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Overview
For educators looking to explore a more remote corner of North America at a faster (and more active) pace, this eight-day journey through Alaska's vast vistas is just the ticket. Visit the state's greatest natural highlights, including the imposing Harding Icefield, the Kenai Fjords, Denali National Park, and the charming town of Talkeetna. Go north for a week of scenery and environmental exploration, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.
What's Included:
- Road trip along the scenic Seward Highway.
- View Exit Glacier and hike along the Harding Icefield trail.
- Kenai Peninsula stay.
- Denali National Park entrance fees.
- Denali NP dogsled demonstration.
- Full-day excursion to East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) in Denali NP.
- Free time in Seward.
- G Adventures tour leader throughout and local guides.
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches – allow $335-$435 USD for meals not included.
- Hotels/motels (5 nts), Cabins/private bathrooms (2nts).
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by private vehicle and shuttle bus.
What's Not Included:
- Flights
- Incidentals
- Travel health and cancellation insurance
- Applicable visas
- Tips or gratuities
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Optional tours and admission tickets
- Airport transfers
- Single/private accommodation (add-on available)
Itinerary Download PDF
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the Welcome Meeting in the evening. This tour begins and ends in Anchorage, and the nearest airport is Ted Steven Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Consider arriving 1 day early to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can request extra hotel nights for you before the program begins.
Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting
Hotel check-in is normally between 2–3 p.m. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, typically between 6–7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. If you’re running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so that your tour leader can let you know where and when to meet the group.
After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.
- Joining Instructions
- Uber/Lyft/Taxi: (20-30 USD | 10-15 min) Uber and Lyft both work in Anchorage. Taxis are also available.
- Bus: (2 USD | 32-50 min) If you prefer public transport, it is possible to travel by public bus, but most routes require changing buses once or taking a 17-minute walk from the Downtown transit center.
Leave Anchorage in the morning and drive south through the Kenai Peninsula along one of the US’s most scenic highways, the Seward Highway. Pass between cliffs and ocean and through the Chugach National Forest surrounded by mountains. We arrive at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula where the ice age still lingers. Spend the day exploring this site to discover the fjords, their history, science, and remote splendor.
Head out on an amazing hike to the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield. The 11.9km (7.4 mi) round trip of the Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike (5 to 8 hrs) through the Alaska backcountry. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather-filled meadows, and ultimately climbs well above the tree line to a breathtaking view of the icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages – a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak or lonely peak. There are various lookout points along the trail that serve as good turnaround points. Portions of the upper trail are covered by ice and snow part of the year. Easier, shorter hikes to the base of the glacier are also options that also afford beautiful views for those not looking for a strenuous hike.
Black bears are spotted frequently from the Harding Icefield Trail.
Approximate travel time: 2.5 hrs total by private vehicle with stops along the way
Meals included: Lunch
Enjoy a free day for activities around Seward. Opt to take a scenic boat cruise through the Kenai fjords to get up close and personal with glaciers and marine life, hike through breathtaking scenery, or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Travel north to quaint Talkeetna. Opt to take a scenic flight over the area, float by raft or go further afield by jet boat on the Talkeetna River to learn about local flora, fauna, and early settlers to the area, or stay in town to shop or sample beer from the local microbrewery.
Approximate travel time: 5 hrs total by private vehicle with stops along the way
Head north and keep cameras at the ready for the stunning scenery on the way to Denali National Park. When we arrive we will visit the Denali visitor center to learn about the flora and fauna throughout the national park at the visitor center, followed by a dog sledding talk and demonstration by the park rangers.
We will spend the day exploring Denali National Park where you will have the option to go on a hike. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter, and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms that form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.
Use any of the hiking trails around the park to enjoy the rugged beauty of Denali National Park. See the Optional On-Site Activities section under “Extra Services and Costs” for more details.
Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by private vehicle
Depart early to explore Denali National Park. Take the shuttle bus to the East Fork Bridge at mile 43 and back, getting deeper into the heart of the park. Keep an eye out for moose, bears, and caribou! The journey takes approximately 6 hours and shows off the stunning wilderness of Denali. You will be able to get in a bit of hiking too if you like.
Approximate travel time: 6 hrs by shuttle bus
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Today, we’re saying goodbye to Denali and heading back to Anchorage. Along the way, we will visit the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. Filled with historical information and fascinating exhibits, you’ll be able to take a deep dive into unique Alaskan culture. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of “The Last Great Race.”
Today, mushers and their loyal dogs traverse a diverse landscape in a race for over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome. The museum’s exhibits and displays detail the past, present, and future of this iconic Alaskan event. In addition to these exhibits, if you visit in the summer, you will even have an opportunity to go on a dog-led cart ride!
