Explorer: ATG-01 From Saturday, June 1, 2019 To Monday, June 10, 2019 Discover The Great Land - Alaska! Where you ll find bald eagles, bull moose, dramatic mountains and glaciers, wildflower covered tundra and the tallest mountain in North America - Mt. McKinley or Denali, The Great One. TOUR GUIDES Inc. Experience a sense of wonder and awe. See Alaska s scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and with the knowledge and service of Alaskan Tour Guides! Small Group Alaska Tour Maximum group - 13 passengers Subject to Availability at time of reservation with paid deposits Your Trip Includes: Transportation: Private small coach transportation with Alaska resident Driver-Guide. Accommodations: 9 nights in Lodges/Hotels/Inns Activities: All listed activities are included. Any activities noted as OPTIONAL are added cost. Meals: 8 Breakfast, 7 Lunch, 4 Dinners included. $4899.00 Double Occupancy $6299.00 $4439.00 $4249.00 Single Occupancy Triple Occupancy Quad Occupancy All Rates are Per Person and USD Rate Includes $216.55 Taxes and fees Call 1-800-795-1438 Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. Included Tour Highlights: * Tour Alaska with a small group of a maximum of 13 passengers and 1 Alaskan guide by small executive coach. Enjoy comfort and flexibility while an ATG guide shares first hand knowledge and experience. * Travel Scenic Byways and witness indescribable beauty. Abundant photo opportunities for panoramic mountain views, majestic glaciers and endearing wildlife abound. * Ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for majestic panoramic views include lunch. * The Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Glacier with Rafting will astound you. Enjoy a short train ride into a wilderness setting for an easy float trip to view giant blue icebergs and then down a gentle river. * Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see abundant marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers. See otters, sea lions, whales and calving glaciers! * Walk along the trails at Exit Glacier and learn about the topography, vegetation and natural habitat surrounding a glacial environment. * Visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center near the Portage glacier for award-winning exhibits, presentations, and a short film - "Voices from the Ice," More Scenic Views. * Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation center, a facility dedicated to the care of rescued Alaska wildlife. See moose, bear, bison, musk ox, elk, deer and more. * Experience a guided glacier hike on the Matanuska Glacier. Observe up-close and personal, crevasses, glacial moraine, seracs and moulans. * Visit the Musk Ox Farm for a short tour to see these shaggy ancestors of the prehistoric Woolly Mammoth. * Tour Dream a Dream kennels for an informative Iditarod presentation by a veteran Musher. Meet Vern Halter s team, take a short ride with these amazing sled dogs! * Travel via park shuttle service into Denali National Park and Preserve where visitors experience unique opportunities to observe wildlife, landscapes, mountains and more. * Visit the Denali Park Visitor Center for informative films, and interpretive displays to learn more about the history and ecosystems within Denali Park. * Ride the dome cars aboard the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad s flagship train and enjoy first class service and dramatic views from Denali totalkeetna * Optional activities can be added for your custom vacation experience such as flight tours of Mt. Denali, whitewater or scenic rafting adventures, zipline tours, ATV tours and more.
Anchorage, Alaska - Unguided Arrival Day Escorted Tour Begins National Scenic Byway Alyeska Tram Ride and Lunch Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float Seward, Alaska Kenai Fjords National Park 6 hour cruisetour Sat, June 1, 2019 Arrival day into Anchorage is not guided. The tour rate includes cost of hotel room and tax but does not include any additional meals, activity or expense. Our selected lodging is a quality hotel located in the downtown area, convenient to attractions, shops and dining. The hotel offers 24/7 complimentary airport shuttle and a breakfast buffet. Alaskan Tour Guides can assist with Anchorage options for early travelers to explore on their own. Each day lists the Drive Time: This is an estimate of your total road time that day. It does not count time to stop for meals, sights, activities and attractions. Every day is a full day. Some have longer travel but all are designed with time to get out of the vehicle and experience Alaska in a personal way. ATG reserves the right to alter trip times to accommodate any potential changes or events that may occur at the time of travel. Road construction and other unknown events can alter travel time. Any changes will be made and relayed by your ATG guide at the time of travel to ensure that reserved activity times are met. Meal Package - Several meals are included in the tour rate. Breakfasts are a minimum of extendedcontinental to full buffet at your lodging. Lunches vary from quick sandwich stops, to buffet picnics, to local diners. Dinner meals are generally enjoyed at an Alaskan-themed or menu-specialty restaurant. Order from the menu an entree and non-alcohol beverage. Meals included are identified at the end of each day as B, L or D. