Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
3278-9660
Start City:
Anchorage, AK
End City:
Anchorage, AK
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
9 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 | Thursday, Jul 04, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jul 05, 2024 | Saturday, Jul 13, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jul 14, 2024 | Monday, Jul 22, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 | Sunday, Aug 18, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 22, 2025 | Monday, Jun 30, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 | Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Thursday, Jul 10, 2025 | Friday, Jul 18, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Jul 19, 2025 | Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jul 28, 2025 | Tuesday, Aug 05, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Wednesday, Aug 06, 2025 | Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Aug 15, 2025 | Saturday, Aug 23, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
Call or submit a quote to get our Low Prices!
Exclusive, Win $1500 Off Your Next Adventure
Exclusive, Win $1500 Off Your Next Adventure
Promotion Details
In order to qualify a G Adventures quote must be submitted between April 1 - 30, 2024 for new booking. Winners will be picked May 1, 2024 and notified within a week after. Prizes are (1) $1500 G Adventures Travel Voucher and (30) $100 G Adventure Travel Credits. Cancellations and rebook do not qualify. No purchase necessary to win. Not redeemable for cash back. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts and is subject to availability. Does not apply to Expedition, National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures, Private Groups, Independent trips, Day Tours, pre- or post-tour accommodation, insurance, upgrades, add-ons, “My Own Room” or “My Own Tent,” transfers, theme packs, or other in-country or on-board services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time without prior notice. Any refunds made with respect to products booked under this promotion shall be issued at the discounted rate. G Adventures reserves the right to cancel any booking due to unauthorized, altered, ineligible, or fraudulent use of discount. G Adventures is not responsible for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the use of the promotion. All G Adventures’ tours are subject to G Adventures' full booking conditions, found here: gadventures.com/terms-conditions-policies/
Book With Flexibility
- Peace of Mind
Book by December 31, 2023 for travel through December 31, 2023, and you may change or rebook up to 45 days before your trip. Restrictions apply. - Change Destination / Vacation
Change to a different destination or vacation. - Change Dates
Choose new departure dates if your plans change. - Great Service
Award-winning service, low prices, client satisfaction
Tour Itinerary
Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies moose caribou Dall sheep and wolves, Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters colorful puffins and leggy octopi, Watch champion sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about Iditarod traditions, Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.
-
Day 1
AnchorageArrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.
Transport: You will be transferred from the airport to your start hotel.
Activity: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage (or similar)
-
Day 2
Anchorage/SewardTravel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Hike to view Exit Glacier on the Glacier Overlook trial. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking.
Transport: Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Anchorage to Seward. The drive will take you along the winding road along the Turnagain Arm waterway.
Activity: Head out on an amazing hike to view Exit Glacier. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. Follow this moderately strenuous 2.2 mile loop trail to the Exit Glacier Overlook and view the glacier in its own glacially carved valley.
Free Time: Enjoy some time to explore this coastal town, go hiking or kayaking.
Accommodation: Breeze Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
SewardVisit the famed Alaska Sealife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover's paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board.
Activity: On the shores of the scenic town of Seward sits the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska's premier public aquarium. This esteemed marine science facility offers a combined focus on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and educating the public. Enjoy a visit to the centre, which frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives such as critter cams, expeditions, and the important Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of the world's species before they disappear to extinction.
Activity: Cruise through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park on a large catamaran hosted and narrated by a National Park Ranger. See three different kinds of glaciers, including a piedmont glacier, several cirque glaciers and an active calving tidewater glacier. Take time to look for wildlife in the sky and surrounding waters as you learn about the region. Keep an eye out for Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall's Porpoise, Harbor Seals, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and more.
Free Time: Enjoy a free morning to relax or tour the town.
Accommodation: Breeze Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 4
Seward/TalkeetnaOn our journey back north, experience a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where the National Geographic TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue has been filmed. The show follows dedicated animal caretakers from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—as well as other animal centres throughout the state—and showcases their efforts to protect and respond to wild animals in need in the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Wander the scenic loop, learn about the resident wildlife, and try spotting brown bears, moose, wood bison, or wolves in the sanctuary's 200 acres. From here, the group will travel to the Thunder Bird Falls Trail and enjoy a short hike out to the waterfall before finishing the journey to Talkeetna where everyone will have a free evening in town.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Located in Portage Valley and surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center works hard to protect animals native to the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Founded in 1993 and turned nonprofit in 2000, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has been featured on National Geographic's TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue. The caretakers work tirelessly year-round to take in orphaned or injured wild animals and give them a forever home on the sanctuary's 200 acres of spacious habitats where they can display their natural wild behaviors. Experience the resident wildlife via the scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, bike, or by car, while learning about the wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. Be on the lookout for roaming brown bears, moose, wood bison, muskox, wolves, and porcupines!
