Departure dates 2009: Jul 29, Aug 5, Aug 26, Sept 2.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Juneau
Transfer to the Goldbelt Hotel. The hotel’s waterfront locale is a perfect base for exploring Alaska’s beautiful capital city – and a great step-off for exciting optional excursions during your time here.
Day 2: Sail from Juneau
Your small ship sails in late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore Juneau. Once on board, step out on deck to watch Gastineau Channel glide by as you enter Alaska’s true wilderness. Includes: (D).
Day 3: Icy Strait
Watch for the gentle humpbacks as they feast on tiny krill churned by waters from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for the behaviors you may see them exhibit. The tiny Inian Islands stand between you and the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, with enticing opportunities to get out there and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep an eye out for a number of other marine wildlife, such as Steller's sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, and porpoise. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4 : Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Declared by many to be the most extraordinary and untouched place in the world, Glacier Bay was first established as a National Monument in 1925 and has since enjoyed the highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glacier Bay National Park shows you the earth in transition. The glaciers here are receding rapidly, leaving in their wake scoured cliffs and deep fjords. Watch for sea birds and Steller's sea lions off of South Marble Island and admire the 15,000-foot peak of Mt. Fairweather, the steepest climb from sea level in the world. Glide past massive glaciers of all varieties. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Wilderness Community
We will port call at one of a handful of small Alaskan villages to briefly get a taste of what it would be like to be part of a community that rests in the wild and off-the-beaten-path part of the world. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Sitka
This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the “jewel of the Inside Passage.” Its setting alone is breathtaking. While big ships must plow through miles of open ocean and moor far from the tiny docks, your small ship will come to Sitka “through the back door,” threading through beautiful Peril Strait and navigating the delicate passage through Sergius Narrows where tides challenge all but the most expert mariner’s skill. Enjoy the peaceful setting, or choose other optional excursions to further explore the gem of Baranof island. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Frederick Sound and Wilderness Exploration
Frederick Sound teems with the humpback whale’s favorite food – and the whales take full advantage, feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. This afternoon you’ll discover the joys of “gunkholing,” a nautical term that means, among other things, “exploring at leisure.” Your Captain and Exploration Leader know these waters intimately – and each voyage is likely to be different, depending on what magic they find to share with you. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Tracy Arm
Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snowcapped peaks, the Tracy Arm fjords are studded and stunning waterfalls. And there's the ice. Many travelers consider these narrow fjords the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Conditions permitting, your crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft to explore the waters and shorelines amid bouncing bergie bits calved from ancient glaciers. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Arrive in Juneau
We’ll say goodbye with regret as you disembark in Juneau this morning. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may have time to explore this charming city a bit more. When you’re ready to leave, we’ll escort you to the airport and send you home with our fondest wishes and a lifetime of unforgettable memories. (Note: The order of destinations on this itinerary may vary in response to conditions and/or opportunities.). Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes: Please note an additional fuel surcharge of $15 per person per night on ship. Cost includes taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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