Alaska Odyssey - Wellness & Glacier Escape

Join us for an unforgettable discovery of Southeast Alaska! Enjoy active adventures during the day and relaxation and luxury in the evening. This adventure provides a way for women to come together, comfortably and safely enjoy the outdoors, and have fun!

• Highlights: Mendenhall Glacier, Admiralty Island Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, Glacier Bay National Park, Tongass National Forest
  Activities: Hiking, Glacier Trekking, Flightseeing, Bear Viewing, Sea Kayaking, Boat Cruise/Wildlife Viewing, Wine/Tea tasting, Organic Cooking Demonstration, Yoga, Massage/Spa Service, Free time
• 2008 Dates/Rates: Call 907-789-3772
• Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
• Accommodations: 7 nights deluxe lodging
• Includes: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, welcome reception, organic cooking demo
• Trip Rating: Easy to Moderate
• No Experience Necessary
• Rates: Based on Double Occupancy with 3 to 10 people, Single Supplement Available

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Juneau, welcome reception at Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa. Overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 2: Explore local attractions - Sightsee downtown, shop, visit the salmon hatchery and aquariums, State and City Museums, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure or the Mt. Roberts Tramway (admission fees may apply). Meet back at Pearson's Pond in the evening to enjoy complimentary wine or tea tasting and discuss the next day's activities. Overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 3: This is the ultimate glacier escape! You and your guides will meet at the West Glacier trailhead for a day of glacier trekking and optional ice climbing. Hike the West Glacier Spur trail until you reach the terminus of the Mendenhall Glacier. Once there, you will be outfitted with glacier gear and given an introduction to walking in crampons and using an ice axe. Explore unique glacial formations such as crevasses, ice caves, waterfalls and beautiful views of the Mendenhall Lake! Return to Pearson's Pond and relax your body with a complimentary massage or spa service. Overnight Pearson's Pond. (optional deluxe glacier camping)

Day 4: Enjoy a morning of wellness and relaxation! The group will meet at a lodge for a half-day of yoga, followed by an organic cooking demonstration. In the late afternoon, choose between a short hike along the beach coastline or bike ride with views of the Chilkat Mountains. Return and overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 5: The day starts off with a scenic floatplane flight to Windfall Island in the Admiralty Island National Monument. From there, we sea kayak to the edge of the Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary. A short beach walk brings us to the mouth of Pack Creek, where we hope to see Alaskan brown bear fishing for salmon or feeding in the beach meadows. We may also take a marvelous 1.5 mile hike through the old-growth coastal rainforest to an observation tower on upper Pack Creek. No experience is necessary, but be prepared for easy hiking and sea kayaking, and possible inclement weather (we provide rain gear). Return to Juneau and overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 6: Enjoy an early morning scenic flight to Gustavus, Alaska. Spend the morning sightseeing around the quaint town of Gustavus. In the afternoon, enjoy sea kayaking in Glacier Bay National Park's Bartlett Cove and among the Beardslee Islands. Enjoy the delights of kayaking and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the area. Paddle the forested lower bay rich in wildlife including birds, marine mammals, moose, and black bears, but out of view of the park's active tidewater glaciers. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on a secluded beach and short, educational nature walks along the way. A leisurely half-day kayak tour is a terrific way to connect with the magical wilderness of Glacier Bay. Overnight Gustavus-Glacier Bay.

Day 7: In the morning, board the Glacier Bay day boat from Glacier Bay Lodge. This boat takes you up close and personal to the tidewater glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. Watch for humpback whales, orca, sea lions, eagles, and bears. Return to the Glacier Bay Lodge and enjoy a fine dinner overlooking the water at the lodge restaurant. Overnight Gustavus-Glacier Bay.

Day 8: Fly back to Juneau. Farewell breakfast at Pearson's Pond. Time to catch your flight home!

Optional add-ons: more nights & activities: Taku Glacier Lodge, Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier cruise, Dog sledding on the Juneau Ice Field, Summer skiing on the Juneau Ice Field, Deluxe Glacier Base camp.

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