Alaskan Wildland Glacier Tour 8 days / 7 nights

Trip Overview

Experience the natural wonder of Alaska with this great Alaska adventure camping package. Stay near the base of Matanuska glacier, journey deep within Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and explore the temperate rainforest near Valdez with a small group of travelers led by a knowledgeable Alaska adventure travel guide. After a full day of activities, spend the night camping in beautiful parks surrounded by forests and towering mountains. Necessary camping gear is provided—all you need is a sleeping bag and pad. This Alaska vacation is ideal for both novice campers and experienced outdoors enthusiasts.

Trip Images

Those are some pretty spiky boots, which will help you from not sinking into deep snow.
You'll feel like there is no civilization around for miles on top of this glacier!
Look out on the sides of mountains for these big horn sheep as they scale the rocks.
One of the many fishing marinas of Alaska.

Map

Arrive Anchorage
1 night Anchorage
1 night Matanuska River Valley
2 nights Wrangell St Elias National Park
2 nights Valdez
1 night Prince William Sound
Depart from Anchorage

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage
 Upon arrival in Alaska you will make your way to your Anchorage hotel for the night by complimentary hotel shuttle bus. You have the remainder of the day to explore the town of Anchorage on own.
 Day 2 - Matanuska River Valley
Get to know the other members of your group this morning as you drive to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska. Spend the afternoon taking a glacier tour as you walk onto the glacial ice and moraine to explore the unique glacial features with your knowledgeable guide.

Days 3 and 4 - Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Spend two days at Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the U.S. and one that contains many of North America's highest peaks. Explore old copper mining towns as well as the massive Kennicott and Root Glaciers, which are overshadowed by the incredible 5000 foot Stairway Icefall. These generally inaccessible wonders will be yours to explore as you spend the whole day in the area. Spend the next 2 nights at a historic hotel or in cabins.

Days 5 and 6 - Valdez and Prince William Sound
Your Alaska tour continues with a scenic drive to Valdez. From here you can gaze at the historic Alaska Pipeline and stop at the Worthington Glacier for a short hike. Later, cross scenic Thompson Pass and arrive in Valdez to explore the harbour. Often referred to as the 'Little Switzerland' of Alaska, Valdez is beautifully situated at the base of the towering Chugach Mountains. The lush landscape, high concentration of glaciers and great outdoor recreation make Valdez a popular destination. Take advantage of the great hiking available in the area or pursue any of the other unique activities.

Day 7 - Prince William Sound
Continue today on a scenic ride across Prince William Sound on the Alaska State Ferry. Relax and enjoy the scenery from the deck keeping an eye out for bears, humpback and killer whales, Dahl’s porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals, and mountain goats. Keep your camera in hand as you pass the breathtaking Columbia Glacier, one of the largest and most magnificent tidewater glaciers in the state. The afternoon's destination is the cozy and historic town of Hope where the friendly locals and beautiful scenery will make you eager to set up camp for the night on the shore of the Turnagain Arm.

Day 8 - Hope to Anchorage
 On the final day of your tour, explore Hope’s fascinating gold rush past and explore the area on a short hike. An exhilarating alternative could be an optional white water rafting adventure on Sixmile Creek or Granite Creek. Return to Anchorage in the evening to say your goodbyes and be dropped off at the Anchorage airport or a hotel.

Please Note: This itinerary is a sample only. Itineraries may change without notice. Contact our travel agents for detailed information.

Can't decide which trip is best for you?

Call a friendly local expert today.

US & Canada  UK 0-800-917-5924 AUS 1-800-992-872

Accommodations

Luxury camping, historic lodge/inn, and standard hotel

Options & Upgrades

Please contact us and tell us which activities you would like to include (all activities quoted on US dollars):
 Days 3 & 4 Wrangell St. Elias National Park:
 • Glacier hiking with crampons - From $55
• Ice climbing with expert guides - $100
• Flight seeing - From $90
• Historic mine tours of Kennicott - $25
 Days 5 & 6: Valdez & Prince William Sound
 • Sea kayaking to Shoup Glacier - $145
• River rafting on Lowe River - From $50
• Glacier / wildlife cruises - $90-$130
• Ocean fishing for Halibut and Salmon - $185 - $200

• All tours start & end in Anchorage, if you would like to book post nights in Anchorage please request quote. We suggest you ask us to book this for you at the time of reservation. At any rate you should advise us of your hotel as soon as possible after booking.

Dates & Prices

2010 Departure Dates May 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
Dates & Rates USD$
May 29 - Aug 28 2010 1,311
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person based on two sharing

Includes • 1 night standard hotel Anchorage
• 4 nights deluxe camping
• 2 nights historic hotel or cabins
• Entrance to 5 National Parks and protected areas
• Scenic ferry across Prince William Sound
• Walk on Matanuska Glacier
• Excellent hiking opportunities
• An experienced Alaska adventure travel guide
• A specially equipped passenger van
• All of the specialized camping equipment needed (except sleeping bag & pad)
• All meals but two (eaten at restaurants along the route) - meals are so spectacular they have been asked to create a cookbook!

 Not Included
• Airfare to/from Anchorage
• Sleeping bag and pad (can be rented for $25 US each)
• Personal items
• Meals while staying in Anchorage
• Two meals at restaurants along the trip
• Optional activities
• Gratuities
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.