Travel to Alaska: Alaska Explorer

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Alaska Explorer

			Read a Trip Review DAYS: 12 GRADE: I-II, Active; options for more strenuous activities define PRICE: From $6295 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Prince William Sound aboard a small private research yacht Glaciers Wildlife viewing Whale watching Flight seeing around Mt McKinley Denali National Park Alaska Railroad 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

Travel to Alaska from the lush coastal rainforest wilderness to the highest peak in North America exploring the breathtaking scenery, astounding wildlife, and boundless natural history of Alaska's wild lands. Our premier small group Alaska tour combines an adventurous voyage in Prince William Sound on a private, family-owned oceanographic research vessel, with an in-depth exploration of Denali National Park. We travel in Alaska by rail, private van, Camp Denali naturalist bus, and a scenic flight over Mt. McKinley, always surrounded by wildlife viewing and stunning photography, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, whale watching, sea kayaking, and fishing. Accommodations for this Alaska wildland adventure include local inns, backcountry lodges and aboard our private charter yacht.

DAY 1 :  ANCHORAGE
Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer on your own to the Copper Whale Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast located downtown. [Meals on your own]

DAY 2 :  ALASKA RAILROAD TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
Board the historic Alaska Railroad bound for the coastal town of Whittier on one of the most scenic rail journeys in Alaska. Along the way are opportunities to view wildlife such as moose, dall sheep, bald eagles, and occasionally pods of beluga whales in Turnagain Arm. Passing through the tunnel under the Chugach Mountains the train emerges in the picturesque port of Whittier, on the shores of Prince William Sound. Whittier is a year-round, ice-free port built by the US military in WWII as a secret supply depot. We are met by our skipper and crew of the MV Babkin or the MV Alexandra to begin our exploration of the pristine bays, inlets, glaciers and wildlife habitat of Prince William Sound. On our small yacht, we have many opportunities to explore secluded coves other vessels cannot reach. Overnight aboard the MV Babkin or MV Alexandra. [BLD]

Our Alaska Wildland Adventure avoids the crowds to intimately explore the serene wilderness habitat of Prince William Sound

DAYS 3-5 :  PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
Prince William Sound is surrounded by the 14,000 foot snow-covered peaks of the Chugach National Forest that tower over this coastal wilderness. Shaped over millions of years by hundreds of glacier carved fjords and thousands of secluded inlets, opportunities for exploration are endless. The marine and terrestrial ecosystem is habitat for humpback whales, orca whales, dall porpoise, salmon, black and brown bear, sea lions, seals, otter, puffins, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Protected from ocean swells by its fjords and barrier islands, the calm waters of Prince William Sound are ideal for cruising, wildlife observation, sea kayaking, glacier walks, photography and fishing.

Ours is not a conventional "cruise." We carry sea kayaks and an inflatable Zodiac skiff for daily shore excursions including naturalist-led hikes through the moss and lichen draped spruce, cedar and hemlock forests, around peatland bogs, crossing salmon spawning streams, and up alpine meadows to vantage points overlooking spectacular glaciers and the snow-covered peaks of the Chugach Range. There are excellent opportunities for sea kayaking (no experience necessary) enabling you to explore the beautiful coastline and wildlife up-close. Our itinerary is flexible allowing us to take advantage of the weather, wildlife sightings, and your special interests. We do not run the boat at night since you have daylight until 11 PM! Late every afternoon we anchor in a secluded bay or cove for the night where you can enjoy kayaking, shore excursions, photography, fishing (tackle is provided) or perhaps just relax to take in the scenery. Delicious meals are prepared by the crew including crab, shrimp and fresh fish that you catch! Overnights are aboard the MV Babkin or the MV Alexandra. [BLD]

	Watch up close and photograph Orcas playing, feeding, and eye hoping.

DAY 6 :  PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TO ANCHORAGE
We enjoy one final day exploring the Alaskan coast as we make our way back to Whittier. Transfer by shuttle back to Anchorage for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [BL]

DAY 7 :  ANCHORAGE
Today is full of options to explore Anchorage. We recommend a visit to the Anchorage Museum of Art and History or come face to face with Alaska's First Nations at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Here five distinct indigenous groups proudly present their cultures in a lakeside village setting where boat building, dance performances, storytelling, artisan demonstrations, and interpretive exhibits are part of the interactive experience. An afternoon bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers spectacular views of the mountains and Cook Inlet. The Alaska Public Land Office and Cook Inlet Bookstore are both excellent sources for books, videos and Alaskan gifts and souvenirs. Collect your fresh laundry before dinner and pack for your journey into the Alaskan interior. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [B]

DAY 8 :  CAMP DENALI BUS TO KANTISHNA
Arise early to begin our journey from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park.  A comfortable shuttle takes us 5 hours to the Denali Park Entrance where we will meet the Camp Denali bus. Resident naturalist guides narrate this 90-mile, 7-hour trip deep into Denali National Park (including gourmet picnic dinner en-route), stopping frequently to learn about the park's glaciology and flora, cultural heritage and legends, and of course, its incredible mega-fauna. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, you may spot grizzly and black bear, moose, caribou, loons, beaver, dall sheep, and possibly wolves. We learn how different species adapt to life in the subarctic and about the impacts of climate change in the high latitudes of North America. Overnight near Wonder Lake in the middle of Denali National Park in your own authentic wilderness cabin at Camp Denali. Cabins are lit by propane lights, heated by wood stove, and each has a running water spigot and private outhouse just outside the door; flush toilets and hot water showers are in a communal building a 5 minute walk to the main lodge where meals are served. [BD] Total travel time: 12 hours

Get out your cameras and binoculars for grizzly viewing on our Denali National Park tour.

DAYS 9-10 :  DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Our tour of Denali National Park explores the heart of Alaska's premier wilderness area. Naturalist guides lead easy to strenuous hikes through alpine and tundra environments along rivers, lakes, or ridge-top trails. The beautiful scenery of Kantishna is also habitat for grizzly and brown bear, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, Arctic fox, and moose. In addition to the naturalist-guided hikes, canoeing, fishing, biking, and gold-panning are available as independent activities. Enjoy evening presentations in the lodge sometimes with special guest lecturers. Keep a look out for outstanding views and dazzling photographic opportunities of Mt. McKinley. Overnight at Camp Denali. [BLD]

DAY 11 :  DENALI SCENIC FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE
Arise early for a spectacular bush plane scenic flight over Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park back to Anchorage. This spectacular Mt McKinley scenic flight glides over vast glaciers, through mountain passes, and through the snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range, including unsurpassed views of Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), the tallest mountain in North America. Enjoy your final evening in Alaska at one of the stellar restaurants in Anchorage. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [BL]

Note: The flight is weather dependant. On the rare occasion that we are unable to fly we will take the Camp Denali bus 5 hours back to the park entrance and a coach another 5 hours to Anchorage.

DAY 12 :  DEPARTURE OR BEGIN TRIP EXTENSION
Transfer by your own arrangement to the Anchorage International Airport for flights home or begin a trip extension for further exploration of Alaska. [B]

"It's our last night. Everyone's smiling and a little sad at the same time. I'm more stunned than anything. For once, a trip has lived up to expectations, even surpassed them. I may not have caught any fish, but I'm taking home the bragging rights to a near-impossible score--the perfect family vacation." Read more

Eileen Ogintz
Syndicated Columnist
Read Taking The Kids: Alaska Family Adventure in Denali and Prince William Sound

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

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