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Home > Destinations > North
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Alaska Explorer
From sea level to the highest peak in North America explore the breathtaking scenery, astounding wildlife, and boundless natural history of both Prince William Sound and Denali National Park. Accommodations for this soft adventure include small inns, backcountry lodges and aboard a small yacht.
DAY 1 : ANCHORAGE
Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer on your own to the Copper Whale Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast located in 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 and begin our exploration of the pristine bays, inlets, glaciers and wildlife habitat of Prince William Sound. Our voyage takes you to secluded coves other ships cannot reach. [BLD]
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 by hundreds of glacier carved fjords and thousands of secluded inlets, opportunities for exploration are endless. The area is habitat for Humpback whales, Orca whales, Dall porpoise, salmon, Black and Brown bear, Sea lions, seals, otter, puffins, Bald eagles, and other wildlife. The calm waters of Prince William Sound are protected from ocean swells by fjords and the barrier islands.
Ours is not a conventional "cruise." Sea kayaks and an inflatable Zodiac skiff are carried aboard our yachts. We make daily shore excursions for naturalist-led hikes, tide-pooling, and glacier viewing. 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 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 and enjoy the scenery. Delicious meals are prepared by the crew and can be supplemented with fish that you catch. Overnights are aboard the MV Babkin or the MV Alexandra. [BLD]
DAY 6 : PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TO ANCHORAGE
We enjoy one final day exploring the Alaskan coast as we make our way back to Whittier.Join other travelers on a 90-min. van trip back to Anchorage. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [BL]
DAY 7 : ANCHORAGE
The day is free to explore Anchorage and take care of laundry. We recommend a visit to the Anchorage Museum of Art and History or come face to face with Alaska's first people 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. The Alaska Public Land Office and Cook Inlet Bookstore are both excellent sources for books, videos and Alaskan gifts and souvenirs. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [B]
DAY 8 : DENALI WILDLIFE TOUR TO KANTISHNA
Wake up early to begin our journey from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park. A comfortable motorcoach shuttle takes us 5 hours to the Denali Park Entrance where we will meet the Camp Denali/North Face Lodge Bus, headed an additional 90 miles (5 hours travel time) deep into Denali National Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent and you may spot Grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and possibly wolves. Overnight in the heart of Denali National Park at Camp Denali. [BD]
DAYS 9-10 : DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Our days are spent exploring the heart of Alaska's premier wilderness. A naturalist guide from the Lodge leads us through alpine and tundra environments along rivers, lakes or ridge-top trails with magnificent panoramic views of the Alaska Range. The beautiful scenery of Denali National Park is also habitat for Grizzly bear, Black bear, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, Arctic fox, and moose. Activities offered at the Lodge include hiking, fishing, and evening presentations in the lodge. Keep a look out for outstanding views and dazzling photographic opportunities of Mt. McKinley. Overnight at Camp Denali. [BLD]
DAY 11 : DENALI WILDLIFE TOUR TO ANCHORAGE
Wake up early and fly via bush plane back to Anchorage. This spectacular flight passes over vast glaciers, through mountain passes, and around the snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range, including Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), the tallest mountain in North America. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Anchorage with your guide. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [BL] Note: The flight is conditional and weather dependent. If the weather is not conducive for a safe and scenic flight out of Kantishna, we will either cancel the flight and instead take the overland transfer back to Anchorage, or possibly fly to the Denali Park Entrance and take the motorcoach shuttle from there.
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. Ask about our trip extensions 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."
Eileen Ogintz
Syndicated Columnist
Read Taking The Kids: Denali Adventure and Prince William Sound
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 12 | Grade: I-II, Active; options for more strenuous activities (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $6295 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 4 | 5 | 6+ | Land cost per adult | $7295 | $6695 | $6295 | Teens 12-16 | $5995 | $5595 | $4995 | Child under 12 | $5595 | $4995 | $4495 |
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| Single Supplement: $750 (click for info) | *Minimum group size 4. Child and teen cost based on sharing with two adults, maximum of 4 people per room. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | Jun 13 - Jun 24, 2008 (F)
Aug 8 - Aug 19, 2008 (F)
| (Available upon request) |
(F) = Family departure |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above including accommodations, local land and air transportation, guided tours and excursions, park and entrance fees, meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner], Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Roundtrip air transportation to Alaska, airport taxes, airport transfers, tips and gratuities, optional or suggested services on your own, insurance of any kind, personal expenses, extra beverages & alcoholic drinks, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. Meals, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. You will need to carry about $200-300 per person extra cash and credit cards to cover fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. | |
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