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Wild Earth’s Alaska & the Rockies

Wild Earth’s Alaska & the Rockies

From $11,370 USD

Description

Cloud failure or liquid sunshine, our Alaska small ship adventure cruises are perfect for exploration—paddling, hiking, hot tub under the stars, “polar bear plunges,” even playing in the mud with your expert expedition team. Glacier Bay National Park; Native totems; breaching whales; soaring eagles; rainforests; northern lights. Do as much or as little as you like on an unforgettable journey.

Trip Name
Wild Earth's Alaska & the Rockies
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 232 ft Passenger Capacity: 86 Built / Refurbished: 1983 / 2012 Aboard this spacious expedition vessel, three decks offer ample outside vantage points for taking in daytime sights and the sparkling night sky with new friends. Interior spaces including the intimate lounge, cask wine bar, and cozy library provide comfortable and relaxing spaces to sit back with a book and glass of wine, gather for presentations, or to share experiences from the day. The fully-stocked, marble-topped bar in the lounge is a magnet for activity and mingling. Ready for adventure at a moment’s notice, the Safari Endeavour is fully loaded with adventure equipment: kayaks; paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; hiking poles; yoga mats; and snorkel gear and wetsuits; plus, a hydrophone for listening to below-surface sounds and a bow-mounted underwater camera. For those moments when attention turns to relaxation, the vessel comes equipped with two hot tubs, fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a massage suite. There are five cabin categories aboard the Safari Endeavour: Master; Commander; Captain; Admiral; and Commodore Suite. Depending on the category, singles, doubles or triples can be accommodated. Common to all cabins are: Flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station; air conditioning; desk and chair; private bath with shower; generous storage and closet space.  

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Sunday: Arrive Calgary, Alberta
On arrival to Calgary, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Regency Calgary (orsimilar). Enjoy the day sightseeing in “The Heart of the New West.”
Day 2 - DAY 2 Monday: Banff / Lake Louise
It’s a full day of adventure! After breakfast on your own in Calgary, journey to Kananaskis.You’ll be awed on a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable, dramaticRockies landscape. Enjoy the scenic ride along the Bow River, then be dazzled with a tourof astoundingly beautiful Banff including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Cornerand the Hoodoos. You’ll also get a bird’s eye view from the Banff Gondola. Your day endson arrival in world-famous Lake Louise for your overnight at the Fairmont Chateau LakeLouise (or similar). Spend your evening soaking up the enchanting views of glaciallycarved peaks and the brilliantly turquoise lake.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Tuesday: Lake Louise to Banff
This morning explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own or spend a leisurely morningenjoying the amenities of your hotel. After lunch on your own, embark on a tour into YohoNational Park to view some of its natural wonders including the Spiral Tunnels, EmeraldLake, and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the touryou will be transferred to the Banff Rimrock Resort Hotel (or similar) for your overnightstay.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Wednesday: Kamloops
Transferred to the train depot, step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. From the mountaintown of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior, your first-classjourney by rail takes you through a spectacular array of scenery. Travel between theglacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes, throughremarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores, and across the ranchlands of the Interior.Keep watch for the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, RogersPass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Thursday: Vancouver
Your travels continue west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver.On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-likeenvironment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to theCoast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlightsinclude the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushingwaters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouverwhere you’ll be transferred to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (or similar). Enjoy yourevening in this sophisticated, international city.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Friday: Vancouver
A guided, six-hour tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore acquaints you with theprogressive city’s charm. Travel across the Lions Gate Bridge and into the CoastMountains. Experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Treetops Adventure,discovering the coastal temperate rainforest and British Columbia’s First Nations heritage.Visit Grouse Mountain—the Peak of Vancouver—including a gondola ride up-mountaingaining breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Saturday: Seattle
Your morning transfer puts you back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to travel the train’snew Coastal Passage route from Vancouver to Seattle. After clearing US customs, boardfor the southbound journey and toast the voyage ahead with a delectable hot breakfast.Your path will cross the mighty Fraser River as you depart Vancouver. Hugging the PacificCoast, choo-choo through the community of White Rock and marvel at views ofBellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands beyond, pastoral farmland at the foot of theCascade Mountains, the fishing fleet of Everett, and a unique view of the Chittenden Lockslinking Puget Sound to Lakes Union and Washington as the train nears Seattle. Arriving atthe historic King Street Station, you will be transferred to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (orsimilar) for check in. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to take in the sights of the“Emerald City.”
Day 8 - DAY 8 Sunday: Seattle / Juneau
Upon checkout from your Seattle hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flightnorth to Juneau where you will join the Safari Endeavour.Accompanied by your new travel companions, the captain and crew welcome you aboardthen set sail bound for Icy Strait!
Day 9 - DAY 9 Monday : Icy Strait
It’ll be an action-packed first day! In some of the richest whale waters of Southeast Alaska,join the captain on the bridge or go on deck with your expedition team watching for thetelltale blow of humpbacks. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to porpoise, sealions, and other wildlife. Later today, set your eyes on shore for possible bearsightings—lumbering about for an afternoon nosh—as you explore the remote coastline byskiff and kayak. Take in the evening solitude with a relaxing soak in the upper deck hot tubor a tranquil view from the bow.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Tuesday: Glacier Bay National Park
It’s a day John Muir would’ve delighted in, but the majesty of Glacier Bay National Park isall yours to relish in today. Covered entirely by ice, as recently as 1795, discover theglaciological history of the park on a guided hike at Bartlett Cove. A National Park Rangersteps on board helping to spot colonies of guillemots, puffins, and cormorants on SouthMarble Island and sharing Glacier Bay’s history and greatness as you cruise deeper intothe park. Explore Muir’s legacy of glaciology in the perfect “classroom”—at the tidal edgesof the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Dress warmly, and ward off the chill as youenjoy an up-close view of their towering blue ice faces.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Wednesday: Chatham Strait / Kuiu Island
The options are aplenty—it's Captain's Choice today. Stretching for 150 miles within theTongass National Forest and chockfull of mysterious hidden coves, the narrow and deeppassageway of Chatham Strait separates the Baranof Islands on the west with Kuiu to theeast. Life teems below the surface and above—as you set out uncovering the gems of thisuntouched wilderness, take a tally of all that you spy by kayak, paddle board, or skiff.Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge with your fellow shipmates and trade stories of the manydiscoveries you made.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Thursday: Thomas Bay
The Coast Mountain Range rises above Thomas Bay, sheltering the glacial landscapes ofthis remote wilderness. It’s a magical place, and led by your expedition team you can testyour paddling skills, or opt for some R & R and hot cocoa on a skiff tour of the fjord.Uncover myriad sea life on an intertidal shore walk, or hike inland learning about therainforest that blankets Southeast Alaska.
Day 13 - DAY 13 Friday : Port Houghton
Port Houghton is synonymous with the wildest Alaskan wilderness. As Muir did on hisexplorations in the late 1800s, feel the immensity of this cove’s remoteness. Calm as glasswater. Misty mountains. And while you won’t likely come across other humans, you’re sureto cross paths with blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals, oystercatchers, or black bear.Hike along a lushly vegetated river, or if it’s low-tide investigate tide pools. Navigating byyour internal compass or with a guide, kayak and paddle board along the towering fjord orexplore the wilds of a salt chuck. It doesn’t get more remote than this!
Day 14 - DAY 14 Saturday : Endicott Arm / Fords Terror
Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take yourbreath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. Navigate ice bergs by skiff for a once-in- a-lifetime glacier view. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals takingrespite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passageof Fords Terror. Join the captain for a farewell toast during dinner, and afterwards, yourexpedition team provides an entertaining recap of your week’s adventure.
Day 15 - DAY 15 Sunday: Juneau – Disembarkation
After a delicious breakfast, wish your travel companions fair winds. You’ll be transferred tothe Juneau airport, for your flight to Seattle.
Day 16 - Please Note:
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the of order days may occur to maximize your experience.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-09-201724-09-2017USD$11,370Captain Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Treat yourself with first-class GoldLeaf rail service
    • Enjoy premium spirits, wine, beer; non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship
    • Included flights Seattle to Juneau (return)
    • Join 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable, dramatic Rockies landscape
    • Enjoy a tour of astoundingly beautiful Banff including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos

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