Jewels of Alaska - Small Group
Jewels of Alaska - Small Group
$5975
Jewels of Alaska - Small Group
7 Days Starting and ending in Anchorage
Visiting: Anchorage, Matanuska Valley, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Girdwood, Whittier
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SAJAKZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore the wild and wonderful Alaskan wilderness during this 1-week guided tour. Begin your adventure in Anchorage with a sweet treat: Taste agutak — Inuit Ice Cream — after an exclusive demonstration by Alaska's Indigenous people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Board a jet boat for a tour along the Chulitna River to a trapper’s cabin, where you will learn about the lifestyle of hunting and trapping in the state. Ride along the world-famous, glass-domed Alaskan Railroad toward Denali National Park, where the country’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, will greet you. Meet the champion dog team of a four-time Iditarod winner and allow him to regale you with tales of the 1,049-mile dogsled race over lunch at his home. From Whittier, take a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and the see the glaciers of College Fjord.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Anchorage, The City Of Lights And Flowers
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation: Marriott Anchorage Downtown.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Anchorage Downtown
Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing And The Matanuska Valley
Location: Anchorage, Matanuska Valley, Talkeetna
Accommodation: Lodge, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.
Day 3: Talkeetna Sightseeing
Location: Talkeetna
Accommodation: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you can choose between an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River with a visit to a trapper's cabin, or enjoy a scenic float on the Talkeetna River. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an Optional Experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.
Day 4: Journey Along The Alaskan Railroad Relaxed Start
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning before boarding the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve. View the majestic surroundings from the comfort of your glass-domed rail car. Upon arrival settle in at the lodge before meeting a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to a climb Denali, one of the most daunting and tallest land-based mountains in the world. You'll learn about the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to withstand the 17- to 18-day round trip that presents conditions so challenging climbers are forced to build snow walls for protection against the elements. For tonight's Dine-Around evening, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant.
Day 5: Denali National Park, The Crown Jewel Of The Alaskan Wilderness
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on an extensive Tundra Wilderness Tour for some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife. You’ll have the whole afternoon free to participate in an array of optional activities. This magnificent land is nature at its most pure yet has something to offer all. From a blissful stroll through one of the meadows, to a rewarding hike, this Park is for everyone. You will also find that to be true with the exciting optional experiences which include a rafting trip down the Nenana River, (waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour - just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings under the star filled night.
Day 6: Girdwood And Mount Alyeska
Location: Denali National Park, Girdwood
Accommodation: The Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood
Accommodation Name: Alyeska Resort Girdwood
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a scenic journey along the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake and visit four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser at his own home, Happy Trails Kennels. Arriving at the kennel, you will be greeted by between thirty and sixty excited sled dogs. Spend time with Martin and learn about the many challenges faced on the 1,049-mile dogsled race. Take a virtual trip along the Iditarod trail alongside Martin's narration including countless stories from his thirty-five years of racing, as well as a great deal of Iditarod history - a true insider experience into the world of the Iditarod. Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort. Tonight, join your Travel Director for a wonderful dinner complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 7: Prince William Sound Cruise And Depart Anchorage Relaxed Start
Location: Girdwood, Whittier, Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska Resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometer) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop. For those saying farewell today, will travel back to Anchorage.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the best addresses, including the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge, and The Hotel Alyeska.
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Meals
3 dinners with wine, 6 breakfasts, and 2 lunches are included.
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Talkeetna Jet Boat Tour
Enjoy a jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and visit a trapper's cabin.
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Talkeetna Scenic Float Trip
Enjoy a scenic float trip on the Talkeetna River for amazing views of Mountain Denali and possible wildlife sightings.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Baggage Handling
Bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Travel Director
A highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Anchorage Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers to savor Alaskan flavors over dinner in Anchorage.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide are not included.
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Rafting Trip
A rafting trip down the Nenana River is not included and requires a waiver.
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Helicopter Flightseeing Tour
A helicopter flightseeing tour is not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Insight Experiences
- Matanuska Valley: This afternoon, depart Anchorage and travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley making a stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing GIANT award- winning vegetables and flowers. Even through the growing season is months shorter than the rest of the country, Alaska’s farmers grow some of the largest vegetables in the world. The photosynthetic boost also makes the produce sweeter – a fascinating and insightful experience that shows a different side of Alaska.
- Big Lake: Meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser. Learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometer) race and enjoy lunch at his home.
Summary
- Anchorage city tour • Talkeetna • Scenic ride on Alaska Railroad • Denali National Park • Alyeska Resort stay • Scenic 26 Glacier Cruise
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Talkeetna?
In Talkeetna, you can choose between an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River with a visit to a trapper's cabin, or enjoy a scenic float on the Talkeetna River. Additionally, you can explore more of Talkeetna or join optional experiences such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range or a hike along Talkeetna's best trail with a naturalist guide.
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What unique experiences are included in Denali National Park?
In Denali National Park, you will meet a local climber who will share stories about climbing Denali, one of the tallest land-based mountains in the world. You will also embark on an extensive Tundra Wilderness Tour for some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife. Optional activities include a rafting trip down the Nenana River or a helicopter flightseeing tour.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center?
During the visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, you will join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream). You will learn how this culinary treat is made by Alaska's first people and how it establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride, and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive.
-
What is the 26 Glacier Cruise like?
The 26 Glacier Cruise is a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord, where you will have the chance to see glaciers up close. You can visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he navigates the icy waterways and enjoy a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop.
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What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several dining experiences such as a dinner with wine in Anchorage, a Dine-Around evening in Denali National Park where you can choose between a local brewery or the lodge's rustic restaurant, and a wonderful dinner with wine in Girdwood. Additionally, you will enjoy lunch at Martin Buser's home in Big Lake and a lunch during the 26 Glacier Cruise.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on the customized luxury coaches.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at some of the best addresses, including the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge, and The Hotel Alyeska.
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What is the experience like at Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennels?
At Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennels, you will be greeted by between thirty and sixty excited sled dogs. You will spend time with Martin and learn about the many challenges faced on the 1,049-mile dogsled race. Martin will narrate a virtual trip along the Iditarod trail, sharing countless stories from his thirty-five years of racing and a great deal of Iditarod history.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions