SUMMER ADVENTURE WEEK IN ALASKA
July 31-Aug 7, 2010

            Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier Alaska

Join us for a great week of fun, exploration, incredible scenery and wildlife viewing. 
 
Our 2008 and 2009 Summer Adventure week in Alaska were such a hit that we had to offer an encore once again 2010.
This Alaska tour is unlike any you have seen elsewhere or may have taken in the past.  Unlike most Alaska vacations which show you Alaska on a 7 night cruise, on this vacation we will take you to see the beauty of Alaska in what we believe is a more exciting way to see all the brilliance of this incredible land.

You will witness up close
* Icebergs that are the size of cruise ships
* Whales frolicking in the water
* bears fishing for salmon (and in some cases feeding on them)
* Glaciers dropping huge chunks of ice, as they crash into the sea in a mesmerizing calving process. 

Plus, enjoy:

• The thrill of a zip line canopy tour
• The pleasure of a sumptuous Alaskan Salmon Bake
• A tram ride up Mt. Roberts and a welcome dinner party at the scenic observation deck near her peak.
• A visit to the Salmon hatchery to watch the salmon swim “up the ladder”
• A visit to the Alaska Brewery to learn about the process of brewing great local beers – AND SAMPLE SEVERAL VARIETIES in their tasting room.
• A farewell dinner on the town on our final night in Alaska                                                                                  

While Alaskan cruises charge some of the highest fees of any cruise destination, for sightseeing excursions, instead, on our Alaska exploration week, you will enjoy - 4 included scenic excursions, showing you all the best of Alaska, plus ample free time to see more that suits your own personal interests, all from one base, close to everything, allowing you to only unpack in Alaska once, while seeing & experiencing an Alaska vacation of a lifetime ! 

Escape the sizzling heat in the lower 48 and head to Alaska, where average daytime highs in August are pleasantly in the 70’s.

OUR TRIP ITINERARY:

Saturday July 31st
Fly on your own arrangement into Juneau Alaska   Upon arrival in Juneau, transfer to our centrally located hotel is provided by the hotel

 Our Hotel, the Goldbelt hotel, is situated right on the scenic downtown waterfront, allowing us to walk easily to the popular downtown area attractions we will be enjoying, including our whale watching excursion, our Sawyer Glacier odyssey, the Tram up to the top of Mt. Roberts and the famed Red Dog Saloon. 
Many fun restaurants, shopping opportunities and more are also walking distance from our hotel.
The Goldbelt hotel, Juneau’s finest hotel, offers outstanding full-service accommodations, including complimentary airport transportation. Located facing the waterfront in downtown Juneau, the 105-room hotel is in close proximity to most major attractions. The hotel lobby features a permanent display of museum-quality traditional Alaska Native artwork.
Hotel amenities include:

• Complimentary Airport Transportation                             
• Full-Service Hotel
• Room Service
• Meeting Facilities
• Cable TV
• Free wireless access
• Coffee Makers
• Hair Dryers
• Irons/Ironing Boards
• Voice Mail/Data Ports
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Free Parking

Our group will all be treated to rooms with scenic mountain views. 

Sunday August 1st  - This morning is at leisure to relax.  In the late morning, all passengers are invited to a welcome orientation where all can meet their fellow passengers that they will enjoy our week of Alaskan exploration with.    After our group orientation, all passengers will walk together to the Mount Roberts Tramway, which is located less than 5 minutes walk from our hotel.   We will enjoy the ride up the tramway with picturesque views unfolding in front of us.
We will enjoy an exhilarating ride above the Southeast Alaska rainforest to the 1800 foot level of Mount Roberts.  Experience one of the most expansive and beautiful views offered in all Alaska, from the Chilkat Mountains to the north, down the Gastineau Channel to the lands and waterways of the south, west to Douglas Island, and east into Silver Bow Basin where gold was discovered near the head of Gold Creek in 1880.
The views as the tram climbs are stunning and the views from the observation deck at the top of the tram are astounding.  At the top are a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck and hiking trails.

