6 Days Best of Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

Exploring Alaska becomes an unforgettable experience with the 6 Days Best of Grand Alaska Highlights Tour offered by Bindlestiff Tours. Priced at $3,995 per person, this 6-day journey covers iconic destinations from Anchorage to Denali, with a carefully curated mix of scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities. With guaranteed departures and a small group size of up to 13 travelers, the tour promises a personal, relaxed pace for those eager to see Alaska’s most breathtaking sights without feeling rushed.

A standout feature of this tour is its inclusion of 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches, along with guided hikes, scenic rail journeys, and a glacier cruise. The tour’s logistics are thoughtfully arranged, with transportation via Alaska Railroad, Alyeska Tram, and Denali Bus Tour, plus visits to wildlife centers and historic sites like Independence Mine. An optional glacier flightseeing adds an extra thrill, weather permitting. This tour suits outdoor lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Alaska’s wild beauty with expert guidance.

Key Points

• 6-day Alaska adventure starting from $3,995 per person
• Small group size of up to 13 travelers for a more personal experience
• Includes 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches with guided hikes and scenic transportation
• Highlights include Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier, Hatcher Pass, Denali National Park, and Talkeetna
• Scenic journeys aboard Alaska Railroad and the Alyeska Tram enhance the experience
• Optional glacier landing flightsee available, weather permitting

Starting in Anchorage: Your Alaska Welcome

The tour begins in Anchorage at the Aloft Anchorage, where a guide and group meet at 8:00 am. This initial gathering sets the tone for the next six days, with a warm welcome to Alaska. From here, the journey starts along the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway renowned for its dramatic mountain and ocean views.

Travelers get their first glimpse of Alaska’s diverse terrain as the bus winds through lush forests, rugged peaks, and shimmering waters. The small group format ensures plenty of opportunities for questions and personalized attention from the local tour guides. The logistics are smooth, with transportation included throughout the trip, making it easy to relax and take in the scenery.

Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park by Cruise

One of the tour’s main highlights is the half-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This 8-hour excursion offers a dramatic look at the park’s icy fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Expect to see whales, sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals as the naturalist guides explain the area’s ecological richness.

The cruise provides a front-row seat to Alaska’s marine life and glaciers. The experience is particularly valued for the opportunity to witness calving glaciers and expansive ice formations up close. The tour’s inclusion of this cruise guarantees a memorable day of scenic beauty and wildlife watching.

Walking Up Close at Exit Glacier

On Day 3, the tour visits Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park. A guided walk takes guests to the glacier’s foot, with options for a shorter interpretive walk or a more extensive trail leading to Marmot Meadows. The longer trail rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

This activity combines light walking with educational commentary, giving a tangible sense of Alaska’s glacial landscape. The guided nature of the walk ensures safety and insight, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The close-up view at Exit Glacier offers a powerful reminder of the region’s glacial history.

Journey Through Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine

Day 4 takes travelers through the Hatcher Pass, a mountain pass celebrated for its tundra meadows and winding roads. The route highlights Alaska’s gold mining history, with a visit to Independence Mine Historical Park. Here, the remnants of century-old buildings and mine shafts tell stories of the area’s gold rush past.

The scenic drive offers opportunities to capture photos of alpine vistas and learn about Alaska’s mining heritage. The visit to Independence Mine is educational and visually striking, with easy walks around the historic site. This day balances scenic views with a touch of local history.

Experiencing the Vast Wilderness of Denali National Park

Day 5 centers on Denali National Park and Preserve, where a full-day wildlife tour takes guests deep into the wilderness. The Denali wildlife bus is the key transport, ferrying travelers through braided rivers, alpine tundra, and past snowy peaks.

Guided by experts, this day offers chances to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou in their natural habitat. The park’s grandeur is on full display, with panoramic views of Mount Denali if the weather cooperates. The experience is designed to immerse visitors in Alaska’s untamed beauty.

Discovering Talkeetna’s Artistic Charm

The tour wraps up with a stop in Talkeetna, a lively mountain town known for its art scene and quirky atmosphere. After breakfast, the group departs from Denali and arrives here for a picnic-style lunch and free time to explore.

Talkeetna’s colorful buildings and local galleries provide a relaxed end to the trip, with options to walk around or simply enjoy the mountain views. The town’s reputation as a launch point for climbers heading to Denali adds an adventurous flavor to this final stop.

Practical Logistics and Transportation

Throughout the 6 days, the tour employs various modes of transportation to maximize comfort and scenery. The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic rail journey between destinations, while rides aboard the Alyeska Tram provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

All logistics are handled by the tour operator, with pickups offered at Aloft Anchorage. The small group size of up to 13 travelers fosters a more intimate experience, allowing for better interaction with guides and fellow travelers. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most activities requiring only moderate physical effort.

Optional Glacier Flightseeing and Other Inclusions

An optional flightseeing tour is available for those interested in seeing Alaska from the air, with a glacier landing included if weather permits. This add-on can significantly enhance the experience, offering a bird’s-eye view of glaciers and mountain ranges.

Included in the tour are admissions to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Independence Mine, guided hikes, and transportation. The expert local guides provide informative commentary throughout, enriching the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 6-day Alaska highlights tour is perfect for those who want a well-balanced mix of outdoor activities, scenic travel, and wildlife encounters. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group settings and prefer a relaxed pace. The tour’s inclusions of guided hikes, cruises, and scenic train rides make it especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

However, those seeking a fully customizable or luxury experience might find this tour’s structure too scheduled. The physical activities involve moderate walking but are accessible for most people in good health.

Final Thoughts on the 6 Days Best of Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Alaska’s most iconic sights, blending scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures into a manageable schedule. The small group format and experienced guides ensure a more personal, engaging experience. The inclusion of meals, transportation, and entrance fees adds value, making it easier to focus on the scenery and activities.

The optional flightseeing provides an extra edge for those wanting a bird’s-eye perspective. While the tour’s non-refundable policy requires commitment upfront, the carefully planned itinerary minimizes the risk of disappointment. It suits active travelers eager to explore Alaska’s wilderness comfortably and thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, transportation via Alaska Railroad, Alyeska Tram, and Denali Bus is included, ensuring smooth travel between locations.

What activities are included in the tour?
Activities include guided hikes, wildlife cruises, visits to Independence Mine, a glacier cruise, and a full-day wildlife tour in Denali.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches. Dinner is not included, so travelers can explore local options on their own.

Can I add the glacier landing flightseeing?
Yes, an optional glacier flightseeing tour is offered, weather permitting, and typically includes a glacier landing.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 13 travelers, fostering a more intimate and personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most activities involve moderate walking and outdoor exposure, making it suitable for most healthy travelers, though some hikes may require basic fitness.

What about guide expertise?
The tour features expert local guides throughout, providing insight into Alaska’s natural and historical sites.

What is the price and what does it include?
The cost is $3,995 per person and covers accommodations, meals, guided activities, and transportation.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed but designed to balance sightseeing with relaxation, offering a rundown of Alaska’s highlights.

Are there any cancellations or refunds?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so careful consideration is advised before purchase.