“This is the Alaskan tour on your bucket list…there were amazing sights from glaciers to wildlife, whales, moose, golden eagles & more. R&J has it all on this tour. Our tour directors & driver enhanced all this with their wonderful narration & information.” Denise & Ernie – Jordan, MN
Day 1 – Home to Anchorage, AK
We fly to Anchorage today and meet our coach driver/guide. We’ll do some souvenir shopping and make a lunch stop before we check into the Marriott Anchorage for the next 3 nights. Relax, unpack, and join us for dinner at one of our favorite Anchorage restaurants.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Marriott Anchorage (3 Nights)
Day 2 – Anchorage
This morning we’ll visit the 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center and tour this museum devoted to the unique cultures and traditions that make up this great state. We’ll experience a fish hatchery tour & museum before a stop at the native Alaskan ULU Factory for an interesting knife demonstration and shopping. After another enjoyable day in Anchorage, you’ll have dinner and the evening on your own while you explore more of downtown Anchorage.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Anchorage
Today we’ll take a day trip to Whittier, Alaska to experience Prince William Sound from the water’s perspective. Get ready for an adventure as we’ll take a cruise with a naturalist guide who will help us spot bald eagles, common murres, cormorants, kittiwakes, and other various birds. Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, orca & humpback whales, and porpoise are also common sights. Listen for the unmistakable rumbling of a calving glacier, waiting for the moment when a huge block of ice crashes into the sea. We’ll enjoy a luncheon onboard as we discover a waterfall & glaciers up-close! This will be a day you will long remember! We’ll head back to Anchorage tonight for our last overnight in the city.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Anchorage to Denali National Park, AK
Head north with a stop at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters to learn about the “Last Great Race” and an opportunity to ride on a sled dog cart! From there we’ll journey on to Talkeetna where we’ll board the Wilderness Express Dome Train for some spectacular views as we travel to Denali National Park. Lunch is served onboard as we journey into the Park’s grand interior, giving us an idea of how vast the “last frontier” really is. Tonight, we’ll stay at Denali Park Village and enjoy an Alaskan dinner with entertainment at Cabin Nite.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Denali Park Village
Day 5 – Denali National Park to Fairbanks, AK
Early morning is the best time to see wildlife in the park, so we’ll travel deep into Denali National Park on a Natural History and Wildlife Tour. Keep in mind that we are entering a self-contained, undisturbed preserve where the animals roam freely in their natural habitat. Truly an experience to remember, as you may see your first wild grizzly bear, wolf, moose or Dall sheep. If weather permits, we may even catch a breathtaking view of Denali towering 20,320 feet above the landscape. Later we’ll motor in luxury as we make our way to Fairbanks for a three night stay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Hotel: Bear Lodge (3 Nights)
Day 6 – Fairbanks
Today is filled with a variety of sights, plus an opportunity for a rafting adventure on your own if you choose! First we’re off to a local reindeer ranch for some reindeer education and a chance to walk with the animals. After lunch on your own, there will be Christmas themed shopping at Santa’s House in North Pole, Alaska. Check out the huge displays of ornaments, clothing, and Christmas-themed gifts. Maybe even get the Santa letters ordered for your grandkids! Then we’ll make a stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural Visitor Center and at Golden Heart Plaza. We’ll return to our hotel early enough to enjoy some free time on your own or join the *optional rafting adventure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Fairbanks
Our day starts with a visit to the Gold Dredge 8 where we’ll learn about goldmining techniques and its colorful history. And you’ll have your own opportunity to pan for gold. We’ve also planned a photo opportunity at the Alaska Oil Pipeline. Lunch is at Discovery Dining Hall. Later board the Sternwheeler “Discovery” for an exciting cruise along the scenic Chena and Tanana Rivers. We’ll hear native guides share their unique culture and traditions at a recreated Athabascan Indian Camp. We’ll also see sled dog demonstrations along the way. Tonight we’ll gather for an authentic Alaskan salmon bake!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Fairbanks to Valdez, AK
Today is a travel day through the heart of Alaska through some of the most breathtaking scenery as we make our way to a spectacular place that’s “untouched yet within reach,” Valdez. Located near the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, Valdez is a mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests, and the majestic Chugach Mountains. Valdez is the perfect destination if you are looking to step away from the typical and into the real Alaska. Valdez offers unparalleled natural scenery matched only by the abundant activities offered throughout the year.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Totem Hotel (2 Nights)
Day 9 – Valdez
This morning we’ll head out early to the Solomon Gulch Hatchery for a self-guided tour along the shoreline to learn about the life cycle of salmon and possibly see salmon and other wildlife that show up for the salmon run. Bring your camera! It’s not atypical to see a bear here! On our way back to town, we’ll visit the Valdez Museum for a historical perspective of this bustling little port town. Then the rest of afternoon is yours to further explore the shops, the marina or maybe even the brewery. Tonight, we’re in for a real treat as we’ll dine at the Fat Mermaid. Its waterfront setting provides a beautiful view of the harbor and the mountains.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Valdez to Homer, AK
Today we’ll head out early for an adventure cruise across Prince William Sound to Whittier, aboard a narrated cruise through the sound. See beautiful glaciers, abundant wildlife and unprecedented scenery along the route. We’ll enjoy lunch on board. Once we arrive in Whittier, we’ll board our waiting motorcoach. We’ll make a few scenic stops and a dinner stop along the way to Homer, the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World – and our home for the next two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Aspen Hotel (2 Nights)