Also at the top, enjoy the amenities of our multi-million dollar mountain complex. The Mountain House (Shaa Hit) is nestled among towering Sitka Spruce trees on the edge of the grasses and wildflowers of the sub-alpine. The complex houses the Chilkat Theater, Raven Eagle Gifts, the Timberline Bar & Grill (with optional outside dining) and offers access to The Nature Center, an eagle exhibit and the extensive Mount Roberts improved trail system. Visitors are introduced to the Tlingit culture through the award winning film Seeing Daylight, shown every half hour in the Chilkat Theater. There are also frequent theater performances by a local Tlingit actor sharing the story of his clan's origin. Native artists are often featured in the complex working on wood, fossilized ivory or silver carvings, making dolls, sewing garments, beading or creating large totem poles out of cedar logs

Those wishing to hike may wish to skip the tram ride and instead take the hiking trail to the top of the tram.  The trail takes you up the back side of the mountain, thus offering very unique and picturesque views not seen on the tram ride.  The hike takes approx. 60 to 90 minutes and is well worth the journey if you enjoy hiking and wish to see vistas only viewable from the trail
All passengers (whether you reached the top by tram or foot) can enjoy the observation deck at the top of the tram and, if you wish, take an easy and very scenic stroll just ½ a mile to the statue of Father Brown’s cross or, for those interested in a more rigorous hike, continue a further 2 miles to the summit of Mt. Roberts. (1400 foot elevation gain but worth every ounce of sweat, with views of Gastineau Channel, Douglas island and the surrounding mountains.)
Passengers are free to explore this afternoon as much as they wish on the trail or at the nature center, returning at their leisure back to the tram terminal and then back to the base where an easy walk back to our hotel can be made at any time as desired.
This evening, we will return to the tram for a ride to the fabulous restaurant at the top of the tram where all passengers in our group will enjoy an included welcome dinner at the restaurant adjacent to the observation deck at the top of the tram.
Enjoy many great seafood choices, great salads, burgers and more.
The restaurant also offers a fabulous ALL YOU CAN EAT ALAKSAN KING CRAB LEGS DINNER THAT IS TRULY THE BEST CRAB LEGS YOU WILL EAT !

After our dinner, we will then enjoy the tram ride together back down the mountain followed by the short walk back to our hotel. 
The tram pass each person will be given for our initial ride to the top today is valid for unlimited riding that day.
Visit   www.mountrobertstramway.com for more info and details.

Monday August 2nd
This morning is again at leisure to relax.  
At 11:30am we will be picked up at our hotel for our Whale Watching Tour.  We will enjoy a 3 hour professionally narrated cruise tour of Auke Bay to enjoy whale watching on our comfortable 42 foot jet boat the Awesome Orca and leave the crowds behind.  
Captain Larry, an internationally renowned whale watching captain, accompanied by a professional tour guide/naturalist, brings years of knowledge and experience to your personalized excursion. Come with us for the whale watching and wildlife adventure of a lifetime.
 Our personalized whale watching tour style and high-speed boat allows us to stop, observe and photograph whales, orca, and other marine mammals in their natural environment, while safely and comfortably enjoying the rugged Alaskan scenery.
       
Our tour includes complimentary snacks, featuring smoked salmon, cheese, crackers, juices, coffee and water.

Click the following link to read reviews of this whale watching tour.
www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g31020-d660845-r8184080-Orca_Enterprises-Juneau_Alaska.html
Click the link below to view photos taken on from the Odysea during its Whale watching tours.
http://www.crittershots.com

After our tour returns to the Juneau harbor, we will have the option to be dropped off back at our hotel or continue onto the famed Mendenhall glacier, less than 30 minutes away by the comfort of our transport coach.
Those choosing to take the visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, will be dropped off at the visitor’s center and given an hour at leisure to explore.  Your free time here does not need to end at the visitor’s center as you can also take the easy walk to the edge of the mighty glacier for fabulous up close views of the glacier and of a cascading waterfall..
Also, from the visitor’s center, passengers can take the short stroll along a pathway to an observation deck where bears are often seen fishing for salmon in the stream.

