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These exciting overland adventures combine two of Alaska's most popular destinations, the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park. There are two different versions of this journey varying by length. The trip is designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of 9 or 11 days away from home. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys. Venture into the wilderness by raft, explore the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters, hike up to see views of North America's highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.

Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, your Trip Leader will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed at time of reservation).

We also proudly offer an Alaska Photo Safari Trip Extension that will satisfy all your photography and wildlife viewing pleasures. This 8 day exploration into the heart of Alaska will hone your photography skills while allowing you to witness the true magic of the untamed Alaskan wilderness.

11-Day Grand Journey

Day 1 – Anchorage to Kenai Fjords

Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers this morning in the hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pederson Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Days 2-3 – Kenai Fjords National Park

Enjoy two full days of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Kenai Fjords National Park

This morning allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe or beachcomb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Enjoy a fine dinner with your group and spend the evening relaxing at our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing. After dinner, enjoy the wood-fired sauna, relax on our riverside deck, or try fishing in our eddy on the Kenai River.

Accommodations: Kenai Riverside Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Raft in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Travel to our launch site on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing and gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Kenai Wildlife Refuge Exploration

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 – Talkeetna / Mt. McKinley

Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight in Talkeetna.


Accommodations: Talkeetna
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 – Denali Wildlife Safari and Kantishna

After breakfast, continue venturing north to Denali National Park, stopping for lunch at the park entrance. After lunch, board the Kantishna Roadhouse private bus and embark on a 6-hour wildlife drive through Denali National Park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 9 & 10 – Kantishna Exploration

Enjoy two full days of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations, and mountain biking. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 – Denali Wildlife Drive / Alaska Railroad to Anchorage

Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the first class cars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar cars) for your comfortable journey back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast

Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.

9-Day Grand Journey

Day 1 – Cooper Landing and raft the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 2 – Explore the wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 3 – Marine wildlife and glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 4 – Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 5 – Enjoy morning activity and cruise to Seward
Day 6 – Journey through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna
Day 7 - Wildlife drive through Denali National Park
Day 8 - Full day of exploration in Denali National Park
Day 9 – Denali Wildlife Drive / Alaska Railroad to Anchorage

Alaska Photo Safari

Day 1 - Meet & greet and venture to Creamer's Field - an active migratory bird and waterfowl refuge where you'll practice wildlife photography from this protected area.

Day 2 - Embark on a 5-6 hour Denali wildlife drive through Denali park on the private Kantishna Roadhouse bus. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and resident & migratory birds - gaze upon the splendor of Denali (Mt. McKinley)!

Day 3 - Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. Enjoy guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning and a dog sled demonstration.

Day 4 - Embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and casual nature walk in the afternoon in Anchorage.

Day 5 - Explore and photograph the spectacular maritime wilderness inside Kenai Fjords National Park.

Day 6 - Take A four-hour Kenai Fjords cruise which allows ample time to explore the rugged coastlines, seeking out marine wildlife and glaciers. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Day 7 - Choose from a wide array of activities. Guided options include hiking, sea kayaking, and explorations by motorized skiff. Or relax at the lodge and pore through our natural history library, or walk the beachfront on a casual stroll.

Day 8 - Enjoy another opportunity to kayak, hike or beachcomb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Board the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic back-country rail tour back to Anchorage.

Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey.



Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of travel unique.

Land Cost Includes: Airport arrival transfer via courtesy shuttle, most meals, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, rafting, kayaking, hiking activities, private coach transfers to Talketna and Denali and Alaska Railroad return from Denali to Anchorage.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; some meals, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: This trip begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Plan to arrive and overnight in Anchorage (ANC) at least 1 day before your trip begins. Your trip will end at roughly 9:00pm on the final day of your tour. Please do not schedule flights until the following day, or after midnight if you would like to take a late flight home. Pre and Post trip hotel nights in Anchorage are essentially required for the 11 or 9 day Grand Journey. We can book your Anchorage hotel overnights for you. Please call 1-800-728-2875 for details.


Single Travelers: Single rooms are available for a 25% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will charge the 25% single supplement, then refund this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found the 25% single supplement will apply.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $500 per traveler is due at the time of booking. A second deposit of 50% of the trip total is due 120 day prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations: Your accommodations will be a mixture of wilderness lodges and hotels.

Luggage Allowance: Our remote wilderness lodges in Denali National park will only allow guests to bring 1 piece of luggage per person. Additionally, guest are allowed 1 small backpack which they may take with them on the bus journey into the park. Each additional piece of luggage will incur a cost of $50. Prior to boarding the bus trip into the national park, excess luggage can be stored at the baggage storage facility across from the Denali train station for $5 per bag per day.

Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors. Kayaking, rafting and hiking activities will satisfy novice and experienced paddlers alike.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining an Adventure Cruise.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

Photo Credits: Alaska Wildlands Adventures
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