Kenai & Denali Journey
This all-inclusive itinerary focuses on two spectacular regions: the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park.
The turquoise waters of the Kenai River serve as your path to the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge where exciting activities such as guided sea kayaking and hiking await. From here, journey north to Denali National Park. Leave the crowded park entrance behind and venture deep into the Kantishna region of the park, your home for two nights. Seek out Denali's famed Dall sheep, moose, caribou and grizzlies along the way. Perfect as a stand-alone vacation or an ideal complement to an Alaska cruise vacation, the Kenai & Denali Journey offers the best of Alaska in less than a week.
Itinerary/Details
Day 1 Anchorage Arrival / Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with 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 shore 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 great 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 Peninsula / Talkeetna
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. En route, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and the town's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Talkeetna / Denali National Park
Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Seek out the park's highlights as you travel along the Denali Park Road via private bus; watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident and migratory birds and, weather permitting, Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Denali National Park / Kantishna
Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. Activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations 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 6 Kantishna / Denali National Park / Anchorage
Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the park entrance. Say farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Note regarding departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. 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.
Departure
Package departs from:
Anchorage
2012 Validity dates:
June 10 to June 15
June 24 to June 29
July 08 to July 13
July 22 to July 27
August 05 to August 10
August 19 to August 24
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
$3395 per person, double occupancy*
*Note: June 10 & August 19 departures subject to early and late season savings of $200 off, per person.
Package Includes
Rate Includes
Overnight accommodations, transportation, guide service, activities and meals as outlined in above itinerary. Does not include taxes or gratuities.
