ALASKA - WILDERNESS, CULTURE & COASTAL CHARM -August 1-9, 2026 (ONLY 4 spots left!)
ALASKA - WILDERNESS, CULTURE & COASTAL CHARM -August 1-9, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Experience the Matanuska Glacier up close and personal with a guided trek onto its ancient blue ice. Explore massive crevasses and moulins alongside expert mountaineers, making this one of Alaska’s most accessible and unforgettable valley glacier adventures.
- Cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park to see tidewater glaciers calving and icebergs crashing. The scenic wildlife cruise through deep fjords offers frequent sightings of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, Stellar sea lions, and puffins.
- Experience the thrill of professional Dryland Dog Sledding on scenic trails. This unique, hands-on activity, often led by veteran Iditarod racers, offers a fascinating, all-season glimpse into the history and culture of Alaska’s official sport.
- Hike or bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for stunning views of Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains, often spotting moose and migratory birds.
- Ride the exclusive GoldStar elevated Alaska Railroad experience. Enjoy spacious, assigned seating in unique, bi-level railcars featuring upper-level glass-dome ceilings for expansive, panoramic views of the Alaskan wilderness.
- Add-on Activities: Bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park or Katmai National Park, Alaska Bush Plane flightseeing trip, Bear Glacier Helicopter Scenic Ride and Kayaking Resurrection Bay.
Befor Jan 1st, 2026
$4230.00/person in double occupancy
After Jan 1st, 2026
$4500.00 /person in double occupancy
Deposit:
$1700.00/ per person deposit is required to secure your spot by Jan 1st, 2026
Alaska – Wilderness, Culture & Coastal Charm
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Alaska and discover its vibrant, diverse, and majestic landscapes. This vast frontier state is home to a unique collection of cities that serve as gateways to unparalleled adventure, blending the untamed spirit of the wilderness with rich urban culture and dynamic coastal life.
Anchorage: The Urban Gateway to the Wild
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is the central hub where city life meets rugged wilderness, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet. It offers immediate access to outdoor activities like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and nearby mountain hiking. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, including the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Anchorage is the ideal starting point for an Alaskan adventure, blending convenience with easy access to the great outdoors.
Seward: The Historic Harbor Town
Seward is a charming, historic port city on Resurrection Bay, Kenai Peninsula. Famous as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, its bustling harbor is the main departure point for marine adventures, especially to nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors take boat tours to see tidewater glaciers calving, abundant marine wildlife (whales, orcas, sea lions, puffins), and the raw coastal ecosystem. Seward offers a traditional Alaskan fishing and harbor experience, rich in maritime history and surrounded by towering peaks.
Chugiak: The Tranquil Wilderness Retreat
Chugiak, just north of Anchorage, offers a serene escape and a deep dive into classic Alaskan life. It blends rural charm with easy access to extensive trails and unspoiled nature, making it a perfect base for hikers, snowmachiners, and those seeking true wilderness. It provides opportunities for backcountry exploration, fishing, and immersion in the solitude of the Alaskan forest, especially in Chugach State Park.
The Ultimate Nine-Day Alaskan Adventure begins with the awe-inspiring sight of the towering Matanuska Glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity for a guided trek onto the ancient blue ice, exploring crevasses and moulins with expert mountaineers. This is an up-close and personal experience with one of Alaska’s most accessible, massive valley glaciers.
The journey continues to the majestic Kenai Fjords National Park, a coastal wonderland accessible by a scenic wildlife cruise. Here, you will witness the dramatic spectacle of tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, sending icebergs crashing into the water. Keep your cameras ready for frequent sightings of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), sea otters, Stellar sea lions, and puffins, as the cruise navigates through deep, glacially carved fjords.
The itinerary then takes you to Anchorage, where you will experience the urban gateway to the wilderness along the renowned Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This paved pathway offers stunning views of Knik Arm, the Chugach Mountains, and often glimpses of moose and migratory birds, providing a perfect opportunity for a leisurely bike ride or walk.
Finally, a quintessential Alaskan thrill awaits: Dryland Dog Sledding. Experience the power and excitement of a professional dog team as they pull you over scenic trails. This unique, hands-on activity, often led by veteran Iditarod racers, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the state’s official sport, regardless of the season.
