Tour ATG-14 From Friday, June 29, 2018 To Saturday, July 7, 2018 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: 8 nights in Lodges/Hotels/Inns Activities: All listed activities are included. Any activities noted as OPTIONAL are added cost. Meals: 8 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 4 Dinners included. $3899.00 Double Occupancy $5019.00 $3579.00 $3419.00 Single Occupancy Triple Occupancy Quad Occupancy All Rates USD, Per Person Includes Taxes and fees Included Tour Highlights: * Tour Alaska in a small group via our small executive coach. Enjoy comfort and flexibility while an Alaska resident guide shares their first hand knowledge and experience for a truly unique Alaska vacation. * Travel Scenic Byways for undescribable beauty. Abundant photo opportunities for panoramic mountain views, majestic glaciers and endearing wildlife abound. * Visit 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! * OPTIONAL Experience the ultimate highlight with a Southside Explorer flight tour and glacier landing. Stand among the peaks of Denali and your surroundings will astound you. Added cost * Travel via park shuttle service into Denali National Park and Preserve where visitors experience unique opportunities to observe wildlife, landscapes, and mountains. * Ride the dome cars aboard the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad s flagship train and enjoy first class service and dramatic views from Denali to Talkeetna * Experience a guided glacier hike on the Matanuska Glacier. Witness up-close and personal; crevasses, glacial moraine, seracs and moulans. * Explore Hatcher Pass, a beautiful mountain pass with jagged mountain peaks, wildflower-covered tundra and sweeping valley views. * Glimpse into gold-mining s past with a visit to the historic Independence Mine. * Discover 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. * Explore the trails at Exit Glacier and learn about the topography, vegetation and natural habitat surrounding a glacial environment. * Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see abundant marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers. Observe otters, sea lions, whales and calving glaciers! * Explore the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center near the Portage glacier for award-winning exhibits, presentations, and a short film - "Voices from the Ice," Enoy more scenic views. * Ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for majestic panoramic views and short hikes. Call 1-800-795-1438 Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc.
Anchorage, Alaska - Unguided Arrival Day Fri, June 29, 2018 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 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. 1 King or 2 Queen beds Escorted Tour Begins Dream a Dream sled dog Talkeetna, Alaska OPTIONAL: Southside Explorer flight with glacier landing Denali, Alaska Denali National Park Shuttle - Eielson Visitor Center Sat, June 30, 2018 Breakfast room provided by hotel. 7:00 am meet and greet your Alaskan Tour guide in the hotel lobby, ready to begin your exciting adventure. Travel as 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. 9:30 am 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 to Denali with next in route stop. Talkeetna, Alaska is a historical frontier town with 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: Add a Southside Explorer flight with a glacier landing - #1 adventure highlight. Depart Talkeetna for travel to Denali. Dinner stop in route. Denali Lakeview Inn provides clean and comfortable rooms with numerous amenities. Each room has it s own breakfast corner with continental breakfast choices, a table and chairs, a private deck the overlooks the lake. Watch for wildllife across the peaceful lake. MEALS: B, L, D. Drive time: 5 hours Sun, July 1, 2018 In room breakfast corner. 8:15 am Depart for Denali Park entrance for 8 am check in. 9:00 am to 5:00 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. 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
Alaska Railroad Goldstar - kennel tour and ride Wasilla, Alaska Scenic Byway to Matanuska NOVA - Glacier Hike Hatcher Pass Independence Gold Mine National Scenic Byway Alaska Wildlife Conservation Exit Glacier Hike Seward, Alaska Sun, July 1, continued 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. Dinner is on your own tonight. 6:30 pm OPTIONAL excursions can be added this evening. Advance reservations required. Choose from rafting trip, either whitewater or milder scenic; or an ATV wilderness tour, single driver, side by side or quad machines. Added cost. Spend your second night in Denali. MEALS: B, L. Drive time: 30 minutes plus park shuttle. Mon, July 2, 2018 11:20 am check in to board The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, from Denali to Talkeetn. 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 GoldStar Service, 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 2:30 pm Continue the drive to Wasilla. 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. Dinner in route to Wasilla hotel. Lake Lucille Inn guests enjoy beautiful mountain and lake views along with comfortable accommodations. A fully-equipped health and fitness club with weight room, sauna and Jacuzzi and wireless internet available. An extended continental breakfast is provided each morning. Deluxe rooms feature a lake view with 2 Queen beds. MEALS: B, L, D. Rail time: 4.5 hours Drive time: 1.25 hours Tue, July 3, 2018 Hot breakfast buffet provided by hotel. 