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Alaska Odyssey
June 20 - 28, 2010
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and take a taxi to the freshly renovated Sheraton Anchorage where we will be spending the night.
Day 2: Rise early to take the scenic Alaska Railroad along Turnagain Arm and through the mountains to coastal Seward. Enjoy the first class “Goldstar” Service which features glass domed seating and dinning downstairs. A variety of breakfast options are available for purchase onboard. Upon arrival in Seward, we head immediately to a Kenai Fjords tour boat that will whisk us out to our island home for the night. We will be welcomed out at Fox Island with a hearty grilled salmon lunch and then the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the island’s beaches or forest trails, relax, or join a kayak tour of the island (additional cost).
Day 3: We begin the day with a lovely breakfast cooked by the gourmet chef at Fox Island Lodge and then pack up for the day and check out of our cabins. For the rest of the day, we join Kenai Fjords Tours’ preeminent cruise out to remote Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep your binoculars and cameras handy for sightings of whales, seals, sea otters, puffins, bald eagles, and glaciers
Day 4: Today is an exciting day filled with glaciers and whitewater adventure! We begin the day by exploring the Exit Glacier, which is only a few miles from our lodge. After lunch we head north for a thrilling whitewater rafting trip through the Class IV-V whitewater of Sixmile Creek! The rafting company will outfit us with full dry suits for comfort – these seal out all the water to keep you warm. The trip begins with a fun ‘test swim’ before the start of the trip. We will spend the night in the charming gold rush community of Hope.
Day 5: Today we get a chance to slow down a bit as we return to Anchorage. We will stop in at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for an up close and personal view of some of Alaska’s most famous residents (rescued wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, etc.). From there we head to Alyeska Ski Resort (best views of any US ski resort according to Conde Nast Traveler) and ride the Aerial Tramway up to our scenic lunch spot! From there we can head directly back to Anchorage or stop for a scenic hike with dramatic views over Turnagain Arm. Once in Anchorage guests can relax, explore or shop on your own.
Day 6: This morning we head north on the scenic drive to Denali National Park. If we are lucky enough to hit a rare clear day, we will enjoy amazing views of Mt. McKinley along the drive. Locals call the mountain, Denali – a native Athabascan word meaning ‘the great one.’ At 20,320 feet, Denali is the tallest mountain in North American, but is only visible about 25% of the time in summer.
Day 7: Today we explore Denali on a wildlife bus safari. The primary way to enter Denali National Park is the park’s shuttle bus system. This is a long bumpy trip on a gravel road in a modified school bus, yet it is an incredible journey. While wildlife and mountain sightings are never guaranteed, bears, Dall sheep, caribou and moose are often seen from the bus. There are several short stops to stretch your legs and visit the remote Eielson Visitor Center at the foot of Mt. McKinley. You can also get off the bus and go for a hike in the trail-less wilderness. For many previous Out in Alaska guests, this wildlife safari in Denali was the highlight of their entire trip. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!
Day 8: Your morning is free for relaxation, a short hike, or a jaw-dropping flight-seeing excursion past Mt. McKinley (additional cost). nbsp;“North to the Future” is the motto of the state of Alaska. After lunch, we head north to Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City, the gold rush town that beat the odds. We will visit the newly redesigned and highly acclaimed University of Alaska Museum of the North. Sadly our time together has come to an end. We celebrate our fun adventures with a tasty farewell dinner in Fairbanks.
Flights home can be scheduled any time after 11pm today.
Day 9: Our adventure has come to an end. Fly home today or extend your stay with an optional excursion to the Arctic Circle (ask us for details). If needed, we can also arrange additional nights lodging for you.
Optional Arctic Circle Adventure: flightseeing trip in a small bush plane north of the Arctic Circle. Fly over the mighty Yukon River and through the spectacular Brooks Range mountains. Explore the small gold mining community of Wiseman on a fascinating tour. Cost: $419. Flight departs at 1pm, returns about 6pm.
Optional Barrow day or overnight tour. Details and pricing TBA
This trip includes:
All activities and transportation as described above
Accommodations: 8 nights of comfortable, eclectic lodging (3/4 star hotels, locally owned lodges, unique cabins, etc.).
Transportation: all ground and boat transportation during the trip. Airport transfers are not included.
Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners (alcoholic beverages and espresso drinks not included)
Logistics: Arrive Anchorage by 4pm June 20th. Tour ends in Fairbanks 9am June 28th.
Taxes: All local taxes are included
Not included:
Airfare to/from Alaska
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities: (for hotel maids, guides, etc.) are not included.
All information subject to change due to weather, current conditions, road closures, or other reasons.
Price:
$3,150/person double occupancy
$3,780/single
$500/person non-refundable deposit to reserve a slot in our group
Group size limited to 6 - 15 people
