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Jewels of Alaska (2013/14)

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations

Tour Code: AJAK

Tour Length: 7 days

A is for “Ah-some” Alaska. Spectacular Denali National Park, calving glaciers and abundant wildlife combine to create the ultimate Alaska experience. Premium Experiences & Dining: Expand your understanding of Alaska’s first people with private presentation at the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. In much of Alaska, where large distances separate towns and the road system is limited, bush planes are part of everyday life. Visit the largest float plane base in the world and meet one of the experienced pilots. Relax on the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train and enjoy stunning scenery all the way to Denali National Park. A detailed explanation of Denali National Park’s wildlife and ecosystem accompanies a leisurely hike. Enjoy an exclusive lunch and a chance to meet the dogs at the home of a champion dog musher. Ride a gondola to the top of the ski area for panoramic views of the mountains and Cook Inlet. Hear the thundering calving of glaciers on a cruise through Prince William sound and College Fjord. Visit the aquarium and learn about the wildlife rescue efforts with a representative of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner at an Anchorage restaurant.

Continents Visited

North America

Countries Visited

United States

Locations Visited

United States

Tour Map

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*Departure dates in bold denote guaranteed departures.
*Price is calculated per person based on twin room sharing.

Start Date End Date Availability Price Quote
06/03/2013 06/09/2013 OnRequest $2975.00 Get a Quote
06/17/2013 06/23/2013 OnRequest $2975.00 Get a Quote
06/24/2013 06/30/2013 OnRequest $2975.00 Get a Quote
07/01/2013 07/07/2013 OnRequest $2975.00 Get a Quote
07/15/2013 07/21/2013 Available $2975.00 Get a Quote
07/29/2013 08/04/2013 Available $2975.00 Get a Quote
08/19/2013 08/25/2013 Available $2975.00 Get a Quote
*Departure dates in bold denote guaranteed departures.
*Price is calculated per person based on twin room sharing.
Day 1 - ANCHORAGE, THE CITY OF LIGHTS AND FLOWERS
Welcome to Alaska! Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, there is an airport transfer to your hotel. Early evening gather with your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception, drinks and light informal meal. After a good night’s rest, get acquainted with downtown Anchorage. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the traditions of Alaska’s first people during this private presentation. Then, drive around Lake Hood to visit the largest float plane base in the world. Meet a bush pilot, who shares fascinating stories about the joys and hazards of flying in rural Alaska. The rest of the afternoon is yours to browse among the shops or native art galleries. This evening, you are invited for a delectable Highlight Dinner at a popular downtown restaurant.(Welcome Reception / Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Accomodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa
Day 3 - DENALI NATIONAL PARK, THE CROWN JEWEL OF ALASKAN WILDERNESS
Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train for a spectacular journey over narrow gorges and swift-rushing streams into the rugged interior. View steep valleys framed by craggy mountains from the comfort of your window seat, or the roof-top vista domes of the shared observation cars. Just south of Talkeetna take in the first majestic view of Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak. Your welcoming hotel is located on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, perched at the edge of a bluff with unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and Nenana River Canyon. Tonight, enjoy a taste of the frontier at a rollicking highlight theatre dinner, featuring old-time sourdough song-and-dance and hearty Alaska fare. After breakfast, the six million acre Denali National Park and Preserve is just minutes away. Begin with an easy one-hour guided hike to learn about the tundra and wildlife in the park. The remainder of the day is open for recreation or optional activities. Why not take an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River, or a helicopter flightseeing tour for close-up views of Mt.McKinley?(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner / Full Breakfast) Accomodation: Grande Denali Lodge
Day 5 - MOUNT ALYESKA AND PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND CRUISE
Board a deluxe motorcoach for your journey south on the George Parks Highway. Stop along the way for lunch and an exclusive visit with a champion dog musher and four-time Iditarod winner. At the home of Martin Buser, you are invited to meet his dogs and share the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile dogsled race. Continue on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views. Arrive in the town of Girdwood, home of Alyeska Resort and ski area. Ride the aerial gondola for panoramic views of the mountains and sea at your leisure. In the evening, join your Tour Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner complete with wine and good cheer. The following day is devoted to the 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound and College Fjord. Get up close enough to hear the thundering calving of glaciers and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, kittiwakes and whales.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Celebration Dinner / Full Breakfast / Lunch) Accomodation: The Hotel Alyeska
Day 7 - TO SEWARD AND OUT OF ANCHORAGE
Travel to Seward for an exclusive presentation at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Learn about the center’s research, observe its aquarium and wildlife rescue center. Have lunch and explore downtown at your own pace before returning to Anchorage Airport or to the tour hotel if you are extending your stay. Please do not schedule any flights before 6 p.m.(Full Breakfast)

Included Premium Highlights

  • Anchorage: Enjoy a private presentation at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Visit the world’s largest float base at Lake
  • Denali National Park: Enjoy a spectacular rail journey from Anchorage to Denali. See Mt. McKinley. Learn about the wildlife on a short leisurely hike.
  • Big Lake: Visit the home of Iditarod Dog Musher Martin Buser.
  • Mount Alyeska: Ride the aerial gondola. Cruise to Prince William Sound and College Fjord.
  • Seward: Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Premium Hotels in Desirable Locations

  • These First Class and Superior Hotels are perfectly located in each destination for your maximum enjoyment.
  • Experience Alaskan luxury and incredible locales from Anchorage to pristine Mt. Alyeska and Denali National Park.

Included First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
  • Luxury air-conditioned, 40-guest coaches with extra legroom and onboard restroom
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveller Welcome pack
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on Day 1 and Day 7.

Included Quality Dining

  • At 6.00 pm on Day 1 join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception including drinks and a light informal meal. (WR)
  • 6 Full Breakfasts (FB), 2 lunches (L), 2 Highlight Dinners (HD) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)