Reserve a Space on this Tour
(Hotel Rooms Release Date: 31 March 2010)

$3719
(non-member: $3819)
Single Room–add $1391
 

 Activity Level:
     80% Easy;
     20% Moderate

• Lodging: Superior hotels - with premium rooms - and in central locations throughout the trip. See itinerary.

Airport: Anchorage, Alaska (ANC)

Arrive: Wednesday, 16 June no later than 5:00pm

Depart:  Friday, 25 June at your convenience.
Note: It is also possible to depart after 5:00pm on Thursday, 24 June.

Early Arrival:  If you wish to arrive a day early WTT can make your hotel reservation for you. The room cost for this tour will be:

     $ 115dbl / $230 sgl

Wednesday, 16 June: Arrive Anchorage

Arrive no later than 5:00pm. Upon arrival in Anchorage you’ll be transferred to the hotel by their courtesy shuttle. Depending on when you arrive, you may have the opportunity to explore Anchorage.  Consider a visit to the Alaska Experience Theater for a viewing of “Alaska the Greatland” dramatizing the splendors of Alaska’s great outdoors and information about the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Or, visit the Anchorage Museum of History and Art located across the street from the hotel.  This Alaskan gallery has objects dating from prehistoric time through European exploration. (admissions not included) We will gather as a group this evening, have dinner together and get better acquainted. Accommodations: Quality Suites or similar  (D)

Thursday, 17 June: Girdwood, Portage and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

This morning we depart via mini-coach for the Kenai Peninsula.  Along the way we will see one version of the Alaskan wilderness – lush valleys, white water rivers and towering glaciers.  Our first stop is the town of Girdwood where you will have time to explore and have lunch. Consider taking the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway - a seven-minute ride to a viewing deck with breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and hanging glaciers (price not included).

We make our next stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you see Alaska’s critters up close.  The center is a non profit organization that takes in orphaned and injured animals from around the state.  Our final destination for the day is the port community of Seward where we will spend the next two nights. Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express - Waterfront or similar (B)

Friday, 18 June: Alaska Sealife Center; Kenai Fjords National Park - Cruise; Dinner

Today we begin with a visit to the Alaska Sealife Center were we are introduced to the inhabitants in and around the waters.  Stroll through the center at your own pace. We will re-gather at the dock at 11:00am for our fjord cruise.  Using a stable catamaran, we spend the day on the water in Kenai Fjords National Park not just looking at wildlife, but visiting some of the tidal glaciers in the area.  If lucky, we may even see the glaciers "calving." This term is used when large pieces of glacier ice break off from the main flow and hit the water, making a sound similar to dynamite. It's an incredible sight to see! A deli-style lunch will be served on board. Upon return from the cruise we will have time to freshen up and relax before having dinner. (B, L, D)

Saturday, 19 June: Kenai River Float; Alaska Native Heritage Center

This morning we depart for Anchorage but there will be plenty to see and do before we arrive!  We travel by mini-coach to the town of Cooper Landing. Here we will climb into rafts and see the scenery and wildlife from the turquoise water. Our raft guide will do all the work and will explain the sights as we float down the river.  (This activity is suitable for anyone; no rafting experience is needed.) 

At the conclusion of the float trip we will be served lunch before re-boarding the coach. Our next stop will be the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the 11 indigenous groups of Alaska. Your visit to the Center will feature an indoor and outdoor self-guided walking tour. We will conclude our day at the hotel. Overnight Quality Suites, Anchorage. (B,L)

Sunday, 20 June: Train to Denali - Gold Star Dome Service; Denali Dinner Theater

ALL ABOARD! This morning we have an 8:15am departure from Anchorage on the Midnight Sun Express – one of the routes on the Alaskan Railroad.  Climb up to the upper level and enjoy your trip with panoramic views in the Dome Car.  We’ll head north to Denali National Park arriving mid-afternoon (3:45pm).  During our travels we’ll see views of the Alaskan wilderness – from the towering Mt. McKinley to the quietness of running streams.  We’ll have a good chance to view wildlife such as moose, bald eagles and bears.  Upon arrival we will check in and freshen up before enjoying an evening of good old fashioned fun at the Denali Dinner Theater. Accommodations: McKinley Chalet Resort or similar. (B, D)

Monday, 21 June: Homestead Kennels; Denali National Park Natural History Tour

Our day begins with a visit to the kennels of Iditarod champion Jeff King where we will learn how the dogs (and the sled drivers) are trained for the Iditarod.  After lunch together at the hotel we will enjoy a Natural History tour that goes deep into Denali National Park. Here we we will learn about the flora and fauna of this wondrous region and hopefully see lots of wildlife.  This is an evening return but no worries, the sun will still be up long after you are are back to the hotel. (B,L)

Tuesday, 22 June: Morning Free; Afternoon train to Talkeetna

This morning is at leisure to take in additional activities or just sleep in late. We’ll re-gather in the early afternoon and transfer to the rail station. At 12:40pm we depart to continue our much shorter journey, retracing our steps and heading back South (standard rail car with large picture windows). Upon arrival in Talkeetna at 4:40pm we will transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Talkeetna Alaska Lodge or similar. (B)

Wednesday, 23 June: Flightseeing Excursion; Afternoon Free, Farewell Dinner

Today is our flightseeing day. We have left this day unstructured to take the best advantage of flight times, but the plan is to do a 1 hour flightseeing excursion in the morning and have the afternoon free. Your WTT tour leader will make suggestions for additional activities today. How about a jet-boat river trip or a kayaking outing. The town of Talkeetna is also there to explore. There are easy hikes, or just relax and enjoy the scenery! This evening we will have dinner together at the hotel restaurant. (B,D)

Thursday, 24 June: Return to Anchorage

Today we return to Anchorage using the Park Connection Motorcoach. Since we depart at 11:00am you have time to sleep late and have a late breakfast.  We will be back in Anchorage mid-afternoon and will check back into the Quality Suites. The remainder of the day is free.  (B)

NOTE:  You have the option to return home tonight or overnight in Anchorage and return home on Friday. If you go home tonight, book your flight any time after 5:00pm. You will have use of your hotel room as long as you need it. Transfers provided to the Anchorage Airport by the hotel shuttle.

Friday, 25 June:  Return Home

Transfers provided to the Anchorage Airport by the hotel shuttle. Depart at your convenience. (B)