DAY ONE: WHITTIER - WASILLA:
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions aboard the private luxury transport service. Upon boarding, begin your adventure with a ride through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest tunnel in North America, 2.5 miles! It is the first tunnel designed for -40° F. and 150 mph winds. The tunnel is located fifty miles southeast of Anchorage near Portage Glacier, and connects the port city of Whittier on Prince William Sound to the Seward Highway and Southcentral Alaska. It opened to vehicle traffic on June 7, 2000 after extensive conversion from a World War II railroad tunnel.
Arrive at Portage glacier, leisure time offers a great area to view the icebergs in the lake as well as hanging glaciers that will keep your camera busy. Begich-Boggs Visitors Center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits, educational presentations, the film "Voices from the Ice," information services, and an Alaska Natural History Association bookstore are available. Join a Forest Service Interpreter or go it alone on this short 1/4 mile loop trail located just outside our doors. Interpretive signs along the trail help paint the picture of Portage Glacier's retreat revealing a landscape full of new life. A stop to view salmon spawning depending on season.
Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, opened to the public in 1993. It is located on 140 acres at the southern edge of Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley. AWCC provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife and to provide wildlife education and awareness. Animals that are unable to be released or survive in the wild are given refuge in the center's spacious habitats. Here people can safely get close, observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears musk ox, small mammals and birds of prey.
Beluga Point provides a possible whale watch in July through September, as you travel along the beautiful Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet. This drive also provides a great backdrop for stunning photography. Windy Point provides the opportunity to watch for dall sheep on the roadside cliffs. The salt licks here provide nourishment to the sheep. Potters Marsh is a state game refuge, is a very popular spot for bird watching from a boardwalk. This is a nesting area for waterfowl as well as arctic tern, Canada geese, swans, and ducks.
As you travel north through Anchorage, a city tour will acquaint you with the history and folklore of the region. Stopping at the Native Heritage Center, you will be exposed to many native cultures in one location. Learn the ways of the elders and watch as native dancers share their culture. Continue on to the Matanuska Valley, the farming belt of Alaska, with a visit of the native village of Eklutna. Enjoy the Russian Orthodox influenced Chapel and native influenced spirit houses, sharing their cultural traditions. Continuing north, we will pass the Palmer Hay Flats, and the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet. This tundra area is home to wildlife and several species of birds. Arriving in Wasilla, enjoy comfortable accommodations adding a remote feel to your adventure and all the comforts & conveniences of home. This evening, a dinner stop is provided at one of Wasilla’s finest restaurants with exceptional views.
DAY TWO - TALKEETNA & MT. MCKINLEY:
Today will present a highlight of your adventure. Rise & Shine to visit the home of the Iditarod. Race Headquarters expose you to the lure of the dog sleds of the past. Meet an Iditarod musher and dog team and share in the thrill of the race, as you take a ride on a summer dog sled ride around a quarter acre track. Next you will view inland scenery as you continue on to Talkeetna, a local town sporting the most photographed scenes in our state, including the towering peaks of Mt. McKinley or Denali & the Alaska mountain range. Only 1 ½ hours north, this town is a hub of international mountain climbers. Here you will have the day to visit the local town folks, stop in the shoppes, visit local museums or choose from an array of activities. Today's adventure includes a riverboat trip as follows:
2-Hour Riverboat Adventure: Your exciting trip will begin aboard the fifty-one passenger "Talkeetna Queen" as it whisks you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. This is the most technologically advanced river jetboat in Alaska designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible. It is glass-domed, environmentally controlled, and has an onboard restroom for your comfort. Upon arriving at our Safari sight you will take a 1/4 mile leisurely nature walk. You will visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and view how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century. Your experienced guide will display raw furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Indians for cooking and medicines. As you travel ten miles of river you will have opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, and moose and you just might see black bear and grizzly bear roaming the shore. Wildlife, folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable Alaskan river adventure.
You can also choose to upgrade today's adventure and choose to flightsee over Mt. McKinley with a glacier landing for $200 pp additional. See description below.
Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing: This magnificent flight takes you within six miles of Mt. McKinley's summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). "No visit is complete without this experience!" Land on the Sheldon Amphitheater glacier beneath Mt. McKinley. The aircraft are equipped with skis, floats, and voice activated headphones. Passengers, each with comfortable window seats, enjoy narration by an experienced pilot-guide highlighting points of interest including geology, wildlife, and history. Flight time is 1.5 hrs and includes a glacier landing. Upgrades for longer flights can be purchased.
This evening enjoy infamous salmon or halibut at a Lakeview Inn in Wasilla. Overnight in Chalet lodging. (B)
DAY THREE - MAT-SU GLACIER & ANCHORAGE:
This morning, begin your day with a restful continental breakfast. Next, join your travel companions on one of the most scenic drives in the state. As we head north to Chickaloon, the Knik Glacier reveals its full glory. The Matanuska River winds its way north beside us, cutting a cavern of beauty through the Matanuska Valley. A scenic view stop will take your breath away! Upon arriving at the Matanuska Susitna Glacier, you will stop for dall sheep viewing in the area. Provided are binoculars as well as a high-powered spotting scope to ensure great views of the large curled sheep.
Afternoon brings a lunch stop at either the Long Rifle Lodge or Sheep Mountain Lodge, for a bite to eat, where views of the Matanuska Glacier are unrivaled. It is wilderness and the beauty is all encompassing. This afternoon, step
back in time to the glacial age, as you walk onto the
Matanuska Glacier. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the diamond-like sparkles of the deep blue ice crevasses. No experience is necessary, as we provide ice cramp-on for your shoes and you can go as far as you are comfortable.
For guests who would like an even more invigorating activity, you can upgrade to a whitewater raft trip down the Matanuska River past Lion's Head canyon. This tour is available for a $90 pp upgrade.
Every adventure eventually draws to a close, so here is where we wish you a safe flight home, as we provide your transfers to the Anchorage airport. (If you would like to extend your land tour, we can take you to a local hotel of your choice. This is the perfect Alaska post-cruise land tour. Below we offer a pre-cruise land package.
(B)
PRE- CRUISE ITINERARY / ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
- Portage Glacier Begich Boggs Visitors Center
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Anchorage City Tour
- Alaska Native Heritage Center Tour
- Eklutna Native Village Spirit House Tour
- Iditarod Race Headquarters & Dog Team Narrated Film
- Talkeetna River Jetboat Safari
- Matanuska Susitna Glacier Trek
- Dall Sheep Viewing
- Scenic Wilderness & Wildlife Viewing
DAY ONE: ANCHORAGE:
As you arrive in Anchorge, today is a day at your own leisure. Airport pick-up transfers are included along with an overnight at an Anchorage hotel.
DAY TWO - TALKEETNA & MT. MCKINLEY:
Begin your escorted adventure with a meet & greet of other guests. A visit to the Native Heritage Center, will expose you to many native cultures in one location. Learn the ways of the elders and watch as native dancers share their culture. Continue on to the Matanuska Valley, the farming belt of Alaska, with a visit of the native village of Eklutna. Enjoy the Russian Orthodox influenced Chapel and native influenced spirit houses, sharing their cultural traditions. Continuing north, we will pass the Palmer Hay Flats, and the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet. This tundra area is home to wildlife and several species of birds.
Visit the home of the Iditarod. Race Headquarters expose you to the lure of the dog sleds of the past. Meet an Iditarod musher and dog team and share in the thrill of the race, as you take a ride on a summer dog sled ride around a quarter acre track. Next you will view inland scenery as you continue on to Talkeetna, a local town sporting the most photographed scenes in our state, including the towering peaks of Mt. McKinley or Denali & the Alaska mountain range. Only 1 ½ hours north, this town is a hub of international mountain climbers. Here you will have the day to visit the local town folks, stop in the shoppes, visit local museums or choose from an array of activities. Today's adventure includes a riverboat trip as follows:
2-Hour Riverboat Adventure: Your exciting trip will begin aboard the fifty-one passenger "Talkeetna Queen" as it whisks you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. This is the most technologically advanced river jetboat in Alaska designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible. It is glass-domed, environmentally controlled, and has an onboard restroom for your comfort. Upon arriving at our Safari sight you will take a 1/4 mile leisurely nature walk. You will visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and view how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century. Your experienced guide will display raw furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Indians for cooking and medicines. As you travel ten miles of river you will have opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, and moose and you just might see black bear and grizzly bear roaming the shore. Wildlife, folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable Alaskan river adventure.
