Itinerary Expand all Anchorage to Anchorage Day 1 Start Anchorage. Welcome to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska with only 300,000 people and a city which has undergone quite a change since the earthquake of 1964. Now a bustling city fuelled by the oil boom and tourism, it wasn’t that long ago that Anchorage was the last outpost before heading into the ‘Last Frontier’, this is a city mixed with metropolitan luxuries and unrivalled natural wonders. It’s not uncommon to find bear roaming the outskirts of the city, this is one truly wild place. A great way to spend your day is to wander around town getting a feel for the 49th state, speaking to the locals and checking out some of the great cafes and restaurants. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs for you to meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions. Optional Activities:• Alaska Native Heritage Center US$25• Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center US$15• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail US$free• Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum US$10 Accommodation: Ramada Anchorage (or similar) Day 2 To Denali N.P. via Talkeetna Leaving Anchorage, you enter the wilderness pretty much instantly and make your way towards Talkeetna where you stop for the opportunity to try a local delicacy, reindeer sausage, before arriving in Denali National Park. Home to the highest mountain in North America, legendary Mount Denali (6,194m), the park covers six million acres and houses some of the most unspoiled wilderness and spectacular scenery in the whole of Alaska. Optional Activities:• Denali scenic flight US$524• Dogsled demonstration in Denali US$free• Mountain biking in Denali, US$20-$57• Whitewater rafting in Denali US$92-$187 Participatory Camping Meals included: Lunch Dinner Day 3 Optional activities in Denali N.P. Enjoy two full days exploring the park with an included bus pass - the only way to get out into the incredible (and vast) wilderness. Try to spot Alaska's 'Big Five'; Caribou, Dall Sheep, moose, Grizzly Bear and wolves. Denali is one of the only national parks where you are encouraged to find your own path off the trails, great for those of you looking for pure unadulterated adventure. There are plenty of optional walks and activities in Denali or you can take to the skies on a scenic (and highly recommended) glacier landing helicopter flight. As the trails are wild and unmarked, the hiking opportunities are endless. Your tour leader will suggest some local spots of scenic beauty and the best spots to view wildlife. Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Another day of optional activities in Denali N.P. Today we get to discover more of Denali National Park and its vast wilderness, exploring the many optional walks in this spectacular location. Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 To the Alaska Range Head into the heart of the Alaska Range to spend the night at Clearwater Lodge. With spectacular views of the surrounding valley this rustic lodge provides the ideal setting for an authentic Alaskan experience. Although rooms have shared bathrooms, its remote location is something to savour with the chance to look out for grazing caribou near the quiet lakes of the tundra. This is also a birder's paradise with many species often sighted. Accommodation: Clearwater Lodge (or similar) - shared bathrooms Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 To Wrangell-St Elias N.P. The scenery keeps on coming thick and fast and today is no different. Drive through the dramatic Copper River Valley and stop for a short walk on the Liberty Falls Trail, just off the Edgerton Highway en route to the small town of McCarthy (population 40 in the summer, 17 the remainder of the year). This quaint settlement at the centre of a mass of mountains, glaciers and wilderness will be your base to explore Wrangell-St Elias for the next two nights. Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve contains nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States, including the second highest, Mount. St. Elias (5,488m), and is the most glaciated region in the North American continent. Participatory Camping Meals included: Lunch Dinner Day 7 Wrangall-St Elias National Park Today we'll have the chance to enjoy more of the optional activities available in Wrangell-St Elias. This imposing area of glaciers, mountains, forest and wilderness has wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities - Dall Sheep, mountain goats, caribou, moose, Grizzly and Black Bear are just some of the parks inhabitants. Optional Activities:• Ghost Town tour - Kennecott Copper Mill US$28• Scenic flight US$120-$270 Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Days 8-9 To Valdez; via the Worthington Glacier and Thomson Pass in the Chugach Range. Your journey continues towards Valdez, passing through the Chugach Range. On the rivers, fish wheels have been built to catch salmon migrating upstream to spawn. Stop at the famous Worthington Glacier, adjacent to the Thompson Pass for a short walk. Explore the busy seaside town of Valdez, a return to civilisation after the mountainous isolation of McCarthy. Valdez is a new town, as a major earthquake destroyed the old one in 1964. There are various hiking trails in and around Valdez such as the Mineral Creek Trail or the Keystone Canyon Pack Trail. You can also visit the historical museum to learn about the native culture, gold rush history and the famous pipeline. Why not opt for a sea kayaking excursion to get up close and personal to the glacier? On Day 9, the day is left free to discover this fascinating area. Optional Activities:• Valdez Sea Kayaking US$259 Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Ferry to Seward. Board the Alaska state ferry, leaving Valdez behind and crossing Prince William Sound to reach Whittier. The views of the mountains, bays, fjords and glaciers are unforgettable and the water is home to a unique array of marine life, Harbour Seals and sea lions. On arrival, explore the small fishing town of Seward. In its past life, Seward was a railroad port which means there is now plenty of great shopping and a picturesque old-time downtown area. Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Full day wildlife cruise around Resurrection and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Set off on a full day wildlife viewing cruise around Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. To maximise your experience on board your guide will give a detailed commentary on the wildlife you see and the local area. On previous trips, travellers have spotted sea lions, otters, Dall's Porpoise and an endless variety of seabirds including puffins and eagles. Orcas are often spotted and if you're lucky, Humpback Whales can also be seen! Enjoy an included fresh salmon and prime rib lunch on board (vegetarian options available). Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 12 Walk the Harding Icefield Trail to Exit Glacier. The staggeringly beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park offers wonderful wildlife and bird watching opportunities amidst dramatic fjords and glaciers. Within the park is the huge Harding Icefield, claiming 300 square miles in its entirety. If weather conditions permit, take a spectacular walk from Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield for views of deep crevasses and huge seracs. At an elevation of 900m you will eventually reach a lookout point over the icefield and the views will be out of this world. The walk is strenuous and entirely dependent on weather conditions; if there is too much snow and ice on the trail, it may be impassable. There's an easier option available if you prefer, using an accessible trail to reach a different viewpoint of the glacier. For those who want to explore Seward a little more, the impressive Alaska SeaLife Center, which houses a remarkable public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue centre, is a fun place to visit. Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Float plane flight for bear observation at Big River Lakes. Head to Soldotna, your launch site for the bear float plane activity. Float planes are a way of life for many of the more remote Alaskan communities, particularly those who still have no road access and too little space amongst the mountains to build runways. Float planes generally seat a maximum of 10 people and you'll take to the air for a beautiful flight across the Cook Inlet. Land in the Big River Lakes area and transfer to the waiting boats to explore the river and lake system keeping your eyes open for bear. The lakes are just on the fringe of the Lake Clark Park and Wilderness Reserve but a long way from any roads and civilisation and the chance of bear sightings is excellent; you can usually see Brown (Grizzly) or Black Bear here. You may see thousands of salmon pushing upstream to spawn and if you're lucky, you'll see bear catching and feeding upon them. This is Alaska at its best, almost completely untouched wilderness with a backdrop of ice-clad mountains and active volcanoes. Optional Activities:• Fishing with licence US$50 Participatory Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Walk at Alyeska; to Anchorage; end. After breakfast and packing up camp, you'll drive for a couple of hours to Alyeska in the Chugach Mountain Range which is ideal for a final wilderness walk before returning to the state's capital, Anchorage. Containing around half the population of the state, Anchorage in some ways looks just like any other sprawling American town and after nearly two weeks in the small towns and villages the bustling streets of the city will feel somewhat different. Explore the art galleries and craft shops where you can see the beautiful Eskimo handicrafts being made. This tour ends at our gateway hotel in Anchorage at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. People booking Flight Inclusive with Exodus will have an extra night in the hotel and depart tomorrow. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
United States British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies. All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges $14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card. The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. As of 21 January 2016, any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify for the VWP. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found on our USA visas page.
Participatory Camping & Multi-Share Cabin Our US camping tours use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers. Please note your campsite in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is more basic in nature without showers and has a long drop toilet. The campsite in Seward charges an additional fee of $1-$3 for showers. The Denali campground offers close proximity to the park, but is close to the highway so can be quite noisy. If you are a light sleeper, it is recommended you take earplugs. You will sleep in high quality, heavy-duty tents which single travellers share with one other passenger of the same sex. Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns. Most campsites have a quiet time from 22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping. CAMP DUTIESAn essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and every one will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your Tour Leader will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors. Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.
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Reviewed August 2018 Ruth Okey Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness Alaska's liquid sun The sky was bright blue, the mountains and glacier were perfectly reflected in the still lake before us, it was a spectacular day just like on the Alaska documentaries on the television. Finally we were having better weather and could see the Alaska we'd come to see, what a pity there were only 2 spectacular days in 2 weeks, no wonder the film crews take months to film the documentaries or were we just unlucky ? The second spectacular day fell on the best day ever the float plane and bear viewing trip, even the sun tan lotion put in an appearance, bears fished, salmon jumped and cameras clicked. The wet days were forgotten as we flew back low over an ice cap and glacier and the end of our trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The float plane to view the bears was the reason to visit Alaska and it really lived up to expectations. We saw grizzly bears swimming around the boat, black bear cubs and mother sheltering up a tree from the grizzlies and other black bears fishing in the river ..... it was "the David Attenborough" moment. What did you think of your group leader? Allen was a great guy and did an excellent job driving us on long days between camp sites. The participation element of this trip was greater than my previous 10 participatory camping trips with all aspects of camp duties allocated to 4 teams. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Alaskan people and other travelers were very friendly and always interested in what we were doing, most were impressed that we were camping. The camper van or RV (to use the local term) is by far the most popular way to see and experience Alaska. Several of the camp sites had few facilities, from one were were bused into town to use the public pay showers. Is there anything else you would like to add? Launderettes used quarters but pay showers used tokens paid for with 1 dollar bills. There are lots of optional activities but these are quite expensive.