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Not included: Market Price meals, Alcohol, additional side dishes or appetizer. These costs need to be paid separately by the traveler. Hotel: Clarion Suites Downtown: All two-room suites are nicely furnished and feature refrigerators, microwaves, sofa sleepers and coffee makers. This hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including: * Free hot breakfast buffet * Free Wi-Fi * Free 24-hour airport shuttle service * Exercise room. Be sure to take a dip in the indoor heated pool or relax in the accompanying hot tub. Sun, June 2, 2019 9:00 am meet and greet your Alaskan Tour guide in the hotel lobby, ready to begin your exciting adventure. Travel with a small group, in a comfortable executive shuttle and with an Alaska resident as your driver -guide. Benefit from local resident knowledge and first hand experiences. Your ATG guide provides genuine Alaskan hospitality and concierge-level service so you have the best vacation experience possible. Travel south along the Seward Highway. This National Scenic Byway passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The landscape varies from the muddy waters of Turnagain Arm to the icy blue glaciers that hang almost to the sea. Wildflowers and waterfalls brighten every corner of the road as it glides below rough mountains that pierce thick, heavy clouds. Only Alaska's Seward Highway can offer this particular mix created by climate, geography, and geology. The Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway is a seven-minute ride bringing you to a viewing deck which provides breath taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Spend some time observing the views and trail walking. Lunch included at the top of mountain in the Bore Tide Deli. 1 pm check in Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float: Take the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to the beautiful Spencer Glacier and enjoy an easy raft tour floating amongst icebergs in Alaska wilderness. 1:00 pm check in for 1:25 pm departing train trip south down the Placer Valley leaving the highway behind and into country only accessible by train. Several hanging glaciers appear before the stop at Spencer Glacier. This is another wildlife habitat populated with bear, moose, coyotes and wolves. Get up close and personal to the icebergs on this scenic float suitable for all ages. Experienced guides will row you right up to picturesque icebergs on Spencer Lake. The panoramic views of the Spencer Glacier and surrounding mountains are beautiful. From Spencer Lake, Raft 7 river miles down the pristine Placer River, where the river meets back up with the train tracks the Glacier Discovery train will stop to pick us up. Return to the Portage depot where you continue travel with your ATG guide and coach on to Seward. Seward Windsong Lodge is nestled in a spectacular glacier river valley. Guest rooms are spread out in a wooded setting, surrounded by spruce trees and wildflowers. Furnished and well-appointed with comfortable, Alaskan-style décor. From your rooms, wander the trails amidst the spruce and cottonwood forest. Rooms provide that genuine Alaskan feel inside and out. Deck Rooms are second floor with 2 Queen beds. MEALS: B, L DRIVE TIME: 2.5 hours Mon, June 3, 2019 Breakfast in a downtown Seward restaurant included. 10:30 am check in to Kenai Fjords 6 hour National Park Tour. 11:30 am to 5:30 p.m. Experience Alaska's most popular wildlife and glacier cruise! Kenai Fjords National Park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers. Smaller vessels that seat up to 150 passengers get closer to than the larger cruise ships. Heated cabins have bench and table seating with large windows.
Outside decks allow you closer up views. This 6 hour tours depart from Seward, Alaska, and provide indepth experience within pristine Kenai Fjords National Park. Tours are fully narrated by an accredited wildlife interpreter and include a visit to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge - home to a large variety of whales, sea lions, sea otters and more. The tour travels out to the face of one of the glaciers where the boat will stop and quietly wait as you watch and listen for the glacier to calve. A small deli style lunch is included. A caesar chicken wrap, apple and cookie. A concession stand is on board for purchases. The tour returns 5:30 pm. Dinner is at one of our favorite Alaskan restaurants - Ray s Waterfront Restaurant. This harbor side dining features a choice of fine dining surf and turf choices. Spend your second night at the Seward Windsong Lodge. MEALS: B, L, D DRIVE TIME: 15 minutes CRUISE TIME: 6 hours Exit Glacier Walk Depart Seward, Travel North Portage Glacier Visitor Alaska Wildlife Conservation Alyeska Tram Ride Scenic Byway to Matanuska Glacier NOVA - Glacier Hike Palmer, Alaska Musk Ox Farm Tue, June 4, 2019 Breakfast voucher for hotel dining included. Before departing, take a short drive along the Resurrection River toward Exit Glacier to observe the topography, vegetation and natural habitats surrounding a glacial environment. Walking routes vary from easy trails depicting the timeline of the retreating glacier to more moderate hiking trails leading up to the face of the glacier and great photo opportunities. Depart Seward for a travel day north returns along the Seward Highway allowing a second opportunity for magical views and potential wildlife sightings in their natural habitat. As well as time to explore some other special points of interest. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is built upon the terminal moraine left behind by Portage Glacier in 1914. The visitor center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits and presentations highlight the unique features of the region. Lunch at Portage Lodge features homemade soup and sandwich or salad, beverage. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non profit organization that cares for rescued wildlife, injured and orphans. They promote better awareness of Alaska Wildlife conservation methods through public education and they provide a fantastic opportunity to photograph Alaska wildlife up close. See moose, brown and black bear, wood bison, musk ox and many more rescued animals. Wasilla, Alaska is located in the heart of the Matanuska Susitna Borough and the sixth largest city in Alaska. Established at the intersection of the Alaska Railroad and Old Carle Wagon Road, the city prospered at the expense of the nearby mining town of Knik. Wasilla is named after Chief Wasilla, a local Dena'ina chief. Wasilla is also home of Iditarod founders, Joe Reddington and Dorothy Page. Lake Lucille Inn guests enjoy beautiful mountain and lake views along with comfortable accommodations. A fully-equipped health and fitness club with weight room, guest laundry and wireless internet available. An extended continental breakfast is provided each morning. Deluxe rooms feature a lake view. MEALS: B, L, D DRIVE TIME: 3.5 hours Wed, June 5, 2019 Hot Breakfast Buffet included. Travel today takes us along a Scenic Byway that offers panoramic mountain views, magnificent blue ice glaciers and wildlife viewing opportunities. Travel follows the Matanuska River as it carves it s way down from higher country through mountains and valleys and up to it s headwaters at the face of the majestic Matanuska Glacier, a 27 mile long, 4 mile wide blue-ice glacier. The Guided Glacier Hike is a popular hike, featuring close-up views of crevasses, seracs and unique ice formations. With the use of crampons, you'll enjoy trekking to a high point on the glacier which overlooks the ice fall as well as getting up close. The glacier is in a constant state of change, and your guide can point out various features as you navigate the intense surface. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a lunch stop at one of the local diners, included. Palmer, Alaska is where colonists first settled in the early 1930 s as part of Roosevelt s New Deal. It s centered around agriculture and surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. It retains it s country charm and now is home to 4th generation Alaskans. A short visit and tour of the Musk Ox Farm where we see the descendants of the Woolly Mammoth and to learn how the native Alaskan people used the very fine fibers to make incredibly light weight and warm clothing. Musk Ox were and still are connected to the native Alaskan culture. Dinner included as a group tonight in one of the areas local restaurants.
Dream a Dream kennel sled dog tour and ride Talkeetna, Alaska Denali Flight with Glacier Landing Denali, Alaska Wed, June 5, continued Lake Lucille Inn guests enjoy beautiful mountain and lake views along with comfortable accommodations. A fully-equipped health and fitness club with weight room, guest laundry and wireless internet available. An extended continental breakfast is provided each morning. Deluxe rooms feature a lake view. MEALS: B, L, D DRIVE TIME: 2.5 hours Thu, June 6, 2019 Hot Breakfast Buffet included. 8:30 am Depart for travel north to Denali. In route stop in Willow, Alaska the heart of mushing country to tour Dream a Dream kennels and meet the team of Vern Halter, a veteran Iditarod musher Presentations weave the history of the Iditarod into an informative and interactive experience. Meet with the huskies who make up this incredible team of athletes. Enjoy a short nature walk with the newest members, cute puppies abound! Then take a ride on a multi-seat All Terrain Vehicle with the option of standing positions too. These dog limos are the coolest and most realistic way to ride with a sled dog team in the summer months. It s great training for the dogs and you ll see how they love it! End with lunch and time to interact with mushers while enjoying delicious deli meats & cheeses, salad and dessert. Continue travel north with the next stop in Talkeetna, Alaska. This historical frontier town has lots of Alaskan flavor! The rustic and charming community is popular with visitors and offers a lot of hospitality with a choice of delicious eateries, quaint shops featuring local artists and even it s quirky museums. Some of the best views of the Alaska range and Mt. Denali are seen from this location if weather permits. OPTIONAL: Talkeetna Air Taxi take a Southside Explorer flight tour with a glacier landing. This #1 highlight is a robust introduction to Denali and the Alaska Range. Follow the river systems of Talkeetna across the Susitna Valley into an incredible landscape of icefalls, glaciers and snowy peaks. Land on a glacier on Mt. Denali and experience the awe of standing among great peaks, the immense scale will astound you. Added cost, subject to 2019 rates. 