Gems of Alaska

Arrival in Anchorage

Dear visitors, we're glad to welcome you to the largest city of Alaska – Anchorage! Upon arrival, your group shuttle will transfer you to the  hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax after the trip or start your independent city exploration.

Matanuska Group Glacier Hike

The Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska's premier destinations. At 27 miles long and 4 miles wide it is Alaska's largest glacier accessible by road. It also boasts one of the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. Marvel at ice that formed thousands of years ago high in the Chugach Mountains. Your day will start with a magnificent scenic drive along the Glenn Highway with stunning mountain vistas and plenty of time for photo stops. Next we will drive to the toe of the glacier to dawn our ice cleats and helmets and begin exploring the glacier by foot. Each day is unique due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. We generally spend two hours and walk three miles on the ice. After exploring the glacier we will have lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding scenery. Each tour will be customized to suit your group's interest. This is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list opportunity to explore glacial ice!

Approximate timings: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Duration: around 9 hours
Age limits: 8+

Whittier Escape: Prince William Sound Glacier&Wildlife Cruise

From Anchorage, the train stops briefly at the resort town of Girdwood before continuing on to Portage Glacier where you'll have a few minutes to snap some quick photos from the train of the cascading glacier. The train then travels through a mountain tunnel to eventually reach Whittier, a city with just over 200 residents, all of which whom live within the same building! Once in Whittier, you take 140-mile voyage, that passes sea lion haul outs, rafts of clustered otters, kittiwake colonies, and icebergs inhabited by shy spotted seals. Of all the fun of spotting wildlife, glaciers are the true stars of the day. Harvard, Blackstone, Bryn Mawr, and Marquette are but a handful of the 26 named glaciers seen along the way. The tour boat pauses closest to Harvard Glacier so that passengers can hopefully glimpse huge chunks of ancient ice plunging into the water with thunderous claps. In this extraordinary setting time goes by fast, and soon the catamaran cruises back through College Fjord for a 6:15 PM return into Whittier, where you take your panoramic train back to Anchorage.

Approximate timings: 09:45am - 09:15pm
Duration: around 12 hours
Age limits: no limits

Morning Departure to Juneau

Following breakfast, you will check out and take a shuttle to the airport for your flight to Alaska

Flight to Juneau & Gold Panning Historic Tour

Welcome to Juneau! Upon arrival, your driver transfers you to the centrally-located hotel for check-in. 

The afternoon will be dedicated to Juneau exploration and the history of the gold panning in Alaska. Have your cameras ready as you pass by the capitol building before heading up to Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin. Once you arrive at the creek, your gold panning adventure begins. Your guide will detail the rich history of gold panning that first began in 1880 when Joe Juneau and Rich Harris successfully found gold. Next, you will be given a proper introduction to gold panning, before trying your hand at getting lucky yourself. Take home any gold that you find. After 45 minutes of panning for gold, make your way to the salmon bake for an all-you-can-eat Alaskan-style buffet! 

Approximate timings: 03:30pm-06:30pm
Duration: 3 hours
Age limits: no limits

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). Following breakfast, meet your driver and enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron. Magnificent views of the Mendenhall Glacier See humpback whales in their natural environment. 

Kindly note, that the breed of the whale depends on the dates you travel.

Approximate timings: all day departures
Duration: 4.5 hours
Age limits: no limits

Departure 

Following breakfast, you check out and meet the driver for your departure.