National Parks of Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage, nicknamed the City of Lights and Flowers! A John Hall’s Alaska representative greets you on arrival and escorts you to your luxury accommodations, and home for the next three evenings. Situated in the heart of the city, there is much to explore before joining your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Dinner | Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook

Over the next two days, the group splits in half and flies via small aircraft to a different national park each day – Katmai and Lake Clark. If it’s Katmai day, take off on a flightseeing tour to Katmai National Park and Preserve, and arrive via floatplane at Brooks Falls. Watching safely from elevated viewing platforms, witness brown bears perched on the edge of the falls feeding on salmon. During salmon season, as many as 50 brown bears live along the mile and a half long Brooks River.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook

There are no roads in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve so you will be flying in aboard a small plane. If this is your day to visit, it features a guided boat tour, hiking, and a chance to visit the park’s visitor center. Lake Clark preserves the ancestral homelands of the Dena’ina people and a rich cultural wilderness. From steamy volcanoes and craggy mountains to alpine tundra and glacial lakes, nature is happening. Spend a few hours exploring the area before flying back to Anchorage.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook

Travel the Glenn Highway before boarding a small plane on a flightseeing trip. Land in the old mining towns (and Alaska’s most famous ghost town) of Kennicott-McCarthy and transfer to quaint Kennicott Glacier Lodge – with views of Kennicott Glacier from the porch. * While not ideal, your accommodations may include a shared bath. The lodge was chosen for its glacial views, quality of cuisine, and service which cannot be duplicated elsewhere in town.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Kennicott Glacier Lodge

Explore the Kennecott Mines today! This National Historic Landmark extracted over $200 million worth of high-grade copper and another $4 million in silver. Discover the mine’s outbuildings, including the historic leaching and power plant. Entrance to all 13 levels of the mine is dependent upon the National Park Service, your guide will inform you on what to expect. This afternoon, catch up on a little R&R or go exploring on your own.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Kennicott Glacier Lodge

After a 40-minute flight over the Wrangell mountains, board the motorcoach and hit the Richardson Highway, Alaska’s first highway. Follow the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, along a section fewer than 5% of visitors get to experience. In Delta Junction, the Alaska Highway leads you to the golden city of Fairbanks. Wrap up the day at Trail Breaker Kennel – home of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher – for dinner, a presentation on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and time with the pups.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Bear Lodge

Depart early this morning and cross the Arctic Circle as you fly to the native village of Anaktuvuk Pass, located in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. After your visit, fly to the northernmost Inupiat Eskimo village of Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow). Learn about this arctic coastal settlement, meet locals, see the famous whalebone arch, and dip your toe – or try a full polar bear plunge – in the Arctic Ocean before returning to Fairbanks for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Bear Lodge

Start your day with a scenic journey to Denali National Park aboard the GoldStar cars of the Alaska Railroad – complete with a glass-domed ceiling and breakfast with a view! Upon arrival, enjoy lunch followed by time at the Denali Visitor Center. For the next two evenings, relax surrounded by nature.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Denali Cabins

Wake up in the heart of the wilderness. The six-million-acre Denali National Park and Preserve is divided by a lone road, and today’s big highlight is a sightseeing bus tour 42 miles deep into the park. During your drive be on the lookout for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, grizzly bears, and of course Denali. Take in dinner this evening back at the gates of the park.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Denali Cabins

From sunup to sundown, it is a day of eye-popping scenery! There is one last chance to enhance your time at Denali National Park with an optional adventure activity. After lunch, board that sweet motorcoach for a journey south to the Mat-Su Valley and settle into a private plush wilderness cabin for an evening at Knik River Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Knik River Lodge

Surrounded by vast forests and mountains, start the day with a warm meal in the lodge. Take in the beauty from the deck of your cabin before heading back to the big city for a visit to the Anchorage Museum. This afternoon, journey down the Seward Highway exploring the Kenai Peninsula and visiting hidden gems along the spectacular Turnagain Arm. Your home for the next two evenings offers stunning 360-degree views of Resurrection Bay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Harbor 360 Hotel

Grab your camera and get ready to spot some wildlife – humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, seals, otters, eagles, puffins, and other seabirds. During an 8.5-hour cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, visit several glaciers before returning to Seward for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Harbor 360 Hotel

Savor a hearty Alaska breakfast, and spend time with a behind-the-scenes tour at the celebrated Alaska SeaLife Center. Return north to Anchorage for your farewell dinner and final overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook

After breakfast, transfer to the Anchorage airport to board your homebound flight.

Breakfast