2010 Prices: from $7,595 per person, land package only
2010 Dates: Jul 25
Experience an Alaska trip like no other with an amazing sequence of unusual yet attainable adventures. Each day presents an experience likely to find its way onto many adventure traveler's life list. No experience is necessary, and while it's truly a legendary expedition, each night you will return to an authentic Alaskan lodge with plenty of comfort and wilderness fine dining.
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska in time to begin your trip at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Day 1 : Arrive in Anchorage
Your Trip Leader will meet you at 3:00 p.m. at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. Tonight, get acquainted with other adventuresome group members as your guide walks you through the day-by-day details of the journey ahead, and enjoy a taste of authentic Alaskan cuisine during dinner. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2 : Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife Cruise
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 7:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Captain Cook. Enjoy a scenic drive south to Seward. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords National Park. A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 3 : Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include hiking, sea kayaking, and coastline explorations by motorized skiff; or, relax at the Lodge and peruse our natural history library, or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 : Dog mushing in Seward
Enjoy a return glacier cruise to Seward, where we'll begin our next "Life List" adventure--dog mushing on local snow-pack! Board a helicopter to fly high into the mountains, landing near a glacier. Meet authentic sleddogs and drive (or ride) in a dogsled. After, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the evening on the waterfront. Overnight Seward Saltwater Safari Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 5 : Homer
Our next destination is the quaint seacoast village of Homer. Once in Homer, board a truly Alaskan mode of transport-water taxi-and boat across glacially-fed Kachemak Bay to the artist community of Halibut Cove. Arrive to the newly crafted, Alaskan-styled Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge, and enjoy an evening of warm home cooked meals and frontier hospitality. (B, L, D)
Day 6 : Bear viewing in Katmai National Park
Today, enjoy a full day of bear viewing inside Katmai National Park on a custom voyage by float plane. Land in the heart of prime bear territory, near a river running with native salmon. Hike a short half-mile hike to the bear viewing habitat, and then sit back and enjoy amazing views of wild Alaskan bears. Return to Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge tonight for a cozy meal. (B, L, D)
Day 7 : Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Today, venture well off the beaten path and travel to our nation's largest National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias. After a short flight from Homer to Anchorage, travel by van through scenic wilderness, and then board small planes from the tiny town of Chitna to access the even smaller town of McCarthy. At our ultimate destination, McCarthy, land on a gravel strip in view of a colossal glacier. This evening, settle into comfortable accommodations at the renowned Kennicott Glacier Lodge, perched high above the icy blue Root Glacier. Dinner and overnight at Kennicott Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 8 : Glacier trekking in Kennicott
Spend a full day in the McCarthy-Kennicott area taking in the sights and activities. Late morning, strap on crampons and take an easy walk over the blue ice of the Root Glacier. This afternoon, enjoy a visit of Alaska's largest ghost town on a private tour of a 14 story gold mill built in 1900. Dinner and overnight at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 9 : Valdez
After a hearty breakfast, wave goodbye to Kennicott and wander down the road to the historical town of McCarthy, and venture out with local naturalists for a short morning stroll. After a picnic lunch, board a small bush plane and return to Chitna, where our motorcoach transportation awaits. From Chitna, take a drive over scenic Thompson Pass, where we can stop and stretch our legs at the famous Worthington Glacier. Continuing in the spirit of wilderness travel, journey to the coastal town of Valdez via the beautiful Lowe River. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local sea-faring restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 10 : Hike Valdez Glacier
On the final day of the Alaska Life List Adventure, join your Trip Leader at a local bakery for an Alaskan breakfast. Today's journey takes you to the Valdez glacier. A short hike leads to a lake where ice caves and other spectacular features give you one more chance at those rare Alaskan photographs of towering blue ice sculptures. At the end of the day, a scenic flight with views of the sprawling Chugach Range, will take you back to Anchorage. Once in Anchorage, continue exploring Alaska on your own or connect with flights home. (B)
Departure: Arrive at the Anchorage International Airport late afternoon. If you are flying home this day, we suggest that you book your flights after 7:00 p.m. in case of possible travel 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)
- Activities as noted in the detailed itinerary
- Lodging
- Full guide services
- In state flights as noted
Not Included:
- City tax
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities to staff