8:15 am Depart for travel takes us along a National 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. 9:30 am The 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 picnic lunch of sandwiches, salads and cookie at a nearby park with glacier views. Depart to drive south for afternoon highlight. Hatcher Pass is breathtakingly beautiful. It s granite mountain peaks jutting up from the wildflower covered tundra, and pristine mountain streams meander through the valley below. Panoramic views and short nature walks are pleasing for outdoor lovers. Excellent hiking opportunities exist for those who are looking to fully stretch their legs. At the top of Hatcher Pass is the Independence Mine, which is protected by the Alaska State Parks, offers a preserved experience of what life was like back in the Gold Rush. Paved interpretive trails, historic buildings and exhibits can all be explored. An ideal experience for someone looking for the slower pace of absorbing some history. Dinner as a group at one of the local area s finest restaurants featuring specialty dishes of seafood, steaks and vegetarian options. Spend your second night at the Lake Lucille Inn. MEALS: B, L, D. Drive time: 2.5 hours Wed, July 4, 2018 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 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
Wed, July 4, continued 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. A quick lunch stop is made in route, cost is the travelers responsibility. 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. Seward, Alaska is a picturesque coastal community where the mountains melt into the seas. Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park offer spectacular views of wildlife, glaciers and mountains. Stop by the harbor to see the returning fishing charters catch of the day, peruse the souvenir shops, or stroll along the bayfront. Dinner is on your own. The lodge features full dining as well as a lounge restaurant. Hotel: Harbor 360 - Harbor view rooms. In the city of Seward, with great views of the Boat Harbor and Resurrection Bay. Harbor View rooms with either 2 queen beds or one king. Includes continental breakfast room. Easy walking distance to shops, dining, and convenient for a walk along the bay under the late evening sun. MEALS: B. Drive time: 3.5 hours Harbor 360- KFNP Cruise Park Tour Seward, Alaska Custom Day National Scenic Byway Portage Glacier Visitor Alyeska Tram Ride Anchorage, Alaska Tour End Thu, July 5, 2018 10 am check in. 11:30 am to 5:30 p.m. Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise explores the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park. The Spirit of Adventure, our newly-remodeled catamaran, is one of our fastest boats, allowing you to experience as much scenery, glaciers, and wildlife as possible within six hours. Providing a full narration to your journey, a National Park Ranger will be onboard to point out the spectacular sights and provide information on the area s ecology, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of the mighty Holgate Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier. Visit an active tidewater glacier View wildlife and scenery on a large, stable catamaran with multiple viewing decks and large, fog-free windows Wildlife: whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, seabirds Onboard National Park Ranger Fun and educational Junior Ranger Program available for children Delicious Alaska salmon and prime rib feast served buffet style included Guaranteed reserved seating in a heated cabin for every guest Dinner is as a group in one of the best seafood restaurants in Seward - Ray s Waterfront Restaurant. There s also selections for the non-seafood palate available. Spend your second night in Seward MEALS: B, L, D. Drive time: none Fri, July 6, 2018 Seward, Alaska is a picturesque coastal community where the mountains melt into the seas. Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park offer spectacular views of wildlife, glaciers and mountains. Stop by the harbor to see the returning fishing charters catch of the day, peruse the souvenir shops, or stroll along the bayfront. Choose from a wide variety of optional excursions at additional cost. Sea or Lake kayaking Adventures Fishing charters Guided Hikes Zipline Tours Alaska Sealife Center - Behind the Scenes Tours Bike Rentals Spend your third night in Seward. MEALS: B. Drive time: minimal to/from activity Sat, July 7, 2018 Travel north 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 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,
Sat, July 7, continued America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits and presentations highlight the unique features of the region. 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. Depart for return travel to Anchorage. City tours are dependent on time allowed and weather of the day. Options include visits to Earthquake Park, Ship Creek, and other downtown locations for shopping or dining or to add small attractions. The Anchorage Market & Festival is hosted on Saturdays with a collection of Alaskan foods, arts and crafts, entertainment. * Your tour concludes in Anchorage with pre-arranged drop off at the airport or hotel. Drop times are scheduled and no later than 8 pm. MEALS: B. Drive time: 2.5 hours