Classic Alaska Tour

Day 1: Kenai Fjords National Park/ Seward Meals: Lunch and Dinner Accommodations: Boutique Hotel After a brief morning introduction, we’ll travel south on the scenic Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm to Kenai Fjords National Park. The Chugach and Kenai Mountain ranges tower above us throughout our journey. In true adventure travel fashion, we’ll allow local conditions to guide us with stops along the way for wildlife sightings, short hikes and to marvel at the magnificent scenery. This afternoon we’ll take a short hike out to Exit Glacier, and if you’re feeling up to the challenge, the Harding Icefield. This evening we’ll take in the quaint, historic Seward harbor. Taken at a local restaurant at travelers’ expense. Low to high end options available. Drive Time: 2½ hours Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park/ Seward Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodations: Boutique Hotel. Kenai Fjords National Park offers travelers the opportunity to experience a temperate rainforest where massive glaciers are carving their way to the sea. Where a rich marine environment, that parallels anywhere found in the world, is home to abundant marine wildlife; whales, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, puffins and more. This is the quintessential Alaska coastline. We’ll spend a full day here. You can choose from great hiking opportunities or consider the other activities available. The glacier/wildlife cruise is our favorite and the most popular activity in the area Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant at travelers’ expense. Low to high end options available. Drive Time: Minimal- local only Hiking We recommend one of two hikes in the Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park area. Choose between the Harding Ice Field Trail at Exit Glacier or Caines Head trail along the shore of beautiful Resurrection Bay. The Harding Ice Field Trail is a strenuous hike into Kenai Fjords National Park culminating in magnificent views of the icefield. The Caines Head Trail follows the shore of Resurrection Bay through dense temporal rainforest with towering trees and outstanding views of the ocean. Depending on the time of year spawning salmon can be seen. Both hikes are wonderful. Other popular activities in the area include ★ Glacier/Wildlife Cruise- By far the most popular activity in the area is the glacier/wildlife cruise into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Look for the abundant wildlife that can be observed including whales- orcas and humpbacks, sea otters, endangered Stellar sea lions, Dall porpoises, and colonies of nesting sea birds- including Puffins, cormorants, Oyster Catchers, and Bald Eagles to name a few. On the way you’ll visit an active tidewater glacier and watch and listen for falling ice. This is one of Alaska’s premier wildlife and glacier viewing trips and we highly recommend it! $154, $77 Age to 11. Sea Kayaking- Explore Resurrection Bay by sea kayak with a shoreline paddle along Caines Head State Recreation Area. Look for sea otters, spawning salmon, eagles, seabirds and many others while enjoying the tranquility of the water from your kayak. From $74. For those seeking a more robust sea kayaking experience, consider the full day trip to Aialik Glacier and paddle in the fjord fronting the glacier. There are terrific wildlife viewing opportunities to and from the glacier including whales, sea lions, sea otters, bird rookeries and more. $425 minimum age 12. Dog Sledding- Fly out to a glacier for a ride with a team of sled dogs. Breathtaking scenery of Resurrection Bay treats you during the entire helicopter ride to the Godwin Glacier; upon landing you will find over 80 dogs waiting to take you for a ride. Your guide will explain the history of the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog Race and the fundamentals of dog sledding and then off you go with a dog team across the glacier. $520. Alaska Sea Life Center- Visit a world class marine research facility. The many exhibits at the Alaska Sea Life Center immerse visitors in marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings. This is a great ½ day activity. $29.95 Ages to 12 $17.95. Day 3: Matanuska River Valley/ Matanuska Glacier Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations: Local lodge in basic, yet comfortable rooms set in a majestic location Today we are off to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska, ranked #2 by Alaska Magazine of “the places to visit” in Alaska. This afternoon we’ll get outfitted with ice crampons and trek out onto the glacier to the “Ice Falls” area– an expanse of glacier ice that naturally “falls” over the rock under it, creating dramatic formations called seracs. Along the way you’ll explore various glacier features such as moulins and crevasses. After the hike, we’ll settle into our comfy accommodations in a beautiful setting and be treated to a gourmet outdoor cooked meal prepared