Alaska Vacation Packages

Alaska 10-Day Grand Journey - Tour 1103
Small groups, big experience. This journey has been customed designed to reflect the interests and educational goals of knowledgable travelers, people who view travel as a means for discovery and a journey toward wisdom. This program allows for hands-on experiences, behind the scenes access, and a journey through Alaska where the large crowds don’t go.

Highlights
Anchorage, Seward, Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Girdwood, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Kantishna, Kantishna Roadhouse, Alaska Railroad

2008 Departure Dates
June 5-14, June 19-28, July 3-12, July 17-26, July 31-Aug 9, August 14-23, August 14-23

Day 3 • Kenai River/Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Travel to our launch site on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing and gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. 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. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Day 5 • Girdwood
Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Travel by road north through the Chugach National Forest to Girdwood, a quaint ski town surrounded by hanging glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. Choose from a variety of afternoon activities: guided hiking, gold panning, biking the local trails, or relaxing at the four-diamond Alyeska Prince Hotel. Ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for a delicious dinner at the acclaimed Seven Glaciers Restaurant.

Day 6 • Talkeetna
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Add 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. Overnight in Talkeetna.

Day 7 • Denali National Park/Kantishna
After breakfast, 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 & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations.

Day 8 & 9 • Kantishna (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. However, this activity is weather and space-dependent. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse.

Day 10 • Denali/Anchorage
Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included.