This evening, opt to join the group for a farewell dinner.
Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle
Meals included: Breakfast
There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Anchorage at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Anchorage, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us.
Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk.
- Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive 10% off the lesser value program(s), up to 3 programs per year.
- Interested in extending your time abroad? Beyond our educator programs, we can also help you book from G Adventures’ extensive catalog of tours. These tours aren’t tailored to educators the way our programs are, but booking through GEEO means you’ll receive a discounted educator rate while supporting our nonprofit work.
Where you'll stay
The hotels listed below reflect the properties expected to be used for this program. Final accommodations are subject to change based on group size, availability, or seasonality. The confirmed start and end hotels are listed on your trip voucher:
*Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Details
Important
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.
- Terms and Conditions: Review GEEO’s full Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program, especially information related to deposits, our cancellation policy, mandatory travel insurance, etc.
- Confirmation Process: Understand GEEO’s trip confirmation process.
- FAQs: Find essential information that applies to all GEEO programs.
- Browse Classroom Resources: Recommended Reading | Lesson Plans | Pinterest boards
Trip Notes & Expectations
ACCOMMODATION
Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see “Single Travelers” below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are selected for safety, cleanliness, and convenient locations. While they are comfortable and well-suited for group travel, they are generally simple rather than luxury properties in order to keep the program affordable.
TRANSPORTATION
We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and/or nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. Transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
LUGGAGE
You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE
This trip includes plenty of opportunities for walking and hiking, but it is also possible to opt out of activities that you feel would be too physically difficult. Keep hydrated and know your limits! Your tour leader will set a meeting place and time so that you can hike as much as you want, from a little to a lot. We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
GROUP LEADER
All GEEO programs are led by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight.
Single Travelers
Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.
Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.
Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
G Adventures Local Representative (Las Vegas)
Regional Office Emergency Contact Number: +1-725-201-1494
If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures’ local office, they have a toll-free line which will connect you directly with their Toronto office:
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination.
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Chargers/AdaptersDevice chargers and electrical adapters (and a converter if needed); portable charger/power bank
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ClothingPersonal clothing for cold to mild weather. We recommend a sun shirt with a hood, synthetic hiking shirts (long and short-sleeved), short sleeve t-shirts that are light-weight and moisture-wicking, hiking pants and shorts, and make sure to pack layers for insulation. Also bring comfortable sleepwear that layers for temperature fluctuations.
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DaypackSmall backpack to carry water, camera, and essentials while exploring
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Walking shoesOne good pair of broken-in, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes is essential. Gore-Tex or water-resistant is better. Make sure to bring comfy socks as well.
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Sport sandals or flip-flopsFor camp
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Sun protectionSun block, sunglasses, hat
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Flashlight or headlamp
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First Aid KitIncluding: lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium (or similar), electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
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ToiletriesBasic toiletries (some hotels may not provide all items, esp. conditioner); small amount of biodegradable soap for laundry
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Light windproof/waterproof jacket
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Insect repellantImportant for tropical destinations; consider DEET-based or a strong natural alternative
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Sleep accessoriesTravel pillow, lightweight silk sleep sheet, earplugs
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Organization aidsAirTags or Tile trackers, bag locks, packing cubes, ziplock bags
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Money belt
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Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
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Reusable water bottle
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SnacksPacking a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy
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Ziplock BagsFor wet clothing
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ID/Passport
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G Adventures voucher(s)
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Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
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Cash and credit/debit card(s)
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Travel insurance ID card
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GEEO Classroom action plans for your groupThis will be emailed to you a week before your trip
*Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Passports and Visas
Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
PASSPORT
American travelers need either a valid passport or a REAL ID driver’s license to fly to Alaska. Need to apply or renew? Start here. Non-American travelers will need to look up requirements for their nationality.
Money Exchange
Currency: The local currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.
Credit/Debit Cards: Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted nearly everywhere.
Cash: For small purchases, tipping, or places that don’t take cards, we recommend using ATMs to withdraw local currency while traveling.
Emergency Funds: Bring at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling.
See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance.
For more advice, see our post, Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad
Tipping
It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.
Flights
Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bears responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins and ends in Anchorage. Check the itinerary for the required arrival date. Aim to arrive no later than mid-afternoon for the 6 p.m. Day-1 welcome meeting, and consider arriving a day or two early to buffer flight delays and see more of Anchorage. You can depart any time on the final day of the program.
Plugs and Converters
Alaska uses US-style Type A and B plugs, and the voltage is 120V.
Weather
The early summer is a great time to be in Alaska. In Anchorage, expect daytime temperatures in the 60s with nighttime temperatures in the 40s to 50s. There can be rain, but not much this time of year.
