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Alaska
11-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
2009 Departure Dates
June 2 - 12 , June 16 – 26, June 30 - July 10, July 14 – 24, July 28 - August 7, August 11 – 21, August 25 - Sept. 4
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Day
1 • Anchorage/Girdwood
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (to be determined at time of booking). Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint ski town of Girdwood. Today's adventure allows guests to explore the northernmost rainforest areas of Alaska on a guided hike. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the top-rated Hotel Alyeska or enjoy a visit to a local gold mine. Tonight, ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for spectacular views of surrounding glaciers, followed by a delicious dinner of fine Alaskan cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Alyeska. |
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2 • Girdwood/Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Chugach National Forest to the seacoast town of Seward. Explore a coastline rich in wildlife and scenic beauty on a small ship tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. Visit a tidewater glacier and searching for marine wildlife such as sea otters, puffins (and many other bird species), harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and whales. Late afternoon we will be dropped off at our own private Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and then settle into your private cabin. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. |
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3 • Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Nestled on the edge of a protected tidal lagoon, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pederson Glacier. Choose from a wide array of activites to suit your energy level and interests. Guided activities include hiking, sea kayaking, and small boat and motorized skiff explorations. Or, relax at the lodge and peruse our natural history library. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. |
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4 • Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge/Seward
This morning allows another opportunity to kayak, hike 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. |
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5 • 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.
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6 • Kenai Backcountry Lodge
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. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. |
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7 • Kenai Backcountry Lodge/Talkeetna
Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to Kenai Backcountry 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. |
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8 • Denali National Park
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. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. |
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9 & 10 • 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 |
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11 • 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. |
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