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SPIRIT of ALYESKA
The
very essence of the “Great Land”
Travel in comfort and style; from the glaciers
and fjords of the Kenai Peninsula, to the breathtaking beauty of
the Denali, this unique journey is packed with a large variety of
activities. No trip, however specific its design may be, can cover
every aspect of the "Great Land",
but a well-designed itinerary, like a gourmet meal, consists of a well-balanced
sequence of appetizers rather than an "all-you-can-eat buffet."
Seduction is the goal of "The Spirit of Alyeska", and here
is the recipe for our magic potion. The package features highlights
such as a flight-seeing trip around majestic Mount McKinley, the abundance
of marine wildlife and glaciers in Resurrection Bay, a ferry passage
through Prince William Sound along majestic Columbia Glacier, a flight
into the heart of the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park to the ghost
town of Kennicott and lots more. We add superior accommodation, high
quality transportation, gourmet food and of course, our very special
Arctic Ladies spice; a perfect blend of adventure, personal experience,
physical effort and last but not least, a lot of fun.
So relax, take a look at the menu and enjoy..
Day 1 ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Tour participants arrive in Anchorage and assemble by 6:00PM at a lovely B&B, for a “Welcome” dinner and trip orientation. Enjoy your first night at the “Last Frontier.”
Day 2 THE KENAI, ALASKA'S GEM
We leave our B&B at 8:00AM for a day-trip to Seward, a small harbor town at the head of Resurrection Bay, where steep mountains and ocean meet. Driving along Turnagain Arm and over Turnagain Pass, we arrive in Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic towns, and the starting point for a splendid afternoon cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Amidst the abundant wildlife there -- including otters, whales, bald eagles, puffins, and sea lions -- we’ll see glaciers close up. Alaskan hospitality awaits us back at our comfortable Girdwood B&B
Day 3 SURROUNDED BY SEVEN GLACIERS
Our day starts with a pleasant nature walk to Winner Creek Gorge to see its spectacular waterfalls. Enjoy the evening on your own, ride the tram to the top of Mount Alyeska to experience the panoramic view over Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by seven glaciers. Dine atop the mountain or at any other fine restaurants in town. We overnight again at our Girdwood B&B.
Day 4 PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
A picturesque route by car takes us to Whittier, gateway to Prince William Sound, where we board the ferry to Valdez. Rising from the sea in Valdez are the towering Chugach Mountains, which receive up to 900 inches of fresh powder each year. We'll overnight in Valdez in a charming B&B.
Day 5 WHERE
HISTORY COMES ALIVE
On route to Chitina, a short drive through pristine countryside brings us to the unfolding spectacle of Thompson Pass with a view of Worthington Glacier as we drive to McCarthy, a frontier town which sprang up to service the nearby Kennicott copper mines, in the heart of Wrangell-St.Elias National Park. Because of its unique beauty and natural splendor, the park is a designated World Heritage Site. We'll explore the town of on a guided historical tour, and adjourn for a relaxing evening and overnight at Kennicott Lodge.
Day 6 A GHOST
TOWN CALLED KENNICOTT
Kennicott, a boomtown born in 1900 with the discovery of copper in the area, became a ghost town when the mines were depleted. Imagine hiking on ancient wagon trails surrounded by glaciers and some of North America's highest peaks, massive rivers of ice, and incomparable vistas from the trail along the Root Glacier and from the "front porch" of Kennicott Glacier Lodge at the Wrangell-St. Elias mountains. We overnight once more at the Lodge in the world's largest ghost town.
Day 7 TALKEETNA AND MOUNT MCKINLEY
We'll board a bush plane in Mc Carhty. Soaring over one of the world's outstanding wilderness areas we will enjoy the reprise opportunity to see up-close Mount Blackburn, Root Glacier, and Kennicott Glaciers, as our excursion brings us back in time concludes with our return to "modern" Chitna. A scenic drive through the Matanuska Valley brings through Palmer, the agricultural center of Alaska. Our final destination today is Talkeetna, a small bush town and the stopping-off point for climbers on their way to Mount McKinley. We'll overnight in comfortable cabins right downtown Talkeetna.
Days 8 & 9 DENALI
NATIONAL PARK
Day Eight begins with a sensational flight from Talkeetna to majestic Mount McKinley with a magnificent view of the tundra, Ruth Glacier, and the Alaska Range. Arriving in Denali by early afternoon will allow us plenty of time for an invigorating nature walk. More than 650 species of flowering plants grace the slopes and valleys of Denali Park and Preserve. Only plants well-adapted to long, cold winters and short growing seasons will survive in this sub-arctic wilderness. On Day Nine,we will board one of the U.S. Park Service buses -- the only motorized vehicles allowed in the park, and they won't wait! -- for a wildlife tour. The park is home to 37 species of mammals, so be on the lookout for Dall sheep grazing the alpine tundra, groups of caribou (which migrate great distances), moose, grizzly bear, fox, lynx, wolverine, wolves, and snowshoe hare. We'll spend two nights in cozy yet fully-appointed cabins.
Day
10 TIME TO SAY GOOD-BYE
After another hearty breakfast, we'll leave Denali. Returning to Anchorage, we'll visit the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, enjoy some leisure time to shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a delicious late lunch/early dinner at a locally-famous Brewhouse.
You'll want to schedule your flights for after 6 PM.
Summary and notes:
Trip insurance is highly recommended.
participants: minimum 4, maximum 12
Tour Dates:
June 19 - June 28/ 2008
July 24 - August 2 /2008
Trip price: $ 2,795 USD per person, double occupancy
deposit $500 due with registration
Trip balance is due not later than 60 days prior to trip departure.
included:
• all ground transportation,
• accommodations for 9 nights
• cost of all activities as outlined in the itinerary, Arctic Ladies guide, special equipment, park fees, permits, and taxes.
• all breakfasts, all lunches (picnic deli style) and dinners on day 1, 5, 6, and 10
Not included: alcoholic beverages and tips to local guides.
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