This nine-day expedition is planned to ensure a seamless and enriching experience, showcasing the diverse ecological and geological wonders that make Alaska a truly legendary travel destination.
Accommodations:
Hotel in Anchorage, 4 nights
Harborview Hotel in Seward, 2 nights
Bluewater Basecamp Chalets in Chugiak, 2 nights
Meals:
As listed in the activities
Free continental breakfast at Harbor Hotel in Seward
Overview:
DAY 1: Sat, Aug 1st: Welcome to Anchorage, sightseeing and coastal walk
DAY 2: Sun, Aug 2nd: Hiking and city tour
DAY 3: Mon, Aug 3rd: Matanuska Glacier Tour
DAY 4: Tue, Aug 4th: Dryland Dog Sledding
DAY 5: Wed, Aug 5th: Coastal Classic: ANC-SWD GoldStar | Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
DAY 6: Thur Aug 6th: Free day in Seward, sightseeing, hiking
DAY 7: Fri, Aug 7th: Private Seward to Bluewater Basecamp
DAY 8: Sat, Aug 8th: Private Full Day Hiking
DAY 9: Sun, Aug 9th: Guided Half Day Tour, Farewell
Day 1: Soak Up Downtown Anchorage
After arriving in Anchorage, check into your hotel and get settled. Anchorage will be our base for 4 nights/5days.
Day 2: Free Day
The 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage’s most popular, stretches from downtown to Kincaid Park’s Chalet. This beautiful coastal trail offers a scenic escape to nature and history. Along the way, look for moose, skirt the ’64 quake fault line, and enjoy vistas where you might spot beluga whales and Denali (Mount McKinley). We focus on the first five miles, from downtown to Point Woronzof.
Add-on optional excursions:
-Bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park (around $1500/person)
-Katmai Nation Park (around $1650/person)
-Alaska Bush Plane flightseeing trip (around $500/person)
Day 3: Matanuska Glacier Tour
Experience the most sought-after tour: a journey two hours north of Anchorage to the spectacular Matanuska Glacier. Explore the ice’s incredible features and soak in the sweeping views of this scenic valley. The Matanuska Glacier is a massive, 27-mile-long river of ancient ice, thousands of years old, tucked away at the head of the Matanuska Valley. With the expert guides, you will learn how the glacier was formed and how it shaped the surrounding landscape.
Activity Details: This is considered a moderate activity. The total trekking distance is approximately 2–3 miles, completed in about 2 hours on the ice.
Provided: Walking on the ice is slippery, so for your safety and fun, we provide all guests with the necessary gear: a helmet, a trekking pole, and microspikes that attach securely to your boots.
All-Inclusive Comfort: This is an all-inclusive tour designed for your comfort. You’ll enjoy complimentary snacks and water in the vehicle during your journey. Conclude your adventure by warming up with a hearty lunch before we provide transportation back to your Anchorage hotel.
DAY 4: Dryland Dog Sledding
This educational tour from Anchorage heads to Dog Sled Country. The scenic drive north offers views of Denali and passes the Official Iditarod Starting Line in Willow before reaching Talkeetna. In Talkeetna, meet professional Dallas Seavey Racing mushers and Iditarod champion Alaskan Huskies. After learning about the musher lifestyle, guests enjoy a 40-minute, 6-mile dryland cart experience. Pairs share a wheeled chariot and dog team, guided by a lead and tail musher for safety. The route covers Talkeetna’s groomed boreal forest trails, including a photo stop and a final section that replicates the Iditarod trail with checkpoints, ending at the Finish Line. The experience concludes with a kennel and homestead tour, offering photo opportunities with the Alaskan Huskies and future champion puppies. Lunch and transportation back to Anchorage or Talkeetna are provided, with complimentary snacks and water included in the tour vehicle.
DAY 5: Coastal Classic: Anchorage (ANC) to Seward (SWD) – GoldStar Service
Elevate your Alaska Railroad journey by traveling in the exclusive GoldStar Service railcars. These unique, bi-level cars feature upper-level glass-dome ceilings, providing passengers with expansive, panoramic views of the unfolding Alaskan wilderness from their spacious, comfortable assigned seats. Your GoldStar experience includes personalized narration and a dedicated tour guide stationed in the railcar, available to answer any questions. For the best photo opportunities and a breath of fresh air, step out onto the exclusive, second-story, open-air viewing platform.
