Tour Overview
Welcome to Alaska! Our Family Adventure is perfect for the family that wants to experience all that is Alaska. This exciting program features bear watching at a private wilderness fly in camp in Lake Clark National Park, named “Best bush camp in North America” by Outside Magazine. Enjoy sightseeing, fishing, a glacier cruise and experience all that is Alaska.
Day 1: Anchorage, Alaska
Arrive Anchorage Airport and transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the hotel for check-in and overnight.
Perched on the shore of Lake Spenard, the Millennium Hotel Anchorage has a lot of Alaskan character and atmosphere. The hotel lobby resembles a hunting lodge with its stone fireplace. The guest rooms are very nice and are decorated in Alaskan themes. There is a restaurant and lounge with a patio facing Lake Spenard.
The remainder of the day is free for independent explorations.
Millennium Hotel Anchorage
Day 2: Anchorage- Sterling
Today at approximately 7:30am you will be picked up at the hotel and depart for Sterling. Enjoy a narrated tour by van of the scenic Kenai Peninsula en route to your lodge. The trip is about 2 ½ hours long and you will traverse some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state.
The 3-star Riverfront Lodge is located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula on 25 acres of prime mid-river property overlooking the confluence of the Kenai and Moose rivers with a backdrop of the mountains and glaciers of the Harding Ice field. This central location allows us to easily access the entire Kenai Peninsula. Spread throughout the property, the deluxe riverfront cabins feature private bath and fireplaces with spiral staircase.
After lunch at the lodge and a brief orientation, depart with your guide for what will likely be the highlight of your Alaskan adventure: Bear viewing at Lake Clark Bear Camp! Of all Alaska's wonders, perhaps none will stamp your memory more deeply than photographing and viewing these magnificent animals. The Remote Bear Viewing Camp, situated on the edge of Lake Clark National Park, at the foot of Mount Iliamna, will quite simply take your breath away. Your 50-minute flight (in 6 passenger Cessna 207's), will pass active volcanoes, huge glaciers, alluvial floodplains and rugged mountains before landing on the shoreline near camp. Here, we are the visitors and they are the inhabitants.
Return to the lodge in time for happy hour and dinner.
Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 3: Seward- Kenai Fjords National Park- Harding Ice Field
Seward, home of the Harding Ice Field is today’s destination. We will hike to the base of a glacier, and then spend the day on what many claim is Alaska’s #1 wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Kenai Fjords was declared a national monument in 1978 and designated a national park two days later. As well as the rugged coastal fjords for which it was named, and the glaciers, which, for many, are its chief attractions, the park is home to porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, humpback and orca whales, puffins, bald eagles and other animals.
The Harding Ice Field is a remnant of the Ice Age that caps a section of the Kenai Mountains 50 miles long and 30 miles wide. It’s an easy walk to the face.
After this exciting day, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 4: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Today it’s your choice, rafting or kayaking in the wildlife refuge.
We can travel by boat to a wilderness base camp for a paddle in safe, one-person kayaks in the quiet, meandering stream of the wildlife refuge. We’ll hope to spot some of the moose, brown and black bear, bald eagles, common loons and waterfowl that call this sanctuary home.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 5: Homer
No trip to Alaska is complete without a visit to the “End of the Road” and Homer. En route we will see local artist galleries, the world’s largest Halibut Sportfishing fleet, evidence of the huge earthquake and, active volcanoes and probably baby moose with their mothers.
Your first view of Homer and Kachemak Bay is truly unforgettable and we’ll spend a fun filled day exploring the art and uniqueness of the famous boardwalk at “Lands End”.
Return to the lodge in time for happy hour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 6: Sterling- Fishing
Today the family goes fishing! You may target salmon or trout as your guide instructs you in the technique that will lure large wild pacific salmon or rainbow trout. You can also opt to hike to view spawning salmon jumping up a mountain waterfall. It’s your pleasure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 7: Kenai Peninsula
The Russian and Native History of Alaska is explored with visits to early Russian forts and churches, homestead carvers and furriers, and the hub of the famous commercial salmon fishing fleet. The day will not only be enjoyable, but will educate the family on the magic of the 50th state.
Enjoy lunch on the trail, and then return to the lodge for a welcome shower, happy hour and dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Riverfront Lodge
Day 8: Sterling- Anchorage
You’ll have your choice of a hike to view spawning salmon jumping up a waterfall or a morning salmon charter. It’s your choice.
Return to the lodge for showers and good-byes.
Depart the lodge for Anchorage at 2:30pm aboard the floatplane from the lodge’s dock.
Arrangements will be made to shuttle you from the floatplane dock in Anchorage to the Millennium Hotel.
Overnight at one of Alaska’s most interesting hotels.
