Alaska's Glaciers & Fjords Walk, Bike & Kayak (Wild Wonders from Rugged Mountains to Prince William Sound) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 64 km (40 miles), Elevation gain: 1219 m (4000 ft)

On your first day, arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, and meet your trip leaders at 8:30 am at the 4th Avenue entrance to Hotel Captain Cook at 938 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage.

Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes, wearing layers that can accommodate a wide variety of temperatures, and bring your luggage and a day pack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's ride and a change of clothes for today's post-ride activities. (Your luggage will be transported directly to our first night's accommodation but may not be immediately accessible upon arrival).

After the brief meeting, the trip starts with a shuttle north to Palmer, garnished by sweeping views as we pass through the Talkeetna Mountains.

Upon arrival, your trip leaders will prepare your bike for the expedition and give a brief orientation about the trip, including biking techniques and safety tips. Next, begin your biking trip into Matanuska Valley, home to an array of mesmerising landscapes ranging from glacier valleys and lakes to staggering mountains and rivers. Ride along the Little Susitna River and deeper into the Talkeetna Mountains.

You can progress further into the mountains with your bike, passing through the picturesque hatcher pass that has evolved into a tourist hotspot for fun and recreation. Otherwise, opt for a scenic shuttle to our accommodation this night, the plush Alaska Glacier Lodge, a charming oasis of hospitality in the wilderness. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon by relaxing in your cabin or at the main lodge where the Knit River is in clear view. Alternatively, you can go solo from the group to enjoy a helicopter tour with a glacier landing. However, this activity must be reserved beforehand and not included in the trip price.

This evening, we raise glasses up for a toast, celebrating our arrival and the start of an exhilarating adventure into the scenic wonders of Alaska. A tasty, regional meal from our hotel, does it for dinner tonight before we retire to our cabins to rest for the night.

The cabins, nestled between the base of a mountain in the remote Chugach range and a glacier river, are closer to scenic nature, a highlight of the accommodation.

Be woken by the sounds of the river and its chilling breezy aura that evokes a unique feel of synergy with nature. Enjoy a luscious and vitalizing breakfast for fuel before we shuttle to the gripping Matanuska Glacier Valley, one of the captivating landscapes of this region.

On arrival, our local guides will outfit us with the winter gear needed for hiking the ice across this glacier valley. Going forward, it's a half-day exploration of this stunning 42-kilometre-long advancing glacier valley. Follow the lead of guides who know the ice like their fingertips to explore the rock fields of the large terminal moraine and more importantly, to the point where you meet the jaw-dropping ice falls. Waterfalls are phenomenal enough, but these are ice falls falling on the submerged rock deposit beneath the glacier, reflecting upwards to create spearing jagged formations known as seracs. This view and experience will stick for a long time, and it's best you relish it while it last.

We shall head to Sheep Mountain Lodge after a mind-blowing adventure and rest for the night. This mountain lodge features handcrafted wooden cabins that command a rustic, yet elegant appeal as they perch near the Matanuska River, with sweeping views of the Chugach range. From the terrace of your cabin, absorb amazing views of mountain sheep that frame the lodge and the remote Chugach range, with chances of spotting some Alaskan mountain wildlife like bears, moose, and sheep that roam the area. If you are not satiated with the adventure today, the hills behind the lodge are yours to explore.

In the evening, we converge to feast on a fascinating and delectable home-cooked meal at the lodge's dining room before retiring to the cosiness of our cabins.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 53 km (33 miles),Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 97 km (60 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)

This morning, you will enjoy a sumptuous and filling breakfast as we prepare for the longest ride of the trip. Following breakfast, we take a shuttle to Worthington Glacier to begin on the cascading Richardson Highway route through the Tiekel and Tsaina Rivers, all framed by unspoiled lush forests, the striking Worthington Glacier, and the Magnificent Chugach Mountains.

We start climbing in earnest to arrive at the Timberline, and Thompson Pass, elevated at 816 m (2,678 feet). From here, it gets easy and rosy with a 13-kilometre (8-mile) descent leaving behind lakes, streams, and tundra that leads to the famous Keystone Canyon near Valdez. Bike through this canyon that got its shape from the radical waters of Lowe River to meet a handful of elegant and roaring waterfalls splashing down rock walls with reckless abandon. Onward, ride for an additional 32 kilometres (20 miles) flanked by more dramatic terrains to the fishing village of Valdez, set at the tip of a fjord on Prince William Sound and at the south terminus of the Trans-Alaska oil Pipeline.

