Surrounded by a jagged mountain range a group of cruise guests and a forestry ranger hike the ridgeline above Lamplugh glacier in Alaska.
Alaska travelers exit a skiff boat onto a rocky beach on the Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise.
Man paddles a red kayak toward a small ship with dark green hull & white upper decks backed by forested hills.
2 paddleboarders raise their paddles above their heads on a sunny day on the Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican cruise.
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North America Alaska Cruise

Alaska Fjords & Glaciers

This 8-day Alaska Fjords & Glaciers small ship cruise features glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys, whales and Alaska’s backcountry. Dawes Glacier gleams, the hanging waterfalls of verdant Tongass National Forest mystify, towering fjord cliffs give perspective and full days are spent choosing your own adventure via hikes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard excursions, skiff rides and more. Activities for all levels enable up-close exploration of “The Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords National Monument. 

Activity options suited to varying ages and activity levels make this an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises. Guides keep watch to help spot harbor seals and their pups, shore birds, black bears, mink, eagles, orca, porpoises, seals, otters, Sitka deer and mountain goats along Tracy Arm, Fords Terror, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, the Blashkee Islands and Behm Canal.

The main 8-day Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruise begins in Juneau and ends in Ketchikan. There is also a reverse itinerary that begins in Ketichikan and ends in Juneau. Sail aboard 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, for the exciting opportunity to view massive glaciers and fjords, and experience true Alaskan wilderness.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.



Itinerary

Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan Itinerary

The 8-day Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise travels southbound, beginning in Juneau and ending in Ketchikan, Alaska.

A red line on a green and blue map of the Southeast Alaska showing the route of the Alaska Fjords Glaciers Cruise between Juneau and Ketchikan
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Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Arrive in Juneau and be met with a warm welcome. Enjoy some time to take in the city after checking in at the hospitality area. After boarding, grab a glass of bubbly while the ship pushes off the dock and sets sail for the Endicott Arm wilderness.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm

Take an early peek out the window. Fjord cliffs reach skyward amongst floating ice and deep u-shaped valleys. Cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy-blue Twin Sawyers glacier of its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, the skiff driver knows its character and guides the group along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, temperamental currents, the coastal mountains and many waterfalls. Look for mountain goats that show off fancy foot work on the cliffs.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Frederick Sound

Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and the Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Thomas Bay & Wrangell Narrows

This is the backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness, including glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs and mud. This playground offers many options today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the water’s surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier, or keep it green tromping through a grassy meadow into the forest. Later, pass by the fishing town of Petersburg and wind into the Wrangell Narrows. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Blashkee Islands

The Blashkee Islands are your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling and full-day yak-n-whack excursions. Get ready for an adventurous day!

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Behm Canal

Wildlife abounds: black bears, mink, eagles. In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest. On Cleveland Peninsula, the expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. Good opportunities for panoramic shots of Southeast Alaska. In the water, look for orca, porpoises, seals and otters while on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Misty Fjords National Monument

There are places on the planet that completely overcome you. This is one of them. The sense of place you feel. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. And that alone is a lot to consider. Glacial valleys filled with sea water. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs. Sea birds, brown and black bears, mountain goats and Sitka black-tailed deer all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. Or skiff to the base of a waterfall for a fjord-released shower. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a photo journal by the crew.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Ketchikan, Alaska

After breakfast, bid adieu to new friends before disembarkation and transfer to the Ketchikan airport or beginning an extended hotel stay or land tour.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $375 per person (2024 & 2025).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $250 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to another traveler)
90 to 61 days – 66.67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Ketchikan, Alaska (KTN). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Ketchikan no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Reverse Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan Itinerary

The 8-day Reverse Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise travels northbound, beginning in Ketchikan and ending in Juneau, Alaska.

A red line on a green and blue map of the Southeast Alaska showing the route of the Alaska Fjords Glaciers Cruise between Juneau and Ketchikan
Read More
Day 1
Embark Ketchikan, Alaska

Arrive in Ketchikan and be met with a warm welcome, that’s a good start. Enjoy time to take in the city after checking in at the hospitality area. Upon boarding, grab a glass of bubbly as the ship pushes off the dock. Set sail for Misty Fjords National Monument.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Misty Fjords National Monument

Its affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved. There are places on the planet that completely overcome you. This is one of them. The beauty. The peace. The sense of place. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. And that alone is a lot to consider. Glacial valleys filled with sea water. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs. Sea birds, brown and black bears, mountain goats and Sitka black-tailed deer all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. Or skiff to the base of a waterfall for fjord-released shower. It’s an amazing kickoff to the week.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Behm Canal

Wildlife abounds: black bears, mink, eagles. In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest. On Cleveland Peninsula, the expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. Good opportunities for panoramic shots of Southeast Alaska. In the water, look for orca, porpoises, seals and otters while on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Blashkee Islands

The Blashkee Islands are your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling and full-day yak-n-whack excursions. Get ready for an adventurous day!