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Get out and stretch those legs on a hike to Thunder Bird Falls. This trail is often called one of the best short hikes near Anchorage. The route is very moderate, all ages and fitness levels should be able to manage. Located just north of Eagle River, the trail follows Eklutna River and winds through a birch forest. You'll finish at a viewing platform near a flowing 200-ft waterfall before returning to the starting point along the same trail. Duration: 1h-1.5h Distance: 2.8km (1.8 miles) Elevation gain: 347ft.
Accommodation: Swiss Alaska Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Talkeetna/Denali National Park and PreserveAs we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or "the great one"—North America's highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. Since the beginning of the early 20th century, many explorers have undertaken expeditions within the wilds of Alaska funded by National Geographic. These research initiatives included early aerial photographs and geographical mapping of what was once America's "Last Frontier." Once in the park we'll travel to the home of a true Alaskan hero, Jeff King, who has won the grueling, 998-mile Iditarod dog sledding race four times! Snuggle a husky puppy and watch grown champion sled dogs go through their summer training routine.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Head to Husky Homestead, led by four-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King, to learn about the Iditarod traditions in the demanding Alaskan wilderness. Get a behind the scenes view of the champion sled dogs during their summer training. Hear tales about the people who live in this unforgiving terrain year-round and the heroic huskies that help them survive.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 6
Denali National Park and PreserveThis morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park's incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, make it your mission to spot Denali's "big five:" grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing.
Activity: Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.
Activity: Depart early to explore Denali National Park. Take the shuttle bus to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, getting deeper into the heart of the park. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and shows off the stunning wilderness of Denali.
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 7
Denali National Park and PreserveThis morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America's northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center. Kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore.
Activity: Living next to the highest mountain in North America requires intense planning and preparation, and even then it's no easy feat. Learn how people live in this remote region, some without running water, and over a hundred miles from the closest grocery store. Meet a year-round resident of Denali and ask questions about surviving in a region with eight months of winter. Then head out with a naturalist on a guided hike to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness.
Free Time: Spend the afternoon exploring Denali NP - with so much to see and do, your options are endless!
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Denali National Park and Preserve/AnchorageThis morning stop for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which made National Geographic Travel's "Top 10-things to do in Anchorage" list as THE cultural site to see during your time here. Enjoy a private tour and a unique presentation about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska's Indigenous cultures. Afterwards, finish the short journey to Anchorage and join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.
Activity: Enjoy a unique experience at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre as you journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, films, traditional dwellings, and in-depth exhibits. Regarded as THE cultural site to see on National Geographic Travel's "Top 10-things to do in Anchorage" list, the Center is the perfect place to engage with history, discover a more in-depth look at Alaska's past, and ask questions about what you learn.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Denali National Park and Anchorage.
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel & Spa Anchorage (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
AnchorageDepart at any time.
Activity: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking
Your Family Journeys Moment: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Visit, Girdwood Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve. Arrival transfer. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Visit. Alaska SeaLife Center admission. Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit. Denali National Park transit bus to East Fork Bridge (Mile 43). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Health and Safety Protocols for G Adventures Tours
Travel with Confidence
Your safety, as well as the safety of employees and partners, has always been G Adventures top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning measures have been put in place on all of the tours. New Travel with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, without taking away from having the time of your life. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as G Adventures continues to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won't change is the commitment to keeping you safe as you explore big, beautiful world.
Before you join us
Global Connection Officers
GCOs (the people who answer when you call us) are available 24/7 to help with any questions you have prior to your trip, so you can feel confident and safe before leaving. No matter what time of day, they're there to respond to you — even at 3AM. They'll be up to date on local regulations and restrictions and can guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible. And if you don't feel well before travelling, there's the Book with Confidence policy that helps you reschedule your trip for when you do, which they can help you with too (terms & conditions apply). If you book flights with us and there are any changes, rest assured that the team will support you by making new arrangements on your behalf.
Smaller groupsGroups have always been small. This offers security, access, camaraderie, and a connection with your destination you won't get by travelling on bus tours or on your own. The average group size is 12, ensuring travellers can engage with each other without being squeezed together like sardines — and that was before physical distancing became a reality. Plus, if you have 8 or more friends you'd like to adventure with, you can reserve the entire trip!
My own roomIf you're joining one of the small group tours on your own, good on ya! If you are a solo traveller sharing a room with someone, G Adventures will do their best to ensure they will be your roommate for the entire journey to support distancing efforts. G Adventures has 'My Own Rooms' available as an extra option for tours (pending availability), and they'll be offering more of these at more affordable prices to make it even easier to have a bit more space.
