Brown Bear Viewing, Pristine Ecosystems, and Denali Backcountry
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: North America
Region: Alaska
Trip Price: $18,500
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Anchorage, Alaska / Anchorage, Alaska
National Parklands: Denali NP;Lake Clark NP;Katmai NP;Kenai Fjords NP
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive at the Anchorage Airport and kick off your adventure in the heart of the city, with a beautiful mountainous backdrop.
Today you’ll drive the length of the Kenai Peninsula. Along the way there will be opportunities to hike trails, spot Dall sheep (or whales if you’re lucky), and enjoy the views as you journey along one of the world’s most scenic drives. Spend two nights on the shores of Kachemak Bay. Kayak the rugged coast and take a guided hike to a glacial lake. Take off from Homer for a truly Alaskan day of flightseeing and remote bear viewing.
Your next Kenai Peninsula port-of-call is the coastal town of Seward. Along the way, go fishing on the wild and scenic Kenai River with a seasoned local fishing guide. Once in Seward, take a guided hike through spruce forest, past a waterfall, along a gorge and finally to the top of the ridge for rewarding views. Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the rugged shoreline to a calving tidewater glacier, with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. Board your own kayak to paddle through the blue-green waters of Kenai Fjords National Park.
As with all of our lodging choices, we want to make sure each night adds to the adventure of the trip. Tonight, your half day of driving will be awarded with a cozy room and if, the weather cooperates, views of Denali.
Board a helicopter for a thrilling and scenic ride into the backcountry of Denali National Park! Spend your time wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and naturalist-led hiking. Your two nights in the deep-green boreal forest will grant you unique access to Denali’s backcountry.
One last scenic drive and one last night in Alaska are on the agenda as you head south to Anchorage. Depending on your arrival time, you can walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to take in some final Alaskan views.
Hotel Captain Cook is in the heart of downtown Anchorage, with excellent access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, as well as restaurants and shops. Built after the 1964 earthquake at a time when Alaska was flush with new oil money, the hotel has a nautical theme and is both grand and classic Alaska. The hotel takes up an entire city block and towers top the building. All 550 guest rooms have sweeping views of either the Cook Inlet or Chugach Mountains, and there are three restaurants on site for your convenience.
Situated on the shores of Kachemak Bay at the end of Homer Spit, you can walk out the hotel door to walk the beach, or look for otters, whales, seals, and eagles right from your private deck. Guest accommodations are in 117 modern rooms, each with private bath and deck. Enjoy your stay in—pretty much literally—Kachemak Bay!
Bell in the Woods is a luxury b&b nestled in picturesque Seward, and is just a few miles from the downtown area. This is a quaint and intimate location and a full breakfast is included in your stay.
Located two miles from Talkeetna, overlooking the Susitna River Valley, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers luxury accommodations, great dining and breathtaking views of Mount McKinley. Take advantage of the view from the deck, one of the lobby areas, the lounge, or one of the full-service restaurants. This will be the perfect base for your stay in the area.
Denali Backcountry Lodge sits beside Moose Creek in the Kantishna Hills at the base of massive Denali. There are thirty comfortable cedar guest cabins, each with heat and a private bath. The two-story main lodge is the gathering place, where you will enjoy hearty, healthy meals with fellow guests. A buffet is offered for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is served family style. There is an informal bar which serves beer and wine. Each day you can choose from a host of guided activities, including naturalist-led hikes, gold panning, wildlife explorations, and flightseeing. There are mountain bikes for guests to use, and a variety of evening programs that you are welcome to attend. We hope that on at least one of the day’s you visit it will be clear enough to see Denali in all its glory, as there is no better location from which to view it.Your helicopter flight to and from the lodge, lodging, meals and daily guided activities are included in your stay here.
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