Historical Monthly Weather Averages
Anchorage
Seward
Talkeetna
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Extra Services & Costs
EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK
Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked.
*Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program’s start date.
*Airport transfers require Day 1 arrival/final day departure or pre/post hotel nights booked through GEEO.
*Costs will be added to your final balance.
**My Own Room exceptions apply.
| Private/Single Room | $2,319 (2 left) |
| Pre-trip Hotel (per night) | TBD |
| Post-trip Hotel (per night) | TBD |
ACTIVITIES TO PRE-BOOK
Optional On-Site Activities
The following optional activities are booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary. If you arrive early or extend your stay, check out our curated list of Viator tours for additional activity ideas.
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Tonsina Creek Trail:
Experience this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Seward, Alaska. Wander through a mossy rainforest full of tall, very old trees — the sort of big trees you won’t find throughout most of Alaska. It’s a great hike to spot wildlife. The sounds of birds will be abundant, try to spot them in the trees.Your efforts will be rewarded at Tonsina Point where you will have ocean vistas and picturesque scenery for miles.
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Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise:215 USD
Enjoy gorgeous coastline views, searching out whales, birds and glaciers.
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Alaska SeaLife Center Visit:30 USD
The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only public aquarium in the state and also functions as an ocean wildlife rescue center. The facility focuses on research, rehabilitation, education, and exhibits.
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Sea Kayaking Tour:
The excursion starts with kayaking instructions from expert guides. Sea kayaks are very stable in the water and the guides will have you paddling in minutes.
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Wilderness Jet Boat Tour:63-84 USD
Travel by river jetboat 20 miles (32km) along the river system, learning about the local ecosystem from a naturalist guide. Stop off and go for a short nature walk to the Dena’ina Indian Encampment, home to the earliest native settlers in the area, then visit an old trapper’s cabin to learn about the trapper’s way of life.
Please note the minimum price listed above is for children and the max price listed is for adults who are 13+.
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Talkeetna River Natural History Float Trip:69-89 USD
Board a raft and float down the Talkeetna River on the lookout for bears, eagles, moose, beavers, foxes and native birds while learning about the local environment of the river and its banks. Loop onto to the Susitna River for the return journey, and if you’re lucky enough for it to be clear, you’ll see stunning Denali (formerly Mt McKinley) over the trees. This is a relaxing and educational float that gets you out in nature.
Please note the minimum price listed above is for children and the max price listed is for adults.
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Denali Scenic Flight:220-420 USD
This activity is weather dependent and may be cancelled if weather conditions are not suitable for the flight.
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Rafting on Nenana River:95-150 USD
Hit the rapids on the Nenana River. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and get a rush of adrenaline in Denali National Park.
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Denali Hiking:
Use any of the hiking trails around the park to enjoy the rugged beauty of Denali National Park. If the weather is clear, look up to see Mount McKinley, locally known as Denali, towering overhead. Some of the most popular trails are the Mount Healy overlook trail and Horseshoe Lake trail.
The Mount Healy trail allows hikers to travel part of the way up Mount Healy which overlooks the entrance area to the park. Even though it is one of the steepest trails in Denali the effort is well worth it. You will walk steadily through spruce forest before encountering the switchbacks that will have you above the tree-line in no time. The official trail ends at the overlook with great views to the south where you can choose to continue to the true peak of Mount Healy or you can turn back. Please note that this trail is not a loop.
The Horseshoe Lake trail is a rather popular loop hike that attracts quite a few people, so you certainly won’t be the only one out there. As you follow this well developed trail down to the lake you will pass the overlook which gives you a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nenana river often referred to as “Glitter Gulch” right outside the park. You will also be able to see the surrounding mountains towering in the distance. Once you arrive at the lake stay on the lookout for full-racked bull moose as this can be a popular spot for them to cool off during the summer months. This hike is truly a great starter trail in the area that will get you a bit more acquainted with the beauty of Denali National Park.
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Shopping:
Scour the local shops and stalls for unique wares to remind you of your travels to the region.
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Farewell Dinner:10-25 USD
Enjoy a meal with your new found friends and reminisce about the fantastic adventure you’ve all had.
Estimated Trip Costs
Use the prices below as ballpark figures to estimate the full cost of your trip and decide what fits your budget.
- GEEO Program Fee: See our price in the top right corner
- Optional Activities: $200-800 USD
- International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $300-900 USD
If you require assistance searching for flights, we would be happy to help you. - Airport Transfers: $60 USD.
- Insurance: $30-200 USD
Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on. - Tipping: $60-100 USD for your tour leader; an additional $30 for other tips.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary: $335-435 USD
- Laundry, Drinks, Mobile Data, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
- Souvenirs: Variable—at your personal discretion
- Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation)
This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
