Ultimate Alaska Adventure

Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby (hotel & meeting location to be determined at time of reservation). Travel from Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm to the small mountain community of Girdwood. Today's adventure is a helicopter excursion to one of the surrounding glaciers to try your hand at the famous Alaskan sport of dog mushing. High on the snow-pack, drive the sled yourself or, if you prefer, ride in the sled as you enjoy the dramatic scenery. Afterward, bundle yourself up in actual Iditarod racing gear - including an original bib-number - for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Late afternoon we will continue south to Kenai Riverside Lodge, located along the banks of the Kenai River. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy appetizers and dinner in the main lodge. (B,L,D)

Gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and watch for moose, bears, bald eagles, and other bird species along the way. Enjoy a delicious picnic along the river or on the shores of Skilak Lake before arriving at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon to settle into your cabin. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and at the top, explore the tundra and enjoy captivating views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. 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.

This morning we’ll cross Skilak Lake on our custom boat and take a short van ride to a local trailhead for gorgeous vistas of the Kenai Mountains and Kenai watershed. Lunch always tastes better in the backcountry, and we’ll enjoy lunch during our trail hike before returning back to civilization. Return to Kenai Riverside Lodge this afternoon for relaxing, and don’t forget to check out the riverside deck and bonfire pit - perfect for post-dinner s’mores! Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel to Exit Glacier just outside of Seward – the only portion of the Harding Ice Field accessible by road. You won’t just be able to see the glacier; you will be able to experience the glacier first-hand on today’s ice hiking adventure! Supported with crampons, harnesses and helmets, you'll safely navigate the glacier. Don't forget your camera for this unforgettable experience.

Wake up in the picturesque seacoast town of Seward. Today, we'll embark on a four-hour marine wildlife and glacier cruise bound for 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. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Enjoy a full day of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. Or relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

This morning allows for a final half-day activity at the Glacier Lodge before boarding our boat for the return coastal wildlife cruise to Seward. From there, board the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for a scenic backcountry rail tour to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 10:30 p.m.