Grand Journey (9-Day)
On the Alaska 9-Day Grand Journey, experience the very best of Alaska in just over a week!
The stunning seacoast teeming with marine wildlife, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, our exclusive seacoast lodge situated within Kenai Fjords National Park and time to explore the splendors of Denali.
*Save $200 per person on June 8, 2012 & August 31, 2012 departures
Itinerary/Details
Itinerary Highlights:
- Seek out charismatic marine wildlife and spectacular tidewater glaciers on route to the exclusive new Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
- Experience daily life in the quaint town of Talkeetna, where you can wander the streets and visit with locals as well as flightsee (a guest favorite!) for a birds eye view of the Alaska Range.
- Explore both the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park and learn about the resident and migratory wildlife of the seacoast and the tundra. Choose from activities that can be as active or as leisurely as you like: hiking, rafting, kayaking, gold panning, biking, sightseeing and more!
- The final day of your adventure is spent in high style, riding the first class Alaska Railroad GoldStar rail cars to your final destination.
Day 1 Anchorage / Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed at time of reservation). 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. (L,D).
Day 2 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 a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Kenai Fjords National Park / Kenai Fjords Glacier 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.
Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 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 in a rocking chair and take in spectacular glacier views. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge / Seward
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. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Seward / Talkeetna
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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Talkeetna / Denali National Park / Kantishna
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 and migratory birds and, if weather permits, gaze upon the splendor of Denali (Mt. McKinley). Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, enjoy dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Denali National Park / Kantishna
Enjoy a full day 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. This activity is weather and space-dependent and does not require advance reservations. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Kantishna / Denali National Park / Anchorage
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, dinner and Anchorage transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Departure
Package departs from:
Anchorage
2012 Validity dates:
*June 08 to June 16
June 22 to June 30
July 06 to July 14
July 20 to July 28
August 03 to August 11
August 17 to August 25
*August 31 to September 08
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
$5395 per person, double occupancy*
*Note: June 8 & August 31 departures subject to early and late season savings of $200 off, per person.
Package Includes
Rate Includes
Package includes overnight accommodations, transportation, activities, guide service and meals as outlined in the above itinerary. Does not include gratuities or taxes.
