AAA Arizona - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Package details include:

No place in the Lower 48 states can match the rugged beauty and spirit of adventure you'll find in incredible Alaska. Here the landscape and its inhabitants are super-sized, whether you're talking about majestic Mount McKinley, the highest point in North America at 20,320 feet, or the bulky bears and bull moose you’ll see inside Denali National Park.

But no matter how big the adventure, this customizable vacation has you covered! Our flexible itinerary lets you pre-book tours and activities, add custom options, and add more or fewer days in any location. Plus, you’ll travel aboard the Alaska Railroad in Goldstar rail service with domed seating, allowing for the best views of the passing scenery.

You'll get a good sense of what makes Alaska so unique by visiting some of the state's most popular attractions. Start in Seward, where you’ll discover awe-inspiring glaciers and marine wildlife such as puffins, seals and whales, on a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Conclude your day of exploration with a dinner of wild Alaska salmon and prime ribs on the tranquil shores of Fox Island. Take a hike on Exit Glacier, the only glacier in the region accessible by land. Visit a puppy kennel then take a dog sledding excursion on a “summer sled” at the base of Resurrection Mountain. And enjoy the fresh mountain air on a rafting tour among the shimmering icebergs on Spencer Lake.

In Talkeetna, join an experienced guide on a jetboat tour along the region’s glacier fed rivers, where you can spot eagles, moose and bears that frequent the banks of the river for food and water. And take in the landscapes of Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. The narrated tour takes you into the habitat of moose, caribou and Dall sheep, providing insight into the flora and fauna of this spectacular region.

Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations: 1 night in Seward, 1 night in Girdwood, 1 night in Anchorage, 1 night in Talkeetna and 2 nights in Denali National Park
• 1 breakfast, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
• Goldstar rail service with domed seating on the Alaska Railroad: Travel from Seward to Girdwood, Girdwood to Spencer Glacier to Anchorage, Anchorage to Talkeetna, Talkeetna to Denali and Denali to Anchorage
• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and Tour with Fox Island
• Tour of Exit Glacier
• Tour of puppy kennel followed by dogsled ride
• Spencer Glacier Rafting Tour
• Scenic Jet Boat Tour in Talkeetna
• Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Price given based on suggested itinerary; final price will depend on itinerary and dates requested, and on hotel and train availability. Child rate based on children ages 11 and younger sharing a room with two adults. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider.

Note: One pre-night stay required in Anchorage upon arrival due to transfer schedule to Seward the first morning of the tour. We can assist you with the transfers to Seward via train or motorcoach for an additional cost. Please inquire at time of booking. The itinerary ends at Anchorage train station. Alternate lodging, additional nights and additional or alternate sightseeing can also be added. See below for a sampling of optional tours.

Day 1 - Arrive in Seward, Alaska / Kenai Fjords Glacier Cruise
Tour starts at 10:00 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. Seward is your gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and Alaska’s marine wildlife. Take a wildlife and Kenai Fjords glacier cruise and enjoy views of Alaska’s glacier carved coastline with knowledgeable experts. Your captain shares the history and facts about the wildlife of the region as you cruise into the Fjords, where you’ll see puffins, sea otters, sea lions and more. Take advantage of the captain’s keen ability to spot orcas and humpback whales that frequent the area. As you approach the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, watch closely for calving ice as the glacier inches its way into the sea.

After a day of exploring the park, return to beautiful Resurrection Bay for a wild Alaska salmon and prime rib dinner on the tranquil shores of Fox Island. The Fox Island Day Lodge offers exceptional dining in a remote setting. At the conclusion of your meal, board your cruise vessel for a calm ride back to Seward. From the boat harbor take a courtesy shuttle to the Seward Windsong Lodge on the banks of Resurrection River.
Accommodation: Windsong Lodge - 1 night

Day 2 - Seward / Girdwood
Start the day by visiting the only glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park accessible on land, Exit Glacier. Located up the road from the Seward Windsong Lodge, Exit Glacier is the source of Resurrection River and a key component to shaping the valley. After your pleasant hike, tour the bustling kennel of Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey. Learn about these athletic dogs and fascinating history that makes the Alaska Iditarod, also known as “The Last Great Race,” such an essential part of Alaska sportsmanship. Take a thrilling ride behind a team of energetic dogs through wooded Alaska trails.

