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Alaska
8-Day Grand Journey - Tour 1104
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, Talkeetna, Denali
National Park, Kantishna, Kantishna Roadhouse, Alaska Railroad
2008 Departure Dates
June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25
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Day
1 • Anchorage/Seward
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. at
the Aspen Hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy a scenic drive south along
Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the
seacoast town of Seward. Embark on a small ship tour of glaciated
Kenai Fjords National Park. We will explore a coastline rich
in wildlife and scenic beauty. The tour includes visiting
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. Overnight in Seward
at the Seward Windsong Lodge. |
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Day
2 • Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Enjoy breakfast in Seward, then 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.
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Day
3 • 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. |
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Day
4 • 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. |
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Day
5 • 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. |
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Day
6 & 7 • 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. |
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Day
8 • 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. |
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