Ultimate Alaska Adventure
New for 2009, the "Ultimate Alaska Discovery Adventure" has been designed to encompass the best of Alaska's scenery and wildlife, with plenty of photo opportunities to please the amateur or professional photographer. Our longest trip, this 16-day/15-night journey features the natural splendor of Prince William Sound, Katmai, and Denali National Park, ending in Fairbanks in the heart of Alaska's Interior. Guided by professional photographer Hugh Rose, this is our essentially our Photo Voyage on steroids. Read more...
Land segment is limited to eight people. From the welcome dinner in Anchorage through our days in Prince William Sound, Katmai, and Denali Park, photo opportunities abound. Professional photographer and naturalist guide Hugh Rose provides great insight and advice along the way.
Visitors at the Chenega Glacier take in the awesome view of the tidewater face from a safe distance on shore on a clear afternoon in July, photo by Hugh Rose
A Dall's Porpoise bow rides on a small boat in Prince William Sound, Alaska on a perfectly calm day, photo by Hugh Rose
After six incredible days of voyaging through the world-famous Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Discovery we will head to remote Hallo Bay on the Katmai coast for pristine wilderness and unparalleled bear viewing opportunities.
A brown bear runs through the water in pursuit of sockeye salmon in Katmai National Park, photo by Hugh Rose
Our journey will continue north by road from Homer (via Anchorage) to Denali National Park where we travel 90 miles by van deep into the Park to spend 3 nights at Skyline Lodge. Weather permitting we will be rewarded with spectacular views of North America's highest mountain and the surrounding wilds. End your travels in the interior city of Fairbanks, Alaska's “Golden Heart,” with a farewell dinner and overnight at a comfortable Bed and Breakfast.
Denali viewed from the Park Road near Wonder Lake on a clear morning, photo by Hugh Rose
This best of Alaska itinerary will present countless opportunities for wildlife, landscape, and macro photography, hiking, kayaking and glacier viewing. From the breaching whale to the carnivorous plant tucked away in the meadow tundra, we offer flexibility and lots of fun. Itinerary may vary based on the group's interest, weather, and opportunities that present themselves.
Guided by Naturalist Hugh Rose
Hugh Rose has lived in northern climates most of his life and currently makes Fairbanks, Alaska home. Compelled by Alaska's natural beauty, he left a 10-year career in geology to explore and photograph the vast landscapes and wildlife of the north.
Both nature and a camera have intrigued Hugh since childhood and he continues to explore these worlds through photography and guiding. Hugh is a skilled birder, and with a master's degree in geology, blends a keen mix of natural history with his people and photography skills. He travels worldwide sharing the wonders of the natural world with his clients.
Full Itinerary
Includes a pre-trip orientation and dinner at a local Anchorage restaurant the night before departure. Since available light conditions and weather will direct our daily activity, this itinerary is far from an exact description, but rather a means to give you a feel for some of the possible places we will visit. Since a year would be too short to try to cover all the photo options available, we will always remain flexible to serendipitous encounters and customize our itinerary as the days and weather unfold. Daily visits to shore will be made for photography as well as shooting from the boat. Kayak excursions are an option for those seeking additional exercise and recreation.
Day 1
Arrive in Anchorage, and settle in at Copper Whale Inn for a comfortable night stay. Please plan to take a cab from the airport and arrive by 6:30PM. Meet your guide Hugh Rose and enjoy a welcome dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
Day 2
Begin your adventure today with a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm (south of Anchorage along Chugach State Park), known for its tremendous tidal flats and frequent sightings of Beluga Whales, to the port town of Whittier and your journey into Prince William Sound. We will be able to stop for photographic opportunities along the way. The great crew of Discovery Voyages will meet you upon arrival. You will be treated to a welcome lunch reception while the crew prepares for departure, and then begin your exploration of this special place.
Day 3 - 6
Curious Sea Otter
An open breakfast served from 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. works well with guests from various time zones and individual morning routines. Enjoy a variety of warm fresh breads, muffins, rolls, fruits, cereals, various warm egg dishes, juices, coffee and tea are all available.
Your guide and the Discovery’s Captain review the weather forecast and discuss current photographic opportunities. Evaluation of these factors will dictate the itinerary plans (i.e., are whales feeding in a particular area, perhaps wild flowers are in prime bloom in an area, etc.) Upon arrival at our specific destination, we will launch inflatable zodiacs to take us onshore for a short photographic foray amidst lush rainforest vegetation, rivers and waterfalls, and the wildlife resident to the area. Return to the Discovery for an exquisite dinner of local Copper River Red salmon, breads, roasted rosemary potatoes, vegetables, desserts, wine selections and many other beverages are available. Meanwhile, the Discovery travels to an evening anchorage in one of the Sound's many intimate and secluded coves.
Day 7
Return to the port town of Whittier this afternoon after 6 wonderful days exploring Prince William Sound with your guide Hugh Rose and the Discovery Crew. Transfer to Homer by van to take in the town and enjoy dinner on your own this evening. Overnight in comfort at Land’s End Resort or similar accommodations.
Day 8 - 10
Travel by air from Homer to Hallo Bay Lodge on the Katmai Coast for a 3-night stay. Enjoy the ultimate bear viewing photographic experience amid the breathtaking natural scenery of Katmai National Park. All meals will be provided. See insert for FAQ’s on this environmentally sensitive wilderness.
Day 11
Return to Homer by air and then continue back to Anchorage by van. Overnight at Copper Whale Inn or similar comfortable accommodations. You will be free to explore Anchorage and enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Day 12
Moss Campion
After breakfast, travel by van to Denali National Park, about a 5-hour drive. Enjoy an overnight in homey cabins at Earthsong Lodge (or similar) in Healy. All meals provided.
Day 13 - 14
Today we tour deep into the wilderness of Denali National Park by private vehicle. We will stop often to look for wildlife, and enjoy a box picnic lunch enroute to Skyline Lodge in Kantishna, 90 miles inside Denali National Park. We will overnight for 2 nights, with shared baths and all meals provided. Days in Denali will be filled with photo opportunities, observing wildlife, independent hiking, and just absorbing the magnificent surroundings. Weather permitting, we will enjoy the treat of a flightseeing tour, photographing the mountains and glaciers around Mt. McKinley from overhead in a small bush plane.
Day 15
Today after breakfast we journey back through Denali National Park giving us more opportunities for great photography and, weather-permitting, views of Denali, and wind up in Fairbanks, Alaska’s “Golden Heart City”. Spend a restful night in Fairbanks at the comfortable and elegant Grand View Lodge Bed and Breakfast. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaraunt.
Day 16
Enjoy your last morning in Alaska and depart for home with memories of an incredible trip. Airport transfers are not included.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. While complimentary beverages and drinks (wine, beer, small bar, sodas, water, juice, etc) are included onboard the Discovery, they are not included at Hallo Bay, Skyline Lodge or our other land-based accommodations. Arrangements to purchase and bring your own alcohol will be provided.
For more details on the Discovery Voyages segment of this tour please click here.
