- Hotel-based exploration of Alaska's dramatic wilderness
- Walk to giant glaciers and explore alpine tundra
- Wildlife spotting; from grizzly bears to whales

Kenai Peninsula
Leaving Anchorage we head the short distance south via the incredible Winner Creek Gorge to Seward. Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, the town, ringed by mountains and glaciers, enjoys spectacular views over the Gulf of Alaska. We discover this picturesque landscape on foot with our guide. A cruise round the frozen fingers of the Harding icefield offers Alaska's best marine life viewing: humpback or orca whales, sealions, seaotters and countless puffins (optional).

Glaciers, Canyons & Volcanoes
With views of the Columbia Glacier from the ferry across Prince William Sound, we pause to enjoy Valdez before continuing on to the copper town of McCarthy that lies within the enormous Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Shaped by volcanoes and ice, the land is a confusion of glaciers, canyons and tundra meadows, with nine of North America's highest peaks. Dall sheep are found on the higher slopes and bison range along the Copper River, full of every variety of wild salmon.

Denali National Park
Heading west across alpine tundra we stop at Tangle Lakes before we are greeted by the breath-taking beauty of Denali National Park. The "Call of the Wild" echoes through the spectacular scenery as we spend our time hiking park trails or whitewater rafting. Here we have highest chances of grizzly sightings. In summer an explosion of colourful plant life is splashed across the tundra.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Anchorage. Days 2/4 Kenai Peninsula From our base at Seward we explore the dramatic Kenai Peninsula famed for its glaciers, birdlife and whales. Day 5 Prince William Sound Today we take a ferry past the Columbia Glacier to Valdez. Days 6/8 Wrangell St Elias NP From the copper town of McCarthy we discover a region shaped by volcanoes and ice, the land is a confusion of glaciers, canyons and tundra meadows, with nine of North America's highest peaks. Dall sheep are found on the higher slopes and bison range along the Copper River, full of wild salmon Day 9 Alpine tundra Heading west across alpine tundra we pause to explore this baren yet wildly beautiful landscape. Days 10/12 Denali NP Region The "Call of the Wild" echoes through the spectacular scenery as we spend our time hiking park trails or whitewater rafting (optional). Here we have the best chances of grizzly sightings. We later head to Talkeetna. Day 13 Hatcher's Pass Knik Lodge: Weather conditions allowing we plan to cross the Hatchers Pass made famous by the nearby gold mine. Day 14 Anchorage Alaska's cosmopolitan capital. Day 15 Tour ends in Anchorage.

Accommodation: 14nts good standard hotels and inns.
Transport: Maxiwagon/Ferry.
Comment: There are walks for all abilities and all are optional.
Group: Approx. 8 to 12.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader.
Trip Reference: AKH