2-Week Alaska Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Alaska tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAlaska travel expert at TourRadar

• 12 Day Alaska Itinerary, incl. Denali and Kenai Fjords

  12-day expedition exploring Denali's wildlife, Wrangell-St. Elias' Root Glacier, and Kenai Fjords' marine life. Includes 6-mile glacier hikes, Shoup Bay kayaking, and jetboat wilderness camping, with 80% chance of bear sightings.

  

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  • Day 1

    Anchorage

    Fly into Anchorage International Airport and take a quick 6-minute taxi downtown. Try to book your flight to arrive by mid-afternoon so you can settle in and make it to the evening welcome dinner. Don't worry about arriving "late" since summer daylight can stretch until 11 PM.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Denali National Park

    Drive north for 4 hours to Denali with a stop in Talkeetna. For the best wildlife viewing take the earliest park bus at 6 AM. Morning temperatures can drop to 40°F even in summer so bring warm layers. The park road runs 92 miles and you can get on and off the bus whenever you want. Pack plenty of food since options are limited inside the park.

    
  • Day 4

    Wilderness Camp

    The jet boat ride to the remote camp takes about an hour. Pack light and bring just the essentials in a daypack. Your main luggage stays secure in Denali. The camp offers real tents and basic amenities but expect no cell service or electricity.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Valdez & Shoup Bay

    Plan for a 5-6 hour drive to Valdez with stops. The sea kayaking trip to Shoup Bay is good for beginners but bring waterproof layers and gloves since the glacier water is nearly freezing. Book morning trips when the bay is calmest for the best glacier photos.

    
  • Days 7-9

    McCarthy & Wrangell-St. Elias

    Wear sturdy boots with good grip on the Root Glacier Trail. Most hikers take 4-5 hours for the 6-mile round trip with photo stops. Get supplies in Valdez since McCarthy has limited food options. Most Kennecott buildings close at 6 PM.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Seward & Kenai Fjords

    Start the Harding Icefield Trail by 8 AM to avoid afternoon storms. It's a tough 8.2-mile round trip climbing 3,000 feet. If you prefer less hiking the wildlife cruises run 6-8 hours and get you close to glaciers. Bring warm clothes since the bay runs 10-15°F cooler than Seward.

    
  • Day 12

    Return to Anchorage

    The drive back takes 2.5-3 hours without stops. As one traveler said: "The Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm offers incredible mountain and water views - have your camera ready for beluga whale sightings in the late summer months." Book your departure flight after 5 PM to allow time for highway delays. Many visitors stay an extra night in Anchorage to avoid rushing on the last day.

    

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• 11 Days in Alaska, incl. Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias

  The 11-day Alaskan odyssey includes 3 nights in Denali National Park, 2 nights in Valdez, and 3 nights in Wrangell St. Elias. Features Shoup Glacier kayaking, Denali Park bus tour, and optional flightseeing (costs around $400). Visits 5 major destinations with diverse activities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Anchorage to Denali National Park

    Leave Anchorage and drive north on the Parks Highway. Stop in Talkeetna after 3 hours for lunch and mountain views. Try the local favorite spinach bread at Talkeetna Roadhouse. Another 2.5 hours gets you to your Denali basecamp. Bring warm clothes even in summer since nights get cold.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Denali National Park

    Book the park shuttle bus early since spots go quickly. Start at 6 AM for the best wildlife spotting. Pack snacks and binoculars. No food is sold inside the park. On Day 3, try the Savage River Loop, an easy 2-mile hike with great mountain views. Always carry bear spray.

    
  • Day 4

    Denali Highway to Maclaren River Lodge

    Plan for 6-7 hours on this mostly unpaved road. Get gas before starting. The lodge has simple bunk rooms but incredible Alaska Range views. A previous guest said: "Maclaren Lodge was super cool - really remote and beautiful."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Valdez and Kayaking

    Drive 5 hours through Thompson Pass to Valdez. Join a kayak trip to Shoup Glacier. No experience needed but bring warm, water-resistant clothes and gloves. Look for seals and sea otters. The campground offers hot showers.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

    Take it slow on the 7-hour McCarthy Road. Bring a spare tire. Camp near the Kennicott River with basic facilities. Optional activities include glacier hikes and flights ($225-399). The historic Kennecott copper mill is worth exploring.

    
  • Day 10

    Glenn Highway to Majestic Valley

    Drive 5-6 hours west to your wilderness lodge. Relax in the hot tub and watch for moose at dusk. The included dinner often features local salmon.

    
  • Day 11

    Return to Anchorage

    Just 2 hours back to Anchorage. Visit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or Alaska Native Heritage Center. The weekend market downtown has authentic local souvenirs.

    

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• 13 Days in Alaska, incl. Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords

  A remarkable 13-day route covers 6 Alaskan cities, from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with unique stays in yurts at Grant Lake and remote canvas tents at Maclaren River. Featuring 6-hour wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords, dog sledding at Seavey Homestead, and wilderness exploration in Denali National Park.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula

    Start in Anchorage and look for moose along the Coastal Trail in the early morning. Take the Seward Highway south to Kenai Fjords National Park. The drive to Seward normally takes 2.5 hours but set aside 4 hours to stop for photos along Turnagain Arm where you might spot Dall sheep on the cliffs. Book a 6-hour wildlife cruise but remember motion sickness pills and plenty of layers. The water temperature can change by 20°F during your trip. The best time to see whales is between 11 AM and 2 PM when they're most active.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Moose Pass & Grant Lake

    Stay in unique yurt accommodations with views of Grant Lake. You'll need proper hiking boots for Exit Glacier since the trail stays muddy even in summer. If you're planning lake activities, go in the morning when the water is calmest. Your feet will likely get wet during kayak transfers so pack quick-dry clothing.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Talkeetna

    This small, quirky town gives you great access to Denali views. Try to book early morning flightseeing tours for the clearest mountain views but know they depend on weather. Visit the Talkeetna Historical Society museum to learn about climbing history. Since it stays light until midnight in summer you can enjoy late dinner on the deck at Denali Brewing Company.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Denali National Park

    Take an early shuttle bus into the park. The 6 AM buses offer the best wildlife spotting. Bring binoculars since bears and wolves are usually seen from far away. The Savage Alpine Trail gives you great views but start hiking before noon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Pack lots of layers since the temperature can change by 40°F in one day.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Maclaren River

    Be careful on the remote Denali Highway. It's mostly unpaved and you won't have cell service. The jet boat ride to camp takes about 45 minutes. Wear warm clothes since the river stays cold at around 40°F. When canoeing back you'll need to paddle even though you're going downstream because of the river's braided channels.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Fairbanks

    Finish your trip in Fairbanks, known as the "Golden Heart City." You can visit Chena Hot Springs about 1.5 hours from downtown. Go between 9 PM and midnight to avoid crowds. If you try gold panning look for black sand which often contains fine gold.

    

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