         Scenes of Mendenhall Glacier
       
We will return to our hotel with the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the shops and restaurants that are just walking distance from our hotel. (The visit to the Mendenhall glacier is available for purchase on the day of the whale watching tour for just $19 including the round trip transportation and admission to the visitor’s center and observation deck)
This evening, if you wish, join us as we gather at the famed Red Dog Saloon, in Juneau, just a short 5 minute walk from our hotel.  The Red Dog Saloon is the most famous pub in Alaska, filled with local charm and bubbling with local entertainment that will keep you having fun as long as you wish with their local entertainers playing popular tunes of both local heritage and more familiar tunes.

Tuesday Aug. 3rd –This morning, we will enjoy a unique tour.   The Alaska  ZIPLINE TOUR
Imagine yourself suspended above the ground, gliding from one uniquely themed platform to the next on a series of zip lines through the Alaskan rainforest.  This once-in-a-lifetime adventure includes an ascending drive through the scenic Tongass National Forest.  Once you are on the tour, you will be able to see the alpine forest and unique flora and fauna from an aerial perspective.  You can also enjoy the views from an aerial suspension bridge, along the tour route!

 The tour is a thrilling, yet always safe adventure and a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Alaska  
Visit www.alaskazip.com   for more info and photos of this tour.

Following our zip line adventure, choose between a return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure, or continue your day by joining us on our optional professionally guided hike over the West Glacier Trail, offering views of the glaciers, waterfalls and old growth forest.  We will see spawning salmon going upstream and we may even see a black bear or two fishing for salmon in the stream.
The hike is approximately 4 to 6 miles and is designed for those looking for an active afternoon hike across some of the most scenic Alaskan landscapes.
The highlight of our hike is the opportunity to ACTUALLY HIKE RIGHT INTO THE ICE CAVES INSIDE THE GLACIER.  ALL AROUND AND AS HIGH AS 30 FEET ABOVE YOU IS BLUE ICE - MAKING AN AMAZING UP CLOSE SURREAL SCENE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU IN AWE.  (The guided hike is available at an additional cost for those wishing to enjoy this incredible experience)

Wednesday August 4th    Today we will enjoy 2 popular attractions.  We will enjoy a mid morning departure approx. 10am from our hotel for a 30 minute bus ride to the Alaska Macauley Salmon Hatchery.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is truly a sight to be seen by all Juneau's visitors and locals alike. Designed with the visitor in mind, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery provides amazing views of spectacular salmon sights and allows visitors to the facility to learn first-hand about Alaska's wild salmon. From the elevated entrance, visitors get a birds-eye view of outside operations as they listen to a 5 to 10 minute informative commentary.
A knowledgeable tour guide explains the fascinating life of the Pacific salmon and the workings of the hatchery.
Visitors can watch the salmon as the swim “up the ladder” (a process your local hatchery guide will explain to you in an informative commentary
 Inside the facility visitors will find museum-like interpretive displays, beautiful saltwater aquariums, and a mini-market place featuring local salmon products and novelties (salmon is vacuum packed so passengers can take them home on airplanes at the end of our week’s trip.).
After our fascinating tour of the salmon hatchery, we will next visit another favorite of locals and tourists alike – The Alaska Brewery

