Natural Wonders of Alaska

Day 1 London - Anchorage Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick, for a scheduled Icelandair flight to Anchorage via Reykjavik. Upon arrival we transfer to the Hilton Anchorage (3T) for an overnight stay. Day 2 Anchorage - Valdez Today we travel north through the glacier-carved valley of Matanuska-Susitna where the enormous vegetables of Alaska are grown in the 24-hour daylight. We follow the Matanuska River upstream into the mountains where we spend the afternoon travelling through the spectacular mountain passes as we drive by mighty glaciers. On our approach to our next stop we witness the majestic waterfalls crashing at the side of the road. On arrival in Valdez we transfer to the Best Western Valdez (3T) for a two-night stay. Day 3 Prince William Sound - Columbia Glacier This morning we take a step back into the history of Copper River Valley with a visit to Valdez Museum. The rest of today is dedicated to the natural wonders of Alaskan sea life, beautiful fjords and magnificent glaciers as we take the included cruise into Prince William Sound, following the path of British explorer Captain James Cook. We will have the opportunity to observe sea life up close, watch for seals, otters, sea lions and porpoises. Cruise into the vast fjord created by Alaska’s iconic Columbia Glacier and view the dramatic cascade of ice into the ocean. Day 4 Valdez - Wrangell-St Elias National Park - Fairbanks We depart Valdez and continue our journey to the impressive sights and spectacular mountain scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. We make a stop at the visitor centre which provides information of the park in its entirety, including a 3D interactive map display and the chance to meet a park ranger. We continue to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city at the end of the Alaska Highway, where we check in to the Bridgewater Hotel (3T), our home for the next two nights. Day 5 Fairbanks Located 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, during the summer months we can enjoy as much as 21 hours of daylight, with high temperatures. Our day begins with a city tour where we learn about its gold-mining heritage and visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North, where you can discover fascinating stories about Alaska’s people. A cruise on board a sternwheeler riverboat then combines the colourful history of the river and native traditions. Our Riverboat Discovery cruise is guided by local Fairbanks families and includes a visit to a local village, recreated by Athabascan Indians. This evening is at leisure. Day 6 Fairbanks - Denali We transfer to Fairbanks train station where we join the Alaska railroad for a memorable rail journey through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in Alaska, winding through dramatic canyons as we approach Denali. On arrival, we transfer to the Denali Park Village Lodge (3T) for the next two nights. This afternoon and evening will be at leisure. Day 7 Denali A day at leisure to relax, enjoy some of the activities available in Denali or perhaps take in one of the Denali National Park Service Programmes. Your tour manager will be on hand to assist you. Day 8 Denali - Wasilla This morning is at leisure in Denali before we travel down the Parks Highway to Wasilla, where, weather permitting, you will get a view of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Our overnight stay is at the Grandview Inn (2T), Wasilla where we can relax and enjoy spectacular views of the Chugach Range. Day 9 Wasilla - Hatcher Pass - Anchorage - Seward This morning we travel up to Hatcher Pass, a mountain pass named after Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner, situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, a beautiful alpine valley with a spectacular glacier view. We continue to Anchorage before heading towards the harbour town of Seward along the picturesque Seward Highway. Brimming with waterfalls, blue glaciers, mountains, tranquil ponds and stormy ocean fjords, this highway is like a destination in itself. We arrive at the Seward Windsong Lodge (3T+) for an evening at leisure and an overnight stay. Day 10 Seward Our day starts with a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research and rehabilitation facility for sick and injured marine animals including endangered Stellar sea lions and harbour seals, as well as sea birds. Situated on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay, there will be free time to explore here before returning to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Maybe visit the Seward Museum which displays the town’s history through photos and documents, from its first native inhabitants through to the devastating earthquake of 1964. Day 11 Seward - Anchorage We travel to Anchorage, stopping en route at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where a local expert will take us on a guided tour educating us on the land mammals of Alaska with the chance of viewing bears, moose and caribou in their natural setting. After a brief city tour, we transfer to the Hilton Anchorage (3T) for our overnight stay. The rest of the day is at leisure, with further opportunities for a fantastic wildlife adventure. Day 12 Anchorage - In flight Morning at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a local walking trail or some last-minute shopping before transferring to Anchorage Airport for a scheduled Icelandair flight to London via Reykjavik. Day 13 London Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick, where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.