Alaska 8 Day Grand Journey | Alaska Wildland Adventures

Alaska Wildland Adventures

PO Box 389, Girdwood AK, 99587

Tel 800.334.8730, Fax 907.783.2130

info@alaska-wildland.com, www.alaskawildland.com

On our stunning Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey, you'll experience the very best of Alaska in a week and a day - The stunning seacoast teeming with marine wildlife, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and time to explore and enjoy Denali National Park.

Although our 2008 Alaska 8-Day Grand Journeys are SOLD OUT, we may have comparable trips or custom programs available for the dates you plan to travel. This popular Alaska vacation (and similar Alaska trips) will be offered during the 2009 summer season; please call us today at 800.334.8730 for details or to place your name on our 2009 Wait List.

On the stunning Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey, you'll experience the very best of Alaska in a week and a day - The stunning seacoast teeming with marine wildlife, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and time to explore and enjoy Denali National Park.

Dates		Price
Jun 02 to Jun 09 Jun 16 to Jun 23 Jun 30 to Jul 07 Jul 10 to Jul 17 Jul 14 to Jul 21 Jul 28 to Aug 04 Aug 11 to Aug 18 Aug 25 to Sep 01		$4,295.00

Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, your Trip Leader will meet you at 6:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites located in downtown Anchorage.

Day 1: It's an early morning to get a jump on an exciting day and kick-off to the trip. Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 6:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the seacoast town of Seward. Embark on a small ship tour of glaciated Kenai Fjords National Park. We will explore a coastline rich in wildlife and scenic beauty. The tour includes visiting a tidewater glacier and searching for marine wildlife such as sea otters, puffins (and many other bird species), harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and whales. Late afternoon we will be dropped off at our own private island to spend the night at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. (L,D)

Day 2: Enjoy breakfast on Fox Island, then boat transfer travel back to Seward. This morning we travel for the short distance via road to Cooper Landing, home of Kenai Riverside Lodge, and the jumping-off point for your full-day raft trip down the scenic Kenai River. Raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is also famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Add-on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Enjoy a Denali Wildlife Drive through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, the tallest peak in North America, Denali. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 6 & 7: Enjoy two full days of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstration, and mountain biking. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Following an early breakfast, embark on another Denali Wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Say farewell to your Trip Leader and board the first class cars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar cars) back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)

Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.