Alaska 9-Day Grand Adventure

It's an early morning to get a jump on an exciting kick-off day! Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. Gear up and raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; along the way, watch for moose, bears, bald eagles and other bird species. 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 shores of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at 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 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.

Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge as you head to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: 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 nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; 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.

This morning allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe 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.

Following breakfast at the Seward Windsong 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.

Begin in-depth explorations of Denali National Park this morning on a deluxe, narrated Denali wildlife drive into the park. Our retreat for the next two nights is Denali Backcountry Lodge, located at the very end of the Denali park road in the Kantishna hills. This evening, enjoy a lodge tour and settle in to the beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a savory dinner and relax on the shores of Moose Creek. Overnight Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at Denali Backcountry Lodge include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning and mountain biking. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. This activity is weather and space-dependent and does not require advance reservations. Overnight at Denali Backcountry Lodge.

After an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to Denali and board the first class GoldStar cars of the Alaska Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner provided; Anchorage transfers not included.