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Route AA2: Alaska Adventure
This trip features the highlights of Alaska, Denali & Kenai Fjords National Parks, as well as a unique stay in Wrangell-St.Elias National Park, in the abandoned mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. Cross the Prince William Sound by ferry and visit Homer on the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula from where you have the opportunity to fly to Katmai National Park for some of the best bear-viewing on the planet.
Route - 14 days/13 nights
Anchorage - Anchorage (1 night) - Talkeetna (1 night) - Denali (2 nights) - Fairbanks (1 night) - Kennicott/McCarthy (2 nights) - Valdez (1 night) - Seward (2 nights) - Homer (2 nights) - Anchorage (1 night) - Anchorage
Dates 2012
- Daily departures from Anchorage.
- Regular Season: June 1 - August 31, 2012
For travel end of May or early September, please contact us! Discounts available but exact route and inclusions may vary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Anchorage
Arrival at the Anchorage Airport or in Anchorage where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives. He/she will take you to the rental car location (airport or downtown) where you will pick up your vehicle. It is also a chance to go over the itinerary and any last minute questions. After check-in at your centrally-located hotel, you may have time for a stroll through the downtown area of Anchorage, economic centre and largest city in Alaska. Also worth visiting is Lake Hood, a float plane base which sees over 1,000 landings and take-offs daily.
Night in Anchorage. Approx. 50 KM.
Day 2 Anchorage - Talkeetna
From Anchorage you will travel north. Stop in Eklutna to visit its unique orthodox cemetery and wooden church. Today's journey will take you through the fertile Matanuska Valley, famous for its plentiful crops and giant vegetables. If the weather is clear, we suggest a scenic detour through the Hatcher Pass offering incredible views of the valley and plenty of opportunities for short hikes (note the road is for 4x4s only and only recommended if surface is quite dry). Continuing along the Susitna River valley you will arrive at the adorable, artistic town of Talkeetna. Serving also as a base for expeditions up Mount McKinley, it is often referred to as the flightseeing capital of the world, with various companies offering flights up and around "the big one", some landing on the glaciers themselves. Another option for the late afternoon is a jet boat excursion (optional) through the rivers weaving their way around Talkeetna, with opportunities to spot bears, eagles, and moose, as well as the towering McKinley in the distance if the weather allows.
Night in Talkeetna. Approx. 180 km.
Day 3 Talkeetna - Denali National Park
Last opportunity this morning for a panoramic flight or river tour from Talkeetna. You will continue north to Denali National Park, home to Mount McKinley (also known as Denali, "the big one", in the local native tongue). It is the highest mountain in North America. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather as your view of the famous mountain comes closer and closer into view. After check-in at your lodge or cabin, we suggest a rafting excursion on the Nenana River (optional) or visiting the Denali Visitors Center near the entrance of the park.
Night in Denali area. Approx. 240 km.
Day 4 Denali National Park
Today you will participate in the official, guided Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park. The 6-8 hour tour will give you the chance to observe, with a little luck, a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, caribou, and wolves. The tour will get you extremely close to the mountain you have come all this way to see. You will have another opportunity for rafting this afternoon as well. This evening some might opt for some dinner theatre at the local "Alaskan Cabin Night" (optional).
Night in Denali area. Approx. 50 km.
Day 5 Denali - Fairbanks
Today you travel further north past the town of Nenana, known for its unique lottery. Anyone can participate by estimating the day, time and exact minute of the thaw of the Tanana River. Arriving in Fairbanks, we recommend exploring the city center and perhaps heading out for a boat excursion on the Chena & Tanana Rivers.
Night in Fairbanks. Approx. 200 km.
Note: There is the option to travel in a 4x4 vehicle via the Denali Highway, a gravel road that takes straight through the heart of Alaska. Instead of staying in Fairbanks this evening, you would spend the night in the Paxson area. Important: The damage coverage (LDW) for the rental vehicle would not be valid in case of any accident along this roadway. Ask us for details.
Day 6 Fairbanks - McCarthy/Kennicott
Today we recommend an early start! In Delta Junction, visit the "Mile 0" monument, which represents the official end of the legendary Alaska Highway. This highway of more than 2,000 km was constructed in a record time of 8 months during World War II. Travel continues via the Richardson Highway with impressive views of the Wrangell-St.Elias mountains along the way. If possible, stop for lunch in Copper Center at the old Roadhouse and visit the smallest church in Alaska. Upon arriving in Chitina, you will leave your vehicle parked at the airfield of Wrangell Mountain Air. Pack only a light, overnight-style bag. A scenic flight over the nearby glaciers will take you to McCarthy, an abandoned, former mining town of the "wild west" surrounded by towering peaks.
