North America
alaska the
dramatic northwest
trip highligh­­­ts
True Alaskan wilderness
Prince William Sound
Denali National Park & Kenai Fjords National Park
Talkeetna & Chugach Mountains
Unique landscapes & dramatic mountains,
glaciers and turquoise lakes
Abundant wildlife, glacier hike and sea kayaking
Wrangell‑St Elias National Park
Trip Duration12 days
Trip Code: DNW
GradeIntroductory
ActivitiesAdventure Touring, Wildlife Viewing, Day Walking
Summary12 day trip, 11 nights hotel/lodge/cabin
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Alaska The Dramatic Northwest
trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten
track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of
coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness
regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that
our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for
the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
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why travel with World Expeditions?
Our Alaskan operators have been providing high quality wilderness
experiences in Alaska for many years. The experience and enthusiasm
of our local Alaskan guides ensures that we maintain the leading
edge in adventure travel and ensures our trips are unique and provide
excellent value for money. Our group size is small, never exceeding a
maximum number of 12. This trip really gets off the beaten track into
areas where very few others travel and offers the opportunity to see
the real Alaska away from the more frequently visited parts that are
easier to reach. Compare our prices and we feel that few trips can
compare in terms of value for money. In addition responsible travel is
important to us. Our company was ‘Highly Commended’ for Best in a
Mountain Environment in the Responsible travel awards. Given our local
knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that
this trip will be the trip of a lifetime.
alaska the dramatic
northwest
Experience Alaska’s most beautiful National Parks
Alaska
Denali NP
Wrangell St-Elias NP
Anchorage
Chitina
Kenai NP
Valdez
Canada
trip cost
Joining Anchorage:£4290
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Forced Single Supplement:
£1200
Optional Single Supplement:
£1550
World Expeditions will endeavour to arrange for
single travellers to share accommodation with
another participant of the same gender, however if
we can not match you up a single supplement will
be applicable. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For Competitive airfares to Anchorage and stopover
ideas,contact our expert staff today to recieve a detailed quote.
the trip
Alaska’s greatest asset may actually be its diversity and the state’s superlatives simply defy
the imagination. Alaska is home to Prince William Sound – a diverse maritime complex of
tidewater glaciers and deep fjords, Wrangell‑St. Elias – America’s largest National Park
and home to 9 of the 16 highest peaks on the continent, Denali – the highest peak in North
America at 20,320’, and to countless treasures that fill the pages of coffee table books
around the world. Our popular itinerary will allow you to sample the wonders of Alaska by
hiking, kayaking, rafting, cruising and flying through its vast wilderness all while enjoying the
comfortable accommodation in some of Alaska’s most famous lodges and B&B’s. If you want
to actively experience and participate in the “real” Alaska but would prefer not to camp, then
this 12‑day itinerary is the quintessential adventure.
at a glance
DAY 1ARRIVE ANCHORAGE
DAY 2TO SEWARD AND HIKE KENAI FJORDS (~10KM AND 900M ELEVATION GAIN)
DAY 3KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4TO VALDEZ
DAY 5KAYAKING IN SHOUP BAY
DAY 6TO CHITINA AND BUSH FLIGHT ACROSS WRANGELLS MOUNTAIN RANGE TO
MCCARTHY
DAY 7ROOT GLACIER WALK (~10KM AND UP TO 900M ELEVATION GAIN)
DAY 8RETURN TO CHITINA BY BUSH FLIGHT AND TRANSFER TO TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS
DAY 9MATANUSKA GLACIER & DENALI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 10DENALI NATIONAL PARK & WILDLIFE SPOTTING
DAY 11RAFTING THE NENANA RIVER
DAY 12ANCHORAGE
what’s included
10 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 6 dinners
Good lodge accommodation
Mountain flight from Chitna to McCarthy & return
All group gear and safety equipment
Private transport in good quality vehicles throughout, wildlife bus tour in Denali
National Park
Prince William Sound ferry
Guided hiking as described
Professional guide throughout
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and make your way to the group hotel located near the airport, on the shores
of Lake Hood. Settle into your room, and explore wonderful downtown Anchorage. The hotel offers
complimentary airport shuttles for ease and convenience. NB: If you wish to spend more time in
Anchorage then we are able to book additional nights for you. Accommodation Lakefront Anchorage
or similar.
meals: NIL
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alaska the dramatic
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Experience Alaska’s most beautiful National Parks
trip dates
2017
03Jun - 14Jun
17Jun - 28Jun
04Jul - 15Jul
important notes
Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing
after this date, the price will likely increase subject to
local inflationary pressures on operational costs.
fast facts
Countries Visited:
United States of America, Alaska
Singles:
Single travellers who are unable to be
matched with another single traveller
of the same gender, must pay a
single supplement on this trip.
