Sparkling rivers of ice crack and groan, turquoise-green glacial lakes reflect silent mountains ablaze with purple fireweed. Grizzly bears fish for salmon while moose amble slowly by, munching on willow twigs. Caribou migrate here, and birds come from as far as Australia to spend their summers in Alaska. Certain 'Outdoor Alaska' departures will be accommodated in hotels rather than camping. The route will be restaged to allow for this as detailed below; the main highlights of the tour remain the same.

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 Anchorage. 2 to 4 Seward. 5 Valdez. 6 to 8 McCarthy. 9 Tangle Lakes. 10 & 11 Denali NP. 12 Drive to Talkeetna; optional hiking or rafting. 13 Drive to Hatcher Pass; optional hike and visit gold mine. 14 Drive Anchorage. 15 End Anchorage.

Accommodation: 14nts hotel.
Transport: Maxiwagon/Ferry/On foot.
Comment: This hotel based trip takes in the very best of Alaska's scenery and discovers areas of wild beauty. There are walks for all abilities; all are optional apart from the walk to the wilderness lodge (3kms, 1hr).
Group: Approx. 8 to 12.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver.
Trip Reference: AKH