Epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see: everything is bigger in Alaska. Journey to the far north—where the sun never quite sets in the summer—and make the most of long days on hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions in the Alaskan wilderness. Explore Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where kids will set out on educational adventures to claim their junior ranger badges.

Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Anchorage/Seward
Travel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Hike to view Exit Glacier on the Glacier Overlook trial. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking.

Day 3 Seward
Visit the famed Alaska Sealife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover’s paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board.

Day 4 Seward/Talkeetna
On our journey back north, we’ll stop to explore the wilds surrounding the mountain town of Girdwood. Make your way along a winding boardwalk through the northernmost rainforest in North America. Later, experience a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where the National Geographic TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue has been filmed. The show follows dedicated animal caretakers from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—as well as other animal centers throughout the state—and showcases their efforts to protect and respond to wild animals in need in the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Wander the scenic loop, learn about the resident wildlife, and try spotting brown bears, moose, wood bison, or wolves in the sanctuary's 200 acres.

Day 5 Talkeetna/Denali National Park and Preserve
As we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or “the great one”—North America’s highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. Since the beginning of the early 20th century, many explorers have undertaken expeditions within the wilds of Alaska funded by National Geographic. These research initiatives included early aerial photographs and geographical mapping of what was once America’s “Last Frontier.” Once in the park we’ll travel to the home of a true Alaskan hero, Jeff King, who has won the grueling, 998-mile Iditarod dog sledding race four times! Snuggle a husky puppy and watch grown champion sled dogs go through their summer training routine.

Day 6 Denali National Park and Preserve
This morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park’s incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, make it your mission to spot Denali’s “big five:” grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing.

Day 7 Denali National Park and Preserve
This morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America’s northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center. Kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore.

Day 8 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
This morning stop for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which made National Geographic Travel’s “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list as THE cultural site to see during your time here. Enjoy a private tour and a unique presentation about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Afterwards, begin the journey back to Anchorage and join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 9 Anchorage
Depart at any time.