Alaska is rugged, vast and beautifully diverse — just like the travelers who come to explore it. No matter your travel style, there’s an Alaska itinerary that plans your perfect week in the Great Land — from family-focused adventures to romantic getaways to reflective solo travel. One-size-fits-all plans don’t cut it in a destination this dynamic.

By starting with one of our thoughtfully placed wilderness lodges and linking unforgettable excursions through our Princess rail service, you can easily build a trip that matches your travel style. These day-by-day sample itineraries are invitations to explore Alaska your way, with comfort, insider access and a genuine connection to the land.

Ready to find your Alaska? Dive into these 7-day itineraries tailored to your travel style.

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung

Fun Family Travels

Home Base: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge & Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

Family adventures in Alaska are fit for all ages, whether your kids are seven or seventeen! Denali and Mt. McKinley Princess Lodges provide the comfort and flexibility you need, with spacious accommodations and on-site activities on either side of “The Great One.”

This relaxed excursion starts in the area near Talkeetna and then heads further north to Denali National Park. This trip balances adventure and relaxation, ensuring your family enjoys the best of hands-on fun with ample wiggle room for nap time.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 1: Arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Get settled in. Enjoy a meal at one of the delicious restaurants on site, like Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub. Feeling energized? Hike the short Hill Trail Loop to visit the lodge’s custom-built treehouse. It’s the ultimate view of the mountain!

Day 2: Explore the outdoors on the Lodge Walking Trails.  In the afternoon, take the shuttle to Talkeetna. Make the most of charming boutiques and delicious local fare. Denali Brewpub is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, with rotating seasonal items!

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 3: Take off on a gentle float trip along the Talkeetna River. It’s safe for all ages and offers incredible chances to see moose and bald eagles — and maybe even a bear! The guide will take care of all the rowing, so your family can sit back and enjoy.

Day 4: Ride the train to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Children will be amazed by the glass-domed railcars and onboard commentary. On your way from Talkeetna, you’ll pass over Hurricane Gulch, a stunning green valley.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 5: Visit the Denali National Park Visitor Center. Does your little one have what it takes to become a Junior Ranger? Ask for a free Junior Ranger book at the front desk. Kids can earn their badges by exploring Denali and completing activities in person. A park ranger will review and sign your child’s book and present them with an official badge!

Day 6: Visit a sled dog kennel. Get to know sled dogs and learn more about the Iditarod with professional musher Mike Santos. These activities combine education with excitement — perfect for curious minds in any season.

Day 7: Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before making your way back home. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir! Artwork from local artisans makes for a thoughtful keepsake — try Kantishna Gallery to find prints, jewelry and more.

The Nature Enthusiast

Home Base: Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge

If nature is your muse, Alaska will leave you breathless. From rugged backcountry to quiet river bends, the Copper River Valley is an underrated gem full of spectacle — perfect for solo travelers or groups looking for the balance of awe and tranquility.

Day 1: Arrive at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Get settled in at this beautiful retreat perched above the confluence of the Copper and Klutina Rivers. Ease into the journey with a stroll around the grounds or enjoy dinner at the aptly named Two Rivers Restaurant.

Day 2: Discover the region’s rich natural history on the Copper Country Discovery Tour, a guided journey through the local terrain. Learn how ancient glacial lakes shaped the land and spot sweeping views of Mount Drum. With a small group and a relaxed pace, it’s an easy way to connect with the land and meet fellow curious explorers.

Day 3: Spend your day on a kayak in the serene waters near Valdez, perfect for kayakers of all skill levels. You’ll paddle by a small chain of nearby islands well known for their waterfowl and resident harbor seals. Sea lions, sea otters and salmon also frequent the surrounding area — keep your eyes peeled!

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 4: Cast a line into the Klutina River on a salmon fishing adventure. A half-day guided outing offers a thrilling — and sometimes meditative — experience as you learn the ins and outs of reeling in Alaska’s famous sockeye and king salmon. Even better: ship your catch home so you can enjoy a taste of Alaska from your own kitchen!

Day 5: Step back in time with a guided day trip to Kennicott, a must-see copper mining town frozen in 1938. Walk through the 14-story mill building and learn how the mine shut down practically overnight. Afterward, enjoy free time to hike part of the Crystalline Hills trails.