After the tour, catch a courtesy shuttle to the rail station and board the train to Girdwood. Travel by train with Goldstar domed service through scenic mountain passes with pristine lakes and lush forests. Your Alaskan guide will share stories about what living in the Great Land is all about. Look for eagles, moose, Dall sheep, and more. Upon arrival in Girdwood, check into your deluxe room at the Alyeska Hotel, located at the base of one of Alaska’s popular ski resorts. At the hotel you can arrange tram service up the mountain to the fabulous Seven Glaciers Restaurant for fine dining and unbeatable views.
Accommodation: Alyeska Hotel - 1 night

Day 3 - Girdwood / Spencer Glacier / Anchorage
This morning board the train for a journey into a wilderness accessible only by rail as you traverse the mountain terrain to Spencer Glacier. This magnificent river of ice empties into Spencer Lake. Take a relaxing rafting tour across the lake and float among the shimmering icebergs as you breathe in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy a healthy lunch in this picturesque setting before continuing down the calm waters of Placer River. Watch for eagles and other wildlife as you float by this untouched scenery.

After your rafting tour, take a lovely drive along the Turnagain Arm to the thriving city of Anchorage. This beautiful highway travels along tall cliffs adorned with cascading waterfalls. Capture a stunning photograph of Dall sheep. This majestic animal can often be seen close up in many places along the highway.
Accommodation: Clarion Suites - 1 night

Day 4 - Anchorage / Talkeetna
Depart Anchorage aboard your Goldstar service with domed seating this morning and continue your fantastic rail journey north to Talkeetna. Your guide offers insightful narrations about the rich landscape and wildlife along the way. You may want to enjoy the dining car for breakfast (not included) as you make your way to Talkeetna. Arrive in Talkeetna and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure - a great time to add an optional tour! This evening you may choose to enjoy the Alaskan Lodge’s exquisite dining with panoramic views of Denali National Park, Mt McKinley and the Alaska Range.
Accommodation: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge - 1 night

Day 5 - Talkeetna / Denali
Take a shuttle from the lodge for a delightful Wilderness Jetboat Adventure Tour along the glacier fed rivers of this beautiful wilderness locale. An experienced guide will take you on a smooth cruise up the river to explore the beauty and history of the region. Learn about the lifestyle of the early native inhabitants and visit an authentic sourdough cabin. Watch for eagles, moose, and even bears who frequent the banks of the river for food and water. Upon your return to Talkeetna, resume your journey through Alaska by rail in domed seating to Denali National Park. The dining car will be open for lunch while you enjoy the great views en route, including Hurricane Gultch.
Accommodation: McKinley Chalets - 2 nights

Day 6 - Denali National Park
Awake in the peaceful setting of your lodge at the park.Today is your day to explore Denali National park up close on a narrated bus tour. Travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. This six- to eight-hour narrated journey provides insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region.
Note: Early May and September tours are five hours due to road conditions.

Day 7 - Denali National Park / Anchorage
On the last day of your tour, see Alaska’s wilderness once again as you return to Anchorage aboard Goldstar service domed seating. Your rail service back to Anchorage traverses the bridge over Hurricane Gultch, a masterpiece of railroad engineering. As the train slowly rolls into Anchorage, your Alaska by Rail tour comes to a close.

Optional Seward Tours
• Alaska Sealife Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour
• Chugach Outdoor Rafting from Exit Glacier to Seward Windsong Lodge
• Kayaking Trip at Lowell Point

Optional Tours in Anchorage
• Flightseeing Trips: Choose from Prince William Sound; Knik Glacier; Bear-viewing to Mt. Redoubt; Fly Fishing Trips
• Anchorage Museum
• Alaska Native Heritage Center

Optional Tours in Talkeetna
• Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours - Talkeetna Adventure or Talkeetna Spur Tour
• Raft Trips on the Rivers of Talkeetna
• Flightseeing trips above Denali
• Flightseeing trips above Denali that includes landing on a Denali Glacier
• Iditarod Dog Sled Tour
• Fishing Trips

Optional Tours in Denali
• Rafting Trips
• Cabin Night Dinner Theater