You can also choose to upgrade today's adventure and choose to flightsee over Mt. McKinley with a glacier landing for $200 pp additional. See description below.
Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing: This magnificent flight takes you within six miles of Mt. McKinley's summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). "No visit is complete without this experience!" Land on the Sheldon Amphitheater glacier beneath Mt. McKinley. The aircraft are equipped with skis, floats, and voice activated headphones. Passengers, each with comfortable window seats, enjoy narration by an experienced pilot-guide highlighting points of interest including geology, wildlife, and history. Flight time is 1.5 hrs and includes a glacier landing. Upgrades for longer flights can be purchased.
This evening enjoy infamous salmon or halibut at a Lakeview Inn in Wasilla. Overnight in Chalet lodging. (B)
DAY THREE - MAT-SU GLACIER:
This morning, begin your day with a restful continental breakfast. Next, join your travel companions on one of the most scenic drives in the state. As we head north to Chickaloon, the Knik Glacier reveals its full glory. The Matanuska River winds its way north beside us, cutting a cavern of beauty through the Matanuska Valley. A scenic view stop will take your breath away! Upon arriving at the Matanuska Susitna Glacier, you will stop for dall sheep viewing in the area. Provided are binoculars as well as a high-powered spotting scope to ensure great views of the large curled sheep.
Afternoon brings a lunch stop at either the Long Rifle Lodge or Sheep Mountain Lodge, for a bite to eat, where views of the Matanuska Glacier are unrivaled. It is wilderness and the beauty is all encompassing. This afternoon, step back in time to the glacial age, as you walk onto the Matanuska Glacier. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the diamond-like sparkles of the deep blue ice crevasses. No experience is necessary, as we provide ice cramp-on for your shoes and you can go as far as you are comfortable.
For guests who would like an even more invigorating activity, you can upgrade to a whitewater raft trip down the Matanuska River past Lion's Head canyon. This tour is available for a $90 pp upgrade.
This evening, after a dinner stop, return to your chalets for a restful night and a new adventure in the morning!
DAY FOUR - WASILLA TO WHITTIER:
Potters Marsh is a state game refuge, is a very popular spot for bird watching from a boardwalk. This is a nesting area for waterfowl as well as arctic tern, Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Windy Point provides the opportunity to watch for dall sheep on the roadside cliffs. The salt licks here provide nourishment to the sheep. Beluga Point provides a possible whale watch in July through September, as you travel along the beautiful Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet. This drive also provides a great backdrop for stunning photography.
Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, opened to the public in 1993. It is located on 140 acres at the southern edge of Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley. AWCC provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife and to provide wildlife education and awareness. Animals that are unable to be released or survive in the wild are given refuge in the center's spacious habitats. Here people can safely get close, observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears musk ox, small mammals and birds of prey.
Arrive at Portage glacier, leisure time offers a great area to view the icebergs in the lake as well as hanging glaciers that will keep your camera busy. Begich-Boggs Visitors Center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits, educational presentations, the film "Voices from the Ice," information services, and an Alaska Natural History Association bookstore are available. Join a Forest Service Interpreter or go it alone on this short 1/4 mile loop trail located just outside our doors. Interpretive signs along the trail help paint the picture of Portage Glacier's retreat revealing a landscape full of new life. A stop to view salmon spawning may be available depending on season.
Complete your adventure with a ride through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest tunnel in North America, 2.5 miles! It is the first tunnel designed for -40° F. and 150 mph winds. The tunnel is located fifty miles southeast of Anchorage near Portage Glacier, and connects the port city of Whittier on Prince William Sound to the Seward Highway and Southcentral Alaska. It opened to vehicle traffic on June 7, 2000 after extensive conversion from a World War II railroad tunnel.
