Explore Tours is proud to offer travel assistance for the 2008 American Association of Port Authorities Convention in Anchorage, Alaska.

Below is a listing of our suggested tour activities, but please contact our tour consultants for additional options and local advice based on your interests.

Suggested Tour Activities

INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE

Holland America Cruise September 13-20, 2008
Set sail from Seattle on September 13 and experience the Southeast Alaska communities of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Of course, the highlight of your visit is likely to be experiencing the majestic Hubbard Glacier. On your return to Seattle, you'll also call in Victoria, British Columbia. Enjoy fine dining and entertainment on board the ms Oosterdam, a grand Vista-class ship that defines the future of cruising.

DAY CRUISES

Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife and Glacier Cruise
Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay are abundant in marine wildlife and ice-blue tidewater glaciers. See harbor seals, otters, sea lions, and various species of whale. There are over 100 species of birds flourishing in the area, from the majestic Bald eagle to the beloved puffin, and a spectacular Steller sea lion colony. This 110-mile journey (177 km) features the ultimate wildlife viewing experience. A deli-style lunch is also included in your tour.

Cruise Validity Dates: May 3, 2008– October 6, 2008
Cruise Only Price: $142.00 USD per person, including taxes and port fees
Note: Motorcoach transfers between Anchorage and Seward may be offered. Please inquire with an Explore Tours tour consultant for schedules and rate options.

26 Glacier Cruise
Travel over 135 miles into Prince William Sound aboard the Klondike Express, a high-speed catamaran, to see 26 "named glaciers" and many more unnamed. Approach within 500 feet from the face of these towering walls of ice and "hear" the glaciers move, watch for calving and see the brilliant blues in the ice. Three types of glaciers are seen on each trip including Alpine or Hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater glaciers. You may also have the opportunity to view sea otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions, eagles and whales while you enjoy relaxing in a comfortable heated cabin. Enjoy countless opportunities for spectacular photography. Roundtrip bus transportation and lunch included.

Valid: During the month of September
Cruise Only Price: $130.50 (Special for Meeting Attendees Only)
With Roundtrip Bus Transfers from Anchorage: $180.50

FLIGHTSEEING

Mt. McKinley Flightseeing Tour
This spectacular 3-hour flightseeing tour departs Anchorage and takes you within six miles of McKinley's 20,320 ft. summit. View the Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge and the massive south face of Mt. McKinley. Courtesy van transfers included from major Anchorage hotels.

Valid: Year Round
Price: $345.00

Prince William Sound Flightseeing Tour
Prince William Sound is a magnificent region with over 15,000 square miles of fjords and inlets, dozens of tidewater glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. The sound's clear sea waters produce a rich marine life. Spot for whales, seal, eagles, otters and black bear. Make a photo-stop landing at a secluded cove. See Columbia Glacier, Prince William Sound's largest tidewater glacier. Then fly to Glacier Island for a chance to view sea lions sunning themselves. Courtesy van transfers included from major Anchorage hotels. 2.5 Hour Tour.

Valid: Year Round
Price:$318.00

Knik Glacier Flightseeing Tour
Your flight will take you over the expansive Knik Glacier rimmed with spectacular hanging glaciers. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land, then fly over the winding Knik Glacier Gorge. Courtesy van transfers included from major Anchorage hotels. 1.5 Hour Tour.

Valid: Year Round
Price:$215 (Standard 1.5 Hour Tour)

SIGHTSEEING

Alaska ATV Adventure
See the real Alaska on a guided 4-wheeler tour. Your guide will choose a scenic area with the best conditions for your fun-filled three-hour ride in Alaska's backcountry. Safety and Rain Gear provided (if you have forgotten yours).  Only top quality equipment is used.  Be sure to bring your camera and lots of film.  No prior experience necessary to operate our new Honda 4 heelers.  Single or double rider machines available.  Refreshments and snacks provided. Roundtrip transportation from Anchorage included.  

Valid: April 15, 2008 – November 1, 2008
Price: $205.00

Top 10 Things To Do

1. Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage – sail roundtrip from Seattle September 13 -20 and arrive in Anchorage in time for the conference!

2. Drive to Talkeetna – the television show Northern Exposure was loosely based on this quaint town that also serves as a starting point for climbers attempting to scale Mt. McKinley

3. See the real Alaska on a guided 4-wheeler tour.  You’ll travel away from the highways into scenic locations.  No experience necessary!

4. Explore Kenai Fjords National Park.  Drive south along a National Scenic Byway to the community of Seward and set sail on a day cruise in search of views of marine wildlife and glaciers.

5.  Take flight!  Flightseeing tours offer a different perspective of the Alaskan landscape.  Choose from Mt. McKinley or glacial flightseeing options.

6.  Glaciers galore!  Travel along a coastal highway and through a tunnel to the community of Whittier.  Board a catamaran for your chance to see 26 glaciers.

7.  Get wild!  Visit the Anchorage Zoo or travel south to Portage for a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to orphaned and injured animals.

8.  Relax.  Visit Alyeska Resort or a remote wilderness lodge for an opportunity to unwind and appreciate Alaska’s beauty. Take a guided hiking tour to experience the plethora of trails Anchorage has to offer.

9. Visit a local dog sled kennel.  Learn about Alaska’s official sport as you interact with professional dog sled mushers and meet their dog teams.

10. Explore Anchorage’s Museums.  From Alaska’s unique aviation history to the diverse cultures of Alaska’s native peoples, the museums in Anchorage offer greater insight into the Last Frontier.

Contact Explore Tours for help planning these activities!  Many tours require advance reservations or have limited availability.  800-523-7405 or www.exploretours.com.

Please Note:

Above tours are suggested options and just a small sampling of the many tours that Explore Tours can offer attendees. Tours may be subject to change based on availability, weather conditions, and required passenger minimums. Advance reservations are required for most options and can be made by contacting Explore Tours at 800-523-7405 or by emailing info@exploretours.com.

Airfare Assistance

In addition to our pre and post tour programs, Explore Tours can offer airline travel arrangements through USTravel. Explore Tours is a division of USTravel and conveniently housed in the same location. With cutting-edge technology and air agents well versed with travel arrangements within Alaska, the Lower 48 and internationally, USTravel can quickly search and compare web-based airfares and advise of the best pricing and routing for a particular itinerary.