by your guide. This evening, you can hang out at the fire pit, relax in the outdoor hot tub, and/or walk miles of trails right from the property. Drive Time: About 4 hours Day 4: Denali National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations: Camping Next, we travel north to Denali National Park, the crown jewel of the National Park system. We’ll pass through the Northern Boreal Forest, a unique landscape known only at this latitude. Weather permitting, immense mountains including Mt. Denali (Mt. McKinley), tallest mountain in North America, will grace us along the way. In true adventure tour fashion, we’ll allow mother nature and local conditions to guide us as we travel through the Alaska Range with stops to view wildlife and take short hikes. This afternoon we’ll explore the park entrance, visit the Denali National Park Visitor Center, and/or go on a short hike before heading to our campsite for our first night camping. Drive Time: About 4 hours Days 5 & 6: Denali National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations: Camping We’ll spend two full days exploring Denali National Park. One day is set aside for a wildlife viewing tour into the heart of Denali National Park (included in tour cost). Keep your camera ready as you search for grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, arctic fox, and if you’re lucky, tremendous views of North America's largest mountain, Mt. McKinley (Denali). The landscape is immense, Denali National Park is 5.6 million acres! Get off the bus for a hike in a wild and remote wilderness. The other day is set aside for recreational activities. There are many fantastic hikes you can choose from. Another popular activity is the sled dog kennel tour offered free by the National Park Service. Or, you can choose one of the optional activities. Drive Time: Minimal- local only Other popular activities in the area include Hiking- There are a number of great hiking options in Denali National Park. Hike up Mt. Healy for sweeping views of Denali National Park and the Nenana River. For those desiring a less strenuous hike, there are multiple established trails to explore. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years of experience exploring and guiding in this region. Guided Ranger Hike- Guided ranger hikes are offered by the National Park Service. These vary in length and location. No Charge. Sled Dog Kennels- Visit an active sled dog kennel. The Denali National Park sled dog kennel is responsible for the winter patrols of the Denali National Park wilderness- where no motorized vehicles are permitted. There is an informative talk along with a dog sledding demonstration. No Charge. Denali Park Bus- You can head back into the park again for more wildlife viewing, perhaps a good view of Mt. McKinley, and/or another hike. $34. River Rafting- Mild and wild whitewater rafting trips are offered on the Class II-IV Nenana River, the river that forms part of the Denali National Park Boundary. MILD: Relax, and enjoy the scenery on a 2 plus hour float along the boundary of Denali National Park. Take in Mt. Fellows, Mt. Healy, Musher’s Monument and other surrounding peaks. Watch for wildlife along the river bank; moose, caribou, bears and wolves can be seen $92, $62 Ages to 13. WILD: The Nenana River Canyon is packed with over 10 Class III and IV rapids over a stretch of river 11 miles long, fun whitewater that is very suitable for beginners. Paddle rafting and oar rafting options are available. $92, $72 Ages 10-13. Flight Seeing- Flying is the most impressive way to view Mt. McKinley (Denali) and the incredible scenery within Denali National Park. On a good weather day, the views are truly breathtaking. Add a glacier landing for an experience beyond description. From $315 per adult, $195 Ages to 12. Mountain Biking- Rent a Mt. Bike for a ride into Denali National Park- ride the park road or take the bus in and ride back. $40 full day $25 half day. Zipline Tour- Experience life above the trees zip lining just outside of Denali National Park! Certified guides will lead you along 6 sky bridges and 7 thrilling zip lines, including the dual racer finale! The built-in, hands-free braking system allows you to relax and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. Challenge yourself by traversing to the top of the boreal forest on the uniquely designed Ascending Bridge Tower. Soar through the trees and over the tundra on over half a mile of ziplines. All safety gear provided - full body harness, helmet, and gloves. Adults: $139, Children 8-12: $99 (minimum weight 80lbs.) Day 7: To Anchorage Meals: Breakfast and Lunch In route to Anchorage we’ll take the opportunity to explore locations missed on our way north. We’ll take our time and soak in our last day together with sightseeing, day hikes and visit to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters. We will arrive in Anchorage by 5:00-5:30 pm and will bring you to the Anchorage location of your choice. Drive Time: About 4 hours