ALASKAN BREWING COMPANY Soon after gold was discovered in 1881, breweries in the new town of Juneau began quenching the thirst of hardy Alaskan miners. By 1903 at least four breweries had begun operation in the twin cities of Juneau and Douglas. Between 1899 and 1907, local residents enjoyed a particularly fine brew created by the Douglas City Brewing Company. Almost 100 years later, Alaskan Amber Beer, based on that same historic recipe, has started a small gold rush of its own. The brewery products have brought home more than 25 major medals and awards, including "Best Beer in the Nation" in the 1988 Great American Beer Festival Consumer Preference Poll.
We will enjoy a tour of this outstanding facility and will learn about their manufacturing process and enjoy sampling several beers from our tasting room
We will return to our hotel at approx. 1:30pm with the afternoon at leisure to explore the quaint shops and eateries of Juneau, all walking distance from our hotel. (suggestion – If you like seafood, walk to Tracy’s Crab Shack for a casual lunch you will remember including crab bisque, crab cakes or crab legs at reasonable lunch time prices)

Tonight, we will enjoy an included dinner party at the Gold Creek Alaskan Salmon bake. 
 This festive evening is set on a beautiful creek in the forest with scenic waterfalls. Enjoy an all inclusive dinner featuring fresh Alaskan Salmon, BBQ chicken and ribs, with all the side trimmings to make your dinner a feast.   
The evening includes live entertainment and after dinner there is an included marshmallow roast around a campfire for those wishing to enjoy this traditional fun.

Thursday August 5th – Today, we will enjoy a most incredible Alaskan tour experience.  We will enjoy a Full day tour of Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier 
We will see glaciers from the mountains to the sea, Alaska's largest icebergs. Waterfalls that drop thousands of feet. Incredible mountains and emerald green water. Watch for whales, bear, eagles and mountain goats. See hundreds of seals.

 Board the 65 foot Captain Cook for an unforgettable glacier cruise to the best of Alaska. Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, has it all - snow capped peaks, shear rock palisades, waterfalls, rainbows and tidewater glaciers. Drift among the icebergs for the most close-up view of Sawyer Glacier.
 The Captain Cook has a stable, smooth riding, ocean going hull for the best cruise to Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier. A full walk-around deck and large cabin windows assure unobstructed views and great photo opportunities. She is the sister ship of the Adventure Bound.  Personal attention is unsurpassed on the Adventure Bound glacial exploration ships.

Visit www.adventureboundalaska.com   for more info and photos of their glacial exploration cruises

This tour is truly a highlight of any visit to Alaska.  The Sawyer Glacier offers more incredible calving activity than famed Glacier Bay, the site most cruise ships visit to witness calving action. 
 
Calving action at South Sawyer Glacier.     
Alaska's largest icebergs are found in Tracy Arm & at Sawyer Glacier.  Calving activity is frequent at Sawyer Glacier
                                   

With just a short walk from our hotel, we will sail at 9am aboard the Captain Cook, a vessel that is limited to just 48 persons, meaning that we will get the best opportunity to see the amazing glacier activity up close.  Our vessel’s size means we will get into places where the cruise ships could never dare attempt.  Our boat has all indoor seating with large windows for optimal viewing.  A wraparound outdoor deck is also available for those wishing to get outside for even greater photo opportunities.  Restroom facilities are also available inside the vessel.
On our 3 hour sailing to the Sawyer Glacier, we will witness many phenomenons of nature, including witnessing huge icebergs, often as big as houses, or even as big as the cruise ships themselves.  These icebergs float past us as we cruise along, with expert naturalist commentary. 
We may also witness Black Bear on the water’s edges, as they spawn for salmon.  Plus, 3 out of every 4 sailings witness whales frolicking in the water as well.
Majestic waterfalls and more are all part of the spectacular scenery that will unfold in front of us as we journey to Sawyer Glacier.
Just before our arrival at the glacier, we will enjoy an included lunch onboard.
Upon arrival, we will witness the natural power of glacial calving activity better than anywhere else.  The size of our vessel enables us to get closer than any cruise ship and thus to witness the sheer an awesome sight and sound of huge chunks of glacial ice, breaking off of Sawyer and crashing into the water                                                                

                   
                                Ice walls at Sawyer Glacier
    Thi
 This waterfall tumbles from 2000 feet to the fjord's surface.
Tstt Waterfall tumbles 2000
 
                                                                                                                                                                       

We will spend approx. one hour at both the North and South Sawyer Glacier ice fields. 
The surrounding Mountains are 7,000 feet in this area. The sides of Tracy Arm rise steeply with many waterfalls visible along the route. The water is glacial blue due to the microscopic sediment or glacial flour it contains. Sea lions, eagles, terns, kittiwakes, mew gulls and mergansers are often spotted.

