At a Glance
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Ascend to new heights of pleasure, feeling the unparalleled thrill of Alaska's natural wonders on this 6 day active adventure. Hold your breath and hike through ice glaciers, kayak across the sea, bike through dramatic and dynamic landscapes, and savour the beauty of coastal towns, among countless incredible sights and experiences from glaciers, fjords to Prince WIlliam Sound.
Your adventure begins in Anchorage, Alaska, with a shuttle to Palmer to explore the Matanuska Valley and Talkeetna mountains. Venture to Matanuska Glacier Valley for an ice hike across its glacier and witness the wonder of ice falls in the glacier area. Journey to Worthington Glacier to bike along the Richardson Highway following the Tiekel and Tsaina Rivers route at the backdrop of magnificent landscapes. Bike through Keystone Canyon, lavish with enchanting waterfalls ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Meals: 6x Breakfast, 6x Lunch, 4x Dinner
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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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. |
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Anchorage, Alaska
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Anchorage. The closest airport to Anchorage is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) 4.4 miles / 7.1 kilometers. Other nearby airport is Tatitlek Airport 110.1 miles / 177.2 kilometers.
Weather conditions in Alaska are unpredictable and can change significantly throughout the day or week. Because rain, hail and even snow are possible year-round, you will most likely experience wet, cool and even cold weather during your trip. It is essential that you bring appropriate clothing. High-quality rain gear and plenty of warm biking and hiking clothes will help ensure that you are prepared for all weather conditions.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.