Luxury Alaska: glaciers, bears & city sights

Enjoy a day exploring Anchorage independently. There’s plenty to see and do here. We suggest a visit to the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s indigenous peoples. Alternatively, join an Anchorage Trolley Tour to see the sights beyond the downtown area without a car. On this tour, you might also see Anchorage's most famous resident, the urban moose.

Today you'll take to the skies to see one of Alaska's highlights, Mount Denali. You'll fly by float plane from Anchorage's Lake Hood and traverse the flatlands across Cook Inlet, perhaps catching sight of whales, before continuing north. As you soar over the landscape, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife roaming below. Aerially tour Denali National Park, following the rugged spine of the Alaska range to Mount Denali. You'll be able to see why it's named 'The Great One'. Before you fly back to Anchorage, your pilot will land on a remote lake so you can take photos. The afternoon is yours to relax.

This morning, you'll leave Anchorage for the Alaskan wilderness. Set in a rugged fjord in the glacier-studded Kenai Mountains, your lodge for the next three nights is only accessible by floatplane from Anchorage, ensuring a truly secluded stay. You'll have amazing views as you make the hour-and-a-half flight over spectacular snow-topped mountains and Kachemak Bay. On arrival, you'll receive a brief introduction to the lodge and surrounding area before settling into your cabin overlooking Grace Ridge and Tutka Fjord. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Wake in the comfort of your cabin and admire the spectacular views from your window. Perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee on your deck before heading to the dining room for a hearty breakfast. There are many excursions that you can choose to do today — guided bear-viewing trips, searching for humpback whales and other marine wildlife, deep-sea fishing for salmon, or even a culinary tour. In the evening, enjoy appetisers and wine tasting followed by a three-course meal. You might like to relax in the wood-fired sauna or hot tubs after dinner, or listen to a presentation on the history of Alaska and the area.

Today, you may wish to take part in another out-of-camp excursion, but there are also plenty of activities to enjoy at the lodge. You could start the day with a yoga class before exploring the secluded bays around your lodge by sea kayak. Alternatively, join a naturalist guide for a walk along the shore to spot wildlife, sea glass, and other strange sea creatures that inhabit the bay's tidal pools. The lodge’s unique location also makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching; bald eagles are frequently sighted. After a full day of activities, you might like to join your fellow guests for evening drinks and games on the expansive deck or enjoy s’mores around a bonfire down by the beach.

Your Alaskan adventure comes to a close today. After a final breakfast at your lodge, you'll return to Anchorage by floatplane, then make your own way to the airport for your return flight home.