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Day 6: Take a full-day excursion to Prince William Sound, where you’ll board a comfortable glacier cruise and sail among sea otters and icebergs. The star of the show? Columbia Glacier, the fastest-moving tidewater glacier in Alaska and a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power.

Day 7: Enjoy a final morning at the lodge before heading home. Then, squeeze in a final look around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with a walk through the visitor center trails.

The Romance Seekers

Home Base: Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

Alaska’s natural beauty makes it the perfect romantic escape. Whether it’s for an anniversary, honeymoon or just quality time together, the Kenai Peninsula offers luxury and adventure.

Day 1:  Arrive at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, set above the turquoise waters of the Kenai River. Unwind from your travels and enjoy dinner for two at Rod & Reel. It’s the perfect setting to toast the start of your romantic adventure.

Day 2:  Love to fish? Spend the morning together on the legendary Kenai River. This half-day guided fishing trip is beginner-friendly and provides all the gear you’ll need. Whether you reel in a trophy-sized salmon or just enjoy each other’s company on the water, it’s an experience that’s as rewarding as it is memorable.

Day 3: Slow down and drift on a peaceful scenic float along the Upper Kenai River. Surrounded by forested mountains and clear glacial water, you’ll spot wildlife like bald eagles and moose. This gentle excursion is ideal for relaxing side by side while taking in the sights.

Photo Credit: © State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Day 4: Journey south to explore Historic Seward. Walk hand in hand through this charming coastal town, visiting local shops, the harbor and the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state. After, try a drink at the Flamingo Lounge, a cocktail bar with a retro 60s flair.

Day 5:  Go for gold with a lesson in gold panning. Join Prospector John for a hands-on demo and learn the tricks of the trade as you swirl river gravel in search of real gold. You’ll learn a bit about the history of gold mining — and maybe even strike it rich.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Homer, a laid-back seaside town that’s perfect for couples. Homer’s charming arts scene means finding the perfect souvenir is all but guaranteed. Spend the afternoon beachcombing along the Homer Spit — and don’t miss the famous Salty Dawg Saloon! It’s a lovely way to cap your time in the Kenai Peninsula.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage

Day 7: Want to catch a glimpse of a glacier before you leave Alaska? Try a quick hike at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. The Exit Glacier Loop is just over 2-miles long, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air before your journey home.

The Solo Explorer

Home Base: Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge & Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Traveling solo in Alaska offers the ultimate chance for reflection and cultural immersion. With Princess Lodges as your well-connected base, you’ll enjoy peace of mind as you wander off the beaten path while discovering the heart of Interior Alaska.

Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks and check in to the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, located along the Chena River. Enjoy a riverside walk and dinner at the Edgewater Restaurant.

Photo Credit: © State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Fairbanks. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North for an in-depth look at Alaska history, Indigenous culture and natural science. In the evening, check out HooDoo Brewing, a local favorite.

Photo Credit: Odyssey Studios

Day 3:  Enjoy the best of hot and cold with a day trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort. You’ll be able to cool off inside the largest year-round ice environment in the world. Don’t miss out on an apple-tini from the ice bar inside! Later, you can warm back up in the natural hot springs lake.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan ©2022

Day 4: Transfer to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via train,  where you’ll be able to scan the treeline for moose or bears.

Day 5: Feeling creative? Try an arts class, like a personalized photography excursion or a glass class. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime, with souvenirs you can bring home. Later, explore the Denali National Park Visitor Center for all the must-know information about the park and its history. Give yourself a few hours to explore the visitor center and the nearby grounds — it’s worth  your time.

Day 6: Take a park bus tour into the heart of Denali. You’ll cover more ground and likely spot wildlife you’d miss on foot. Don’t forget your camera! In the evening, enjoy a performance of a musical comedy about the first men to summit “The Great One.”

Photo Credit: ​​©State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung

Day 7: Before you head home, squeeze in a quick hike on the Savage River Loop. This easy 2-mile loop offers great views of the Savage River, and a free shuttle bus can take you right to the trailhead.

What Kind of Traveler Are You?

Whether you’re planning a solo retreat or a romantic escape, this 7-day Alaska itinerary helps you explore the state your way. Each of these journeys starts with Princess Lodges as your base and opens up to the heart of Alaska. Our lodges aren’t just places to sleep — they’re hubs of local knowledge, stepping stones to wild places and sanctuaries after long days of exploration.

Ready to plan your 7 days in Alaska? Start with a custom Alaska itinerary designed around you: princesslodges.com.