Alaska is a wilderness destination waiting to be explored. Ice-blue fjords, majestic glaciers, snowcapped mountains, wild bears, and humpback whales. It’s a destination where every experience is a chapter in the story of America’s Last Frontier, perfect for luxury travelers, small group tours, and incentive trips. Our local DMC, Xperience Alaska, shares some of the highlights they can include in a custom-designed trip, as well as a short introductory itinerary.
WILD ALASKA HIGHLIGHTS
- Glacier-gliding excitement: Dog sled on a glacier, carving through the snow, with your team of huskies leading you on an exhilarating journey. Ride snowmobiles to Spencer Glacier.
- Raft down Alaska’s wild rivers where untamed waters rush beneath snowcapped peaks. The thrill of the rapids merges with breathtaking scenery.
- Reel in the legends: Fish for huge king salmon in the legendary waters of Alaska. It’s not just a fishing trip; it’s a chance to connect with the wild, surrounded by pristine nature.
- Bears in their element: View bears in their natural habitat, an encounter that feels like a scene from a wildlife documentary. Witness these majestic creatures roam freely.
- Seaside dining spectacle: Dine on fresh Alaskan seafood while sitting on a cruise ship, the perfect stage to watch glacier/iceberg calving. Enjoy a culinary experience surrounded by ice-blue fjords.
- Sailing the Inside Passage: Embark on a journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage, sailing past the colossal Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
- Tlingit Artistry in Juneau and Skagway: Delve into the rich world of the Tlingit people, Alaska’s indigenous tribe. Explore their history through the art of totem pole carving and watch the Naa Kahidi dance.
- Salmon tales in Ketchikan: Enjoy freshly caught and grilled salmon at Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world. Whether in outdoor bakes or cozy indoor lodge settings, savor the flavors of the sea in a setting surrounded by Alaskan wilderness.
- Whale watching in Sitka and forest hikes in Juneau: Spot humpback whales in Sitka, as they feed offshore. Hike through Tongass National Forest in Juneau, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of Alaska.
- Mushing with Huskies: Meet with mushers and their specially bred huskies for a dog sledding adventure.
- View the Mendenhall Glacier: This “drive-up” glacier is just 20km from Juneau.
- Flightsee over an Alaskan Mountain Range: Flying over peaks and glacial formations in a plane or helicopter is a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
- View the Northern Lights: Your best chance to see the Aurora Borealis light up the Alaskan sky is during the cold, clear winter nights between late August and early April.
INTRODUCTORY ITINERARY EXAMPLE
The ideal duration to fully experience Alaska is 10 days, but for those on a small incentive trip or limited for time, the following 6-night itinerary will give you a good idea of what is possible.
Day 1 – Arrival in Anchorage: Arrive and take an afternoon walking orientation tour of Anchorage or choose the Red Trolley Tour for a city and history overview. Overnight at Sheraton hotel in Anchorage.
Day 2 – Anchorage to Seward: Embark on a train journey along the Coastal Classic Trail from Anchorage to Seward, showcasing the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Kenai Peninsula, Girdwood, and Resurrection Bay. Overnight at Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward.
Day 3 – Seward: Join a 6-hour cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, discovering whales, wildlife, and glaciers. Experienced captains narrate your journey which culminates in front of a tidewater glacier. A light lunch is served onboard. Overnight in Seward.
Day 4 – Seward: Join a morning guided hike to witness the blue ice of Exit Glacier. Afternoon visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center to learn more about the the wildlife seen during the Kenai Fjords cruise. Opt for a breathtaking helicopter flight over Resurrection Bay. Overnight in Seward.
Day 5 – Seward to Anchorage: Drive back along the scenic Seward Highway towards Anchorage. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley, dedicated to wildlife preservation and education. Overnight at Sheraton hotel in Anchorage.
Day 6 – Anchorage: Observe bears in their natural habitat at beautiful Chinitna Bay in Lake Clark National Park. Take a 1h30min plane ride followed by a guided 4WD bus/vehicle tour to prime bear-watching locations. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 7 – Depart Anchorage for home.
Contact Xperience Alaska for a custom trip and more information.