Itinerary Help, Please

Question

My wife and I are 72yrs old. We have talked about this trip for 30yrs and I think we need to do this now while we still can. Planning for the trip is intimidating. I sure could use some help.

As of now I plan to book a cruise leaving Whitter July 13th.

We would like to spend a few days prior to the cruise seeing as much as we can. We are not set on any number of days but I am guessing about 5 days.

The flights we have looked at get to Anchorage at 7:30 pm.

I think we would like to get away from Anchorage that night or the next morning.

I am lookin for advise on where we should go and what we should we do to make the best use of our time and money.

We will probably be limited to hikes of 1.5 to 2 miles.

Do we rent a car in Anchorage or try to get one in Whitter?

Would it be recommended that we try to incorporate a visit to Denali?

If we do a glacier trip would Whitter or Steward be the best choice?

I would appreciate any help that I can get on this.

Thank You

Answer

Planning your Alaska trip with a cruise from Whittier and a few days of land exploration beforehand is very doable, especially considering your preference for shorter hikes and manageable activity levels. Here’s a detailed outline and advice for your itinerary:

Arrival and Anchorage: Since your flight arrives in Anchorage at 7:30 p.m., it is generally easiest to spend the first night in Anchorage rather than attempting a long drive after a day of travel. Anchorage has a variety of comfortable hotels and restaurants to settle in for the evening.

Car Rental: Rent your car in Anchorage rather than Whittier. Car rental options in Whittier are extremely limited, and having a vehicle in Anchorage allows you flexibility to explore the surrounding areas before your cruise.

Suggested Pre-Cruise Itinerary (5 Days):

Day 1 – Anchorage Arrival: Evening arrival, overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2 – Drive to Denali: If you want to see Denali, leave Anchorage in the morning. The drive takes ~4–5 hours. Stay at a lodge or hotel near Denali National Park. Short, easy walks around the lodge or visitor center can give you views without strenuous hiking.
Day 3 – Denali Exploration: Take a short guided shuttle into Denali (1–2 mile easy hikes are available around the park entrance). Wildlife viewing, photography, and scenic drives are highlights.
Day 4 – Drive to Seward or Whittier: Scenic drive through Turnagain Arm. Seward is ~5 hours from Denali; Whittier is ~6 hours. Alternatively, fly from Denali to Anchorage and drive to Whittier to save time. Overnight in Seward or Whittier depending on preference.
Day 5 – Glacier Trip: For a glacier-focused experience, consider a Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward. Glacier sightseeing by boat is excellent, with wildlife spotting and short, accessible hikes onshore if desired. If staying in Whittier, you can also do a Prince William Sound glacier cruise, but Kenai Fjords generally has more accessible options and wildlife diversity.

Additional Tips:

Keep hikes short and scenic. Many visitor centers and lodge areas have accessible trails under 2 miles, which are ideal for your preferences.
Consider guided tours for Denali and glaciers—they reduce stress and maximize sightseeing in a short amount of time.
Book accommodations and cruises early. July is peak season, and popular lodges and tours fill quickly.
Prioritize wildlife and scenery over strenuous hikes. Wildlife spotting, photography, and glacier viewing are memorable without long walks.

Summary Recommendation: Spend your first night in Anchorage, two days near Denali with easy hikes and shuttle tours, then transition to Seward (or Whittier) for a glacier cruise. Rent a car in Anchorage, not Whittier. Denali is highly recommended if seeing the iconic mountain and wildlife is a priority, and Kenai Fjords from Seward is typically the best accessible glacier experience.

This plan balances sightseeing, minimal hiking, and travel time so you can maximize your 5 days before your cruise from Whittier.