Compare Natural Wonders of Alaska by Titan Travel vs Jewels of Alaska, Classic Group, 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 London - Anchorage
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick, for a scheduled Icelandair flight to Anchorage via Reykjavik. Upon arrival we transfer to the Hilton Anchorage (3T) for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Anchorage - Valdez
Today we travel north through the glacier-carved valley of Matanuska-Susitna where the enormous vegetables of Alaska are grown in the 24-hour daylight. We follow the Matanuska River upstream into the mountains where we spend the afternoon travelling through the spectacular mountain passes as we drive by mighty glaciers. On our approach to our next stop we witness the majestic waterfalls crashing at the side of the road. On arrival in Valdez we transfer to the Best Western Valdez (3T) for a two-night stay.

Day 3 Prince William Sound - Columbia Glacier
This morning we take a step back into the history of Copper River Valley with a visit to Valdez Museum. The rest of today is dedicated to the natural wonders of Alaskan sea life, beautiful fjords and magnificent glaciers as we take the included cruise into Prince William Sound, following the path of British explorer Captain James Cook. We will have the opportunity to observe sea life up close, watch for seals, otters, sea lions and porpoises. Cruise into the vast fjord created by Alaska’s iconic Columbia Glacier and view the dramatic cascade of ice into the ocean.

Day 4 Valdez - Wrangell-St Elias National Park - Fairbanks
We depart Valdez and continue our journey to the impressive sights and spectacular mountain scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. We make a stop at the visitor centre which provides information of the park in its entirety, including a 3D interactive map display and the chance to meet a park ranger. We continue to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city at the end of the Alaska Highway, where we check in to the Bridgewater Hotel (3T), our home for the next two nights.

Day 5 Fairbanks
Located 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, during the summer months we can enjoy as much as 21 hours of daylight, with high temperatures. Our day begins with a city tour where we learn about its gold-mining heritage and visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North, where you can discover fascinating stories about Alaska’s people. A cruise on board a sternwheeler riverboat then combines the colourful history of the river and native traditions. Our Riverboat Discovery cruise is guided by local Fairbanks families and includes a visit to a local village, recreated by Athabascan Indians. This evening is at leisure.

Day 6 Fairbanks - Denali
We transfer to Fairbanks train station where we join the Alaska railroad for a memorable rail journey through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in Alaska, winding through dramatic canyons as we approach Denali. On arrival, we transfer to the Denali Park Village Lodge (3T) for the next two nights. This afternoon and evening will be at leisure.

Day 7 Denali
A day at leisure to relax, enjoy some of the activities available in Denali or perhaps take in one of the Denali National Park Service Programmes. Your tour manager will be on hand to assist you.

Day 8 Denali - Wasilla
This morning is at leisure in Denali before we travel down the Parks Highway to Wasilla, where, weather permitting, you will get a view of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Our overnight stay is at the Grandview Inn (2T), Wasilla where we can relax and enjoy spectacular views of the Chugach Range.

Day 9 Wasilla - Hatcher Pass - Anchorage - Seward
This morning we travel up to Hatcher Pass, a mountain pass named after Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner, situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, a beautiful alpine valley with a spectacular glacier view. We continue to Anchorage before heading towards the harbour town of Seward along the picturesque Seward Highway. Brimming with waterfalls, blue glaciers, mountains, tranquil ponds and stormy ocean fjords, this highway is like a destination in itself. We arrive at the Seward Windsong Lodge (3T+) for an evening at leisure and an overnight stay.

Day 10 Seward
Our day starts with a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research and rehabilitation facility for sick and injured marine animals including endangered Stellar sea lions and harbour seals, as well as sea birds. Situated on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay, there will be free time to explore here before returning to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Maybe visit the Seward Museum which displays the town’s history through photos and documents, from its first native inhabitants through to the devastating earthquake of 1964.

Day 11 Seward - Anchorage
We travel to Anchorage, stopping en route at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where a local expert will take us on a guided tour educating us on the land mammals of Alaska with the chance of viewing bears, moose and caribou in their natural setting. After a brief city tour, we transfer to the Hilton Anchorage (3T) for our overnight stay. The rest of the day is at leisure, with further opportunities for a fantastic wildlife adventure.

Day 12 Anchorage - In flight
Morning at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a local walking trail or some last-minute shopping before transferring to Anchorage Airport for a scheduled Icelandair flight to London via Reykjavik.

Day 13 London
Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick, where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Day 1: Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing and the Matanuska Valley

Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.

Day 3: Talkeetna Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and make a visit to a trapper's cabin. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska.The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an optional experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range, or a dryland dog sledding ride.

Day 4: Journey Along the Alaskan Railroad Relaxed Start

Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train after a morning at leisure and embark on a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve.Later, meet a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to brave a climb up the tallest land-based mountain in the world.For tonight's dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or your lodge's rustic restaurant during your Dine-Around evening.

Day 5: Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness Relaxed Start

With the Denali National Park and Preserve just a short drive away from your hotel, you'll find a number of ways to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness on your own, or spend the day partaking in one of our optional experiences. From an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River(waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour or a Denali Wilderness walking tour, the choice is yours – just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings at night.

Day 6: Girdwood and Mount Alyeska

Depart Denali and enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway.Stop in Big Lake and meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometre) dogsled race while enjoying lunch at his home.Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort.In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.

Day 7: Prince William Sound Cruise and depart Anchorage Relaxed Start

Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometre) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop.For those saying farewell today, travel back to Anchorage where you will arrive at the Anchorage Airport at approximately 20:00.