Trip Inspiration

Alaska

America's Last Frontier

From a private yacht cruise amid the scenic glaciers and marine life of Prince William Sound to a private helicopter transfer to a remote chalet perched on the side of Mt. Denali at 6,000 ft in Denali National Park, this 8-day itinerary positions travelers amid the best of Alaskan wilderness. Choose between activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, glacier trekking, sledding, Northern Lights viewing, snow cave spelunking and more in America’s Last Frontier.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 1 night in Anchorage at Hotel Captain Cook
  • 3 nights on a private chartered yacht in scenic Prince William Sound
  • 3 nights at the private Sheldon Chalet in breathtaking Denali National Park

Activities

  • Scenic tours, kayaking, paddle boarding and shoreline hiking at Prince William Sound
  • Private helicopter flight transfers above incredible glaciers and mountain scenery
  • Northern Lights viewing, sledding, glacier trekking and other activities from a remote private chalet in Denali National Park

Day 1

Arrive Anchorage, Alaska

Fly into Anchorage, where you will be greeted on the tarmac by your private driver who will escort you through to the airport to your hotel, where you will drop off your bags before meeting your local guide for an orientation tour of Anchorage focused on its history and relationship to the natural environment. You will see where the city was first settled as a tent city in the early 1900s, then continue past the Anchorage Rail Terminal to learn about the challenges this historic railroad company faced in developing the great state of Alaska.

Stop to observe an urban salmon stream that runs through the city, touching on the all-important theme of Alaskan salmon conservation and management that you will explore in great depth as your adventure continues. Keep an eye out for the wild eagles, moose and porcupines during a light hike at The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, then enjoy a picture-perfect view from the top of a nearby mountain. Cap off your afternoon with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center, which takes in about 1,000 injured birds annually from every part of the state for rehabilitation and in many cases, release. Meet with the center’s educators, scientists and veterinarians to gain valuable insight into the ecology, behavior and importance of Alaska’s avian species while enjoying a unique opportunity to interact with a live wild bird up close. Return to your hotel after your tour and rest up for the exciting days ahead!

Hotel Captain Cook

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Day 2

Anchorage to Whittier: Prince William Sound

This morning after breakfast, your private driver guide will pick you up from your hotel for a sightseeing transfer to Whittier along the breathtakingly beautiful Turnagain Arm. Enjoy views of the soaring mountains and sprawling flats of Chugach State Park before detouring for a private tour of the world-renowned Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Maintaining over 200 acres of spacious habitats, the center takes in injured and orphaned animals such as wolves, bears and lynx, and provides them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care. After your tour concludes, proceed to you the nearby town of Whittier to embark on an all-inclusive charter on the vibrant waters of the Prince William Sound. After an introductory champagne toast, set sail and spend the remainder of the day getting oriented to your new surroundings aboard your privatized luxury yacht.

Private Yacht

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Days 3-4

Prince William Sound

These days will be yours to explore the Prince William Sound however you please. A lifelong Alaskan, your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will be available to custom-tailor your experience and share some of Alaska’s greatest “locals only” gems with you.

Beginning with a sightseeing cruise through the surrounding bays and coves, take in unparalleled views of the 150+ glaciers that reside here. Other residents of these waters and the surrounding terrain include over 220 bird species, 30 distinct land mammals, and at least a dozen marine mammals. Keep an ear out for the crashes and booms of calving glaciers, and your eyes peeled for breaching whales and grizzly bears in search of lunch.

The following day, you may opt to hop in a kayak or paddle board to explore some of the calmer coves with your naturalist guide. Following their lead, you will learn how to safely approach wildlife, icebergs and glaciers while learning about the region’s ecology. Row ashore for a non-strenuous hike among old-growth trees to enjoy the utter solitude of this pristine natural area.

On your final full day on board, your captain will navigate to a local salmon hatchery for a private guided tour. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access at one of the world’s largest commercial fish hatcheries as you explore the fascinating lifecycle of this ubiquitous fish. View the saltwater holding pens full of fish fry and learn how sustainable salmon husbandry techniques are practiced in harmony with the natural ecological balance of the sound.

Private Yacht

Day 5

Whittier to Denali National Park

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while watching the sunrise on your last day on the yacht before arriving back in Whitter, where you will greeted by the Sheldon Chalet team and whisked away by helicopter to their incredibly remote lodge nestled on a glacier within Denali National Park. Prepare to be stunned as you fly to the foothills of the park, then over miles of glacier ice to reach the Don Sheldon amphitheater, where you will touch down and be welcomed by your staff.

Unlike any lodging in the world, at 6,000 feet in elevation, Sheldon Chalet is as unique as the surroundings are breathtaking. Fine dining, luxury accommodations, and exquisite service are a commitment to the property’s distinctive environment.

Your stay at the Chalet will be enriched by the guiding services of a local Alaskan legendary mountain climber and glacier docent. While semi-retired these days, his storied climbing career includes several officially accredited first-ascents of many of Denali National Park’s unforgiving mountain summits. One of the first people who ever trekked to Sheldon Chalet, he was lucky to arrive with his life after being attacked by bears and falling into a crevasse. Your glacier docent will be on hand to accompany you on your daily activities, sharing tales of adventure and danger in America’s “Last Frontier,” while providing a unique perspective on some of the more scientific and technical aspects of navigating glaciers.

After a warm introduction, enjoy gourmet canapes and champagne while your team discusses the activity options for your incomparable three-night stay.

Sheldon Chalet

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Days 6-7

Denali National Park

These days will be yours to explore the Chalet’s otherworldly surroundings however you please. While every day will be customized, you can expect to enjoy activities such as:

Glacier Trekking: Gear up, get tethered to your adventure guide and set out on a trekking expedition where you will enjoy surveying the terrain on your way to breathtaking viewpoints where your guides will present a fantastic gourmet picnic.

Snow Cavern Spelunking: Engage in a little spelunking and follow your guides to explore a glacier cave system covered in snow and ice.

Crevasse Exploration: Allow your guide to safely rappel or lead you into a crevasse! These deep fractures in the ice are spectacular and give you a taste of the incredible size of a glacier. This is an amazing experience few can tick off their bucket list.

Climbing: Try your hand at rock climbing with a guide who will coach you to the summit of a peak or dig in for an introduction to ice climbing experience.

Sledding: Get ready to enjoy sledding of a lifetime on super long, super secluded runs with no waiting.

Celestial Activities & Northern Lights: The dark skies above Sheldon Chalet allow you to view incredible celestial activities such as blue shooting stars, purple Aurora, lunar events and planets with the naked eye. The chalet’s unique combination of high latitude (63°N) and elevation (5,800 feet/1,768 m) is unparalleled on Earth.

Sheldon Chalet

Day 8

Depart Alaska

Bid farewell to your incredible team then depart by helicopter to Anchorage International Airport to begin your journey home. Safe travels!

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