|
|
 |
 Back |
Alaska
9-Day Grand Journey - Tour 1104
Small groups, big experience. This journey has been custom designed to reflect the interests of active and knowledgeable travelers, from natural history interpretation to guided hikes and sea kayaking. 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, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Kantishna, Kantishna Roadhouse, Alaska Railroad
2009 Departure Dates
May 31, June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Day
1 • Anchorage/Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
It's an early morning to get a jump on an exciting kick-off day. Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 7:00 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 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. |
 |
Day
2 • 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. |
 |
Day
3 • Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Enjoy breakfast in the main lodge, then a return glacier cruise to Seward. Travel the short distance to Cooper Landing, home of Kenai Riverside Lodge and the jumping-off point for your full-day raft trip down the scenic Kenai River. Raft 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
4 • 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 great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake 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. |
 |
Day
5 • Talkeetna
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Take an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. |
 |
Day
6 • Denali National Park/Katnishna
Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Enjoy a Denali Wildlife Drive through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, the tallest peak in North America, Denali. Upon arrival at
Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. |
 |
Day
7 & 8• 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. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. However, these activities are weather and space-dependent. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. |
 |
Day
9 • Denali/Anchorage
Following an early breakfast, embark on another Denali Wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Say 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. Meals are available for purchase on the train. |
 top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