Day 11 – Homer
Sleep in this morning or take a walk in downtown Homer before we head to where the action is, the Homer Spit: filled with restaurants, gift shops, and wonderful spots along the marinas for watching the fishing boats come and go. You might take the opportunity for an *optional halibut fishing excursion if you’d like. If you choose not to join the fishing excursion, there is much to explore in and around Homer. We’ll gather as a group once the fisherman return for a pizza party and fishing stories.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Homer to Seward, AK
Today, after another delicious breakfast, we’ll visit the Norman Lowell Art Gallery where we’ll be awed by the breathtaking masterpieces of this talented resident artist of Alaska. Then we’ll travel the Seward Highway with several scenic stops along the way, including some time at Exit Glacier, derived from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains. Next, we’ll check into the historic Hotel Edgewater located in central downtown. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a meal together at a lodge outside of Seward. You’ll have time under the midnight sun to check out this port city set on an inlet on the Kenai Peninsula.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Edgewater (2 Nights)
Day 13 – Seward
Enjoy a free morning in beautiful Seward or you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy another *optional adventure – a scenic flight by small plane and/or helicopter, offering a unique perspective of Alaska’s breathtaking landscape. Next we’ll experience a narrated, 4.5-hour natural history and wildlife cruise through Resurrection Bay and its surrounding waters. Marvel at the hanging glaciers of Thumbs Cove and the awe-inspiring Bear Glacier, the largest in Kenai Fjords National Park, originating from the vast Harding Icefield. These stunning landscapes provide the perfect setting for unforgettable photos! Keep an eye out for horned and tufted puffins, common murres, bald eagles, and other pelagic seabirds. Sail past Steller sea lion haul-outs and explore lush coves like Emerald and God’s Pocket. As we journey through the nutrient-rich, pristine waters, watch for sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, orcas, and humpback whales. Listen closely for the iconic call of “There she blows!” An included lunch will be served on board as we take in the magnificent sights. Returning to the harbor in late afternoon, you’ll be able to explore more of Seward and have dinner on your own in the charming downtown.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – Seward to Overnight Flight Home
Enjoy our last breakfast together and some time relaxing in your lodge, the main lodge coffee and gift shops, or just taking in the scenery before we begin our journey north towards Anchorage & home. We’ll again make a few scenic stops along the way. Then you’ll have a chance to make your final Alaska shopping purchases. Once into Anchorage, we’ll enjoy one last farewell meal together at a local favorite, The Peanut Farm, before our coach drops us at the airport for our overnight flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Arrive Home
Arrive bright & early to the MSP airport after a Grand Alaska Tour!
*OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Day 6: 6 Hour River Rafting Experience outside Fairbanks
Day 11: 1/2 Day Halibut Fishing in Homer
Visit with the R&J office once you’ve made your tour reservation and we can help you get signed up for the rafting and/or fishing excursions! Don’t wait as excursion space is limited and is based on first come, first serve.
Day 13: Scenic Small Plane and/or Helicopter Rides in Seward
– 15 Minute Resurrection Bay Scenic Flight in an Alaskan Bush Plane
– 30 Minute Bear Glacier Scenic Flight in an Alaskan Bush Plane
– 15 Minute Discovery Flight above 4 Hanging Glaciers in a Helicopter
Your Tour Director will gauge interest at the beginning of the tour and assist with arranging any of these flights.
Note: The costs for the above optional excursions is not included in your tour price and will be an additional cost to you.
Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information
Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
Roundtrip airfare from MSP including baggage fees, all taxes & surcharges, 27 Meals, all hotels & activities as stated in brochure, Expert Local Driver/Guides incl. their Tips.
07/09/2027 07/23/2027
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
Anchorage
Native American history at multiple venues!
Denali National Park/Fairbanks
Travel in style aboard the Wilderness Express Railroad from Talkeetna to Denali in domed railcars, offering the best views along the way. Morning is the best time to see wildlife in the park, so we’ll travel deep into Denali National Park on a Natural History and Wildlife Tour. Keep in mind that we are entering a self-contained, undisturbed preserve where the animals roam freely in their natural habitat. Truly an experience to remember, as you may see your first wild grizzly bear, wolf, moose or Dall sheep. If weather permits, we may even catch a breathtaking view of Denali towering 20,320 feet above the landscape. We’ll then head to Fairbanks, where we’ll try our hand at panning for gold, enjoy a relaxing sternwheeler cruise along the river, and have the unforgettable opportunity to meet a reindeer face to face.
Prince William Sound Cruise
We’ll cruise twice in the sound: First exploring the beauty and grandeur of breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as: eagles, harbor seals, otters and whales. Floating among the icebergs gives us plenty of time to take in Mother Nature’s glorious ice sculptures. Listen to the glaciers as they groan and crack, an indication that enormous sections of ice are about to calve off and splash into the bay! Later in the tour we’ll take an across-the-sound narrated cruise from Valdez as we journey to the Kenai Peninsula.
Kenai Peninsula
We’ll cruise magnificent Resurrection Bay and experience lunch onboard before heading along the Sterling Highway to the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, Homer, for more discovery & maybe a whole lot of fishing! Continue along one of America’s most scenic roads, the Seward Highway, to the lovely village of Seward. Drive along Turnagain Arm, a fjord of water which boasts some of the highest tide waters in the world, keeping an eye out for Beluga whales.
