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"We were blown away by the caliber of employees we encountered at AWA! Every guide had something special to offer. I was amazed at their knowledge, passion, and personalities. We couldn't have dreamed of better guides. I now know my flowers and birds!"
~ Kristin M. |
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Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, meet your Trip Leader at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with reservation).
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Day 1: Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. Gear up and raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; along the way, watch 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. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (L,D)
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Day 2: 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. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. 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 at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
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Day 3: Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. En route, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
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Day 4: Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Enjoy a Denali wildlife drive through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)
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Day 5: Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. Activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, sleddog demonstrations, and mountain biking. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge; however, this option is weather and space-dependent. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
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Day 6: Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the park entrance. Say farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage (or Fairbanks - ask our reservation staff), arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)
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Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.
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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.
Trip Price: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy, plus tax. For triple and quad, deduct $75. For single, add 25% to cost of double. Ask about choices for upgrading to a Log Cabin while at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, space available. Trip price includes pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage, best of gear and equipment, meals as noted above in detailed itinerary, lodging, and full guide services during your entire stay. Trip price does not include Borough tax, flightseeing, beer, wine, or liquor, or gratuities to staff.
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Jul 26 to Jul 31
Aug 09 to Aug 14
Aug 23 to Aug 28
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$3,295
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Note: Trip minimum of four applies to the
July 12 - July 17, 2009 departure. From time to time, we feature special offers on certain trips. Please visit our Trip Specials page or call 800.334.8730 for details. |
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