At a Glance
Be among the few to traverse and embrace the magnificence of Alaska as you walk beside glacier-strewn lands and marvel at vistas of nature at the Kenai Peninsula on this spectacular 6-day adventure. Where wildlife is as diverse as your scenery unfolding before you, be spellbound by the majesties of Alaska’s great treasures.
Savour the sense of feeling being at the ends of the Earth where your sense of wilderness will only be deepened. Your journey begins in Homer, one of Alaska’s most beautiful towns, where you will shuttle to Carl E. Wynn Nature Centre to hike along the home of some of the region’s unique wildlife and bird-watch. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of massive glaciers and the many floating icebergs as we cruise to hike In Kachemak Bay State Park. Venture ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury lodges on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, activities and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers as specified in itinerary
- 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
Level 1, Approx. 2-5 km (1.5-2.5 miles), Elevation gain: 30-60m (100-200 ft) On this day, meet your tour leaders at 9 am at Land’s End Resort. Please arrive dressed in your hiking attire and bring your luggage and anything else you might want for today’s hike (your luggage will be transferred to your room) We will take a quick shuttle to Carl E. Wynn Nature Centre for our first forest walk. Once a former homestead, now transformed to a wildlife refuge. Currently, a small portion of the reserve is dedicated to hiking trails and bird-watching while the rest of the center remains an undisturbed migration habitat for black bears and moose. An adept local naturalist will join our walk to explain the native uses of the lush vegetation in the area. |
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Next, we head to Land’s End Resort, our home for the next two days where you can rejuvenate and enjoy the rest of the day. A beautiful hotel nestled at the end of Homer’s spit with breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Enjoy a relaxing swim at the indoor swimming pool, or warm away the cold at the chic sauna at the lodge. In the evening, we celebrate the beginning of our Alaskan adventures with a welcome reception, then enjoy a savory Alaskan-style dinner. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS This morning, we will cruise by water taxi across Kachemak Bay to Kachemak Bay State Park, still a part of the Kenai Peninsula. We will hike through temperate rainforests, across a glacial moraine and out to a glacial lake. If you want an extra adrenaline rush, cross the glacial river by hand tram before heading to a beautiful vantage point. Whatever route you decide to take, you’re assured spectacular views at every point. Enjoy a flavourful lunch with beautiful views of the massive Grewingk Glacier and the many icebergs floating in the chilly waters. Then make your way back to the water taxi transfer to Homer. You can choose to spend the day as you wish, a fishing day at the halibut fishing capital of the world doesn’t sound too bad, several companies in Homer offer half-day and full-day excursions (this is not included in the trip price). |
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After the hike, feel free to explore the town and visit the shops filled with merchandise that’ll tickle your fancy, or grab a drink and watch Homer’s anglers being in the catch of the day. Head back to the hotel, relax in the hot tub before reconvening tonight to enjoy fresh delicious food in the lodge’s elegant dining area. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS We will start today’s journey with a three-hour scenic drive through the land of Dena’ina, the first inhabitants of south-central Alaska. As we ride along the Cook Inlet and acres of boreal forest, you will see why they call this place “Yaghanen”, meaning the Good Land. We make our way into the expansive Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, covering over 2 million acres of wilderness. This place is home to an array of sublime wildlife including brown bears, wolves, Dall sheep, Alaskan moose and caribou. We will hike through an open canopy of birch, aspen, spruce and cottonwood forests along the Hidden Creek Trail. We will stop and rest at the awe-inspiring blue Skilak Lake, a unique feature of the Kenai River system fed by the flow from Skilak Glacier. |
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This afternoon, we shuttle to the Seward Windsong Lodge, a picturesque lodge located in the heart of the Exit Glacier Valley and designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty and its finest cuisines. Bask in the views of the serene river and mountains from its outdoor dining. Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring the town of Seward and dine at the many restaurants bursting of local delights for dinner this evening. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS This morning, please ensure to kit up with warm clothing before we begin the journey. We will take a short ride through the breathtaking Resurrection River Valley. Enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the Exit Glacier, a massive field of ice that slowly flows down the mountain. At Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll take an amazing hike alongside the famous Harding Icefield which covers more than 2000 square kilometers (900 sq m) and conceals an entire mountain under several thousand metres of ice. This ascent is challenging and steep but it’s very much worth it as it proves to be an incredibly rewarding experience. The trail follows the edge of Exit Glacier through a luxuriant forest that’s home to unique creatures such as black bears, moose, mountain goats, and marmots. Enjoy the sweeping view of this white land when you reach the tree line with no view obstruction. If you’re up for the challenge, hike the entire distance or if you’re hiking in the early summer, you’ll definitely hike through a lot of snow. |
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In the evening, we wine and dine at the hotel’s renowned Resurrection Roadhouse with plenty of fresh seafood and delicious steaks to choose from. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS After breakfast at the lodge, we will shuttle to Girdwood to start today’s hike along what was once part of the historic Iditarod trail. We will pass through rushing waterfalls, wildflowers and mining ruins on our way up to Crow Pass. The scene slowly transforms to a more alpine quality as the lush flora yields to the rocky tundra of higher elevations. Be on the lookout for marmots, mountain goats. If you’re lucky, you may even see a bear strutting around its territory. Make sure you have your warm layers with you once you reach the top of the pass and take in the outstanding view of Raven Glacier. |
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Next, we shuttle to Alyeska Resort, where you can relax and enjoy the hotel for the rest of the day. A luxury ski resort that has earned praise from Travel + Leisure, with stylish rooms, a 1400 acre skiable area, an aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska, and other exquisite amenities like a pool, spa, and much more. All of which will be available to you to enjoy. You can order a massage at the spa to help you loosen up from the day’s adventure. Tonight, we toast to our adventure so far at a favourite restaurant in Girdwood. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS Enjoy breakfast at the Alyeska’s Pond café before a serene morning hike. Traverse a luxuriant wooded area filled with Sitka spruce, devil’s club, wildflowers, ferns and wild blueberries, depending on the time of the year. Be on the lookout for moose and bear. The sound of rushing water follows us as we walk along the trail to Winner Creek, where the creek is forced to run through a narrow granite gorge that turns it into a plunging deluge of water. It’s a scenic turnaround point. You can also choose to sleep in, or enjoy the luxury amenities today before we gather for a final delicious lunch and shuttle back to Anchorage for your onward journey. 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 point is Homer, Alaska
- The finish point is Anchorage, Alaska
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Homer. The closest major airport to Homer, Alaska is Homer Airport (HOM / PAHO). This airport is 3 miles from the center of Homer.
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 layers will help ensure that you are prepared for all weather conditions. The summers are long, cool, and mostly cloudy and the winters are long, freezing, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -11°C to 18°C and is rarely below -25°C or above 21°C.
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)
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.
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.