Travel to Alaska: Alaska Adventure Voyage

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Alaska Adventure Voyage

			Read a Trip Review DAYS: 10 GRADE: I-II, Options for more vigorous activities define PRICE: From $4695 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Southeast Alaska Glacier Trekking Dog Sledding ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Yacht/Ship MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Explore Alaska from sea to sky on this intimate and exciting adventure. Cruise Southeast Alaska on the M/V Sundance, a family owned and operated vessel designed for small and personal voyages. See waterfalls, wildlife, and other natural wonders under the guidance of Melanie and Wil, native and active Alaskans, the owners of the Sundance. Each day aboard the ship brings you to a different remote spot, from a true wilderness hike to meeting one of Alaska's most treasured story-tellers, the unusual and charming Frank Sharp. In Juneau more exciting Alaska travel awaits you atop the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier, from mushing your own dog team to glacier trekking. The quaint beauty of downtown Juneau is a perfect complement to these snowy adventures.


 

	Your adventure cruise in Southeast Alaska

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE JUNEAU
Arrive in Juneau, where you are greeted at the airport and transferred to the M/V Sundance where fresh-baked cookies and hot coffee await. Stow your bags in your cozy stateroom, and take the rest of the day to explore Alaska's capitol. The Sundance is a comfortable riding vessel specially designed for smooth cruising. On board you can find a cozy sauna, spacious and modernly outfitted galley, and a large salon featuring a flat-screen TV to view pictures from the day's activities. Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [Meals on your own]

Note: The July 21 departure leaves from Sitka instead of Juneau; after leaving port both departures are identical.

DAY 2 :  TENAKEE INLET
The boat starts early, but on this Alaska small ship cruise the engines are quiet so you are free to sleep in or get up and enjoy your first views of Alaska's Inside Passage. The scenery here is incredibly peaceful, with full, magnificent forests capping the mountaintops and serene waters washing up on the coastal ecosystem. While cruising we are always on the lookout for Bald eagles perched in the trees or Humpback whales gliding silently by. Our first stop is the rustic town of Tenakee. Just a few minutes wandering through this relaxed town gives us a taste of genuine Alaskan lifestyle, remote homes wovenly intricately with the wilderness. Take an easy trail-less walk through the woods to see one of the largest known Sitka spruce trees. Sitka spruce is the third tallest tree species in the world, with individuals growing for over 700 years. This tree takes several people to wrap around its entire base! Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

DAY 3 :  ANGOON
Wake up to catch a last glimpse of Tenakee Inlet before cruising to the native village of Angoon. The lone settlement on Admiralty Island, Angoon is composed of sixteen Tlingit tribal community houses, and it still strongly represents indigenous Tlingit culture. We will get an unforgettable taste of Tlingit experiences with Frank Sharp, an elder with an extraordinary knowledge of his land. Time spent with Frank is filled with fantastic stories and personal poems, an intimate exchange with a man who normally prefers his own company. Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

Hike to spectacular hilltop views

DAY 4 :  WARM SPRINGS
Farther along the east shore of Baranof Island we find Warm Springs Bay, a small cove with a wide rushing waterfall and some great kayaking opportunities. Paddle along shore and catch the waterfall's current for a free ride. Bears are often seen from shore, so keep an eye out-you don't want to miss these when you travel to Alaska! After our paddle take a short hike to a quiet lake and some spectacular views of the bay. On your way down, relax and unwind in the natural hot springs situated right at the top of the waterfall. We will anchor here for the night, so you have the opportunity to get up early and enjoy a morning soak as well. Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  BROTHERS ISLANDS
Home to humpbacks, orcas, and Dall porpoise, this channel is world famous for Alaska whale watching. Few boats ply these waters, so you can hear both the power and the gracefulness of the whales as they breath and dive. We take kayaks and our zodiac to draw nearer to the whales, while still keeping a safe and respectful distance. Time seems to stand still as you float between the pods and lightly feel the ocean spray from the magnificent tail dives. The afternoon schedule is flexible so that we can adjust our locations based on the movements of the local pods. Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

	Discover a piece of Alaska's history

DAY 6 :  HISTORICAL CANNERY
This morning we anchor in one of Alaska's secret hideaways for a full day of exploration. Spend the day kayaking and beach combing before coming upon the remnants of an old cannery. Old canneries were often neglected and abandoned after the owners ran out of resources to keep a remote business running. Here, a rusty pressure cooker rests on the pebbly beach and other scraps of the cannery lie intermingled with the overgrowing forest. The cottage that remains still shows the presence of its proud owners with a few fragrant roses among the fireweeds and thimbleberries. We take advantage of our location by setting crab and shrimp pots-there isn't anything fresher than dinner made from the day's catch! Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  ENDICOTT ARM
Today features the most spectacular scenery of the entire journey. In the waters of Endicott Arm we'll see enormous blue and white icebergs, dramatic fjords, vertical granite cliffs, natural waterfalls, and glacier-carved cirques. The icebergs have floated down from Dawes Glacier at the head of the fjord, and you may be lucky enough to watch them flip; as they melt, the shape changes, causing the iceberg to become unbalanced and roll with a dramatic splash. Keep your camera handy because the views are breathtaking every way you look. Overnight aboard the M/V Sundance. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  DISEMBARKATION IN JUNEAU
Our final morning cruise brings us into the docks in Juneau, where you say a fond farewell to your adventures and friends on the ship. Transfer to the Silverbow Inn on your own, a charming boutique hotel in downtown Juneau. The Silverbow features the Back Room Cinema, a movie venue that shows new and classic films, serving meals, desserts, and beverages while you watch. It's also home to the oldest operating bakery in Alaska, serving bagels baked fresh every morning. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax in the rooftop Jacuzzi or hike to the top of Mt. Roberts for stunning views of the city and port. Overnight at the Silverbow Inn or similar. [BLD]

Explore Alaska on the Juneau Ice Field

DAY 9 :  GLACIER WALKABOUT
This morning embark on an unforgettable adventure. Glacier trekking is the newest and most exciting way to explore the scenic wonders of the extraordinary glaciers flowing from the Juneau Ice Field. After being outfitted in top quality mountaineering gear, take off in a helicopter for an exciting flight over the coastal range. As soon as the helicopter touches down your experience begins with professional glacier guides teaching the basic mountaineering skills and proper use of equipment. Guides lead you on an easy and exciting hour long ice walk. No experience is necessary. Those not interested in trekking on the glacier can still enjoy the scenic helicopter flight with a short stop on the Juneau Ice Field. This afternoon return to historic Juneau for time to relax, shop and try some local cuisine. Overnight at the Silverbow Inn or similar. [B]

Note: Optional dog sledding excursion at an additional cost.

DAY 10 :  DEPARTURE
Enjoy your last morning in this great frontier with some deep breaths of the fresh, crisp air before catching your flight home. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Whitney Farowich 1(800)345-4453