Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center en route to the Kenai
River. This nonprofit organization rehabilitates injured or orphaned
animals and returns them to the wild. During your visit you may
see bear, moose, bison, elk and a variety of birds. This afternoon,
take to the water for a float trip through the Kenai National Wildlife
Refuge that includes short stretches of mild rapids. Beaver and
otter make their homes along this water, and bear and moose are
commonly spied on shore. Later, sit down to a barbecue dinner,
followed by a riverside campfire and s'mores roast.
Alyeska Resort B D
Day 1: Anchorage, Alaska/Kenai Peninsula
Cruise the Kenai Fjords National Park and witness the crash of
calving glaciers. The park occupies more than half a million acres
and is covered by an ice pack extending more than 700 square miles.
You may see humpback whale, orca, puffin and sea lion at close
range and look to the skies for a glimpse of bald eagle. Then take a
ride aboard The Alaska Railroad Gold Star Dome Train. The train's
double-deck railcars include interiors highlighted with original
Alaska art, an upper-level open-air platform and a glass-covered
observation deck, the first of its kind on any rail service in the
world. Soak up the spectacular scenery and be on the lookout for a
glimpse of wildlife.
Alyeska Resort B L
Day 2: Kenai Peninsula
Travel by charter flight over Cook Inlet to Redoubt Bay Bear
Sanctuary, home to one of the most dense bear populations in the
state. After your orientation, board pontoon boats to observe brown
and black bear feeding on spawning salmon in the creeks. Continue to the town of Talkeetna, where your lodge is poised on a hillside above the town. From there you have stunning views of Mount McKinley (conditions permitting), referred to as "Denali" by the first Alaskans.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge B L
Day 3: Kenai Peninsula
Enjoy a morning salmon fishing trip, complete with a riverside
picnic lunch. The Talkeetna River is part of the Susitna River
drainage system which boasts the second largest run of migrating
fish in the world, making it one of the best places to go fishing in
Alaska. All fishing equipment, tackle, waders and rain gear are
supplied. This evening, you are free to explore the quaint town of
Talkeetna on your own.
The downtown area of about three square
blocks is centered on the Village Park, adjacent to the original
Alaska Railroad train stop. Thirteen of its buildings are on the
1993 National Register of Historic Places. Step out to the banks of
the Talkeetna River to look for wildlife and for spectacular views
of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range, or you may also visit
Denali National Park's Talkeetna Ranger Station, the last stop for
climbing expeditions headed up Mount McKinley.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge B L
Day 4: Kenai Peninsula/Redoubt Bay/Talkeetna
This morning's highlight is a thrilling flight over the peaks
and glaciers of Denali National Park. Fly over Don Sheldon
Amphitheater, a valley named for a renowned Alaska bush pilot;
the two-mile deep Great Gorge; and the Kahiltna Glacier, a popular
route for climbers attempting the summit of Mount McKinley.
Your pilot, linked to you by two-way headset throughout the
flight, explains in detail the features you see and answers all of
your questions.
At one point, your ski-equipped plane lands on a
glacier's surface, and you disembark to experience the full scale and
majesty of Alaska's beauty, with snow-veiled peaks surrounding a
vast snowfield stretching in every direction. Return to Talkeetna for
lunch on your own.
This afternoon, go on a geocaching adventure,
a high-tech treasure hunt using handheld GPS devices, within
the grounds of your lodge. Tonight's dinner is a festive outdoor
barbecue on a private patio.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge B D
Day 5: Talkeetna
Continue your exploration of the Denali area with a kayak trip on
the placid waters of Byers Lake (all gear is provided). Follow this
with a gentle but invigorating hike on a well-maintained forest trail;
your guide introduces Alaska's plant and animal life along the way.
In the afternoon, meet with four-time Iditarod Champion Martin
Buser and receive a special introduction to his Alaskan husky dog
team. Later, Martin hosts your farewell dinner, complete with
campfire and story telling.
Hotel Captain Cook B L D
Day 6: Talkeetna
Board your homebound flight.
B
Day 7: Talkeetna/Anchorage
Day 8: Anchorage