Chilling Out in the Wilderness

Purchased by the United States in 1867, Alaska still stands as a frontier where you can find mountains, fjords, forests and valleys still untouched by human hands. Even though hunting tribes tracked Ice Age mammals from Asia, over the Bering Strait land bridge and into North America at least 20,000 years ago, it took the sweet sound of gold in 1880 to get people interested in moving there. Russian fur traders had traipsed the land since 1741, but it was the mobs of rowdy, ambitious and gutsy prospectors, speculators and settlers rushing to the pristine wilderness for gold that opened the frontier and cities began to appear.

Just nine years after statehood was granted in 1959, another rush sparked a boom in growth for Alaska. This time the “gold” was liquid and black and bubbled from Prudhoe Bay. The Alaska Pipeline in the 1970’s brought, new wealth, new progress, and, following close behind, new environmental concerns.

When visiting this beautiful land and enjoying the spectacular scenery, you’ll see the influence of Native Alaskans laced through your travels. The cultural types are diversified, with whalers inhabiting the treeless tundra along the coast, the nomadic caribou-hunters roaming the forested Yukon River area, and members of the Tlingit and Haida tribes living in the lush coastal environment of Alaska’s panhandle.

From sparkling glaciers to lush forest, ambling moose to weather worn totem poles, you will be hard pressed to find a destination that offers memories of such variety and splendor.

About our Alaska tour::

Our tour is a 10 day/9 night driving tour beginning in Anchorage, continuing on to Seward, and from Seward to Denaili National Park The driving tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the majestic beauty of Alaska because it is personable and allows freedoms that larger, more time restricted tours cannot. Setting your own pace, when you have a photo opportunity surface, such as soaring eagles, you can stop and take advantage of it and stops for leisurely lunches can be enjoyed without being herded in and out during certain confined time frames.

Your tour will be privately guided in a custom accessible van and fully narrated. This tour is fully accessible with the exception of a grab bar instead of roll-in shower in your hotel in Denali (2 nights). Your guide knows of all accessible rest stops along the route and, as a precautionary measure, carries a list of people who can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs (and scooters) in case there is any kind of mechanical problem with the van.

(You also have the option of segmenting this tour to match an Alaskan cruise. A list of accessible cruise ships will be offered at the end of the itinerary.)

Come and enjoy Alaska in a way few are smart enough to do. Avoid the crowds, enjoy your meals, marvel at the scenery at your own pace, and snap that award winning photograph when the opportunity arises instead of whizzing by and missing the shot.

Let’s Get Started!

Day 1 Arrive Anchorage

Arriving in Anchorage, you will be met and greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is relative to most major U.S. cities, but with your guide’s expertise you will have a chance to visit some of the more interesting sights the city has to offer. Bordered by the pristine wilderness you’re so anxious to see, Anchorage’s downtown area is fairly compact. Some of the major events the city hosts is the Fur Rendezvous, a celebration of winter’s final months; the world famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a 1,00 mile trail extending from Anchorage to Nome; and the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon.

One thing for sure, you have to sample the fresh Alaskan king crab and fresh Alaskan salmon.

WestCoast International Inn

Day 2 Anchorage

Today we’ll take a tour around Anchorage, visiting the Alaska Experience Theater and the new Alaska Native Heritage Center.

The Alaska Experience Theater is a 180-degree wraparound screen where you can experience a filmed Alaskan adventure supplied by helicopters, trains, and river rafts. A dazzling and unique way to enjoy Alaska’s majestic scenery and people.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center pays homage to the wealth of history, wisdom and knowledge that has been handed down from one generation of Alaskan natives to another. Visitors will meet Native tradition Bearers, artists, and performers as they tour the five historic village exhibits. These house the eleven distinct culture groups comprising Alaska’s Native Cultures. You will enjoy dance performances, demonstrations, and exhibits inside the Welcome House.

Evening will be free to relax or explore on your own.

WestCoast International Inn

Day 3 Anchorage - Seward

We’re off - heading for the Seward, the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Have your cameras ready because there is always a good chance that Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, and sometimes Beluga Whales will offer a memorable photo opportunity.

