Overview

Meet your guide inside the Whittier cruise terminal around 8:45 AM and enjoy an 7 hour, fully narrated bus journey to Anchorage. This full-day experience blends classic Alaska sightseeing with a wildlife visit, a scenic Portage Valley photo stop, a tram ride high above the Chugach Mountains, and a city highlights tour—ending with convenient airport-first and hotel drop-offs.

Whittier, Tunnel & Portage Valley

Depart Whittier and travel through the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—the longest highway tunnel in North America. Continue into Portage Valley for an overlook of the lake, with numerous hanging glaciers crowning the surrounding peaks—an ideal spot for photos.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary for Alaska’s iconic animals. See bison, elk, moose, caribou, musk oxen, eagles, and—often—bears in spacious habitats while learning about ongoing conservation efforts.

Girdwood & Alyeska Tram

Continue to Girdwood for the Alyeska Aerial Tram. Glide ~2,300 ft to sweeping views of seven glaciers, Turnagain Arm, and the Chugach Range. A hearty lunch is included.

Turnagain Arm to Anchorage

Follow the National Scenic Byway along Turnagain Arm, where steep mountains meet the sea. Look for potential sightings of Dall sheep on the cliffs or beluga whales in the inlet. Farther north, pass Potter Marsh, part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

Anchorage Highlights & Drop-off

Arrive in Alaska’s largest city for brief highlights: historic Ship Creek and the Alaska Railroad Depot area (seasonal salmon viewing), a panorama from Point Woronzof, and Lake Hood, the world’s busiest floatplane base. Drop-offs include Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (first) and most major hotels.

What’s Included

• Comfortable, shared coach bus from Whittier to Anchorage
• Pickup inside the Whittier cruise ship terminal
• Transit through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
• Dedicated photo stop in Portage Valley
• Visit to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (admission included)
• Alyeska Aerial Tram ride in Girdwood
• Hearty boxed lunch and bottled water
• Anchorage highlights tour with airport-first and hotel drop-offs

Coach Features

• Easy step-up entry and wide aisle
• Heating and air conditioning
• Tinted, large picture-view windows for photography
• Individual, full-size seats (no middle seats)
• Friendly driver-guide narration throughout

Typical Timeline (subject to change)

• 8:45 AM – Depart Whittier cruise ship terminal
• 9:00 AM – Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel transit
• 9:15–9:45 AM – Portage Valley lake & hanging-glacier photo stop
• 10:00–11:45 AM – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & and lunch
• 12:15–1:45 PM – Girdwood: Alyeska Tram
• 2:00–2:30 PM – Turnagain Arm
• 2:45 PM – Potter Marsh overview (drive-by commentary)
• 3:00–4:00 PM – Anchorage highlights: Ship Creek, Point Woronzof, Lake Hood
• 4:15 PM – Airport drop-off
• 4:30–5:15 PM – Hotel drop-offs

What to Bring

• Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Camera or smartphone
• Small daypack for personal items

Good to Know

Wildlife sightings, tram operations, and the exact photo-stop locations vary with weather, tides, and season. Your guide will adapt stops for the best experience on the day of travel.