2010 Price: $4,995 per person, land package only
2010 Dates: Jun 11; Jun 25; Jul 9; Jul 23; Aug 6; Aug 20; Sept 3
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. On the first day of your trip, your Trip Leader will meet you at 7:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby.
Day 1 - 2 : Wildlife tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 7:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south to Seward. Explore a coastline rich in wildlife and scenic beauty on a small ship tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. In the late afternoon we will be dropped off at the private Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Next, head to the Glacier Lodge and choose from a wide array of activities to suit your energy level and interests. Guided activities include hiking, sea kayaking, small boat, and motorized skiff explorations. Or, relax at the lodge and peruse our natural history library. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : Rafting on Kenai River
Travel a short distance via road to our launch site on the Kenai River for a scenic full-day raft exploration into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : Explore Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
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, or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views, wildlife sightings, and short walks. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Talkeetna
Cross the lake in the morning and bid farewell to Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Once in Talkeetna, choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons - or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and local history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Denali National Park Wildlife Drive
After breakfast, continue traveling north to Denali National Park and stop for lunch at the Denali Park entrance. After lunch, embark on a five to six hour Denali wildlife drive through the park. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - 8 : Hiking in Denali National Park
Enjoy two full days 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. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading to the park entrance. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the first class GoldStar rail cars of the Alaskan Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Departure: 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:
- 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