Breakfast, Lunch
Millennium Hotel Anchorage
Day 9: Anchorage- Depart
Check out of the hotel and use the hotels courtesy shuttle to transfer to Anchorage Airport for your flight home.
Departure Dates
Depart any day from June 1 to September 15. Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details!
Prices
June 1 to September 15, 2009
Prices are based on a family of four- two adults and two children age 12 and under- traveling together. Please contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for other pricing.
$4,395 per person
$3,195 per child age 12 and under
Inclusions:
· Accommodations in a Standard Room at the Millennium Hotel Anchorage for two nights.
· Transfer from the Millennium Hotel Anchorage to the Riverfront Lodge in a family suite for seven nights.
· Excursion to Lake Clark Bear Camp including lunch and flight in a Cessna 207.
· All meals from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 8.
· Floatplane transfer Sterling to Anchorage on day 8.
Exclusions:
· Flights to and from Anchorage and related costs.
· Travel insurance
· Arrival and departure transfers in Anchorage- use of hotels courtesy shuttle.
· Any meals not specified in the program.
· Items of a personal nature
· Alcoholic beverages
· Fishing licenses
· Gratuities
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Packing information
We have chosen to travel to remote locations so that you may experience the true Alaskan Wilderness… you will experience both the comfort of the lodge and the native splendor of the unspoiled Alaskan country. Your clothing should reflect this as well. Lightweight, pack able clothing that dries quickly is a must. Don’t pack heavy- pack smart! The general idea is to be able to get your gear into one soft-sided duffel and one mid-size day pack. Start with good “new generation” long underwear, add pants, shorts and finish off with a good gore-tex style rain suit. (Latex or nylon will work in a pinch but perspiration is often a problem). Good footwear is also a must; plan on water resistant, high top hiking shoes with a solid sole and good tread.
Papers: Airline tickets and/or confirmations; Photo ID and credit card. Small bills for tipping.
Luggage: Be sure to have a mid-sized day pack for excursions and day trips. You will be able to leave any larger bags at the lodge.
Clothes: A few light weight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear. Supplex is a great new fabric that wears well, stays neat and packs incredibly. Note: an inexpensive laundry service is provided, so you can keep what you have to pack and carry to a minimum.
Outerwear: Waterproof, breathable rain jacket and pants.
Footwear: Sturdy, lightweight (broken in) waterproof boots with aggressive tread and running or walking shoes or sandals for general wear.
Other items: Headlamp with extra batteries and bulb, pocket knife, water bottle, sunglasses and retainer strap, sun block and lip balm, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, toiletries, Ziploc plastic bags for your wet items, camera, film, battery, waterproof disposable camera, reading & writing materials, bandanna, hat, binoculars.
Weather: May and June averages range from the low 50’s to mid 60’s. July averages mid 60’s to mid 70’s. August from the 40’s to 60’s and September 40’s and 50’s,
Bugs: Not a problem a little bug spray can’t handle.
Alcohol: Happy hour is complimentary as is wine in your room when you arrive. Additional beverages are available at a nearby package store. Ice and coolers are available for your room if desired.
Gratuities: We are often asked, “What is the standard tip?” In the interest of information only, here is the typical range for gratuities:
Guide: $10-$25 per person, per day
Housekeeping: $3-$5 per day
Kitchen staff: $3-$10 per person, per day
Other staff: $1-$2 per day
Here are some things to keep in mind when spending time at Bear Camp:
· Bring a small daypack or back pack for your things. The weight limit is 20 pounds per person.
· The weather is generally cooler so bring an extra sweater/jacket and a waterproof outer layer.
Communications to/from the lodge
The lodge has a wireless connection and there is a guest telephone at the lodge. The dedicated guest line is outgoing only and is located in a common, yet private, area of the lodge. Guests can make calling card calls over this line. Please advise family, friends and associates that in order to speak a guest at the lodge it is necessary for them to call the business line at (907) 262- 4515 and leave a message and the guest will call back on the guest line. Email access is available upon a computer at the lodge from 6:30 to 9:30 pm only.
Liquor
The lodge does not have alcohol available for purchase. However, a selection of beer, wine and spirits are provided complimentary during the nightly happy hour. An order form with a wide selection of fine red and white wines, generally about 20 choices will be available at the lodge. This local liquor distributor will deliver your purchase to you at the lodge. You are welcome to bring your own favorite brand of liquor, beer or wine and you can keep it in your room or it can be kept behind the bar.
Alaskan Fishing Licenses
State of Alaska fishing licenses and salmon stamps are not included in your tour price. They are available for purchase at the lodge and the cost is as follows: Non-resident license for 3 days is $20 and for 7 days is $30
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