Alaska Wildland Collection

8 Days / $3395 and up

This seamless, all inclusive 8-day adventure promises an in-depth exploration of the magical Kenai Peninsula. Includes stays at three wilderness lodges, each complete with rustic elegance and charming Alaskan ambiance.

Along the way, enjoy an array of guided activities to suit your interest and energy level as you explore the Last Frontier. And, in the evening, soak up our hospitality: what would you expect after paddling or hiking in the Alaska wilderness? We suggest grilled salmon served with a nice chardonnay, comfortably appointed accommodations and authentic Alaskan hospitality ~ the perfect blend of wild Alaska.

Itinerary/Details

Day 1 Anchorage Arrival / Kenai Riverside Lodge

Meet your guide representative at a local downtown hotel at 2:30pm or the airport at 3:00pm. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing, home to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for dinner and trip orientation. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (D).

Day 2 Kenai Riverside Lodge

Enjoy another day of fantastic hospitality and cozy cabins at Kenai Riverside Lodge. Today, you can choose to join a guided hike on the trails of the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and learn about the native uses of the numerous plants and flowers or choose a full day of sportfishing for the Kenai's world famous salmon, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden led by the Kenai's most experienced guides (we provide the best of gear & tackle; this is an optional add-on with additional cost). Whether you choose to spend your day hiking, fishing or strolling the nature trail, this evening, your most difficult choice will be whether to venture into the wood-fired sauna or to pour yourself into a rocking chair on the massive deck to take in the breathtaking Kenai River. (B,L,D).

Day 3 Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Raft down the scenic Kenai River into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, salmon, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and you may get to witness the incredible spawning runs. We'll stop to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch served along the river, and then motor across turquoise Skilak Lake for a late afternoon arrival to remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge, your home for the next two nights. This evening, settle into your private accommodations and enjoy this rustically elegant setting in the wilderness. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, your home for the next two nights. (B,L,D).

Day 4 Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike the Cottonwood Creek Trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the alpine tundra and enjoy splendid views of Skilak Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake and shoreline by boat; stop along the way for short walks and to marvel at the explosion of wildflowers. 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 evening sunset kayak under the Midnight Sun or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Kenai Riverside Lodge

Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to Kenai Backcountry Lodge as you return to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Ask your guide about hiking to the Russian River Falls to view salmon as they swim upstream, trying to leap over the falls to return to their spawning waters or venture along the Hideout Overlook Trail for views of open alpine meadows, a perfect opportunity to view wildlife and, in late summer, great berry picking! Relax in the evening on the riverside deck or enjoy a nice wood-fired sauna. Dinner and overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Cooper Landing and Kenai Riverside Lodge, as we travel through the Chugach National Forest to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled on the shore of a protected tidal lagoon, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your lodge 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. (B,L,D).

Day 7 Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge and peruse our natural history library, or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D).

Day 8 Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge / Anchorage Departure

This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak, or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Midday, we'll embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward and from there, board the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic backcountry rail tour back to Anchorage. Dinner, hotel and/or airport transfers not included. Dinner is available for purchase on the train. (B,L).

Note: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 12:00 a.m. midnight in case of possible transportation delays. Ask an Explore Tours consultant to add a post-night or mini-package to extend your trip!

Departure

Package departs from:
Anchorage

2012 Validity dates:
June 02 to June 09*
June 16 to June 23*
June 30 to July 07
July 14 to July 21
July 28 to August 04
August 11 to August 18
August 25 to September 01*

*Note: special savings apply to early and late season departures
$500 off, per person for June 2-9 and $200 off, per person for June 16-23 or August 25-Sept 1

Tour Price

2012 Pricing

$3395 per adult, double occupancy
$2395 per youth, age 7-18