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+

Turnagain Turn Tour

Alaska’s only guaranteed viewing of land mammals in their natural habitat is at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! The guides, all Alaskan locals, will help you explore this place, home to some of Alaska's animals, and tell you a lot about them. Located at the southern end of Turnagain Arm (an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway), the conversation center is home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close. Ride the Mount Alyeska Aerial Tram 2,300 vertical feet into the Chugach Mountains for views of several alpine glaciers and panoramic views of Cook Inlet. Shuttle from Anchorage with local Alaskans and lunch at a favorite Girdwood restaurant is included.

Approximate timings: Summer 12:00pm-06:00pm/ Winter 10:00am-04:00pm

Duration: 6 hours

Age limits: 2+

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.