Reviewed August 2017 Emma Dart Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness Awesome scenery and immersive activities This is truly the trip of a lifetime. It was everything we wanted in terms of wildlife viewing, amazing scenery and getting out into the wilderness. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting so close to Denali on the mountain flight and landing on a glacier. Glacier hike and ice climbing. What did you think of your group leader? Both Darin and Jordan were FANTASTIC and worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone was enjoying their experience. Their organisation, safe driving skills and approachable manner really made our trip. Also great cooking skills. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take plenty of layers, it was really warm on some days and really cold on some nights. Be prepared for some rain and take effective waterproofs and / or ponchos. Some of the activities have waterproofs available to use which were better than ours. Make sure that you do the hike to the Harding Icefield if you can. The views are spectacular. It seemed like it was going to be a rainy day when we started but it did clear up. It is a strenuous walk, but there are views even if you don't go all the way up. Is there anything else you would like to add? Take extra memory cards for your camera and spare batteries. Make sure you can charge items from a USB converter for a cigarette lighter socket in the vehicle. There are some stops at supermarkets and some of our group bought a pillow which made camping more comfortable. Thermarests are provided which make a big difference. Make sure the sleeping bag you bring is suitable. All extra activities could be paid on credit card which reduced the amount of cash we carried. There were coin operated washing machine / dryer facilities at some campsites.
Reviewed July 2016 Steve Johnson Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness Alaska - Endless Landscape An amazing holiday to a stunning, unspoiled and primal part of the world. The itinerary is activity-packed but never really feels forced: there is plenty of time to take in the changing landscapes and animals that you meet each day. Not a trip for someone who doesn't like glaciers, mountains, breathtaking scenery and wildlife living our their lives as Nature intended. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Not easy to say as I got something out of everyday. But the flight up to the glacier at the foot on Mt. Denali on a de Havilland Beaver will stay with me for a long thing as was the memory of camping right beside the roaring Copper River and then wandering up to the lost-in-time town of McCarthy for a drink with fellow thirsy group members. What did you think of your group leader? Vicky was simply excellent. Her love of Alaska was obvious and genuine. She organised everything and kept us in check. And she knew some great bars! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The weather was great on my trip - warm and sunny apart from a couple of days. If it had rained most days then I'm pretty sure the camping would have been challenging. So be prepared: take plenty of waterproofs, etc. As others have said, some campsites are pretty primeval and so be prepared for days when you can't wash and where the trip to the toilet can feel like a trek. The mosquitoes are pretty nasty: they usually don't like me but I got bitten everywhere (seemingly through my clothes!) Alaska is expensive - apparently much more expensive than most of the USA. One or two walks were challenging and if I had appreciated that I would have got myself a bit fitter beforehand. Laundry and shower facilities are few and far between with no change machines nearby: so collect as many quarters as you through the trip. You might also want to pack a few non-bio laundry detergent capsules. In June it never got dark so you might want to think about a sleep mask (and ear-plugs if there are heavy snorers in the group!) Is there anything else you would like to add? I can highly recommend this trip if you are prepared to rough it a bit. Forget about any preconceptions you have - just go and experience one of the last few remaining frontiers.
Reviewed July 2016 Benjamin Brook Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness Bear Necessities Stunning scenery and abundant wildlife What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The float plane trip and the grizzly bears. We were mesmerised for most of the day by a sow and her three cubs - all looking very healthy - apparently the salmon run has been earlier this year. The return flight was particularly picturesque. Also the nearest and safest way to photograph grizzlies is from a boat and I got some fabulous pictures. What did you think of your group leader? Vicky is an all-rounder. Always upbeat, great cook, so knowledgeable and highly respected by local guides/locals - practically perfect in every way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Use lots of mosquito repellant and be prepared to dress for all weathers Is there anything else you would like to add? A great, varied itinerary which gave me the opportunity to try ice-climbing and sea kayaking for the first time.
Reviewed July 2016 Alison Kalus Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness Alaska Wildlife and Wilderness An excellent trip encompassing the wilderness of Alaska with plenty of wildlife viewing. Plenty of optional trips to make the holiday as adventurous at wanted. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sea kayaking among the icebergs and sea otters in Columbia bay. The noise of the ice cracking, hissing and popping was surreal as we gently paddles by. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader, Vicky was excellent. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. She made a real effort to make the trip memorable. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to camp in the rain and with some very basic facilities at times!
