Alaska is a nature lover’s Utopia — ice-capped mountains, ancient forests, pristine lakes and rivers full of fish. Separated from the mainland by Canada’s British Columbia, it also happens to be the most sparsely populated state of the US, making it even more desirable for those who love the great outdoors.

The modern history of the region is fascinating. Various indigenous tribes roamed the region for thousands of years before the Russians established a settlement. The US government purchased Alaska from the Russian government in 1867 for 2c an acre - about $7 million! It became an official US territory in 1912 and an official state - the US’s 49th State - in 1959. In the late 1960s, oil was discovered, and an oil boom soon followed. Pipelines, refineries, roads, townships, and other infrastructure soon followed. Today, agriculture, fishing, and tourism make up the primary industries. Alaska’s capital city, Anchorage, has a population of around 300,000, 10 times the size of the nearest cities, Fairbanks and Juneau. The region is incredibly sparse, with vast wilderness and some small towns dotting the state.

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic places on the planet, Alaska has abundant wildlife to be spotted. It’s most famous for the brown and black bears found in healthy numbers. You are almost guaranteed to see the bears depending on the regions you visit. Caribou, moose and bison (introduced from Montana) are also commonly spotted. The rivers are filled with trout and salmon. Watching bears feed during the spawning period is the classic Alaskan postcard. There are hundreds of bird species to be found – including the iconic national emblem – the American Bald Eagle, which is thankfully no longer on the endangered species list. Orca and various species of whales can also be spotted off the Alaskan Coast and Bering Sea.

NOTE: This tour is not a standard Blue Dot Travel small-group format in that there is no Australian tour leader, and you’ll be joining a small group with other travellers from around the world. We have outsourced the tour to a local operator - Salmon Berry Tours - who have their own terms and conditions, which you must read before agreeing to join. These terms include a 50% deposit payable on booking. Tipping costs are not included in this tour but will be advised in advance so you may plan.

INCLUDED

• All transportation as per itinerary
• Twin-share accommodation
• All tipping including drivers and guides
• Meals as listed on the itinerary
• Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
• Transfers to and from the airport if travelling on our group flights
• Experienced local tour guides

NOT INCLUDED

• Note. An Australian tour leader will not accompany this tour
• International flights
• Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visas
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, laundry, hotel charges
• Airport transfers if you are not travelling on our group flights

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Blue Dot will book your international flights, or you can manage this independently
• Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
• Tour extensions - before or after tour extensions can be arranged on your behalf
• To book and reserve your place on tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP