Join Alaska's Guided Tours & Accommodations on this unforgettable "9 Days in the

Valley” tour. This is a nine day, eight night tour that features the Matanuska Susitna Valley,

Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Anchorage. This is a fun packed

tour that provides some of the best of Alaska’s incredible views all along the way. Sit back

and enjoy as we take you on an escorted tour with your comfort and safety as our priority.

This is a relaxing trip that will show you some of the best sights in Alaska to include,

rafting, wildlife viewing, river safaris, glacier hiking & viewing and more. Enjoy this smaller-

sized Alaska tour that is led by local Alaskans.  We can also arrange flight seeing tours on request.

DETAILS:

Departure Dates June 1 - August 1, 2012
 

9 Days / 8 Nights
 

$3989.00 per person
 

Limited Availability - Vehicle accommodates 6 to 10 Guests

DAY ONE -   When you arrive in Anchorage, a 24 hour free shuttle will pick you up from

the airport and take you to your Hotel. These great accommodations are downtown so you

will be in walking distance of many of the Anchorage attractions and quaint local shops. All

meals are at your leisure on your own.

 

Schedule

Arrive at Anchorage
 

Shuttle Pick up from to your Hotel
 

Shopping in Historic Anchorage

Day One Links: Anchorage | Explore the city of Anchorage at your leisure. 

DAY TWO - Wake up to a big breakfast, Alaska's Guided Tours will pick you up at your

hotel and make our way for a short visit to the Alaska Wildlife Center. The center is

dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife and takes in injured and orphaned animals year-

round and provides them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that

cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. Afterwards,

we’ll continue our travels to see the famous 26 Glaciers—and with luck we will even see

some glacial calving. This is a great experience that won’t soon be forgotten among the world's most spectacular

glaciers and wildlife—and all aboard a luxurious catamaran. We’ll cruise through the calm, protected waters of

Prince William Sound and come face to face with towering masses of ice, migratory whales (in season) and

breathtaking Alaska scenery. Professional narration is provided by US Forest Service Rangers. Then we’ll travel on

to Seward. We’ll check-in to our Seward accommodations and the evening will be yours for dinner and to explore

this beautiful quaint town on the water. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast
 

Alaska Wildlife Center
 

Lunch
 

Luxury Catamaran
 

    - The Famous 26 Glaciers
 

    - Prince William Sound
 

Dinner, Shopping, and Nights Accommodations in Seward

Day Two Links: Alaska's Wild Life & Big Game | Sea Life Center | 26 Glacier Tour

DAY THREE - We’ll start the day with a full breakfast at our accommodations and then

we’re off to the Kenai Fjords in Resurrection Bay to view incredible Alaskan wildlife Wildlife—

including a tour of fox Island. We’ll cruise through the calm protected waters of Kenai Fjords

National Park with a one-of-a-kind stop at Fox Island for an all you can eat grilled wild Alaska

salmon and prime rib dinner—if you like you can add a ½ pound of Alaska king Crab. During

the day we’ll come face to face with towering masses of ice, migratory whales* and

breathtaking Alaska scenery. Professional narration is provided by U.S. Forest Service

Rangers on every cruise.  We’ll overnight in Seward. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are

provided.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast
 

Cruise through Resurrection Bay
 

   - Kenai Fjords
 

   - Fox Island
 

   - Wildlife Sightseeing
 

   - Whale Watching
 

Dinner Alaskan Salmon, Prime Rib, Alaskan King Crab
 

Overnight Accommodations in Seward

Day Three Links: Kenai Fjords Tour

DAY FOUR - After breakfast we’ll visit the Alaska Sea Life Center, an unrivaled, up-close

and personal experience with Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife. Witness a 2000+ pound Steller

sea lion gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in a carefully crafted

naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals resting on rocky beaches. Alaskan king crab, sea stars,

and the Giant Pacific octopus also await you, as well as a whole variety of intertidal creatures

and deep sea fishes.  Then we will say goodbye to beautiful Seward and start our way toward

the quaint town of Alyeska for an Aerial Tram ride and a late lunch.  The Alyeska Aerial Tram

is a seven-minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt.

Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see miles in all directions – including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven

“hanging” glaciers and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Moose and bear sightings are

common, too. At the Upper Tram Terminal, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking

panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of

wildlife. We will lunch at Alyeska.

Now we will make our way to the Crow Creek Gold Mine.  Established in 1896, the Crow Creek Mine was one of the

largest producing hydraulic placer gold mines in South Central Alaska and today is Alaska’s most popular

“recreational” gold panning area. No exact records are known that tell the true tale of exactly how much gold was

taken from this mine, but estimates put it around 700 ounces a month during peak production. When the commercial

mining operations came to a standstill during World War II, many believed that more gold remained in the creek than

had ever been mined out of it. The Toohey Family, owners and operators since 1969, strive to preserve not only the

rich history and beautiful natural scenery of Crow Creek Mine, but also the gold resources within its claims so that

many for years to come can experience the same thrill that the prospectors enjoyed when they first arrived at Crow

Creek. Nestled among the Chugach Mountains, Crow Creek Mine offers a unique blend of historical buildings,

antiques, rare mining equipment, beautiful gardens, amazing wilderness scenery, hiking trails (including the Historic

Iditarod Trail), and access to the explore the mines’ original claims. These claims are still producing gold to this very

day and with a little work and a bit of luck, you might be quite surprised to find that you too can catch “gold fever”.

Overnight at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed and Breakfast and finish the day with a BBQ dinner at the lakeside gazebo.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast
 

Alaska Sea Life Center
 

Aerial Tram Ride to Mt. Alyeska
 

Lunch at Alyeska
 

Crow Creek Gold Mine
 

Barbecue Dinner at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast
 

Overnight Accommodations at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast

Day Four Links:  Alaska's Sea Life Center | Crow Creek Mine

DAY FIVE - We begin the day with a satisfying breakfast and make our way to the town of

Talkeetna - a small historic frontier town on the way to the Great Mountain - Denali. But first,

we will join the Mahey’s riverboat tour where you’ll travel 130 miles round trip through Denali

State Park and into the National Wild River Park of "Devil’s Gorge". This is one of our high

adventure trips, designed for the hardy adventurer wishing to experience the thrill of the

ultimate Alaskan river experience. Along the trip you will stop at the Mahey’s Safari site, where

you will see a Dena'ina Indian Encampment and visit an authentic trapper’s cabin with its

original furnishings and view how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century.

You’ll see raw furs from the local area and demonstrated trapping methods. Naturalists will

acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system

and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Americans for cooking and medicines. As you

travel further into the remote Alaskan wilderness along the river you will have ever present opportunities to view

nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, moose and salmon and you just might see black bear and grizzly bear roaming

the shore. Stand in the splendor of Denali and the Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna

River! Please dress warmly and wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. Be sure to bring your camera to

capture this incredible experience. A boxed lunch is included in this all day adventure. Experience the unforgettable

beauty of this vast and remote wilderness on this five hour river adventure. Possibility of wildlife, and folklore,

artifacts, majestic scenery at every turn and high adventure combine to make this an unforgettable and exciting

Alaskan river adventure. After the Boat Safari, we’ll have some free time to see the "old Alaska” in Talkeetna and do

some souvenir hunting as well.

Then we’ll make our way to the Denali National Park and well have a late dinner at the Alaska Cabin Night Dinner

Theater. The cast/staff entertain you with songs and stories during dinner. The food is simple - ribs and salmon,

potatoes, beans and corn, and blueberry cobbler for dessert.  After dinner, the real show starts. The cast sings and

dances in an approximation of the story of the local settlers (some dramatic license is taken) and audience

participation is required in some places.  Your lodging will be near the Denali National Park. Meals Provided:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast
 

Historic Frontier Town of Talkeetna
 

130 Mile River Boat Safari through Denali State Park
 

   - Mahey’s Safari site
 

   - Dena'ina Indian Encampment
 

   - Trapping Demonstrations
 

   - Box Lunch Provided
 

Talkeetna Souvenir Shopping
 

Alaska Cabin Night Dinner Theater
 

   Menu - Ribs and Salmon, potatoes, beans and corn, and blueberry cobbler.
 

Overnight Accommodations Near Denali National Park

Day Five Links: Talkeetna | Mahays River Ride | Denali National Park | Alaska Cabin Night Dinner Theater:

DAY SIX - Denali National Park: Today you will get to enjoy the Denali Park tundra wildlife

tour. While you are out be sure that you keep your eyes open so you don't miss all the wildlife

that Alaska is so famous for. You will be provided a sack lunch while on the tour. We’ll stop for

dinner on the way to Wasilla.  Overnight at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed and Breakfast. 

Campfire in the evening by the lake, weather permitting. Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch,

and Dinner are provided.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast
 

Denali Park Tundra Wildlife Tour
 

Sack Lunch provided while on tour
 

Dinner in Wasilla
 

Evening Campfire on Lake Lucille

Overnight Accommodations at Alaska's Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast

Day Six Links:  Denali National Park

DAY SEVEN - Today's adventure will take you to the base of Matanuska Glacier -The

largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. The scenic drive makes this an easy day trip.  The

Matanuska is a beautiful valley glacier twenty four miles long and four miles wide descending

twelve thousand feet to the terminus. Nestled in the breathtaking Chugach Mountains. This

unique location provides for some of the best weather in the state of Alaska.

The trip to this glacier one of the most panoramic of your visit and will provide a great venue

for many pictures to remember your visit as you travel alongside the Matanuska River. Once

at the glacier you will be able to see and touch the blue ice, visit the 10 acre lake in the midst

of the glacier, visit moulans that fall hundreds of feet to the bottom of the ice as well as visit the crevasses the cover

the ice field. Afterwards, we will take a white water rafting ride down the Matanuska River to enjoy this great water

and sites.  Then we’ll return to Wasilla and lodgings at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast for a BBQ at the

lakeside gazebo. Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast

Matanuska Glacier

Box Lunch

White Water Rafting

Lakeside Gazebo BBQ Dinner at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast

Overnight Accommodations at Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast

Day Seven Links:  Chickloon | Matanuska Glacier

DAY EIGHT - We’ll start our day with a wonderful breakfast and then make our way to the

nearby Iditarod Dog Sled Head quarters. You will have the opportunity to experience a short

dog-sled ride, it's a short trip but one that will help makes this one of your most memorable

vacations! Also, there are usually sled dog puppies in the displays for you to see and cuddle

along with many great souvenirs to remember this visit. Warm your heart with the lure of the

husky puppies.  Then well travel to Thunderbird Falls.  On arrival we will leave our vehicle and

start an easy approximately one mile hike to a boardwalk and viewing platform. The wooded

trail follows alongside the ridge above the Eklutna River.  It’s about six feet wide and made of

well maintained gravel.  We’ll then make a brief stop at the Eklutna. With a population at 383 this Dena'ina

Athabascan village is the oldest inhabited location in the Anchorage area, having been inhabited for over 800 years.

The present population of the Eklutna area is still home to a significant community of Alaskan Native Americans,

most of whom are members of the federally recognized Native Village of Eklutna. Russian Orthodox missionaries

came here in the 1840’s. The melding of Orthodox Christianity and native practices resulted in the brightly-colored

spirit houses built over the graves of the deceased at the Eklutna Cemetery, which has been in use since 1650 and

is now a historical park. Visitors here can visit St. Nicholas Church, the oldest standing building in the greater

Anchorage area. Then we are off to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a renowned cultural center and museum in

Anchorage, an exciting place where we will learn more about Alaska's first people. Here we share the rich heritage

of Alaska's eleven cultural groups drawing upon the life-ways of long ago and the traditions that endure. It is time to

bring this tour to an end. As we bring you back to Anchorage to connect with your flights we hope that you have

enjoyed your tour of Alaska and have a safe return home. Meals Provided: Breakfast, and Lunch. Late afternoon

departures will be dropped off at the airport.

Schedule

Hearty Alaskan Breakfast

Iditarod Museum and Dog Sled Headquarters

Lunch

Eklutna River - Thunderbird Falls

St. Nicholas Church

Dinner

Anchorage Souvenir Shopping

Day Eight Links: Iditarod Headquarters | Thunder Bird Falls Trail | Eklutna Historial Park & Lake | Eklutna Russian

Orthodox Church |  Alaska Native Heritage Center | Anchorage

DAY NINE - Enjoy more of Anchorage and depart according to your flight schedule.

Day Nine Links: Anchorage

Payment and Cancellation Policy

A deposit of 50% of the services reserved is due at the time of your booking. The balance of your tour is due thirty

days prior to your first day of travel. Alaska's Guided Tours & Accommodations recommend and encourage you

to purchase trsvel insurance. We cannot make exception to our cancellation or change policies for any reason,

this includes family and medical emergencies. Cancellations must be received in writing.  Alaska's Guided Tours

will do our very best to help make your visit to Alaska a good one. We cannot be liable for inclement weather or 

acts of God.  

Cancellations are subject to the following fees per person. 

* 60 days or less prior to your tour departure: No refund, regardless of any circumstance

* Up to 61 days prior to your tour departure: $50 per person.

Reservations: To request this package, or to receive a quote at no obligation, please email or call us at 

907-357-  0352.

Included in your Tour

*All lodging

*All transportation including rail, flight seeing, van & boat

*All park and entrance fees

*National & State Park fees

*All activities exceept those stated as optional

*Complimentary beverages

*Breakfasts & lunches where listed.