Iconic Alaska: Last Frontier Favorites for Groups

Meet your private Alaskan guides upon arrival in Anchorage as they accompany you and your group by private transfer to your hotel.

Your ‘home’ for the next two days is Alyeska Resort, located in the small town of Girdwood. The Hotel Alyeska is Alaska’s premier hotel, located in the heart of the Chugach National Forest and just a stone’s throw from iconic, uniquely Alaskan adventures.  The resort is the perfect spot to rest, relax, and rejuvenate after your long flight. This elegant resort offers a variety of comforts including a full-size indoor swimming pool (with views of mountain slopes), a wonderful workout center, full spa, and boutique shopping for regional arts and crafts. Alyeska  also hosts a plethora of opportunities for exploring its wooded surroundings with hiking and biking trails and rides on the Alyeska aerial tram.

That evening, your group will enjoy a special dinner at the resort’s high-profile restaurant, Seven Glaciers. Located near the top of Mt. Alyeska and accessible only by aerial tram, this restaurant features panoramic views of nearby glaciers and Turnagain Arm from every seat. Here you and your companions will enjoy local fresh Alaskan cuisine and the outstanding level of service that have earned this restaurant the AAA Four Diamond Award.

Overnight at Alyeska Resort and Hotel.

Today you explore Kenai Fjords National Park by cruise – one of the great highlights of any visit to Alaska.

After transferring from your hotel to Seward, your group will set out on a private vessel to explore the mountainous coastline and massive glaciers of Kenai Fjords. Your chartered small ship cruise will take you to the picturesque Aialik Bay, stopping at the majestic Aialik Glacier to take in the sight (and sounds) of ice crashing into the sea. As you explore the waterways and seacoasts of Kenai Fjords, keep an eye out for marinelife and wildlife including whales that swim in these waters, birds nesting in nearby rookeries, and sea lions relaxing on rocky outcrops. Sail to a remote bay where you can relax in the peaceful silence in a beautiful marine setting right in front of a glacier! Your private cruise in Kenai Fjords includes an onboard lunch.

After your cruise, climb aboard the Alaska Railroad for a scenic rail adventure you will never forget. You’ll return to Girdwood this evening by luxury Goldstar Service in dome cars with glass-ceilings, ideal for scenic viewing. Travel in style in rail cars with upper-deck seating, large picture windows, a bar with complimentary alcoholic beverages, a lower level dining car, and an open air viewing platform.  Travel through magnificent mountains and along Turnagain Arm, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife such as moose, Dall sheep, and beluga whales as you head toward Girdwood. Dinner will be served onboard.

Overnight at Alyeska.

The next day, your group will board small ‘bush’ planes and fly over the Chugach Mountain Range and into Alaska’s interior toward Alaska’s crown jewel, Denali.

You’ll flightsee over the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world’s deepest – almost 2 miles from top to bottom). The highlight of your flight will be landing on a glacier with approximately 20 minutes for your group to experience an Alaska glacier “up close and personally” on the ancient ice and majestic mountain.

The flight ends in Talkeetna where you will have a catered lunch at the exclusive Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. After lunch you will travel by scenic highway toward Anchorage with a stop in Willow, the home and dog kennels of renowned Alaskan dog musher Vern Halter. Vern will open his home and heart to you by sharing his passion for dog sledding. Here you will see a working sled dog training facility and get to participate in thrilling ride on a wheeled cart behind a dog team. Mingle with the puppies and get a glimpse of a truly unique Alaskan lifestyle.

From Willow you and your companions will continue to Anchorage and on the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a private catered dinner in The Athabascan Ceremonial House. The Center was developed to preserve and promote Alaskan Native knowledge, heritage and tradition to visitors and, to foster self-esteem and pride among Alaskan Natives. In addition to touring the Center, you will also be treated to a private Alaskan Native dance performance.

Overnight in Anchorage.

After breakfast at your hotel, your group will be taken by private transfer to the Anchorage Airport to meet the departure flights.