Nome - Kotzebue Adventure

Kotzebue & Nome are two exciting Alaska destinations you won't want to miss when planning your vacation to Alaska. Each city is rich in cultural history, tradition, and spectacular landscapes that will leave you with an unforgettable view of Alaska.

Kotzebue lies 36 miles above the Arctic Circle, deep in Inupiat Eskimo country. The Inupiat are a friendly people, and their crafts, customs and traditions are fascinating. All tours to Kotzebue include a visit to a cultural camp where native youth and elders, eager to carry on their cultural heritage, share traditional crafts and customs.

At the National Park Service Visitor Center and the NANA Museum of the Arctic, see dioramas of local wildlife and demonstrations of Inupiat dances and customs, including the traditional blanket toss. The plant life on the nearby tundra is quite unique, making your guided tundra walk seem like a visit to another world, particularly while enjoying the effects of the midnight sun. Overnight visitors will find modern-day comfort at the Nullaqvik Hotel.

Nome, situated on the Seward Peninsula by the Bering Sea, is rich in colorful Gold Rush history, and is home to the world's longest dog sled race. The Iditarod commemorates the heroic attempts of dog sled teams to deliver serum to Nome during the diphtheria epidemic of 1924. Have your camera ready as you pull into a dog musher's camp, where you'll experience first-hand the difficulty of dog racing. During your visit to Little Creek Mine, you'll be greeted by a gold miner's family and learn about the gold strike of the 1890's. See modern day prospectors looking for the big strike and try your own luck at panning for gold-what you find, you keep. Shoppers and collectors will find exquisite jade, hand-carved ivory and skin sewings here. The Nome Nugget Inn offers comfortable rooms and a friendly restaurant and lounge.

2 Days / 1 Night Overnight in Kotzebue

Day 1:
You'll depart the Anchorage Airport in the afternoon and fly to Kotzebue. Upon arrival, your guide will give you an orientation and outline of your visit. One of the major highlights of any Kotzebue visit is the NANA Museum of the Arctic. Here, a show includes a multi-media presentation about Arctic wildlife, an Eskimo culture slide show, dancing and a blanket toss demonstration. Dinner is on your own. You may have some extra time to explore Kotzebue. Overnight at the Nullaqvik Hotel.

Day 2:
Learn how animal hides are skinned and tanned to make clothing such as mukluks and parkas. Explore the remarkable structure and life of the tundra during a guided tundra walk. Visit an Inupiat Cultural Camp, where village youth and elders will explain and demonstrate various aspects of the Inupiat culture and lifestyle. In the afternoon, fly to Nome. Upon arrival, your guide will give a brief orientation and outline of your visit and how the gold rush shaped this town. Lunch is on your own. You may have some extra time to explore Nome. Visit a dog musher's camp, where you will see sled dog team in action and learn about the training and care of dog teams. In town, you will have some time to browse in search of native crafts and treasures. Visit Little Creek Mining Station, where you can pan for your own gold and receive a souvenir miniature gold pan. Say goodbye to the Arctic as you depart for your return to Anchorage early afternoon.

2 Days - 1 Night Overnight in Nome same activities and trip sequence as above. Flight to Nome is on evening of Day 1. Overnight accommodations are at the Nome Nugget Inn.

2 Days - 2 Nights Overnight in Kotzebue and Nome same activities and trip sequence as above trips, but at a more relaxed pace.

Note:
We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure travel, there may be itinerary changes unforeseen and out of our control. Please read the Alaska Wildland Adventures Disclaimer of Liability.

Trip Price*:
2 Days / 1 Night (overnight in Kotzebue) $515
2 Days / 1 Night (overnight in Nome) $515
3 Days / 2 Nights (overnight in Kotzebue and Nome) $565

Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person.

*Trip price includes round trip airfare from Anchorage, transfers, tours and admissions, hotels where applicable. Trip price does not include beer or wine, or gratuities to staff.

Trip Length:
2 or 3 Days

Departures:
May 23 thru August 21, 2004, roundtrip from Anchorage
For departure to/from Fairbanks, add $85* each way as needed.

This trip is recommended but not operated by Alaska Wildland Adventures. Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.