Dining and Beverages:
Dining is included with your GoldStar ticket. Enjoy breakfast served in the lower-level, full-service Dining Room, with a variety of hot and cold meal choices. Bar service on the upper level includes soft drinks and two complimentary adult beverages per person
The Route – A Scenic Masterpiece
Discover why National Geographic Traveler ranked the Coastal Classic Train among the “Top Ten Train Rides in North America.”
Departing Anchorage, the journey immediately winds along Turnagain Arm, where the steep peaks of the Chugach Range dramatically plunge into the sea. After a brief stop in Girdwood, the train leaves the main road system behind and ventures into the remote backcountry wilderness. This stretch is widely considered to be the most scenic part of the entire Railbelt.
The train arrives in Seward late in the morning, stopping right on the shores of Resurrection Bay ready to embark on your next adventure!
Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable six-hour journey into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine. Aboard a speedy catamaran, you’ll maximize your time viewing the spectacular sights, all while your captain provides insightful, full narration.
Highlights of the Tour:
Aialik Bay Glacier: Observe an actively calving tidewater glacier, watching massive ice pieces break off and crash into the water.
Diverse Wildlife: Spot whales, porpoises, puffins, sea otters, and Stellar sea lions.
Seabird Colonies: Visit Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection to see thousands of nesting seabirds (puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants) for excellent photos.
Steller Sea Lions: See colonies gathered on rugged, rocky coastlines.
Other Common Sightings: Bald eagles, sea otters, and mountain goats.
Lunch and a selection of hot and cold beverages are provided during the tour.
Harborview Hotel: Your Seward Accommodation
The Harborview Hotel, situated directly on the Seward Small Boat Harbor, provides the perfect waterfront access to Kenai Fjords National Park. Guests will enjoy 360-degree views of Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Mountains. This location offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, and the Alaska Railroad Depot.
DAY 6: Enjoy a day at leisure in Seward
Spend your day at leisure, with various hiking trails available to explore during your stay.
Add one of these optional excursions of your choice:
-SUP at Bear Glacier (around $1000/person, includes Helicopter)
-Saltwater Fishing Charter (around $570.00/person)
-Kayaking Resurrection Bay (around $170/person)
Day 7: Private Seward to Bluewater Basecamp
This full-day scenic tour from Seward to Bluewater Basecamp travels the Seward Highway (All-American Road), featuring alpine views, glaciers, and potential wildlife viewing (Dall sheep, Bald Eagles, Beluga whales in summer/autumn). The highlight is a guided two-mile visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre natural habitat for education and rehabilitation, for close-up views of animals like moose, reindeer, bison, musk ox, and wolves. Brown and black bear sightings are common but not guaranteed. The excursion includes lunch in Girdwood, photo stops, and complimentary snacks and water.
Accommodations: Bluewater Basecamp, a mountain retreat, offers deluxe tiny cabins and is dedicated to providing a peaceful space for relaxation and connecting with nature. Named for the striking colors of Eklutna Lake, the Basecamp is a place where guests can gather to explore the great outdoors and unwind.
Meals:
Meals will be intimate buffet-style and prepared collaboratively by the group. Our guide will stop at the local market to ensure we pick up all your favorite ingredients.
Day 8: Private Full Day Custom Hiking Adventure
Our private guide will spend a full day hiking or develop an itinerary specific to our interests. Our local guide will include a picnic lunch, roundtrip transportation, complimentary snacks and water, trekking poles and gaiters.
Day 9: Guided Half Day Tour The guide will pick us up from Bluewater Basecamp and bring us back to Anchorage to catch your flight.
Included:
Accommodations
Meals as stated in the Itinerary
Matanuska Glacier Tour
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Dryland Dog Sledding
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Hike
GoldStar elevated Alaska Railroad
Guided Hikes
Transportation in spacious comfortable van
Not Included:
Gratuity for tour guides (collective group contribution)
Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary (allowing for personal choice of local restaurants)
Cancellation Policy:
More than 60 days prior to the start date, 5% of the total cost is forfeited.
Less than 60 days prior to start date, 20% of total cost is forfeited.
Less than 30 days prior to the start date, total cost is forfeited.
Detailed planning guide, terms and conditions waiver will be provided upon deposit. For additional information please contact hello@epic-retreats.com
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