ALASKA FAMILY VOYAGE ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Seattle/Juneau, Alaska
Fly from Seattle to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Visit the
imposing Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an
excellent introduction to Alaska's natural history and cultures.
There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we embark the
National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird in the late afternoon.
National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird (D)
Day 2 — Tracy Arm Fjord
Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord with
waterfalls cascading from towering, glacially carved walls. We
maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye on the shoreline
for feeding black bears and mountain goats on the cliffs above.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 — Petersburg
Discover the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island,
founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen. A
visit to Petersburg provides a glimpse of a true Alaskan town.
There is an opportunity for optional flight-seeing via
floatplane or helicopter over nearby Le Conte Glacier (weather
permitting) and for hikes on forest trails. Later, we cruise out
to look for whales in the southern part of Frederick Sound, or
we may explore Le Conte Bay, a virtual sculpture garden of
grounded icebergs. (B, L, D)
Day 4 — Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are often good for whale sightings. Look for
Steller sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands that dot the
channels. During the day, walk along a quiet forest trail
accompanied by naturalists or kayak in the tiny coves in this
area. (B, L, D)
Day 5 — Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the day exploring magnificent Glacier Bay, where enormous
glaciers flow from the ice fields far above. Watch and hear
glaciers calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near
islets that are home to seabirds such as puffins and guillemots,
and look for humpback whales and orcas. Walk ashore among
towering spruce trees and meadows of wildflowers. (B, L, D)
Day 6 — Point Adolphus/Chichagof Island
Look for humpback whales at Point Adolphus, a favored feeding
area. Then cruise along the northern coastline of Chichagof
Island and find playful sea otters. Keep an eye out for eagles,
which are commonplace in the surrounding Tongass National
Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. (B, L,
D)
Day 7 — Exploring Alaska's Islands, Bays, and Fjords
Beachcomb, walk forest trails, explore by kayak, or cruise along
Admiralty Island, where the massive brown bear is found, along
with perhaps the world's highest density of nesting bald eagles.
If conditions permit, explore the coastlines of some remote
islands by kayak. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B, L,
D)
Day 8 — Sitka/Seattle
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong
Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox
Cathedral, a striking testament to Alaska's roots prior to the
U.S. purchase of the territory from Russia, and the Sitka
National Historic Park, where totem poles line quiet wooded
trails. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for the
flight to Seattle. (B)
Note: Add a seven-day extension to Denali National Park or
the Kenai Peninsula -- click the "Trip Extension" tab above for
details.
Back to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
EXPEDITIONS - Menu Page
All information is property of National
Geographic Expeditions. Certain restrictions apply. All rates in
U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to
change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this
page is copyrighted by National Geographic Expeditions. All such
copyright material is acknowledged. These pages are not endorsed
or supported by National Geographic Expeditions in any way. All
information presented is based on promotional material provided
by National Geographic Expeditions. It is presumed to be
accurate and is subject to change without notice.
Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595
