10-Day Alaska Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Alaska tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAlaska travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Alaska, incl. Denali and Fairbanks

  Lasting 10 days, this route connects Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and Valdez. Highlights feature Columbia Glacier cruising, Alaska Railroad dome car rides, and gold panning with Gold Daughters. Package includes 15 meals and stays at premium properties like River's Edge Resort.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Anchorage & Native Heritage

    Begin your Alaska adventure in Anchorage. Take your first day to adjust to the time change and walk around downtown. On day two, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. "The Alaska Native Heritage Center was incredibly enlightening - make sure to join the Indigenous Plants Tour around Lake Tiulana for unique insights into traditional medicinal uses." It's best to arrive a day early to settle in and get oriented.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Denali National Park

    Take the Alaska Railroad's dome car to Denali. The journey takes 8 hours, so book a window seat on the right side for the best views. Stay at Denali Park Village, located 7 miles from the park entrance. A recent visitor shared: "The morning tundra walks offer the best wildlife viewing - we saw moose, caribou and even a grizzly bear. Layer up as mornings can be chilly even in summer."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Fairbanks & Gold Rush History

    Travel to Fairbanks to experience Alaska's northern culture. Try gold panning with local experts who will show you proper techniques using real Alaskan paydirt. Visit a dog mushing homestead while you're there. One guest noted: "Meeting the sled dogs and learning about mushing from an actual Iditarod family was a highlight - bring treats for the dogs!"

    
  • Days 7-8

    Valdez & Prince William Sound

    Head south through Thompson Pass to Valdez. Book a morning glacier cruise in Prince William Sound when waters are usually calmer. Bring motion sickness medication just in case. A recent visitor said: "The Columbia Glacier cruise was incredible - we saw seals, sea otters, and massive ice chunks calving into the ocean."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Kenai Fjords & Return

    Drive the Seward Highway to reach Kenai Fjords. The drive takes 4-5 hours but offers beautiful views. Summer visitors often spot humpback whales and orcas on cruises. Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on your way back to Anchorage. Schedule your departure flight for late afternoon on the final day to avoid rushing.

    

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• 9 Day Alaska Itinerary, incl. Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula

  A 9-day route winds through Anchorage, Seward, Homer, and remote Adventure Camp. The 500-mile circular journey features Kenai Fjords cruise, Exit Glacier hike, sea kayaking in Kasitsna Bay, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Anchorage

    Your Alaska adventure begins in Anchorage, where wilderness meets city life. If you're lucky with clear weather (about 20% chance), you might spot Mt. Denali during your flight in. Keep your eyes open around town. As one traveler noted, "Even in the city, we spotted moose right on the streets!" Get settled and join your group in the evening.

    
  • Days 2-4

    Seward & Kenai Fjords

    Take the 2.5-hour scenic drive to Seward along Turnagain Arm. Look for Beluga whales from the roadside. Explore Kenai Fjords National Park, starting with a 6-hour wildlife cruise. One reviewer shared: "We saw orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, and puffins all in one day - the glacier calving was absolutely incredible!" The Exit Glacier hike is worth an early morning start to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing black bears feeding on berries. Consider the full 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail if you're feeling adventurous. Pack layers since the weather changes quickly at higher elevations.

    
  • Day 5

    Homer

    Drive to Homer (4 hours from Seward) with plenty of scenic stops. Visit the famous Salty Dawg Saloon on Homer Spit. A recent visitor suggests: "Get to the Spit for sunset - the views across Kachemak Bay with boats coming in are spectacular. And bring cash to pin on the Salty Dawg's walls!"

    
  • Days 6-7

    Adventure Camp

    Take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to Adventure Camp. Join the half-day kayaking trip where guides know the best spots for sea otters and harbor seals. Pack waterproof gear for choppy bay conditions. One guest shared: "The salmon dinner at camp was incredible - caught fresh that day!"

    
  • Day 8

    Hope

    Visit the historic mining town of Hope. With fewer than 200 residents, this small town offers a genuine look at Alaska's gold rush history. Set up camp near the water and use the long summer daylight hours for evening beach walks.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to Anchorage

    On your final drive to Anchorage, stop at Beluga Point during high tide to spot feeding whales. One traveler suggests: "Don't rush back to the city - the Turnagain Arm drive offers some of the best roadside wildlife viewing in Alaska. We spotted Dall sheep on the cliffs almost every time."

    

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• 10 Days in Alaska, incl. Anchorage and Denali

  Alaska's grandeur unfolds over 10 days across 8 major destinations from Anchorage to Denali. The tour showcases flightseeing Mount Denali, bear-watching in Katmai National Park, and Kenai Fjords cruise. Nine nights in 3-star hotels with most meals included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Anchorage Arrival and City Tour

    Take a 15-mile trolley tour of downtown Anchorage. Try to arrive before 2 PM to catch the 3 PM tour. Pick a seat on the right side for the best views of Cook Inlet as you visit Lake Hood and Earthquake Park.

    
  • Day 2

    Anchorage to Homer (4.5 hours)

    Drive along Turnagain Arm early to see the bore tide, which can reach 6 feet high. Visit the Wildlife Conservation Centre right when it opens at 9 AM to see the animals most active. The stretch between Portage and Moose Pass offers excellent mountain views, so keep your camera ready.

    
  • Day 3

    Bear Viewing Adventure

    Your destination depends on the weather - either Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Pack light but bring layers for the temperature changes. You'll need good fitness for the 4-5 mile hike and waterproof boots for crossing streams. A recent visitor said: "Watching the bears fish for salmon just 50 yards away was incredible. Our guide knew exactly when to move closer or give them space."

    
  • Day 4

    Kachemak Bay State Park

    The boat ride to the park takes 30 minutes. Consider motion sickness tablets if needed. The Saddle Trail has great glacier views but can get muddy, so bring hiking poles. You'll walk through three different ecosystems and see impressive cottonwood trees along the way.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Seward and Kenai Fjords

    Go sea kayaking early when the water is calmest. Take the 8.5-hour Kenai Fjords cruise to reach Northwestern Fjord, where you're more likely to see glaciers calving away from the crowds. For the evening Gold Star Dome train to Anchorage, sit on the left for the best views.

    
  • Day 7

    Matanuska Glacier and Talkeetna

    Start with a morning glacier hike. They'll give you crampons but bring warm clothes. For Denali flightseeing from Talkeetna, book the first clear slot available. One visitor noted: "The Ruth Glacier landing was otherworldly. Schedule a morning flight for the clearest mountain views."

    
  • Day 8

    Talkeetna to Denali

    Take the morning jet boat tour for unique Denali views. Wear warm clothes since the river stays cold all year. The drive to Denali takes about 2.5 hours. Book your park shuttle ahead of time if you plan to hike.

    
  • Day 9

    Denali National Park

    Look for wildlife early morning or late evening. Bring binoculars since bears and caribou often stay far away. Head to the Toklat River area (mile 53) for good mountain views if weather permits. Pack for big temperature changes - it can swing 30°F in one day.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Anchorage (4 hours)

    Plan for a 4-hour drive back. Book flights after 3 PM to avoid rushing. If you have time, stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center near the airport.

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