by Land and Sea JUNE 13 - JUNE 21, 2016 Join Columbus Zoo and Aquarium s travel program on this extraordinary journey highlighting Alaska by land and sea. With space for just 16 travelers, this popular departure is sure to sell out quickly! This adventure offers a deep connection with the natural world through fully guided raft, canoe, kayak and hike forays. Learn about Alaska s native salmon populations while navigating the turquoise waters of the Kenai River by raft; hike an alpine trail, and at the top, explore the bouncy tundra underfoot; and kayak amid icy blue bergs while scanning for inquisitive sea otters and seals. This unique journey offers myriad activities with ample time to relax and unplug from the stress of the modern world. The core trip offers an in-depth perspective of various Alaska state and national parks on the phenomenal Kenai Peninsula. Our focused itinerary will limit travel time and increase time in nature. For those seeking an even more comprehensive Alaska experience, the optional Denali Extension will introduce the stunning Alaska Range featuring Mount McKinley on clear days as well additional opportunities to view iconic land mammals, like grizzlies, moose, caribou and more. For questions about this amazing trip, please contact Patti Cattey, Community Engagement Coordinator, at 614-724-3558 or patti.cattey@columbuszoo.org. Best regards, Tom Stalf President/CEO, Columbus Zoo Meet Your Trip Host Suzi Rapp, Vice President of Animal Programs, is looking forward to hosting this special Alaska journey! Suzi s 34- year career with the Zoo continues to have a tremendous impact on our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. Suzi lent her skills first to the Zoo s Education Department and designed many of the programs still in use today. She developed the Promotions Department to accommodate the demands of up and rising conservationist, Jack Hanna, and has raised over 200 animals of myriad species. Today, Suzi oversees the Zoo and the Wilds Animal Programs division including coordination of all of the animal ambassadors that travel and appear with Jack Hanna.
Join us and explore some of our favorite places in the Last Frontier. Day 1, June 13 Home/Anchorage Welcome to the 49th State! Start your trip in Alaska s largest city, Anchorage. Enjoy orientation during dinner at a well-known local restaurant for Alaskan infused cuisine and enjoy other local sights such as art galleries, shops and other Anchorage attractions. Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage. (D) Day 2, June 14 Girdwood/Cooper Landing Today s adventure takes us through the northernmost rainforest areas of Alaska on a guided hike through a protected forest canopy. Upon reaching a local gorge, board a hand-tram for unique transport across Glacier Creek. This evening, arrive at Kenai Riverside Lodge, which features a large riverside deck with fire pit, self-guided nature paths, a wood-fired sauna and more! Appetizers and dinner are served in the main lodge this evening. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D) Days 3 and 4, June 15 and June 16 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Gear up for a full-day guided rafting adventure on the Kenai River. Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge while your raft guide offers natural history interpretation and stories behind the sights. Scan for eagles and birds, salmon and trout swimming in the turquoise water and possibly moose or bears on the banks of the Kenai River. Your home for the next two nights is Kenai Backcountry Lodge, nestled on the shores of the glacially-carved Skilak Lake. Day 4 s array of activity options include: an amazing hike through three different ecosystems or a motorized skiff tour around Skilak Lake, making short stops to hike to scenic vistas for photo opportunities. Evening kayak paddles on the lake will be available, weather permitting. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 5, June 17 Kenai Fjords National Park From the seacoast town of Seward, board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park a half-day marine wildlife cruise allows us ample time to explore the rugged coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the lodge offers stunning glacier and mountain views. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D) Days 6 and 7, June 18 and June 19 Kenai Fjords National Park Choose from an array of guided activities in this immaculate setting: guided kayaking or canoeing tours of the protected Pedersen Lagoon area, short explorations and nature strolls or relaxing in a rocking chair with glacier views. Evening presentations on Alaska natural and cultural history offer enlightenment and perspective. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 8, June 20 Kenai Fjords National Park / Anchorage A return wildlife cruise will bring us to Seward, where we ll board the historic Alaska Railroad for comfortable rail travel back to Anchorage, through Alaska s backcountry. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner onboard. Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage (B, L, D) Day 9, June 21 Anchorage/Home or Start Denali Extension After breakfast, you ll be transferred to the airport for return flights home; or, begin the optional Denali Extension (see next page for details). Courtesy airport shuttles will be available throughout the day. (B) The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Expand your explorations on the optional Denali extension! Day 1, June 21 Anchorage/Denali/Kantishna Early morning drive north to the Denali National Park entrance. Board a private bus for entry on the restricted-access Denali Park Road, for a fully narrated Denali Wildlife Drive. Scan for bears, moose, caribou, wolves and more, as you view various peaks of the Alaska Range, looking out for the majestic Mount McKinley. Arrive at Denali Backcountry Lodge, in the heart of the Kantishna hills, for a delicious dinner and orientation. Overnight at Denali Backcountry Lodge. (B, D; L available for purchase en route) Day 2, June 22 Denali/Kantishna Choose from amazing guided hikes (casual, moderate or challenging), gold panning, mountain biking or simply relaxing in the wilderness. Morning yoga, naturalist programs and spa treatments also available; optional flightseeing tours of Mount McKinley are available, based on weather, for additional cost. Overnight Denali Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 3, June 23 Denali/Anchorage/Home Enjoy a return Denali Wildlife Drive, followed by return passage to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad. Arrive Anchorage at approximately 8:30 p.m., in time to connect to red-eye flights home, or extend your stay by booking an extra hotel overnight. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B; L and D available for purchase on the train)
Tour Details Tour Cost $4172 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy. Single Accommodations $5172 per person, plus tax, based on single occupancy. *A limited number of single-occupancy spaces are available. Please contact us for the latest availability. Extension Cost $1775 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy. $2175 per single, plus tax. Airfare The Tour Cost does not include flights from your home city to/from Alaska. Several carriers service Alaska and more information will be in your welcome packet provided by the tour operator. Tour Includes All ground transportation; all accommodations as shown on itinerary; all entry fees, activities and excursions per itinerary; meals and non-alcoholic beverages as shown on itinerary; and porterage. Tour Excludes Airfare to Alaska and related fees and taxes; medical immunizations; passport fees; baggage or trip cancellation insurance; optional excursions or deviation from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; meals not specified in the program itinerary or special meals not on the menu; dishes and beverages not part of included meals; alcoholic beverages; laundry; telephone or fax charges; room service; other items of a purely personal nature; and gratuities to local guides. Tour Size This tour is limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The minimum group size is 8 guests. Should the minimum not be met, we reserve the right to cancel the program or levy a small group surcharge. Insurance We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance; information will be sent to registrants. Cancellations At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following per person fees will apply: 120+ days prior to departure...$300 per person 120 to 91 days... $600 per person 90 to 46 days...50% of total cost Within 45 days... 100% of total cost As a condition to acceptance of enrollment, please read, agree to and sign the Waiver of Liability, which will be sent upon registration. Important Details This trip is designed for travelers in average physical condition. You should feel comfortable trail walking for 3-4 hours with short breaks. The most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude! We stay in authentic Alaskan lodging to enhance the Alaska experience. There are two beds in each room or cabin, most times with en suite bathroom. At Kenai Backcountry Lodge, guests use a modern central bathhouse with private showers and restroom areas. You only need to bring your personal gear and clothing. We ll send you a complete packing list of recommended clothing after you sign up. 2015 Alaska Wildland Adventures Printed on recycled paper Superior This program has earned a Superior ranking. Understanding and Responsibilities Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter Zoo ) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car-rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond Zoo s control. Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure; in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo s part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person s health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above.
JUNE 13 - JUNE 21, 2016 Reservation Form June 13 - June 21, 2016 Please reserve... place(s) on the June 13 - June 21, 2016 Journey Please reserve... place(s) on the Denali Extension, June 21-23, 2016 Name(s)... Birthdate(s)... Address... Email... City... State... Zip... Telephone (evening)... (day)... Enclosed is a deposit of US$... ($1000 per person; check payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures) I prefer single accommodations r For more information on this tour, please contact: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Patti Cattey: 614-724-3558 patti.cattey@columbuszoo.org You may charge your deposit(s) on r Visa or r MasterCard Visa /MasterCard number... (Located on the back of your credit card at the very Expiration Date... 3-Digit Verification No. end of the account number just above your signature)... Name on card... Signature of cardholder... To reserve a space on this tour, please send your registration form and deposit check for $1000 per person, payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures, to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065. If paying your deposit by credit card, you may fax it to 614-645-3465. A complete Trip Planning packet, including a Release of Liability, will be forwarded to each applicant upon receipt of deposit. I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of this Program. Signature(s)... Date...