Our return sailing will again take us past areas where bears are frequently sighted, as well as territory where whales, orcas and seals are often sighted.
We will return to Juneau harbor located across from our hotel at 6:30pm for the quick hop back to our hotel.

                                                                                                                                                                               
Tonight is at leisure to explore the local restaurants all walking distance from our hotel.
IF you wish, join your trip leader for a fun night of karaoke at the local Viking Pub, just a short walk from our hotel.

Friday Aug. 6th

Our final day in Alaska is a full day at leisure.  If you wish to enjoy another excursion, there are many which you can sign up for at our hotel or in town during the week.
Those interested in flight seeing may choose to book a helicopter or flight seeing tour taking you for a bird’s eye view of many glaciers, or for an actual walk or trek on the glaciers.  You also may wish to take a flight see to the scenic Taku nature lodge.
 You may wish to take a tour to Admiralty island where the largest concentration of brown bears in world lives
Rafting and kayaking are other popular pastimes in the area and afford scenic views of glaciers as well.
If you enjoy fishing, we recommend Toni at Hi Time Charters and Mike Bethers.  They are both in the book in Juneau.  Toni has been conducting sport fishing trips for quite a few years and she books up fast.  Mike Bethers was the head of the Alaska Dept of Fish and Game.  He has a very good reputation also.

Tonight, we will enjoy a farewell dinner party in traditional local style at the Hanger on the Wharf restaurant.  Everything is a short walk from our hotel, so all are free to explore the local pubs at their leisure after dinner.

Saturday August 7th
Our Adventure week in Alaska concludes and we must return home today. Transfer from the hotel to the airport is provided by the hotel to meet any flight time that you have booked on your own from Juneau back to your home city.

OUR ALASKAN ADVENTURE WEEK INCLUDES

• 7 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN JUNEAU ALASKA at the Goldbelt Hotel
• Complimentary transfers from the airport to hotel and from hotel to airport are provided by the Goldbelt for those arriving on their own flight arrangements  
• 3 DINNERS IN JUNEAU INCLUDING WELCOME TO ALASKA DINNER, FAREWELL DINNER AND ALASKAN SALMON BAKE
• ALASKA WHALE WATCHING EXCURSION WITH OPTIONAL VISIT TO MENDENHALL GLACIER FOLLOWING OUR WHALE WATCHING CRUISE
• TRACY ARM FJORD AND SAWYER GLACIER CRUISE FULL DAY EXCURSION
• ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR EXCURSION with optional W. Glacier trail hike
• SALMON HATCHERY TOUR
• ALASKA BREWING COMPANY TOUR AND BEER TASTING
• MOUNT ROBERTS TRAM RIDE
• ALLSINGLESTRAVEL.COM TRIP ESCORT
• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING

TOTAL TRIP COST INCLUDING ALL OF THE ABOVE: JUST $1599 + $35 tax
OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $529

___________________________________________________________________
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DURING OUR TOUR:

• MENDENHALL GLACIER VISIT FOLLOWING OUR INCLUDED WHALE WATCHING CRUISE:   JUST $19 INCLUDING ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION

• A $200 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED 7 DAYS AFTER MAKING A RESERVATION.  DEPOSITS ARE REFUNDABLE IF CANCELLED BY March 25th .

•  BALANCE PAYMENTS ARE DUE May Friday 14th and are non refundable at that time.