3:30 pm continue travel to your destination Denali Park. Hotel: The Grande Denali Lodge offers vistas of the Denali wilderness and the Nenana River that will take your breath away! Spacious guest rooms are a comfortable place to relax and recharge. View rooms include 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: 4.5 hours Denali - Custom Day Optional activities Denali National Park Shuttle - Eielson Visitor Center Fri, June 7, 2019 Breakfast Voucher provided for full buffet. Explore Denali your way. Choose from a variety of no-cost to low-cost to added expense adventures and experience this National Park at your own pace. NOTE: This custom day is arranged and reserved just for tour guests after they have joined our trips. Confirmed tour guests are provided access to our Guest Resource Center for details about activities available to include pricing, times and the need to know information. Leisure and no cost is the Denali Visitor Center, front country trails, shopping, relaxing at your lodging. Free shuttle to Savage River for trail hikes. Ranger programs are offered, our guides carry a schedule. Low cost includes National Park Shuttles, recommend 8 hour bus to Eielson Visitor Center for best sights and wildlife viewing. Longer shuttles or upgraded tour are available with advance reservations. Moderate to higher cost adventures include river rafting, a choice of easier floats or exciting whitewater ; ATV tours driving single seats or riding double to quad; unguided lake kayak rentals; Denali Highway Jeep Tours. Subject to 2019 pricing provided in Guest Resource Center for confirmed tour guests. Spend your second night at the Grande Denali Lodge. MEALS: B DRIVE TIME: to/from activities Sat, June 8, 2019 Breakfast Voucher provided for full buffet. 7:45 am Depart for Denali Park entrance. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Denali Park Shuttle to Eielson Visitor Center. Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Interior Alaska, centered on Denali (Mt. McKinley), the highest mountain in north America, encompasses more than 6 million acres and provides visitors with the experience of a lifetime. 92 miles long, the Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and high mountain passes. It is the only road in the park. Along its route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and there are to view Mt McKinley - if weather permits. Wildlife can often be seen, too, though sightings are not guaranteed - they are, after all, wild animals roaming an unfenced land.
Sat, June 8, continued Opened in June 2008 the completely reconstructed Eielson Visitor Center was sustainably constructed and features interpretive exhibits. This is the turnaround point for your park trip, also a good place to hike and arrange a later bus back. This trip travels 65 miles one way, 8 hours round trip if you stay with the same bus. Your ATG guide will arrange for a boxed lunch for you to take along. NOTE: Any travelers who wishes to book a different bus trip into Denali must do so prior to final tour payment date, with advance reservations. Any cost difference is the responsibility of the travelers and will be charged upon reservation. 6:30 pm for group dinner at the Denali Salmon Bake restaurant, included Spend your third night at the Grande Denali Lodge. MEALS: B, L, D DRIVE TIME: 10 minutes SHUTTLE TIME: 8 hours (not all drive time) Sun, June 9, 2019 Denali Park Visitor Center Alaska Railroad Goldstar - Denali to Talkeetna Anchorage, Alaska Escort Ends Depart Anchorage, Alaska Unguided Day Breakfast Voucher provided for full buffet. The Denali National Park Visitor center offers Denali's visitors a chance to learn more about the park by interacting with rangers, viewing the award winning film "Heartbeats of Denali," and exploring the exhibit area. The building boasts a number of environmentally sustainable features. The Denali Bookstore offers an extensive collection of educational materials on the natural and cultural heritage of Denali. 11:20 am check in to board The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, GoldStar Service from Denali to Talkeetna. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Enjoy first-class service aboard double-deck dome cars. Luxury rail travel has never been better. Reserved upper-level dome car seating, upper-level outdoor viewing deck, exclusive lower-level dining room, lunch and beverages included. Two adult beverages included. Order from the menu of Alaskan cuisine including choices that vary from seafood to reindeer sausage. Adult beverage menu includes award winning Alaskan brewery selections. The train departs at 12:20 and your guide will drive with luggage and meet you in Talkeetna at 4:40 pm Depart Talkeetna by ATG small coach for the final leg of travel to Anchorage. Arrival time in Anchorage about 7:30-8:00 pm. Your escorted tour concludes with drop off at your departure hotel. Note: Red eye departures can fly out this night and save the cost of the last night hotel or apply it to the front of your tour for an early arrival. Airport check in time NOT before 8 pm. Hotel: The Lakefront Anchorage, formerly Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage, offers modern, lodge-like accommodations on the shores of Lake Spenard and Lake Hood. The lobby is rich with displays of animals indigenous to Alaska, including a Kodiak brown bear, polar and black bears. Numerous king salmon, moose and caribou mounts also adorn the spacious lobby. From a lakeside deck, guests can watch over 800 floatplanes land every day at Lake Hood, the largest and busiest floatplane base in the world. Well-appointed rooms complimentary airport and downtown Anchorage shuttle. Very near to airport and ideal for early morning departures. MEALS: B, L DRIVE TIME: 2 hours RAIL TIME: 4.5 hours Mon, June 10, 2019 Today is unguided. Your hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle which we recommend you reserve your seats for the night prior. If you depart later than hotel check out time, they will store your bags while you explore Anchorage for a later transfer to the airport.