Brochure Reference:
The Americas
DAY 2To Seward and Hike Kenai Fjords (~10km and 900m elevation gain)
This morning you will meet your guides in the hotel lobby for introductions and a group orientation
at 8am. We’ll load into our comfortable vans and begin the drive south from Anchorage through
Turnagain Pass to Seward. The drive along the Seward Highway has been called one of the most
scenic drives in the world. Beluga Whales cruise the waters of Turnagain Arm and glaciers cling to
the rugged mountains of the Chugach Range. Once in Seward, we will take an hour to settle into
the Harborview Inn - home for the next 2 nights. After settling into our accommodations and briefly
getting acquainted with the charming character of this coastal fishing town, we’ll head into Kenai
Fjords National Park to begin our amazing hike along the astounding Harding Icefield Trail! This
strenuous but rewarding hike winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather
filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield.
This evening your guides prepare a celebratory wild Alaskan salmon bake along the shores of
Resurrection Bay.
meals: L,D
DAY 3Kenai Fjords National Park
After an early breakfast, we’ll head down to the harbor to prepare for today’s saltwater adventure in
the incomparable Kenai Fjords. Those choosing the sportfishing option will check in at the harbor at
6:45 am and will be on the water by 7. And those opting for Kenai Fjords National Park tour will have
a bit more time to enjoy their coffee before boarding their vessel for an 8am departure. As you head
into the park, be on the lookout for whales, sea lions, eagles, puffins, bears and Mt. Goats as we tour
this amazing coastal national park. You’ll have the option to visit the Alaska Sealife Center - Alaska’s
only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center. (Please note this is an optional activity at
your own expense.) That evening toast the day at one of Seward’s many tasty restaurant options.
meals: B,L
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors
to minimise the impact of our presence.
World Expeditions were the proud recipients
of the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook.
This detailed guide to responsible &
sustainable travel is provided to all
World Expeditions clients before they
travel. Please ask your consultant if
you have not received your copy of our
award winning book. Alternatively, you
may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
DAY 4To Valdez
We begin the day with a drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway. On the way we’ll make a
short visit to the Portage Glacier Visitor Center. Upon our arrival in Whittier, we’ll board an Alaska
State Ferry for the trip to Valdez. Our crossing of Prince William Sound sails right along the face of
the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Tonight, we stay at the Valdez
Harbor Inn in downtown Valdez.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 5Kayaking in Shoup Bay
Today we spend the day kayaking in Shoup Bay. Timing the tides, the trip will begin with an
orientation by our sea kayaking guides, followed by a 25 minute water taxi ride down the Valdez Arm
and into Shoup Bay. After hauling kayaks and gear off of the boat, we’ll load into sea-kayaks and
begin paddling into the inner sanctum of the Bay. Once inside, we’ll paddle past the largest Black
Legged Kittiwake rookery in Prince William Sound and enjoy lunch the foot of the ancient tidewater
glacier as it cracks, grumbles, and calves massive blocks of ice into the saltwater. Sea kayaking
among the floating miniature icebergs makes for a fun obstacle course to test our paddling skills
as does riding the swift current of the connecting stream on an outgoing tide. Tonight you’re free
to enjoy dinner on your own at one of Valdez’s many restaurants. This walkable town offers many
options just steps from our hotel.
meals: B,L
DAY 6To Chitina and bush flight across Wrangells mountain range to McCarthy
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin the scenic drive along the Richardson Highway from Valdez
to the tiny town of Chitina. We’ll stop briefly to witness the spectacular Bridalveil Falls in Keystone
Canyon and will then break for a picnic near the Worthington Glacier. The Worthington, a Natural
Historic Landmark, is a spectacular glacier that tumbles from the Chugach Mountains. A brief
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alaska the dramatic
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Experience Alaska’s most beautiful National Parks
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant of travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary,
and may supersede any information in
the current brochure, including but not
limited to the itinerary and price.