Night in McCarthy/Kennicott. Approx 600 km.
Day 7 Wrangell-St.Elias National Park
Today we suggest a guided hike onto Root Glacier (crampons provided!) and a visit to the ruins of the Kennicott Mine. Take the rest of the day to explore the enchanting towns. Shuttle transfers between McCarthy & Kennicott available (not included, 10$US return).
Night in McCarthy/Kennicott. Approx 0 km.
Day 8 McCarthy/Kennicott - Valdez
This morning you will be flown back to Chitina where you will pick up your vehicle. You will continue your journey south through the Chugach Mountains, passing the Worthington Glacier and numerous waterfalls along the route. By early afternoon you will reach the town of Valdez, known as the little Switzerland of the North. Locked in by mountains and the sea, the Trans Alaska Pipeline ends here. Explore the surrounding area and look for spawning salmon in the coastal riverbeds. You may be lucky and spot a bear or two feeding.
Night in Valdez. Approx. 300 km.
Day 9 Valdez - Prince William Sound - Seward
Board the ferry this morning and cruise across the upper reaches of Prince William Sound, past impressive glaciers and peaks, to the port of Whittier. Plenty of opportunity to observe marine life from the vessel. From Whittier, you will continue through the famous Anderson Tunnel which alternates vehicle & rail travel (controlled, wait times possible). Once on the other side, in Portage, we suggest visiting the Glacier Interpretation Center, before you continue south through the Chugach National Forest to Seward.
Night in Seward. Approx. 150 km.
Day 10 Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park
Start the day with a visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center (included) to gain some appreciation of the multitude of life that teems in these waters. Just before noon, you will board a vessel for a guided tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, where the highlight will most likely be the up-close views of immense glaciers as they crash into the ocean, although the observation of other sea life, including whales, orcas, porpoises, sea lions, and puffins is equally exciting for most! The tour includes a light lunch on board.
Night in Seward. Approx. 20 km.
Day 11 Seward - Homer
Leaving Seward this morning we recommend a stop at Exit Glacier. An easy trail leads you right up to this arm of the Harding Icefield. If you want more of a workout, take the trail as high up as you can manage with the time you have. The route today continues through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Then following the Sterling Highway, you will make your way to the western coast of the Kenai Peninsula. Enjoy marvellous views of the Cook Inlet and extinct volcanoes such as St.Augustine. We recommend a stop at the Russian River Falls where a short walk takes you to the waterfalls where salmon make their annual migration (variable). Your day will end in the town of Homer.
Night in Homer. Approx. 300 km.
Day 12 Homer
A full day to explore the Homer area. Take a stroll along "the Spit" and visit the Small Boat Harbour. Today is also a great day to take a flight to Katmai National Park for a day of bear-viewing or a kayak tour in the Cook Inlet (optional).
Night in Homer. Approx 20 km.
Day 13 Homer - Anchorage
On your way back to Anchorage, you will visit Kenai, one of the first towns in Alaska of Russian origin. The orthodox wooden chapels are remnants of a time when Alaska belonged to Russia. From Portage, follow the beautiful Turnagain Arm, a long bay where you can often spot Beluga whales feeding when the tide is up. The bay is also known for extreme tides. We recommend stopping at Bird Creek State Park for a great view and to check the tide tables on display. If your timing is good, you may want to wait for the bore wave to approach. Return to Anchorage by late afternoon.
Night in Anchorage. Approx. 375 km.
Day 14 Departure from Anchorage
Last chance to explore the city centre and its galleries, the Anchorage Museum, or the Native Heritage Center. Return your rental car at the airport or downtown. Until next time!
Includes
- 13 nights lodging (tourist/superior or superior/premier)
- Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park (6-8 hours with lunch/snack)
- Return flight between Chitina & McCarthy
- Ferry from Valdez to Whittier (passengers & vehicle)
- Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Seward (6 hour with lunch/snack)
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Vehicle rental (various class types)
- Reception at the Anchorage Airport or downtown upon arrival
- Reservation service for additional activities & tours
- Taxes and levies
Optional
- Panoramic flightseeing (Talkeetna)
- Jet boat river excursion (Talkeetna)
- Rafting (Denali)
- Dinner theatre "Alaskan Cabin Night" (Denali)
- River boat tour (Fairbanks)
- Root Glacier hike (Kennicott)
- Kayak (Homer)
- Bear viewing in Katmai (from Homer)
