SMALL GROUP ALASKA LAND TOUR. Maximum 13 passengers traveling with 1 Alaska resident guide in one of our deluxe small coaches.
DAILY ITINERARY: Your escorted vacation is spent fully discovering Alaska and meeting Alaskans. Trip days generally begin 8-9 am and end 8-9 pm, give or take an hour if the day warrants. Travel is at a comfortable pace with time out of the vehicle experiencing many things along the way. Custom and Optional activities can be arranged for an even more personal experience. Travelers should be able to walk unassisted (at least a block and up a few stairs), and in good medical condition in order to participate in this small group tour. Times listed are approximate and if needed ATG may alter the schedule as needed to suit the situation. Our tours are meant to experience Alaska in a more personal way with more time away from the crowded larger coach destinations. We focus on showing you some of the real Alaska where you’re one in 13 rather than one in 100 or 1000.
Day 1: Friday, August 1, 2025 – Arrival Day
HIGHLIGHTS: Anchorage, Alaska
Arrival day into Anchorage is not guided. The tour rate includes cost of hotel room and tax but does not include any additional meals, activity or expense. The hotel offers 24/7 complimentary airport shuttle.
Alaskan Tour Guides can assist with Anchorage options for early travelers to explore on their own.
Each day lists the Drive Time: This is an estimate of your total road time that day. It does not count time to stop for meals, sights, activities and attractions. Every day is a full day. Some have longer travel but all are designed with time to get out of the vehicle and experience Alaska in a personal way.
ATG reserves the right to alter trip times to accommodate any potential changes or events that may occur at the time of travel. Road construction and other unknown events can alter travel time. Any changes will be made and relayed by your ATG guide at the time of travel to ensure that reserved activity times are met.
Meal Package – Several meals are included in the tour rate. Breakfasts are a minimum of extended- continental to full buffet at your lodging. Lunches vary from quick sandwich stops, to buffet picnics, to local diners. Dinner meals are generally enjoyed at an Alaskan-themed or menu-specialty restaurant. Order from the menu an entree and non-alcohol beverage. Meals included are identified at the end of each day as B, L or D. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Not included: “Market Price” meals, Alcohol, additional side dishes or appetizer. These costs need to be paid separately by the traveler.
Hotel: The Dimond Center Hotel offers modern, comfortable accommodations in South Anchorage. Amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, deep soaking tub, & flat-screen TV in each room. Complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi, & 24 hour airport shuttle provided. 1 king or 2 queen Ultimate Dream Beds.
Note: No view rooms at this property.
Day 2: Saturday, August 2, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Escorted Tour Begins / Talkeetna, Alaska / Denali, Alaska
Hotel Breakfast Buffet Provided.
9:00 am meet and greet your Alaskan Tour guide in the hotel lobby, ready to begin your exciting adventure. Travel with a small group, in a comfortable executive shuttle and with an Alaska resident as your driver-guide. Benefit from local resident knowledge and first hand experiences. Your ATG guide provides genuine Alaskan hospitality and concierge-level service so you have the best vacation experience.
Depart for travel north towards Denali. This travel day allows for several stops in route for scenic views, any wildlife sightings, special highlights and of course, any restroom and meal stops as needed.
Stop along the way in Talkeetna, Alaska, a historical frontier town with lots of Alaskan flavor! The rustic and charming community is popular with visitors and offers a lot of hospitality with a choice of delicious eateries, quaint shops featuring local artists and even its quirky museums. Some of the best views of the Alaska range and Mt. Denali are seen from this location if weather permits. There is a chance for individual custom fun before departing Talkeetna.
Talkeetna OPTIONAL subject to 2025 Rates: Denali Flightseeing tour with Glacier Landing.
Dinner as a group is included.
Hotel: The Grande Denali Lodge offers vistas of the Denali wilderness and the Nenana River that will take your breath away! Spacious guest rooms are a comfortable place to relax and recharge. 1 king or 2 queen beds.
MEALS: B, D DRIVE TIME: 5 hours
Day 3: Sunday, August 3, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Denali National Park Shuttle
Breakfast Voucher provided for full buffet.
8:45 am Depart for Denali Park entrance. 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Denali Park Shuttle to East Fork Cabin. Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Interior Alaska, featuring Denali (Mt. McKinley), the highest mountain in North America, encompasses more than 6 million acres and provides visitors with the experience of a lifetime.
The Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and high mountain passes. It’s the only road inside the park. Along its route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and a view of Denali is possible – if weather permits. Wildlife can often be seen, though sightings are not guaranteed – they are, after all, wild animals roaming an unfenced land.
