2012 Price: $5,395 per person, land package only
2012 Dates: Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17, Aug 31
On the Alaska 9-Day Grand Journey, experience the very best of Alaska in just over a week: the stunning seacoast teeming with marine wildlife, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, an exclusive seacoast lodge situated within Kenai Fjords National Park, and time to explore the splendors of Denali.
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.
Day 1: Meet your Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed at time of reservation). Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. Next you will raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bears, bald eagles and other bird species. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shores of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. (L,D)
Day 2: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Evening options may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge as you head to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. The Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront and views of the stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. (B,L,D)
Day 4: After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations. Or, relax in a rocking chair and take in spectacular glacier views. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5: This morning allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe or beachcomb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Enjoy a fine dinner with our group and relax at the Seward Windsong Lodge this evening. Overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Following breakfast at the Seward Windsong Lodge, begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Continue traveling north to Denali National Park and stop for lunch at the Denali Park entrance. After lunch, board the Kantishna Roadhouse private bus and embark on a 5-6 hour Denali wildlife drive through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident and migratory birds and, if weather permits, gaze upon the splendor of Denali (Mt. McKinley). Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, enjoy dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstration and mountain biking. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. This activity is weather and space-dependent and does not require advance reservations. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Bid farewell to Denali and board the first class GoldStar cars of the Alaska Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and Anchorage transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m. in case of possible transportation delays.
Included:
- Pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage
- Best of gear and equipment
- Meals as noted above in detailed itinerary(B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
- Lodging
- Full guide services
Not Included:
- City tax
- Flightseeing
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities to staff