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Wrangell Narrows & Thomas Bay

Wind into the Wrangell Narrows heading toward the fishing town of Petersburg and Thomas Bay. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s “Christmas Tree Lane” of course. Thomas Bay is way back backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. When you come this far, you might as well go all in. Glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs and mud. In this playground, it’s all an option today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier. Or keep it green tromping through a grassy meadow into the forest.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Frederick Sound

Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and the Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Endicott Arm

Take an early peek out your window. Fjord cliffs reach skyward. Floating ice. And deep u-shaped valleys. Cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form. Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ropes and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, temperamental currents, and the Coastal Mountains. So many waterfalls. Mountain goats show off fancy foot work on the cliffs. Look for them. And it’s an amazing wrap to your week. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a photo journal by the crew.

Accommodations

Wilderness Discoverer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

After breakfast this morning, bid adieu to your new pals before disembarking and transferring to the Juneau airport or extend your hotel stay or land tour.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $375 per person (2023, 2024 & 2025).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $250 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to another traveler)
90 to 61 days – 66.67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Reverse Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise begins in Ketchikan, Alaska (KTN) and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Ketchikan by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the reverse itinerary. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8 of the reverse itinerary.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Apr 28 - May 05, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $3600USD
Per Person
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Jun 09 - Jun 16, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Jun 30 - Jul 07, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Jul 07 - Jul 14, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Sep 29, 2024
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
From $3600USD
Per Person
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Apr 27 - May 04, 2025
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $3600USD
Per Person
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Sep 14 - Sep 21, 2025
Wilderness Discoverer • 8 days
From $3600USD
Per Person
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arrows going opposite directions Reverse
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Discoverer

The 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer is capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. The revolutionary EZ Dock launching platform makes it easy to get in and out of her 25 two-person kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires August 31st, 2024
4th Person Travels Free on Select 2024 Alaska Cruises

Calling all friends and family! Book your select 2024 Alaska cruise with 3 guests and the 4th guest travels free.

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Offer expires August 31st, 2024
Groups 10+ Save On Select 2024 Alaska Cruises

Calling all friends and family! Book 10 or more guests on your select 2024 Alaska cruise to receive up to 29% off.

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Offer expires August 31st, 2024
Save $500 On Select Summer 2024 Alaska Cruises

Save $500 per person when you book a select 2024 Alaska Cruise aboard Safari Quest, Wilderness Discoverer, Safari Endeavour or Wilderness Legacy.

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Offer expires April 6th, 2024
Save 15% On Select 2024 Springtime Alaska Cruises

Spring savings! Book your select April-May 2024 Alaska cruise to receive 15% off per person.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires October 31st, 2024
Save 10% + 2024 Prices On Select 2025 Small Ship Cruises

Book your select 2025 departure in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico (Baja, California), or the Galapagos Islands and receive 2024 pricing + 10% off.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Lis Larson • June 28th, 2014
Expert Review: Alaska Fjords & Glaciers Aboard the Wilderness Discoverer

AdventureSmith's Lis reviews her 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Ketchikan aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer.

Justin Massoni • October 9th, 2022
Expert Review: UnCruise Alaska

All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Impressed With Crew's Knowledge"

We were very impressed with the level of knowledge of the crew across a wide range of topics which value added to our experience enormously. The professionalism and knowledge of the leaders was impressive and their enthusiasm genuine.

Overall
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Meals
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"Trip of a Lifetime"

The trip was exceptional! It was the best trip we have ever taken. On a scale of 1 to 10, this trip was an 11! Be prepared for lots of smiles, this was a trip of a lifetime.

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Accommodations
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Meals
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"This Is The Way To Travel!"

If you want to learn about another part of the planet, be active, travel by boat and meet other people with similar interest, this is the way to travel!

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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Choose from a variety of other AdventureSmith Alaska trips to extend your journey, combine cruise itineraries, or opt for a pre-cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise.

The Alaska Fjords & Glaciers itinerary can be combined with the Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise itinerary for the 15-day Alaska Fjords & Glacier Bay Cruise—Ultimate Expedition operating between Juneau and Ketchikan with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details.

The Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure is a pre-cruise escorted land tour featuring wilderness lodge stays in Denali National Park and Talkeetna Mountains, and hotel overnights in Anchorage. This tour takes you through the Talkeetna Mountain and Denali National park by rail, visits the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and river rafting or flightseeing (added cost). This land package aligns with Friday cruise departures. Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s).

Add to Wishlist
8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Denali Backcountry Explorer

Spend 3-4 nights at a remote backcountry lodge situated 90 miles inside Denali National Park. Unbeatable wildlife viewing, landscape photography, guided hikes, fishing, dog sleds and an Alaska railroad ride can be customized to complement any Alaska small ship cruise.

From $6450USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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7 Day Land Tour
Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure

This 7-day Alaska coast to Denali Adventure visits two Alaska national parks: Denali and Kenai Fjords. Travel from Anchorage to Seward, Kenai, Talkeetna and Denali, then return via historic Alaska railroad, with opportunities to sea kayak, hike and optional flightsee!

From $5945USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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12 Day Land Tour
Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari

On this 12-day Alaska wildlife safari, travel farther afield from standard routes, for a genuine Alaskan wilderness adventure. With only 14 or fewer fellow travelers and in the company of top naturalist guides, sample some of Alaska's highlights—with a few by private excursion. Along the way, stay at vetted, authentic Alaskan lodges and hotels.

From $15995USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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