On route, we’ll stop at Alaska’s finest ski resort to have lunch, explore the shops and take a scenic tram ride. Mt. Alyeska Ski Resort, a world class destination resort, is located along the Turnagain Arm. The 60 passenger aerial tramway (completely accessible) will transport you 2,000 feet above the valley floor allowing you some unrivaled sightseeing. After lunch,, enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea as you bask in the sun and natural beauty.

Special note: If you do not care to ride the tram, lunch is available on the valley floor and is still included in the tour price.

Breeze Inn (Lunch)

Day 4 Seward

We’ll start out today on a great wildlife cruise out into Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park. Gliding by spectacular glaciers, playful sea otters, sea lions, whales, porpoises and soaring eagles, you’ll soon discover the towering mountains bordering the sparkling blue water of Resurrection Bay will only add to the beauty and charm.

Resembling a port city and an alpine resort town, Seward owes it’s existence to the mobs of gutsy prospectors, speculators and settlers that descended upon Alaska during the 1880 gold rush years. Your guide will give you a complete narrative history of this wonderful gold rush town as we finish the day visiting some of the town’s shops and attractions.

Breeze Inn (lunch)

Day 5 Seward

Today we’ll visit the Alaska Sea Life Center. The shores of Kenai Fjords National Park were coated with oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill and the monetary settlement was used to open this center dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska. Using research, rehabilitation, and public education, scientist from all over the world come here to work and study the environmental impact of the world's oceans and marine life. It has become a popular tourist attraction because of the huge aquarium tanks full of different types of sea life and exhibits displaying what the center is doing. You’ll experience an upclose and personal viewing experience with Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife such as 1500 pound Steller sea lions, puffins, harbor seals, Alaskan king crab, sea stars, and Pacific octopus. Your visit here will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours, so you can take your time enjoying the delights of this “windows in the sea”.

Leaving the Alaska Sea Life Center, you’ll continue on through magnificent mountains bordering Moose Pass to Summit Lake Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Chugach National Forest, you can enjoy a wonderful lakeside lunch surrounded by mountains that are still unnamed.

Breeze Inn

Day 6 Seward - Denali National Park

This morning we head to Denali National Park, stopping at the Iditarod Race Headquarters.

Did you know that the average kennel budget for an average size kennel of sled dogs for this race (12 - 16) can run around $50,000 a year? Running the Iditarod (entry fees, dog food and supplies, freight, etc.) is an additional $10,000! Temperatures during the race range from a cozy 40°F to -60°F and, as a tradition, the last finisher is rewarded a red lantern.

As we approach Danali National Park, you’ll see it’s most spectacular feature; 20,320 ft. Mount McKinley. We’ll have time to settle into our hotel in Healey and get ready for the evening’s festivities.

Dress is casual and the fun is plentiful as we attend Alaska Cabin Night Dinner Theater. Enjoy the good food of the wilderness banquet including sourdough style salmon, halibut, and ribs. The show is a rousing revue of great songs, tall tales, and foot stomping music!

(Restrooms are accessible)

Nord Haven Hotel (Dinner)

Day 7 Denali National Park

Today we venture deep into the Denali National Park on the Tundra Wildlife Tour. First established as Mt. McKinley National Park in 1917, the original park was designated as a wilderness area and incorporated into Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980. The Park was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976 and its six million acres encompass a complete sub-arctic ecosystem.

You’ll enjoy an informative 6 - 8 hour tour full of wonderful photographic opportunities. The mountains, the incredible beauty and the animals will make this a memorable experience. Grab your camera and don’t forget your binoculars - there’ll be moose, bear, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep and much more wildlife to spot.

(Rest stop has accessible restrooms) Nord Haven Hotel (Continental breakfast, Snack)

Day 8 Denali National Park - Anchorage

Heading south this morning along the scenic Parks Highway to Anchorage, we should have excellent views of Mt. McKinley (weather permitting).

You have the luxury and flexibility to stop for photo opportunities along the way and your guide’s sharp eye will help you look for Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, bear and moose.

WestCoat International Inn (Continental Breakfast)

Day 9 Anchorage

We’ll start the day by learning about the amazing Northern Lights at Sky Song. This wonderous display of green, blue, crimson and magenta ribbons are called aurora borealis. There is no way to predict when they will shimmer and wave across the sky, so the Big Screen Color show will make sure you won’t leave Alaska without witnessing this spectacular exhibition of light.

