Alaska | 6 days - 5 nights | from $3,298 / person
Trip Summary: See for yourself the best of Alaska over six days on our Kenai Peninsula Adventure. Paddle Resurrection Bay in search of orca whales, porpoises and sea lions and listen for the sharp snap of Holgate Glacier calving into an iceberg-laden bay on a wildlife and glacier cruise. Bicycle past pounding waterfalls and thick green meadows en route to the small fishing town of Hope and take in the jaw-dropping views of the Chugach National Forest as you trek a portion of the Iditarod Trail. Dine on the freshest salmon you’ll ever taste and relax at day’s end in the comforts of a luxury resort or rustic wilderness lodge.
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY
Day 1: Alaska Railroad / Fox Island / Resurrection Bay
After an early pick-up in Anchorage, hop on a scenic train ride via the renowned Alaska Railroad, heading four hours south to Seward • Step aboard the ferry in Seward for a quick cruise to Fox Island • Dine on a typical Alaskan lunch before checking into your rustic, yet charming wilderness cabin • Walk along the protected shoreline of Resurrection Bay and then explore with your guide by kayak, searching for colorful starfish just under the water’s surface, loud Stellar sea lions and if you’re lucky, orca whales • Kick back after a delicious dinner next to a warm bonfire on the Island’s rocky beach. – Accommodations: Fox Island Wilderness Lodge – Meals (B, L, D)
Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park / Seward
Stroll along Fox Island’s pebble beach in search of jellyfish, the perfect skipping stone and washed up ship wreck remnants • Wave goodbye to Fox Island as you depart on a small boat for a Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise • Lunch will be eaten onboard • Come eye-to-eye with abundant sea-life and tidal glaciers from the ship’s deck as naturalist guides divulge their knowledge on the region • Arriving back at the Seward docks, a short drive brings us to the Resurrection River where an easy hike shadows a cloudy, glacier-fed stream • Transfer to the Windsong Lodge, your lodging for the next several nights, and eat dinner at the Resurrection Roadhouse, where you’ll enjoy local Alaskan fare. – Accommodations: Windsong Lodge – Meals (B, L, D)
Day 3: Exit Glacier / Harding Icefield
At daybreak, eat a hearty breakfast and pack a sack lunch – today’s a big hiking day! • For those wanting to take it easy, a laid-back hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is the perfect option • If you’re looking for a challenge, trek four miles up to the overlook of the 300-square mile Harding Ice Field, the largest on the continent! • Take a well-earned shower back at the Windsong before heading into Seward for freshly-caught seafood at Chinook's Waterfront Restaurant. – Accommodations: Windsong Lodge – Meals (B, L, D)
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Day 4: Johnson Pass Trail / Hope / Girdwood
Begin your morning bike ride on the Johnson Pass Trail • Cycle along Granite Creek, whizzing past pink fireweed, trickling waterfalls and expansive valleys to the old Gold Rush town of Hope • Post lunch, we’ll shuttle to our elegant accommodations at the Alyeska Prince Hotel • Enjoy dinner on your own – explore the many options in Girdwood or at your hotel. – Accommodations: Alyeska Prince Hotel – Meals (B, L)
Day 5: Winner Creek Trail / Trail of Blue Ice
From the back door of the resort, trek the Winner Creek Trail wandering through dense forest, across old avalanche paths, past historic gold mines and over the churning waters of Winner Creek Gorge • While your guides prepare a picnic lunch, walk around the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can view many Alaskan animals up close • Take a bike ride down the meandering Trail of Blue Ice • Enjoy a final dinner at Jack Sprat – known for its creative and fresh cuisine. – Accommodations: Alyeska Prince Hotel – Meals (B, L, D)
Day 6: Girdwood to Indian Creek / Anchorage
After breakfast, embark on a scenic bike ride to Indian Creek • Then we head back Anchorage to say our friendly goodbyes. – Meals (B)
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, trail, ocean, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
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Hiking: 3 to 8 miles per hike, easy to challenging terrain
Biking: 6 to 25 miles per ride, easy to moderate terrain
Kayaking: Protected coves and inlets, no experience necessary
Boating: Small ship wildlife cruise, tour with captain and crew
