2012 Price: $3,995 per person, land package only
2012 Dates: Jul 2, Jul 16; Jul 30; Aug 13;
Explore your way through Alaska's diverse wilderness in style. This nine-day safari is our original "adventure with a shower" trip. Visit the recently renovated Kenai Riverside Lodge, the wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and camp in Denali National Park. You'll camp in comfort as our guides do all the work, so that you enjoy the unique wilderness immersion.
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, plan to meet your Trip Leader at 1:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby.
Day 1 : Scenic Drive to Kenai Riverside Lodge
Meet your guides and fellow travelers at 1:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites. Enjoy a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing, home to our Kenai Riverside Lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for dinner and trip orientation. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (D)
Day 2 : Seward
Take a scenic drive to the seacoast town of Seward and embark on a full day small ship exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park. Explore a coast rich in wildlife and scenic beauty as you search for whales, Dall porpoise, sea lions, otters, puffins, and more. Photograph twilight-blue glaciers as they creak and crash toward the sea. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : River Rafting
Raft down the scenic Kenai River into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness the incredible spawning runs. A gourmet picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Motor across turquoise Skilak Lake for a late afternoon arrival to your home for the next two nights the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge. This evening settle into your private accommodations, and enjoy the rustically elegant setting in the wilderness. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : Kenai
A full day to enjoy this remote setting. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Overnight again at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Kenai to Talkeetna
Depart Kenai Backcountry Lodge after breakfast and journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Take an optional add-on flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Talkeetna to Denali
Continue the journey north and arrive at Denali National Park. When we reach the park entrance area, enjoy a casual hike on nearby trails on your own. In the late afternoon, the guides will pick you up and take you to the group campsite for dinner. Overnight at Savage River Campground. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : Denali National Park
Catch the shuttle bus for a scenic drive and wildlife search through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. If you would like to hike, pick out an area to explore and ride the bus a shorter distance on this day. Overnight at Savage River Campground. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Denali National Park
Enjoy another full day of exploration and hiking within the park. Return to the park entrance, where your guides will take you to your accommodations for the night. Overnight at a comfortable cabin. (B,L,D)
Note: On Days 7 and 8, while Park regulations limit our guides from leading hikes inside the Park, your guides will facilitate self-guided hiking parties to match your level of adventure.
Day 9 : Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
After breakfast, bid farewell to your guides and board the Alaska Railroad bound for Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. 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:
- Round trip 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
- Sleeping bag rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities to staff