals

Day 8 Tutka Bay Lodge to Anchorage | Flight Enjoy your last morning at Tutka Bay before transferring back into Homer and on to the airport for your scheduled flight to Anchorage.

Day 9 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Rail Depart Anchorage by coach for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. The 26 Glacier Cruise travels over 140 miles into Prince William Sound. Watch for playful sea otters, harbour seals, kittiwakes, bears, whales or mountain goats. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine (hanging), Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)

Day 10 Anchorage | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.