Alaska Wildland Collection
7 Days/6 Nights
From $5,295 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Select May-August Departures
Overview
Intro Goes Here…
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 6 nights and 20 meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners).
Best Time to Go: May-August.
Destinations: North America and Alaska.
Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, Hiking & Trekking, Sea Kayaking, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: The Interior Region and Southcentral Alaska.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Day 1: Chugach State Park and National Forest Hike.
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers this morning in Anchorage. Today, explore North America’s northernmost rainforest areas on a guided hike on a guest-favorite trail in the quaint mountain-town community of Girdwood, AK. This accessible hike is a perfect introduction to Alaska’s flora and ecosystems and a wonderful warm-up to the rest of your adventure! Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the Girdwood valley’s surrounding glaciers.
After a delicious lunch and other outdoor exploring, we’ll continue heading south on a scenic drive en route to the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Complete the turn around the Turnagain Arm and then wind through the beautiful snowcapped mountains of the Chugach National Forest. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a tour of the grounds before being shown to your private cabin. At dinner, learn more about our lodge operations and the specific details of tomorrow’s activities. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Raft the Kenai River.
From our launch site on the Kenai River, gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, we’ll be able to access stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas.
Along the river during our raft trip, scan for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake.
Late afternoon, arrive at our boat-in only Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a unique, historic in holding. The Lodge utilizes a simple but effective hydroelectric power system to provide water and electricity, reducing the need for fossil fueled power.
Appetizers and dinner welcome us in the main lodge, followed by evening activities. Relax in the outdoor gazebo or enjoy a casual stroll along an established nature path. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Explore Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities, including riparian and hemlock forests.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon and simply relax at the lodge or take a hot sauna. For those brave souls, take a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides. Overnight Kenai Backcountry Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Hike and Travel to Kenai Riverside Lodge.
After a great breakfast in the main lodge, bid farewell to your backcountry setting and cross the lake on a scenic watercraft transfer. Your driver will meet you at the boat landing, and you will take a short van shuttle back to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Dinner and overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Marine Wildlife and Glacier Cruise.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Kenai Riverside Lodge and travel by van to the beautiful seaside town of Seward. Board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park – home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A half-day marine wildlife and glacier cruise will allow us to explore the rugged coastline. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers stunning views of Pederson Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront for combing. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Explore Kenai Fjords National Park.
Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for a full day. After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities those that are best suited to your energy level and interest. Guided options include naturalist walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles and more.
In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will discuss specific nature outings and options with our group this morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.
For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort with direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, we can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Our natural history library offers amazing resources and interesting reads – cozy up with a good book and let your worries drift out with the tide!
Upon return to the main lodge, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest speakers. Overnight Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7: Return to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad.
Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park. A morning outing allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward.
Along the way, photograph the sheer cliff walls teeming with birds, plants and other vegetation and scan for more marine wildlife. Afterward, we’ll board the historic Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar cars for comfortable travel back to Anchorage. Dinner is included onboard the train. You’ll arrive at the downtown Anchorage depot by 10:15pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Note: If you choose to fly home this evening, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 1:00am the following day in case of possible transportation delays.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Ground and marine transportation including baggage handling.
- Train transportation aboard Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar cars from Denali to Anchorage.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary.
- Travel leader and guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Hotel nights before/after the tour.
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Beer, wine, and liquor.
- Gratuities to trip leader & staff ($165-215/person).
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Additional Details
Group/Private: All services included in this tour are operated on a group basis.
Elevations: N/a.
Passport/Visa: U.S. citizens are not required to provide a passport or visa. All non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated and may be required to have a passport or visa, depending upon the country of origin.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person. The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
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