Alaska - One week Itinerary help

Question

Hello, I am traveling with a group of 5. Two middle aged adults, one elderly parent in great shape and two teenagers to Alaska in late July. We are thinking about the following Itinerary, but I am not sure we are doing too much in a short amount of time. Any feedback would be helpful.

Day 1 - Fly into Anchorage. Rent car and drive halfway to Seward to somewhere like Alyeska Resort.

Day 2 - Stay at resort, do local things.

Day 3 - Drive to Seward and take a river cruise. Stay the night

Day 4 - Leisurely Drive to Talkeetna , stay the night

Day 5 - Do a scenic flight in Talkeetna. Stay the night

Day 6 - Drive to Denali, Stay local

Day 7 - Do a Denali tour, Stay local

Day 8 - Drive back to Anchorage.

Is going to Talkeetna and Denali too much and should stay on the Kenai Peninsula and to go Homer and Seward? Thank you all!

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for one week in Alaska is ambitious but feasible, especially with a mix of adults, an active elderly parent, and teenagers. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding travel times, activity intensity, and overall pace.

Day 1 involves flying into Anchorage and immediately driving toward the Kenai Peninsula or Alyeska Resort. This is doable, but keep in mind the drive to Alyeska Resort is about 4-5 hours. Depending on flight arrival time, this could make for a long day.

Day 2 at Alyeska Resort provides a good opportunity to rest and enjoy local activities. The resort and surrounding areas offer hiking trails, tram rides, and scenic viewpoints that are great for all ages.

Day 3 traveling to Seward for a river or coastal cruise is excellent. The Kenai Fjords National Park day cruises are long (typically 6-7 hours) and breathtaking, so plan for a full day and stay overnight in Seward.

Day 4’s drive to Talkeetna will take roughly 6-7 hours from Seward. This is a long stretch, so consider breaking it up with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. Talkeetna is charming and offers a small-town Alaskan feel with shops and riverside views.

Day 5’s scenic flight over Denali from Talkeetna is highly recommended. It’s an iconic experience, but consider booking early since flights fill quickly in summer. Afterward, staying another night in Talkeetna is sensible.

Day 6 involves driving from Talkeetna to Denali National Park. This is about a 2-3 hour drive, so not too strenuous. Staying near the park gives you flexibility for Day 7’s Denali tour.

Day 7’s Denali tour is a highlight, whether you choose a full-day bus tour into the park or a shorter guided experience. This is a long day, so ensure everyone is prepared for early mornings and potential long hours on the bus or walking.

Day 8 is the return drive to Anchorage. Depending on your flight time, you may want to leave Denali early to allow a comfortable buffer for car rental return and airport check-in.

Overall, your itinerary covers a lot of ground. If your group prefers a more relaxed pace, you could consider focusing solely on the Kenai Peninsula:

Spend more time in Seward and consider a side trip to Homer. Homer offers charming art galleries, beaches, and potential wildlife viewing such as sea otters and puffins.
Reduce long drives and overnight stays, allowing more time to explore each location and participate in local activities like kayaking, fishing, or glacier tours.
This alternative keeps travel shorter and provides a more leisurely experience without sacrificing iconic scenery.

If your group enjoys driving and sightseeing along the way, including Talkeetna and Denali is possible. Just be mindful that the itinerary involves multiple long drives and early mornings. For a family with teenagers and an active elderly parent, pacing and breaks will be key to enjoying the trip fully.

Alaska - One week Itinerary help

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