Valdez, a scenic laid-back, and remote seaside town will host us for two nights in the modern luxury of Totem Hotel and Suites. The hotel is newly renovated to reflect exquisite Alaskan hospitality and is in proximity to the harbour for airy recreation and sightseeing and also has a plunge pool for taking invigorating laps if you please. It is also a short walk away from shops and restaurants, giving you the liberty to roam the streets, soak in the ambiance and enjoy dinner on your own tonight.

Today, we partake in our breakfast ritual of nourishing delectables that satiate us with the energy for each day's adventure. We explore more of the waters by kayaking on Prince William Sound, a famous water body off the Gulf of Alaska, east of the Kenai Peninsula, notable for its magical scenery of waterfalls, fjords, glaciers, and mountain backgrounds. Valdez Harbor is the largest port of the sound, which is our kickoff point. We embark on the kayaking expedition with expert guides, floating to the peaceful waters of Duck Flats.

The salt marsh plays a significant role in its surrounding ecosystem by providing a nesting home and rearing ground to several bird species, and comprises 1,000 acres, featuring a blend of tidal wetlands and freshwater streams. Keep an eye out for sandpipers, bald eagles, waterfowl, pink salmon, and other birds. You could be lucky to spot some brown bears that occasionally come to feed off these birds.

The kayaking expedition takes you further afloat into small islands and coves, with the waters remaining calm seeming almost hypnotic. More views of the Sound, including its vast diversity of aquatic life are prizes on this kayaking trip, while offering newer perspectives of the region.

We feast on a hearty lunch this afternoon, and you are free to spend the rest of the day at your discretion. The cosy confines of the Hotel Totem still await to absorb you while you enjoy its luxury amenities, relax at the pool, or refresh your brain with a book. Otherwise, answer the calls of the great outdoors by venturing into the town for window shopping or getting personal trip souvenirs and sightseeing. If your legs are still energetic for a hike, there are trails within walking distance from the hotel to indulge.

We assemble back at the hotel this evening for a delicious dinner that hits the spot while trading personal stories.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 123 m (400 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Today, breakfast is the opener for a day that promises to be awe-inspiring, lovely, and memorable. After a filling and vitalizing breakfast, we take a private boat across Prince William Sound on a tour that lavishly spoils us with views of some of Alaska's most impressive natural wonders. Along the cruise, we feast our eyes on the snow-drenched peaks of the glorious Chugach mountains, and numerous glacier-carved fjords. There's a significant chance we will spot the massive floating icebergs of the Columbia Glacier, one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers. The Sound is also home to an abundant diversity of wildlife to spice up the experience. Watch out for bald eagles, puffins, sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, killer whales, and humpbacks as we sail.

The cruise takes us to the shore, where the small coastal city of Whittier, which houses just about 300 residents welcomes us. This city was originally built as a military port facility during World War II but has since turned into a residential area, with most of its inhabitants living in the 14-story Begich Towers Condominium. From this city, we shuttle to Girdwood, passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America at 4 kilometres (2.5 miles). This tunnel passes through Maynard Mountain, part of the Chugach Range, and serves as the only land access to Whittier.

Arriving at the resort town of Girdwood, we behold the scenic allure that makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Alaska and proceed to its most prized hospitality asset, the Alyeska Resort, lodged at the foot of Mount Alyeska. Enjoy its serene and picturesque ambiance, and indulge in all amenities on offer including a pool, spa, hot tub, sauna, and fitness centre. Elevate your experience by taking the scenic aerial tram ride to the top of Mount Alyeska at 700 metres (2,300 feet) and savour the exhilarating views of the mesmerising landscape below, including the hanging glaciers and Chugach mountains (spa treatments and tram rides are at own expense).

For those in search for more adventure can hop on a trail that follows the winner creek, with amazing views of the winner creek gorge and bridge, passing through the lush coastal forest of Cook Inlet. Manoeuvre your way around the woods flourishing with indigenous flora such as wildflowers, ferns, devil's club, Sitka spruce, and wild blueberries, depending on the season you visit.

In the evening, we converge for a farewell dinner and toast to what has been so far, a trip for the history books. Dinner won't disappoint tonight at our favourite restaurant in the resort and it's surely going to be as memorable as the trip.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 26 km (16 miles), Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

Savour your last breakfast with similar gusto to the farewell dinner, and soak in Chugach Mountain views from your room for the last time. With breakfast as fuel, we embark on the last trip, biking on the rolling Bird to Gird path, where fallen devil's club and Sitka spruces dot the scene, and views of Turnagain Arm complement the experience. The alternation between severe high and low tides makes Turnagain Arm one of the world's few bore tides. Under favourable weather, the water rushes with a ferocious tide to form a high tidal wave that only expert surfers can surmount. As a final act for the trip, we have our last lunch before returning to the hotel for a shuttle to Anchorage, with emotional farewells characterising every part of the departure.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.