Wings Over Alaska

Arrive in Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula, where you are met and transferred to Alyeska Resort. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner in a private room at your hotel, enjoying a presentation by Fran Ulmer, chair of The Nature Conservancy and former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, who shares stories of her life and challenges in America’s “Last Frontier.”

Embark on an exploration vessel for a full-day private cruise of majestic Prince William Sound, watching for whales and marveling at the glaciers that come down to the shore. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at Alyeska Resort or in the town of Girdwood, with recommendations, reservations and transportation provided by A&K.

Today, board an Alaska Railroad train for a scenic ride into the rugged backcountry of the Chugach Mountains for a full day of private exploration that includes hiking, kayaking and a special Salmon Bake lunch. Adjust your experience to your preferred level of activity with help from the skilled guides who accompany you. Tonight, back to Alyeska, ride a tram up a mountainside for dinner at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant.

This morning, board a floatplane on Lake Hood for a flight over Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula to Tutka Bay Lodge. After you settle in, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Hike a Temperate Old-Growth Rainforest with an expert guide and stop for some beachcombing along Tutka Bay. Sea Kayak Along the Tutka Bay Shoreline and to the Herring Islands, looking for seabirds, otters and whales. Join a Local Chef for a Cooking Class, using ingredients gathered from their seaside garden and the sea itself. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner.

Today, Ride like a Local as you embark on a scenic boat ride across Kachemak Bay to the town of Homer and then fly by bush plane to Katmai National Park, home to one of the densest habitats for brown bears on earth. With your private guide, search for the massive brown bear and other species, watching the mighty omnivores up close in a natural setting. Return by plane and boat to your lodge. Gather for a Scenic Sundowner this evening before dining.

After breakfast, take off by floatplane for Winterlake Lodge, viewing a string of volcanoes in Alaska’s Ring of Fire along the way. Arrive for lunch at Winterlake Lodge in the foothills of Denali — the largest mountain in North America — and then partake of your choice of activities near the lodge, including hiking, fishing, a gourmet cooking class, a massage or a relaxing soak the hot tub. This evening, enjoy dinner and a presentation by celebrated, veteran Iditarod racer DeeDee Jonrowe.

For the next two days, participate in an alternating set of morning and afternoon activity options. Lift off by helicopter to land on a nearby icefield for dogsledding on the icy surface with an Iditarod racer, an A&K-exclusive opportunity. Then, fit in some invigorating snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Alternatively, enjoy a choice of activities accessed by helicopter, including a guided hike with views of soaring, snow-capped Denali, a heli-float trip or heli-fishing. Return by helicopter to the lodge for lunch each day and a Chef ’s Table Experience one afternoon. Then, choose from afternoon activities available from your lodge, including guided hikes, canoeing, birding, a yoga or stretching class, a massage or a soak in the hot tub. This evening, dine at your lodge with the Iditarod racer as your group’s special guest.

In the late morning, take off by floatplane for Anchorage, savoring flightseeing of majestic Denali en route. This afternoon, delve into the history of Anchorage, starting with a tour of the Anchorage Museum’s stunning collection of the Art of the North. Then, stop by authentic shops displaying Native Alaskan art. Gather at the fine restaurant atop your hotel for a farewell dinner, gazing out at sweeping views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.