Alaska
Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness
Hosted by Betchart Expeditions, Inc.
Coastal ITINERARY
8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
DAY 1: Sitka, Alaska/Embark Ship
Our flight from Seattle to Sitka provides a scenic overview of Alaska’s fjords and waterways. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the totems of Sitka National Historic Park and the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center.
DAY 2: Exploring Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Hike, kayak or cruise island coastlines — in an area with the world’s highest density of nesting bald eagles.
DAY 3: Inian Pass/Point Adolphus
Cruise to Inian Pass, where playful sea otters reside, and hike, kayak and search for whales at Point Adolphus, a feeding area for humpbacks.
DAY 4: Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay is ideal for surveying the enormous glaciers that flow from the ice fields. Look for humpback and orca whales, and witness thunderous calving glaciers.
DAY 5: Exploring Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound
In these waters rich with wildlife, watch for different species of whales, and Steller’s sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands. Hike or kayak in this stunning setting.
DAY 6: Petersburg
Explore this small town on Mitkof Island and get an insight into the character of a true Alaskan town: isolated yet connected by the spirit of community.
Flightseeing is an option here.
DAY 7: Tracy Arm
We mingle among huge icebergs in this 22-mile-long fjord, pass cascading waterfalls and often sight black bears and mountain goats along the shoreline.
DAY 8: Juneau/Disembark/Seattle
A visit to the Alaska State Museum provides a perfect conclusion to our exploration of this “frontier” land before our flight to Seattle.
Note: Lindblad Expeditions is authorized to operate in the Tongass National Forest under a Forest Service special use permit.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK EXTENSION:
Featuring a stay at the historic Kantishna Roadhouse
Denali ITINERARY
7 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS
Denali National Park is one of North America’s natural treasures, crowned by Mt. McKinley, the highest peak on the continent at 20,320 feet.
By staying at historic Kantishna Roadhouse, we are able to travel deep within the park — and remain there. Winding through the remote Alaska Range, deep into the heart of the park, the “Park Road” offers opportunities to see Denali's famed wildlife: grizzlies, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, eagles, and weather permitting, views of magnificent Mt. McKinley. Other highlights include a visit to the Alaskan Native Heritage Center in Anchorage and a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad.
DAY 1: Anchorage, Alaska
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the Millennium Hotel. This evening meet your leader and traveling
companions at a welcome dinner.
DAY 2: Anchorage/Talkeetna
In the morning visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the diverse native cultures of
Alaska. In the afternoon travel north to the small town of Talkeetna, famous as the base for climbing
expeditions to Mt. McKinley. You can explore Talkeetna on foot, or take an optional flightseeing
tour of Mt. McKinley. Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
DAY 3: Talkeetna/Denali National Park
Continue north to Denali National Park. As we drive to the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, located
deep within the Park, we may see wildlife including caribou, moose, grizzly bears and, weather permitting,
spectacular views of Mt. McKinley.
DAYs 4 and 5: Denali National Park
Each day we venture out in search of the region's abundant wildlife, go hiking with our
naturalist/guide, pan for gold, or simply relax in this magnificent setting.
DAY 6: Denali National Park/Anchorage
This morning we enjoy a wildlife drive from Kantishna Roadhouse back out to the Park entrance. At
the Park entrance board the Alaska Railroad for the trip to Anchorage, with dinner en route in the
Dining Car. Overnight at the Millennium Hotel.
DAY 7: Anchorage/Sitka or Juneau/Home
This morning fly to either Sitka or Juneau to begin your Alaska voyage. Or if your extension is taken after your voyage, transfer to the airport for connecting flights home.