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"We thoroughly enjoyed all the days with you. The setting on the river was beautiful and our cabin in the woods was comfortable. The use of a central bath facility was no problem at all. It was modern, very clean, and had all the soaps and lotions you might need. In terms of activities, our raft trip was fun and protective clothes were invaluable through the brief, but heavy shower. Our hike was a definite highlight. The variety of birds in the lovely woods met our bird-watching goals. The scenery was beautiful and the wildflowers lovely. The guides gave us terrific individual attention and were very knowledgeable. Food was great. We would definitely come back." ~ Janice & Donald S. |
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Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, meet your Trip Leader at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with reservation).
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Day 1: 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 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 2: This morning, depart Girdwood and travel south to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords National Park - home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife, such as whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A four-hour marine wildlife cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pederson Glacier. 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 at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)
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Day 3: After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include hiking, sea kayaking, and coastline explorations by motorized skiff; 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 4: 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 5: 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. Enjoy a delicious picnic 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 6: 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 7: 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. (B,L,D)
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Day 8: 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 if weather permits - gaze upon the splendor of Denali (Mt. McKinley). Upon arrival to Kantishna Roadhouse, enjoy dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations. (B,L,D)
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Day 9 & 10: 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 will be offered during your stay at the lodge. This activity is weather and space-dependent and does not require advance reservations. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
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Day 11: Following 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 cars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar rail cars) for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)
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Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.
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Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Trip Price: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy, plus tax. For triple and quad, deduct $100. For solo, add 25% to cost of double. Ask about choices for upgrading to a Log Cabin while at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, space available. Trip price includes pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage, best of gear and equipment, meals as noted above in detailed itinerary, lodging, and full guide services during your entire stay. Trip price does not include Borough tax, flightseeing, beer, wine, or liquor, or gratuities to staff.
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Jun 02 to Jun 12 Jun 16 to Jun 26 Jun 30 to Jul 10 Jul 14 to Jul 24 Jul 28 to Aug 07 Aug 11 to Aug 21 Aug 25 to Sep 04
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$5,695
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