Discovery: Alaska is a land of diversity…known for its rich history, geographic wonders, incredible wildlife and challenges and opportunities of today… (and that as they say is just the “Tip of the Iceberg”). Learn about the wildlife recovery efforts put forth after the largest oil spill in this country’s history at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Understand how glaciers formed Alaska’s unique topography and the “story” behind the scenes regarding the effects of global warming. As you pedal into the town of Hope, try to guess how this tiny mining community came to receive its name (it’s probably not what you think!) Visit the bustling seaport of Seward and witness fisherman (both sport and commercial) as they come ashore with the day’s catch. With any luck you will see for yourself the difference between a black and a grizzly bear. Is a killer whale really a killer? That is just the beginning, there is so much more to this place they call the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any question, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: Fox Island Wilderness Lodge
Just a short boat ride from Seward, this charming lodge seems a world away on this three-square-mile island home to world-class sea kayaking and wooded trails. With just eight charming cabins lining a narrow peninsula overlooking Halibut Cove, you can witness Kenai Fjords National Park come alive from the inside of your cabin or from the rocky beach. You’ll find enjoyment in “unplugging from society” with no televisions, radios or telephones in the cabins! Delight in fresh gourmet meals carefully crafted by a private chef. Be sure to skip a few rocks into the still waters – almost every stone on the beach is perfectly round! www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 4 Nights 2 & 3: Windsong Lodge
Situated on the banks of a milky river at the foot of a glacier, the Windsong Lodge sits at the base of towering mountains in a forest of spruce trees. Individual lodges are spaced nicely around the property, all connected by quiet foot paths. Each room features modern amenities decorated with Alaskan style log furniture – both charming and spacious at once. This rustic retreat is the perfect base for activities in Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Exit Glacier. The Resurrection Roadhouse onsite, showcases gorgeous views of the Resurrection River Valley and features a menu of local, sustainable wild Alaska seafood.
Nights 4 &5 : Alyeska Resort
This luxury mountain escape offers convenient access to the wilds of Alaska and the charming town of Girdwood. A year-round destination at the base of a ski mountain, you’ll find yourself tucked back in a valley with views of snowy peaks, hanging glaciers and distant ocean views. With a charming chateau-style design, the elegant rooms feature beautiful views, pillow-top mattresses and all the modern amenities you need to enjoy several comfortable nights of your Alaska vacation. The lower levels of the Alyeska feature a spa, shops, pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness center.
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 5 Arrival and Departure Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 6:00 am or 6:15 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Anchorage airport (2:00 pm) or your Anchorage hotel (2:30 pm).
2015 Trip Price Trip Length Host City Dates $3,298 6 days/5 nights Anchorage, AK ($880 single Airport Code: ANC June 28, 2015 supplement) July 12, 2015 Aug. 23, 2015
Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]
What Our Guests Say
“This is my ninth Austin Adventures trip and second to Alaska, and it did not disappoint! It just keeps getting better! The variety of activities, the natural beauty, all there is to learn, and the fun over-the-top service of Toby and Blair made this trip extra special!” – Barbara M., Wayne, PA
“Wonderful trip, super fun guides, great adventure, great memories!” – Gregg G., Oak Creek, WI
“Our Alaska trip was tremendous – a great balance of activities…Fox Island was magical! – Noelle F., Cincinnati, OH
“Outstanding trip – just like all my other ones with Austin Adventures. Extra special because my girlfriend, Carolyn, joined me and loved it too!” – Harvey L., Honolulu, HI
“Your guides on both trips I have taken are your finest asset. They make the trips exceptional because of the personal touches they work so hard to supply.” – Carol E., Brooksville, FL
“Thanks again for a great experience. Check this one off my bucket list! Great experience for me and my rising college senior daughter!” – Kathy B., Matthews, NC
“Well-planned and prepared. No details forgotten!” – Cheryl L., Grand Rapids, MI
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