Immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural splendor, exploring three extraordinary national parks: Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords; and delving into Alaska’s rich heritage in Anchorage.
Alaska's Natural Wonders: Denali to Kenai Fjords
11 days from $7,697 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
Immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural splendor, exploring three extraordinary national parks: Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords; and delving into Alaska’s rich heritage in Anchorage.
Tour Details
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Diane K.[This journey] well exceeded our expectations - having our own personal Ph.D. geologist with us to answer our questions in real-time was a huge bonus. Our tour director kept everything running smoothly, allowing us time to enjoy the fauna and flora to the max. Truly a memorable trip!
- Marcia, M.This Smithsonian Journeys tour of Alaska was top quality in every respect: sights visited, including magnificent, less visited Wrangell-St Elias National Park, information provided for each location plus additional narration and commentary during travel between sites; optional free time suggestions for hikes, flight-seeing and other activities; accommodations; guides and Smithsonian experts.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
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Anchorage Marriott Downtown
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
The Marriott Anchorage Downtown boasts a convienient location within the downtown core and just five miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Spacious guest rooms offer picturesque city and mountain views and feature plush beds, a coffee maker and bathrooms with fine bath amenities. There is a café and restaurant on site as well as a fitness studio and indoor heated pool.
Number of nights: 2
Denali Park Village Lodge
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States
Located seven miles south of the Denali National Park entrance, the Denali Park Village Lodge property is nestled along the banks of the Nenana River. The lodge’s property is spread across 20 acres and offers light hiking and interpretive trails. Lodge amenities include a restaurant, Alaskan-style saloon, lobby with fireplace, outdoor seating area overlooking the wilderness, gift shop, and complimentary park shuttle service. Each of the 188 air-conditioned guestrooms features a private bath with hairdryer, TV, and phone.
Please note: only one of the property’s seven two-story buildings has an elevator.
Number of nights: 3
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Kennicott, Alaska, United States
This family-owned lodge offers guests breathtaking Alaskan scenery, overlooking 25 miles of glacier and surrounded by 14 of the continent’s highest mountain peaks. A replica of one of the town’s historic copper mining buildings, the Kennicott Glacier Lodge sits in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – America’s largest national park – and is the park’s only lodge. The main building offers a 190-foot-long front porch with a panoramic view of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains, as well as a restaurant, reading/family room, TV/gathering room, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, and a number of outdoor activities. Each of the spacious guest rooms features a private bath.
Please note: guest rooms do not have phones, TVs, or minibars. However, they do offer electrical outlets.
Number of nights: 2
Knik River Lodge
Palmer, Alaska, United States
Surrounded by the dramatic Chugach Mountains, this European-style lodge presents incredible views of the Knik River Valley, which serves as a habitat for moose, Dall sheep, wolves, lynx, bears, and more. The lodge has two restaurants and offers complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. Each of the 22 guest cabins has a private bath with hair dryer, private deck, kitchenette with mini-fridge, microwave, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and TV.
Number of nights: 1
Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward, Alaska, United States
Set in a glacial valley by the Resurrection River, just outside Seward and down the road from spectacular Exit Glacier, the Seward Windsong Lodge makes an ideal base for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Lodge amenities include a restaurant, bar, espresso bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also provides shuttle service to Exit Glacier for guests interested in taking a walking tour. Each of the 180 guest rooms has a private bath with hairdryer, coffee maker, minibar, TV, and phone.
Number of nights: 2
Seward Gateway Hotel
Seward, Alaska, United States
Opened in May 2021, the hotel is located between Seward Small Boat Harbor and downtown. Across the street from the hotel is the waterfront walking path featuring views of Resurrection Bay with possible sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagle sightings. The property features an outdoor deck with mountain views and elevated viewing platform over a salmon stream. Several restaurants and bars are within the immediate area, along with complimentary passes to local fitness center. Each air-conditioned guest room includes complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, coffee makers, phone, and private bath with hair dryer.
Number of nights: 1
Activity Level 3: Moderate / Active
Expectations: This Classic Land Journey features long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some tours may have activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails, glaciers, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators), and walking in city centers where coaches are prohibited. The itinerary features several hikes, use of local buses and boats, and several prop plane rides. There may be some early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers will spend time in remote and/or rugged regions, with some touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. There are options for more active excursions (such as moderate hiking and rafting.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Diane K.[This journey] well exceeded our expectations - having our own personal Ph.D. geologist with us to answer our questions in real-time was a huge bonus. Our tour director kept everything running smoothly, allowing us time to enjoy the fauna and flora to the max. Truly a memorable trip!
- Marcia, M.This Smithsonian Journeys tour of Alaska was top quality in every respect: sights visited, including magnificent, less visited Wrangell-St Elias National Park, information provided for each location plus additional narration and commentary during travel between sites; optional free time suggestions for hikes, flight-seeing and other activities; accommodations; guides and Smithsonian experts.
Highly Recommended
Also Recommended
For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.
Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.