Your turnaround point is at mile 43 of the park road, near the East Fork Cabin, a rustic log structure with a history of sheltering rangers and researchers since the 1930s. This shuttle travels 43 miles one way, 6 hours round trip. It stops every hour and 15 minutes for view points and restroom stops. It also stops anytime wildlife is sighted.
Your ATG guide will arrange for a boxed lunch for you to take along.
Spend your second night at the Grande Denali Lodge.
MEALS: B, L DRIVE TIME: 15 min. SHUTTLE TIME: 6 hours, not all drive time.
Day 4: Monday, August 4, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Denali Park Visitor Center / Denali – Custom Day
Hotel Breakfast voucher for full buffet.
The Denali National Park Visitor center offers Denali’s visitors a chance to learn more about the park by interacting with rangers, viewing the award winning film “Heartbeats of Denali,” and exploring the exhibit area. The building boasts a number of environmentally sustainable features. The Denali Bookstore offers an extensive collection of educational materials on the natural and cultural heritage of Denali.
Explore Denali your way. Choose from a variety of adventures and experience this National Park at your own pace. Any costs for additional adventures will be added to your final tour payment.
- Leisure and no cost activity choices include the Denali Visitor Center, hiking front country trails, taking the free shuttle to Savage River trail for hiking, shopping, or relaxing at your lodging.
- Moderate to higher cost adventures include river rafting (a choice of easier floats or exciting whitewater), ATV tours driving single seats or riding double to quad; and Zipline adventures.
Spend your third night at the Grande Denali Lodge.
MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: minimal to/from activity
Day 5: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Alaska Railroad Goldstar – Denali to Talkeetna / Wasilla, Alaska
Hotel Breakfast voucher for full buffet.
11:20 am check in to board The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, GoldStar Service from Denali to Talkeetna. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Enjoy first-class service aboard double-deck dome cars. Luxury rail travel has never been better.
Reserved upper-level dome car seating, upper-level outdoor viewing deck, exclusive lower-level dining room, lunch and two adult beverages included. Order from the menu of Alaskan cuisine including choices that vary from seafood to reindeer sausage. Adult beverage menu includes award winning Alaskan brewery selections.
The train departs at 12:20 and your guide will drive with luggage and meet you in Talkeetna at 5:05 pm. Travel continues to Wasilla, with expected hotel arrival at around 7-8 pm.
Hotel: Lake Lucille Inn Guests enjoy beautiful mountain and lake views along with comfortable accommodations. Guest laundry and wireless internet available. A breakfast buffet is provided each morning. Deluxe rooms feature a lake view and two queen beds.
MEALS: B, L RAIL TIME: 4.5 hours DRIVE TIME: 2 hours
Day 6: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center / Travel to Homer
Breakfast provided by hotel.
Travel along the Seward Highway. This National Scenic Byway passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The landscape varies from the muddy waters of Turnagain Arm to the icy blue glaciers that hang almost to the sea. Wildflowers and waterfalls brighten every turn of the road as it glides below rough mountains that pierce thick, heavy clouds. Only Alaska’s Seward Highway can offer this particular mix created by climate, geography, and geology.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non profit organization that cares for rescued wildlife, injured and orphans. They promote better awareness of Alaska Wildlife conservation methods through public education and a fantastic opportunity to photograph Alaska wildlife up close. See moose, brown and black bear, wood bison, musk ox and many more rescued animals.
Travel down the Kenai Penisula to the end of the road and the town of Homer, Alaska along stretches of Scenic Byway with views of pristine wilderness rivers, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and massive volcanoes in route.
A quaint town nestled on the shore of Kachemak Bay offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains and wildlife. Homer is known to many as the ‘Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea’ but it was made famous in Tom Bodett’s tales as ‘The End of the Road.’
Hotel: Land’s End Resort. Features brand new Staterooms with one king or two queen beds, an expanded picture window with two large upholstered swivel chairs, dimmable LED room lighting. Bathrooms feature LED mirrors, glass door shower, and a separate large soaking tub with a view. Oceanview side rooms.
MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: 5 hours
Day 7: Thursday, August 7, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Homer, Alaska – CUSTOM DAY
Hotel Breakfast voucher included.
The Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile long needle of land stretching halfway across Kachemak Bay, is a hub of bustling activity during the summer. It hums with throngs of tourists, people camping on the beach, charter boats heading out to catch a record-breaking halibut, beachcombers, and wildlife enthusiasts, amazed at how many bald eagles and sea otters they can spot.
