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This exciting overland adventure combines two of Alaska's most popular destinations, the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park. The trip is designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of only a week away from home. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys. Venture into the wilderness by raft, explore the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters, hike up to see views of North America's highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.

Kenai and Denali Journey

Day 1 – Raft in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge

Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Clarion Suites Hotel. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the to our launch site on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing and gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Kenai Wildlife Refuge Exploration

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 – Talkeetna / Mt. McKinley

Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own.

Accommodations: Talkeetna
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Denali Wildlife Safari and Kantishna

After breakfast, continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Embark on a 6-hour wildlife drive through Denali National Park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Kantishna Exploration

Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations, and mountain biking. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Denali Wildlife Drive / Alaska Railroad to Anchorage

Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad for your comfortable journey back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train.

Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of travel unique.

Land Cost Includes: Airport arrival transfer via courtesy shuttle, most meals, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, rafting, kayaking, hiking activities, private coach transfers to Talketna and Denali and Alaska Railroad return from Denali to Anchorage.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; some meals, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: The Kenai and Denali Journey begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Meet your expedition leader at 9:00am on Day 1 at our designated Anchorage hotel. The trip ends when your Alaska Railroad train arrives at the Anchorage station on Day 6 at about 8:30pm. Most travelers plan to arrive at the Anchorage airport (ANC) one day before and depart one day after the trip. If you would like assistance with Anchorage hotel arrangements please call our Alaska travel experts.

Single Travelers: Single rooms are available for a 25% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will charge the 25% single supplement, then refund this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found the 25% single supplement will apply.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $500 per traveler is due at the time of booking. A second deposit of 50% of the trip total is due 120 day prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations: Your accommodations will be a mixture of wilderness lodges and hotels.

Luggage Allowance: Our remote wilderness lodges in Denali National park will only allow guests to bring 1 piece of luggage per person. Additionally, guest are allowed 1 small backpack which they may take with them on the bus journey into the park. Each additional piece of luggage will incur a cost of $50. Prior to boarding the bus trip into the national park, excess luggage can be stored at the baggage storage facility across from the Denali train station for $5 per bag per day.

Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors. Kayaking, rafting and hiking activities will satisfy novice and experienced paddlers alike.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining an Adventure Cruise.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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