hike will take us up a sweeping moraine offering stunning views of the blue ice and crevasses
of the glacier and magnificent vistas of the mighty Chugach. From Chitina, we’ll make the 40
minute bush flight through the Wrangell Mountains to the historic town of McCarthy. We’ll check
into the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, our home for two nights. This lodge has quite possibly the best
view in Alaska and its historic charm, great food and warm hospitality make it one of the premier
destinations in the state.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Root Glacier walk (~10km and up to 900m elevation gain)
After breakfast, we’ll join St. Elias Alpine guides for an interpretive walk through the historic
Kennicott Copper Mill before strapping on a pair of crampons and heading out on to the Root Glacier
for a full four hours of glacier hiking. If time allows, we’ll take an afternoon hike to the Jumbo
Copper Mine. Our glacier hike is suitable for beginners and children and is an amazing adventure on
a real moving glacier.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Return to Chitina by bush flight and transfer to Talkeetna Mountains
We return by bush flight to Chitina by noon and then make our way north and west along the Glenn
Highway. Views of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains, the Wrangell Mountains and the Alaska Range
will accompany us along the way. We’ll check into Sheep Mountain Lodge where we’ll sleep in
log cabins. Sheep Mountain Lodge, nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains, is a favorite destination
for Alaskans and tourists alike. Its views, real Alaskan charm, and amazing food make for an
unforgettable stay.
meals: B,L
DAY 9Matanuska Glacier & Denali National Park
Time permitting this morning, we may take a 2hr return hike up to Lion Head for amazing views of
the mighty Matanuska Glacier and Talkeetna Mountains. We continue along the Glenn Highway past
the glacier and through the fertile Matanuska/Susitna Valley - a region referred to as Alaska’s bread
basket. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic in Denali State Park. If the weather is kind, we may
enjoy our first views of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and the rest of the mighty Alaska Range. That evening,
we will check into our cabins situated near the entrance to Denali National Park. After settling into
the clean and comfortable cabins, we’ll make our way to a local eatery for a group dinner.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 10Denali National Park & wildlife spotting
We’ll enjoy an delicious early breakfast at the McKinley Creekside Cafe before boarding the park
shuttle bus for the 60-mile ride through the heart of Denali National Park to the Eielson Visitor
Center. The park road we travel is closed to regular vehicle traffic after the initial 15 miles. The
shuttle bus provides the only way to visit the park’s amazing interior. Along the road corridor, keep
your eyes peeled for Denali’s famous furry inhabitants carving out their existence amidst the some
of the most amazing scenery in North America. Probability is high that you’ll see caribou, moose,
wolves, grizzlies, and Dall’s sheep. And If the weather is kind, numerous chances to view Mt.
McKinley – North America’s highest peak at 20,320’ - will greet you at every turn!
meals: B,L
DAY 11Rafting the Nenana River
We’ll spend a half-day rafting the mighty Nenana River with the pros at Denali Outdoor Center. The
Nenana is an exciting whitewater river and our expert guides will take us through canyons and
rapids as we enjoy spectacular views and perhaps of Dall’s sheep grazing the peaks of the Alaska
Range. Rafting the Nenana is a true classic. The rest of the day can be spent exploring more of the
park and its facilities, taking an optional flightseeing trip around Mt. McKinley, or simply relaxing
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Experience Alaska’s most beautiful National Parks
to the sights and sounds of this magnificent place. Your guides will gladly point you in the right
direction so that you can maximize your remaining time in Denali National Park. We’ll celebrate our
final evening enjoying Denali’s best pizza dinner.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 12Anchorage
After a leisurely morning enjoying the sights of McKinley village, we’ll board the Alaska Railroad’s
Denali Star for the eight hour rail cruise back to Anchorage. A highlight of the journey, the trip south
by rail offers wonderful photographic opportunities and amazing views of this vast wilderness.