A variety of Optional Excursions are available to be reserved for your custom day in Homer. Choices vary from easy walks along the beach, short bike rides, sea kayaking, fishing adventures or bear viewing tours. Available activities, descriptions and costs are provided upon booking.
Spend your second night at the Land’s End Resort.
MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: minimal to/from activities
Day 8: Friday, August 8, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Seldovia Wildlife Tour Day Cruise
Breakfast at a local restaurant.
10:00 am check in for the Seldovia Wildlife Tour. Visit Gull Island bird rookery for the chance to view up to 15,000 sea birds, and continue on through Eldred passage for possible otter, whale and other marine wildlife sightings.
Seldovia is a small, charming coastal community accessible only by boat or plane. Take time to visit the historic boardwalk and experience the incredible views. Explore the visitor center, shops, and galleries, or the local beach.
Visit includes lunch, and time to explore the town.
Your boat docks in Seldovia at approximately 1 pm and departs at 4 pm, with anticipated arrival back in Homer at around 5:30 pm.
Spend your third night at: Land’s End Resort
MEALS: B, L DRIVE TIME: none CRUISE TIME: 4 hours
Day 9: Saturday, August 9, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Travel to Seward / Iditarod Dog Kennel / Seward, Alaska
Breakfast at a local restaurant.
9:00 am Depart for Seward. Seward, Alaska is a picturesque coastal community where the mountains melt into the sea. Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park offer spectacular views of wildlife, glaciers and mountains.
Visit Seavey Ididaride. The Alaskan adventure begins with a two-mile dog sled ride. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of these amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to comfortable wheeled sleds. Mush through the Alaskan wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek.
Your guide will explain how they train and steer the dogs, and tell stories from the trail. Upon return to the kennel, tour the kennel facilities and cuddle adorable husky puppies.
Hotel: Harbor 360 – Harbor view rooms, in the city of Seward with great views of the Boat Harbor and Resurrection Bay. Harbor View rooms with either 2 queen beds or one king. Includes continental breakfast room. Easy walking distance to shops, dining, and convenient for a walk along the bay under the late evening sun.
MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: 3.5 hours
Day 10: Sunday, August 10, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
Hotel breakfast room.
10:30 am check in for the 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park tour with deli lunch. This 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise explores the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Experienced Captains will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. Cruise about the islands and coves of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins, common murres, and black-legged kittiwakes.
A deli style lunch with the option of a turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian sandwich is included. Snack bar onboard for added purchases.
Dinner as a group included.
Spend your second night at the: Harbor 360 – Harbor view rooms.
MEALS: B, L, D DRIVE TIME: none CRUISE TIME: 6 hours
Day 11: Monday, August 11, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS: Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float / Travel to Anchorage / Tour Ends in Anchorage
Hotel Breakfast room.
Depart Seward and return north along the Seward Highway allowing a second opportunity for magical views and potential wildlife sightings in their natural habitat.
Picnic lunch is included.
Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float: Take the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to the beautiful Spencer Glacier and enjoy an easy raft tour floating amongst icebergs in Alaska wilderness. 1:00 pm check in for 1:25 pm departing train trip south down the Placer Valley leaving the highway behind and into country only accessible by train.
Several hanging glaciers appear before the stop at Spencer Glacier. This is another wildlife habitat populated with bear, moose, coyotes and wolves. Swans pause here on their migration, yellowlegs and arctic terns also make this home. Get up close and personal to the icebergs on this scenic float suitable for all ages. Experienced guides will row you right up to picturesque icebergs on Spencer Lake.
The panoramic views of the Spencer Glacier and surrounding mountains are beautiful. From Spencer Lake, raft 7 river miles down the pristine Placer River, where the river meets back up with the train tracks. The Glacier Discovery train will stop to pick you up.
5:15 pm Train returns to the Portage Depot where your ATG guide waits to transport you to Anchorage.
The escorted portion of your tour ends with check in at the hotel. Next day departures are self-navigated with use of the hotel to airport shuttle.
Hotel: The Dimond Center Hotel offers modern, comfortable accommodations in South Anchorage. Amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, deep soaking tub, & flat-screen TV in each room. Complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi, & 24 hour airport shuttle provided. 1 king or 2 queen Ultimate Dream Beds.
Note: No view rooms at this property.
MEALS: B, L DRIVE TIME: 3 hours
Day 12: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Hotel Breakfast Buffet Provided.
Depart Anchorage. Alaska
Today is unguided. Your hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle. Check in with the front desk to reserve your seats the night prior. We recommend at least 2 hours between airport check-in and flight departure.