Ah, Wilderness!
Alaska Safari
June 22 - July 1, 2007
THE GREAT LAND
The early Aleuts called it Alyeska—the Great Land. Alaska is
truly the place for superlatives: “the longest, greatest, most,
highest, only.” Its natural wonders cannot really be described,
and they continue to awe the most seasoned travelers again and again.
It is one thing to read of Alaska’s majestic scale, and quite
another to actually experience it up close as we do on this extraordinary,
intimate adventure.
This is a land of secrets, of ancient
rainforests, of mountain spires, of mighty rivers, of whispering breezes,
of timeless rituals with creatures of the land, air and sea all taking
part. When Nature sings her ancient songs, birds wing their way north,
and majestic whales begin an annual odyssey spanning thousands of miles.
Only twelve fortunate individuals will
have the opportunity to experience some of Alaska’s most beautiful
realms on this exciting Safari. The group must remain small because
we go to places so remote they cannot accommodate more. We stay in lodges
and cabins, and use a variety of modes of transportation, including
comfortable vans, airboat, kayaks (optional), rafts (optional), glacier
sightseeing boat, bush plane (optional), the Alaska Railroad, and our
own two legs!
This is not a tour for those who want
to remain aloof and observe Alaska from a distance. Many in the travel
industry would try to convince you that it is possible to see Alaska
from the cushy confines of a crowded cruise ship. That will give you
a taste, but the only way to really experience this magnificent place
is to take a land-based tour and get up close so that you can actually
touch the awesome beauty of America’s Last Frontier.
Alaska has hundreds of square miles of a seemingly
endless expanse of mountains, forests, meadows, lakes, streams, glaciers—and
all of it teeming with rare species of North American wildlife. Join
Toto Tours this summer, and see Alaska exactly as you pictured it and
the way it should be seen.
Click on the above link to read about your option to arrive one day
early and fly to an Eskimo Village inside the Arctic Circle.
ITINERARY
Friday, June 22, 2007
Arrival in Fairbanks
Arrange your flight to arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska by 4pm today. Before
you collect your luggage, use the courtesy phone to call our downtown
hotel. Someone will be sent to pick you up. Our group meets for the
first time this evening to get acquainted over cocktails at the hotel,
followed by a Welcome Dinner at Gambardella’s Pasta Bella. (Dinner
included)
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Museum of the North / Chena Hot Springs
After breakfast, explore the Museum of the North at the University
of Alaska, for a virtual tour across the entire state. After lunch we
head to Chena Hot Springs, a scenic one-hour drive through the rolling
White Mountains east of Fairbanks. On the way we stop to check out the
Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline, where millions of gallons of oil travel 800
miles from Pruhdoe Bay to Valdez, and also enjoy a picnic lunch along
the Chena River.
Chena Hot Springs is a historic resort where
gold miners washed and soaked their weary bones 100 years ago. We relax
in the soothing mineral waters of their outdoor rock pool amidst beautiful
forested surroundings. Don’t be surprised if you catch sight of
a moose! Later, tour the unique Aurora Ice Museum and have a vodka martini
from a hand-carved ice goblet ($15 cost). Dinner tonight is at the Thai
House in Fairbanks. (All Meals)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
South to Denali
This morning we make the scenic 2½-hour drive south to Denali
National Park. After a tasty lunch, the afternoon is free to relax,
hike, explore or sign up for optional tours, like flightseeing, whitewater
rafting, a dog mushing demo, a jeep tour, mountain biking and more. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Denali National Park
This morning we take an early morning wildlife shuttle bus tour to
Wonder Lake, made famous by photographer Ansel Adams who captured the
17,000 ft. north face of Mt. McKinley with this lake in the foreground.
Along the way you might catch a glimpse of bears, caribou, moose, Dall
sheep, wolves and other wildlife. In the afternoon, we return to our
cabins and the rest of the day is free to hike, explore, or just relax
and take in the beauty around you. Enjoy a second night in the Denali
region. (All Meals)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Hatcher Pass
After a hearty breakfast we head south to Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna
Mountains, which offer beautiful alpine scenery. Along the way we keep
a keen lookout for views of the massive, yet often elusive, Mt. McKinley.
There are incredible alpine views from every
A-frame cabin in Hatcher Pass! We have time for relaxing, hiking, exploring
the Independence Mine State Historical Park, and warming up in a hot
sauna at the Lodge. (All Meals)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Knik Glacier / Anchorage
Today is another big day of adventure. We meet up with Tom, a gay
Alaskan homesteader, who shuttles us by propeller airboat up to his
remote camp on the Knik Glacier. We enjoy lunch here, followed by time
to explore the glacier.
This afternoon we head into Alaska’s
biggest city, Anchorage, for a tour of the Alaska Native Heritage Center,
dedicated to the state’s diverse native population. The entire
evening is at your disposal. We will enjoy returning to civilization
for one night, with a great hotel and shopping opportunities! (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Alaska Railroad to Seward / Fox Island
This morning we arise very early for a quick breakfast, departing
the hotel at 6am for the train depot. We ride the great Alaska Railroad
along the coast and then through the mountains and past glaciers to
the coastal port town of Seward.
Shortly after arriving we catch a shuttle boat
to Fox Island, the location of our remote island lodge. Enjoy a fabulous
beachfront salmon barbecue for lunch. The afternoon and evening are
free for exploring the island or taking an optional kayak tour. (All
Meals)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Kenai Fjords
Today embark on a breathtaking full-day cruise to see the glaciers
and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park. Watch out for whales, orcas,
sea otters, bears, eagles, sea birds, and other animals on our way out
to remote Northwestern Fjord. We return to Seward about 7pm for dinner
and a free evening in town. (All Meals)
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Anchorage / Farewell Dinner
On our way out of Seward, we visit and explore Exit Glacier and then
stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for an up close visit
with Alaska’s most famous residents. Return to Anchorage late
this afternoon and enjoy some free time for shopping and exploring.
Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at The Bridge Restaurant
in Anchorage to celebrate the end of our adventure together. To
cap off a marvelous tour, you might want to explore the local nightlife
at Mad Myrna’s, Alaska’s favorite gay and lesbian party
spot. (All Meals)
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast at the hotel this morning.
Make your flight arrangements for any convenient time today. Let us
know if you would like to extend your stay at our hotel in Anchorage. (Breakfast)
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