Please schedule homebound flights for after 10pm.
meals: B,L
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
suggested extensions
Tofino Coastal Explorer
country information
Alaska is like no other place in the United States and is often referred to as America’s ‘Last
Frontier’. Sparsely populated, filled with towering mountains, enormous glaciers, and an
abundance of wildlife and wide open space, it is a region filled with superlatives. Alaska is
not only the country’s largest state (almost 2.5 times the size of Texas), it is also home to the
country’s largest national park (Wrangell‑St. Elias), its tallest mountain (Denali at 6190m), and
it’s longest (and shortest) days. Approximately half of all visitors arrive by cruise ship and a
very small percentage explore deep into its heart. This means a very special experience for
the traveler seeking off‑the‑beaten path adventure.
climate
Alaska’s climate is variable, due to the state’s large size. The southeastern and south‑central
coasts are wet and mild, the interior is cool and dry, and the northern region experiences very
cold, dry weather. For travellers, this means preparation is key for encountering the many
temperatures that may be experienced, from hot gusty days to below zero morning and
evening temperatures. Please refer to Alaska’s National Weather Service at http://www.arh.
noaa.gov/ and http://www.worldweather.org/ for up to date information.
a typical day
Depending on the itinerary for the day, you will either be travelling or sightseeing. There will
also be plenty of time to enjoy many places at your own pace. Generally the day would start
reasonably early, depending on what the plan for the day entails.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian
diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please
ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to
your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or
alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with
special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a
peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the
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possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies
and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
accommodation on the trip
This journey uses a mix of hotels, cabins and lodges. All rooms will be double occupancy and
will have private bathrooms when available. Due to the remoteness of some of the destinations,
lodging options are extremely limited and some can be considered rustic and remote. However
all of the accommodation is both clean and comfortable. A limited number of single rooms will
be available on each departure. A single supplement charge will be required for single room
requests. If you are a single, we will try to match you with another person of the same gender,
but this is often not possible. If it is not possible to provide a room mate of the same gender
then it will be necessary for us to charge you a single supplement approx 8 weeks prior to
departure. In this case, only a portion of the full single supplement will be charged.
pre and post tour accommodation
Our group hotel is the Lakefront Anchorage, near the airport and on Lake Hood. The hotel
includes complimentary shuttles and you are to make your own way here on Day 1. Extra nights
pre‑ or post‑ tour can be arranged on request.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location
and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as
sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.
equipment required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is
provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).
non exclusive trips
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and is operated by
our partners in Alaska. Groups are pleasantly informal, usually comprised of a wide range of
nationalities and are aimed at healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.
visas
All travellers will require a valid passport to enter the United States and your passport should
still be valid for 6 months after you return from your trip. If you are travelling on more than
one passport, please use the same passport for the entire trip. The following information also
applies to visitors entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (including Australians, New
Zealanders, and British):
From 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a
passport with the following criteria:
If your passport was issued before October 26, 2005, it must be ‘machine readable’ (with 2 lines
of letters, numbers and <<< at the bottom)
If your passport was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006, it must be
machine readable and include a digital photo
If your passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006, it must be an e‑passport with a digital
photo and an integrated chip (with this internationally recognised symbol <http://www.dhs.
gov/e‑passports> on the front cover).
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It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct passport and that there are sufficient
blank pages for any visas required and for entry/departure stamps.
Many travellers to the United States (including Australians, New Zealanders and British) entering
the country require a prearranged, approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver
Program. The authorization must be in hand upon entry to the USA and can be obtained at the
following official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for a fee of US$14, payable by credit or debit
card. It is very important to make payments through the official website. Visa Waiver travellers
who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air
carrier bound for the United States.
From 21 January 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since
March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the
Visa Waiver Program and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a
visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Certain exemptions apply on a case‑by‑case
basis. Bottom line: If in doubt, please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Please consult your reservation consultant/travel agent if you have any questions regarding your
eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
(ESTA).
All other passport holders should check with the relevant consul.
Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or
transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements
of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest
you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your
responsibility to obtain all necessary visas.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special
evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and
passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure
opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter!
You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we
operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services
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on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these
services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at
the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.worldexpeditions.com.
On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your
non‑refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares. Call your nearest
World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation.
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