When you arrive
Chief Experience Officers
CEOs are responsible for ensuring you have the time of your life while keeping you as safe as possible. Here's how they're ready to do that:
- They're trained in First Aid, CPR, and other safety protocols
- They're supported 24/7 by the field staff in offices around the world who are well-equipped to handle emergencies
- They can help you find local clinics if you're feeling sick
- They'll receive new training to ensure they are up to date on all health and safety policies during these evolving times
- They have extensive local knowledge to proactively help you navigate wherever you're travelling
- Their local knowledge allows for greater flexibility when it comes to knowing the best time to visit certain highlights to avoid crowds whenever possible and suggesting the restaurants with the strictest hygiene practices or those where you can reserve your own table or room in advance
- They'll wear face masks when necessary based on local guidelines and recommendations
Travellers' safety and wellbeing is G Adventures biggest concern. If you're not feeling well before your departure, G Adventures has a Book with Confidence policy that provides you with flexibility and freedom to delay leaving until you're back to 100% healthy (terms & conditions apply). If you have a fever or any other symptoms on tour, you may be required to have a doctor clear you before rejoining us. All travellers are requested to bring face coverings, whether they're buffs, face masks or bandanas (extra style points encouraged). G Adventures makes every effort to have hand sanitizer available, but recommend bringing your own.
While on tour
Planes, trains, automobiles and more
Small private transport vehicles
- Every surface in G Adventures well-kept fleet of private vehicles will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- Each traveller will have a daily assigned seat
- Hand-sanitizer will be required every time you board the vehicle
- Facial coverings will be recommended while on-board
- Every surface will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- High-traffic areas will receive more frequent cleaning
- Hand-sanitizer or hand washing will be required every time you board the boat, as well as before and after meals
- To support physical distancing, meals may have assigned seating and there will be assigned slots for activities and rooming
- Facial coverings will be recommended and welcomed on-board
- Your crew is trained in health and safety measures (including food handling) and all cooking staff will follow up-to-date advice from health authorities
- Use of local transportation will be limited wherever possible. Please reference the Trip Details for each individual tour for specifics
- If local transportation is used, precautions will be followed in adherence to local health and safety regulations to keep travellers safe and sound.
G Adventures has always carefully selected accommodation partners for high standards and local roots. Travelling in small groups means that the stay is in smaller hotels too, with fewer guests — which means less daily contact with others outside your group in public spaces. Now G Adventures is working with accommodation partners to optimize their health, safety and cleanliness procedures, as well as creating additional measures for physical distancing. Here are some of the things G Adventures is working on to help keep you safe:
- Daily deep cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas inside your room with extra cleaning on light switches, door handles, TV remotes, and thermostats
- No hotel staff will enter your room after it has been cleaned
- Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of all public restrooms and all surfaces in public areas. This might include the closure of public spaces such as gyms, bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms for periods throughout the day
- Wherever possible, groups will stay on the lower floors to limit elevator use
- Hotels will implement social distancing protocols in line with local regulations
G Adventures has always carefully selected food service partners and worked closely with them to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and cleanliness standards with their facilities, staff training, and food preparation and delivery. Wherever possible, G Adventures will reserve separate tables or private rooms at the restaurants visited on the trip, opt for more "al fresco" opportunities when it is possible (gotta love that fresh air!), and ensure breakfasts can be "grab and go" boxes, while avoiding family style or self-serve buffets for meals. G Adventures wants you to feel comfortable and safe as you savour every last bite.
ActivitiesYou've always had freedom and flexibility to do your own thing on tours with optional activities and experiences. Now, you'll still have those options with added measures to keep you healthy and safe. All equipment for activities on tour, including hiking poles, camping supplies, life jackets, snorkels, etc., will be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day and disinfected between use. When travellers are responsible for putting up their own tents on camping itineraries, you will be given the supplies required to disinfect your gear. G Adventures will also do their best to make activities and highlights stops happen during non-peak hours, so you can have fun and feel safe no matter what you're doing.
Before you leave
A healthy goodbye
If you're not feeling well at the end of your tour for any reason, let your CEO know and they can help get you access to medical care and support. Because we want you to head home after a life-changing experience feeling just as good (let's be honest, way better) than when you left.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
G Adventures was amazing! Our CEO went above and beyond. We would absolutely travel on one of their tours again.
G-Adventures is very good. I highly recommend their trips.
I have booked with affordable tours before with other agents but Maya Keith is absolutely the best. She was patient in answering all our question especially as it related to travel in Europe when there is war in Ukraine
This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Our guide was so polite, helpful and informative. The fact that there were fewer tourists made it all the better.
This was my 8th tour with this operator and I have a 9th scheduled. Obviously I am happy with this operator.
It was a great tour and are guides were very knowledgeable.
A Gadventures tour is a great affordable way to see the country and get the opportunity to meet and interact with the local people
It was a dream vacation.Thank you.
The G-Adventures travel guides were excellent
All 100% perfect, nothing to be done better
The G Adventures tour was fantastic.
Very satisfied with tour, enjoyed it very much.
I liked the variety of activities and the chance to opt out without undue pressure. I met some really fun people on this tour.
Everyone connected with the tour went above and beyond. The tour was more than I ever dreamt!
-
Operator: GlobusStarts
Rapid City, SDEnds
Salt Lake City, UTDays
10From
$3579 -
Operator: CosmosStarts
Las Vegas, NVEnds
Las Vegas, NVDays
7From
$1639 -
-
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
G Adventures small group traveling was outstanding. We could get places that large coach trips could not. And we got to know each other so well. Everything was quicker and easier. Imagine a group of 8 versus 30! We will only travel small group from now on out.