Reviewed September 2013 Anonymous Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS OF ALASKA An amazing wildlife tour, Alaska is beautiful with an overwhelming landscape. The tour included a variety of activities for different abilities. The camping is 'rustic', with good facilities. Our leaders Mark and Alia were friendly, helpful and very organised. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Denali grizzlies, glacier hiking, a wildlife cruise around Prince William Sound and flying over the Cook Inlet in a float plane all take some beating! What did you think of your group leader? Our group leaders were very well organised with the camping equipment and campfire cooking. They provided a nice variety of meals and opportunities to visit supermarkets when necessary. They were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about Alaska and organised activities efficiently. There were a couple of long travelling days which they made comfortable by stopping off at viewpoints and short walk opportunities and they were happy to stop at any time for wildlife viewing. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take advantage of the laundry facilities throughout the tour, take waterproof clothing, and a pair of binoculars and a good camera are a must! Is there anything else you would like to add? A fantastic tour in an unspoilt wilderness.
Reviewed August 2013 Anonymous Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS OF ALASKA Varied trip through a stunning part of the world. Lots of activity, plenty of wildlife and glaciers and mountains everywhere. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me the ice climbing was a real highlight, climbing out of the glacier was a huge rush. Also loved the sea kayaking round icebergs. On a more sedentary day, the Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise supplied us with a spectacular amount of wildlife including an extremely active group of humpback whales. What did you think of your group leader? Vicky and Amanda were faultless leaders: their aim of getting us to enjoy every day was obviously one that they really cared about. They communicated their own love of Alaska to the group throughout the trip, I'd be delighted to travel with them again. Their culinary skills were amazing: able to cater to a host of dietary needs on 4 gas rings. Also couldn't be faulted for their in depth knowledge of the best dive bars in town! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip notes don't mention walking poles, but the FAQs do - I'd say take them, some of the walks were pretty steep and I wished I'd taken mine with me. Some of the campsites are indeed 'rustic' with limited options for showering in the second week and no running water at all at the final campsite felt a bit unnecessary. The Alaskan mozzies are as fearsome as their reputation too, not much you can do to deter them in all honesty, just be ready to itch. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was without doubt one of the most beautiful places I've been, every day had jaw dropping views and ithe itinerary was more active than I had expected which was great. Most times the choice was open as to how active to be, so everyone in the group was able to go at their own pace which worked really well. We were lucky to have amazing weather through the whole of the trip - I could imagine that the camping may not have been so much fun had it been tipping down and cold for two weeks, but that's the risk you take. I guess. The final day of sea planing and bears got a big build up and it was a good day, but for me not necessarily the highlight.
Reviewed August 2013 Anonymous Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS OF ALASKA Fantastic combination of wildlife and scenery in Alaska's top destinations. The combination of stunning glaciers, fjords, mountains together with humpbacks, moose, bears, sea otters, beaver and caribou made this an unforgettable holiday What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many - the top three were :a) Watch humpbacks breach in Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Parkb) The 90 minute scenic flight over the Bagley icefield from McCarthyc) Watching two grizzlies, each with three cubs on our bear watching trip What did you think of your group leader? Both group leaders, Rebecca and Leah were very good. They organised the group well, got the right level of group participation from the outset and interacted with and informed the group very well.Rebecca's cooking was exceptionally good Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The only advice3 would be to take after bite in addition to deet spray as the mosquitos in certain areas were a problem Is there anything else you would like to add? We were lucky enough to experience good weather for the majority of the trip. Would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys stunning scenery and wildlife.
Reviewed August 2013 Anonymous Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS OF ALASKA A trip of a lifetime with breath-taking scenery! A good balance of challenging hikes and other activities like the whale watching cruise and scenic float plane flight. Its definitely aimed at people who like to be busy and active on their holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The hike to Harding ice field was fantastic with amazing views and ever changing terrain to hike through. What did you think of your group leader? The group leaders were fun-loving and quirky. Their enthusiasm and passion for Alaska was contagious. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Its nothing like I imagined or expected. Go with an open mind and you will love it.
Reviewed July 2013 Anonymous Trip: Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS OF ALASKA Wow, what a trip, lots of wildlife and the scenery was ever changing but amazing What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is hard to pick just one but the Glacier Flight in Denali National Park was fantastic, flying so close to Mount McKinley, seeing how the glacier has changed the valley. Also the float plane bear viewing trip was amazing. We go so close to the bears but they did not seem bothered by us at all. What did you think of your group leader? It was strange having two tour leaders but Mark and Alia did a very good job, provided lots of alternative options for the group not wanting to hike and were willing to amend things when the weather was poor. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you take a mosquito head net, they were the worst for 40 years and we all got bitten. Is there anything else you would like to add? Alaska is an amazing place unlike any other on the planet, with lots of glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife
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