10 Day Alaska Family Adventure - $7,995
Trip Summary
What images come to mind when you think of Alaska? To many the "last frontier" state is home to our most treasured images of a vanishing North American natural world: brown bears gulping down salmon in icy rivers, whales leaping out of the water and moose and caribou with frost-covered antlers sparkling in the sun. Alaska's fabled activities beckon the adventurer in all of us: from mushing a team of sled dogs, to listening to the roar of a calving glacier or kayaking in pristine waters, it's all here.
This new Bushtracks Family Adventure was crafted to capture all this iconic imagery, and, remarkably, includes all of them so that the Alaska you've dreamed of becomes the Alaska you and your family will discover together. Designed with private air travel to cover long distances, this trip also includes the Bushtracks Ranger Program to help your kids and teens get the most from their experiences. From late bedtimes under the midnight sun to fantastic wildlife encounters, historical and cultural discoveries, and opportunities for adrenaline-charged activities, there is something for everyone on this Alaska adventure.
Highlights
- Meet famous Iditarod champion dogs and their puppies; feel the thrill of sledding behind these intrepid dogs
- See whales and glaciers while cruising the Kenai Fjords
- Fly by seaplane to Katmai to see the world famous bears catching their salmon feast at Brooks Falls
- Visit native Alaskan dwellings, hear stories and sing songs at the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage
- Pan for gold or fly fish in Denali at the foot of Mount McKinley
- Stand on the Arctic Circle, meet Nunamiut Eskimos, view the Trans Alaska pipeline
- Raft down the Chena River on a midnight sun and barbecue river float
- Enjoy the interaction of our specially trained Ranger Leader
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| Per Person, double occupancy | $7,995 |
Prices are listed as adult, double occupancy. Per child, aged 11 and under, double occupancy rates are $7,595. This expedition is limited to 30 guests.
(A 3-day optional post trip extension to Fairbanks and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWAR) is available.)
Call for details.
Departure Date:
- July 10, 2012
Itinerary
Day 1
Anchorage/Seward, Alaska
Flights arrive this afternoon from the "lower 48." Your local guide will meet you and you will transfer by coach directly to Seward on the beautiful Kenai Peninsula. A box dinner is served to us as you travel down to the Kenai Peninsula and your first night in Alaska.
Lodging: Seward Windsong Lodge (D)
Day 2
Seward
This morning take a park ranger-led walk to beautiful Exit Glacier. Watch for moose, bear, mountain goats and spawning salmon as you walk to the face of the glacier. Afterwards tour the famous Iditarod Racing Kennel where you'll learn about the art and life of mushing dogs in Alaska. Meet champion Iditarod Sled Dogs and puppies and feel the thrill of riding on a sled pulled by sled dogs! After lunch, visit the famous "Mile 0" of the Iditarod Trail and walk along the harbor area before ending at the Alaskan SeaLife Center. Here watch puffins fly through underwater skies and meet sea lions and harbor seals eye to eye. Enjoy a festive welcome dinner tonight before relaxing for the evening.
Lodging: Seward Windsong Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3
Seward and Anchorage
After a leisurely morning, embark your small cruise boat for a six-hour wildlife and glacier cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy abundant wildlife, a tidewater glacier and spectacular scenery. Lunch is served on board. This evening board the train to Anchorage. After departing Seward, traverse through one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Alaska as you ascend past Kenai Lake. The turquoise blue color of this lake is a result of sunlight striking suspended glacial silt in the water. Continue along the Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world's second highest tides. Beluga Whales can often be seen following salmon on the incoming tide.
Lodging: The Hotel Alyeska (B,L,D)
Day 4
Katmai Peninsula
After breakfast this morning, fly to the Katmai Peninsula for a day trip to renowned Brooks Falls on the banks of Brooks River in the heart of Katmai National Park. The world famous bear viewing at Brooks Falls is chock full of salmon in the summer months. Return to your hotel later this evening. You may wish to order room service and relax in your room tonight.
Lodging: The Hotel Alyeska (B,L)
Day 5
Anchorage
Saturday is Anchorage's bustling Famers Market and you have time to stroll the downtown area and browse at the colorful Saturday market. After lunch on your own, meet up with the group to enjoy an afternoon at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The Native Heritage Center is a world class cultural center that reveals the rich and diverse cultures of the 11 indigenous groups of Alaska. Stroll through native dwellings, experience native dances and hear firsthand the stories that shape the lives of Alaska native peoples. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening at one of Anchorage's many excellent restaurants.
Lodging: The Hotel Alyeska (B)
Day 6
Anchorage and Denali National Park
This morning travel by Dome rail train to Denali, considered by many to be the most scenic rail travel in the state. Travel through the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, a great place to spot migratory birds, water fowl and moose. Upon arrival in Denali, check into your hotel before a festive dinner show in the Denali Dinner Theater.
Lodging: Grande Denali Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7
Denali National Park
You have the morning to enjoy your lodge setting. You may wish to book a "flightseeing" excursion or just relax and read a book or take a hike. Just after lunch, depart for your travels deep into Denali National Park to view some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable on your way to your remote wilderness lodge. Your driver/guide will introduce you to the geology, ecology and history of the park, stopping along the way for scenery and wildlife sightings such as caribou, Golden Eagle, Grizzly Bear, or even the high summits of the Alaska Range. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy a late dinner and settle in for a three night stay.
Lodging: Kantishna Roadhouse (B,D)
Days 8 - 9
Denali National Park
The next two days will be spent in the true wilderness with opportunities to partake in some wonderful adventures. You may choose to hike, mountain bike, fly fish, pan for gold, watch dog sled demonstrations, and of course, take in the magnificent scenery while looking for wildlife. Flightseeing is also available for an additional cost and is highly recommended.
Lodging: Kantishna Roadhouse (B,L,D)
Day 10
Denali/Fairbanks - Departure
Return to Denali train station with your group before heading by train to Fairbanks and the end of our journey. Traveling to Fairbanks, enjoy Alaska Railroad Goldstar service and have dinner "on the rails" as you observe the incredible scenery passing by our windows. Upon arrival into Fairbanks, say farewell to those hardy souls travelling on to the Far North, while the rest of the group transfers to the airport for flights home. (B,D)