This afternoon we’ll board the m/v Ptarmigan for an exciting interpretative cruise through an iceberg-filled lake to the face of Portage Glacier. The lake is what the glacier left behind as it slowly retreated up Portage Valley and it is now known as a “hanging glacier”. Be sure to ask about the ice worms; small black worms that thrive at temperatures just above freezing (they even have ice-worm safaris!).

This evening we’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner.

WestCoat International Inn (Dinner)

Day 10 Depart Anchorage

What a tremendous way to visit Alaska! We hope you have enjoyed your special journey as much as we have enjoyed showing it to you!

Pricing:

$2377. per person, double occupancy

$ 583. single supplement

2000 Dates:

June 1 thru June 10

June 19 thru June 28

July 5 thru July 14

July 19 thru July 28

August 3 thru August 12

August 17 thru August 26

September 2 thru September 11

Seward/Marine Life Tour

If you are taking a cruise ship out of Seward and need a shorter tour, you would take Day One through Day Five and leave the tour after enjoying your visit at the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Price:

$1118. per person, double occupancy

$ 256. single supplement

If you are continuing on to Anchorage and require a hotel room, you would fly home the following day and be responsible for getting yourself to the airport.

Price:

$1192. per person, double occupancy

$ 330. single supplement

Denali Park Tour

Another option for a shorter tour would be Day Six through Day Ten. The price includes lodging for the night before the tour starts. Upon arrival in Anchorage, for this particular tour, you must get yourself to the hotel that the group is using.

Price:

$1255. per person, double occupancy

$ 327. single supplement

About the Hotels:

WestCoast International Inn, Anchorage

The rooms here will treat you to a sweeping view of the Chugach Mountains or Lake Spenard. There are five accessible rooms located on the first floor which feature queen bed (with plenty of room for a roll away), low door security viewing ports, accessible widths for bath and main entry, wheelchair accessible sink counters, single hand door handles, single hand sink faucet and shower spray, and roll-in shower. All major entrances to the hotel and restaurant offer ramp access.

The hotel houses the Piper Restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty meal and an open-air lounge for relaxing with a view of the lake.

Breeze Inn, Seward

Located in the heart of Seward’s Small Boat Harbor, there are three accessible rooms available. One room offers a queen size bed (with room for a roll away), roll-in shower with hand held shower and grab bars (there is an approximate 1/4” lip into the shower). The doors are accessible widths for bath and main entry, the sink is accessible, and the toilet is raised and has grab bars. Hotel entrance is ramped.

Specializing in fresh Alaska seafood and steaks, you’ll enjoy excellent food and spirits in the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail lounge. To add to your dining pleasure, you’re backdrop will be beautiful views of Resurrection Bay and the Small Boat Harbor.

Motel Nord Haven, Healy

Located in the Interior Region, just 12 scenic miles north of the Denali National Park, this establishment is owner built and operated since 1994. There are two accessible rooms; one with two queen size beds and one with a queen size bed and a twin. The doors are accessible widths for bath and main entry and there is a tub with a hand held shower (no roll-in shower is available). The sink is accessible and toilet has grab bars. The Purple Plate offers simple take-out meals of soup, sandwiches, salads, and pasta specials. You can dine on their deck while enjoying the scenery of the Alaska Range or in your room. Packed lunches are also available.

Please note: Complete details regarding the accessibility of the Anchorage Airport are available upon request.

Combining an Alaska cruise with a ground tour:

There are several Alaska cruise ships offering accessible facilities (including roll-in showers) that you may consider.

Celebrity Cruises:

Galaxy

Mercury

Crystal Cruises:

Crystal Harmony

Holland America:

Noordam

Ryndam

Statendam

Veendam

Norwegian Cruise Line:

Norwegian Dynasty

Norwegian Wind

Princess Cruises:

Crown Princess

Sky Princess

Sun Princess

Royal Caribbean International:

Rhapsody of the Seas

If you would like to enhance your Alaska adventure with a cruise, we will be happy to provide you with cruise dates, availability, itinerary, rates, and ship information for the ship you are interested in and coordinate it with your land tour.

Please note: The tide difference in Juneau is tremendous. This can effect the angle of the gang plank and at times make it too steep for disembarking when in a wheelchair. If you have to be tethered into shore by boat, it is up to the decision of the captain and the longshore’s man whether you can disembark or not.

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