Day 1: Anchorage Arrival  

Our receptive team will welcome you at the Anchorage International Airport. Travel south along the scenic (50 minute) drive to the Alyeska Hotel & Alyeska Resort, located in Girdwood.  A welcome reception with a “gold miners cocktail” can be arranged. Alyeska is the premier hotel in Alaska and is situated amidst dramatic mountains and glaciers. The resort includes a full size indoor swimming pool with views of mountain slopes and a health spa.

Day 2: The Grand Alaskan Outdoor Adventure!

Journey to the Kenai Fjords National Park - one of the great highlights of any visit to Alaska. This is the world of whales and glaciers!  The staff on board the vessel will explain about the marine life and birds of the Resurrection Bay.  Lunch (with wine and beer) can be served on board and variable menus are available.  Our charter vessel sails to Fox Island where outdoor activities are available for your group: sea kayaking and canoeing lessons, hiking and beachcombing. The ‘open bar’ will offer all day hospitality both on board the vessel and on Fox Island.  Dinner on the island can also be arranged before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: “There’s gold in them there hills!” 

Crow Creek Mine, located within 15 minutes of the hotel, is a great setting for gold panning lessons.  The mine was established in early 1900, and was the highest producing gold mine in this part of Alaska.  The original log building and tools are displayed at the mine.  Each miner pans for gold and is guaranteed to find actual gold flakes (keep all you find!).  Later this afternoon take a drive to Portage Glacier for a cruise amidst the glaciers and icebergs of the lake.  Keep a look out for giant chunks of ice which break off the glacier and crash into the frigid waters below.  Tonight is a great time for the gala dinner in the Seven Glaciers Restaurant.  Located at the 2300 foot level of Mt. Alyeska, the Seven Glaciers Restaurant provides panoramic vistas, fine cuisine, and good wine. 

Day 4: Travel Alaskan style!

Dog team, helicopter, river boat and train. For the next two days search for gold through the interior of the Greatland.  Traveling by private coach one can explore the Matanuska Valley farming country and have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.  There are opportunities to stop at a real sled dog kennel and learn about dog sledding!  Everyone can ride in a wheeled dog sled, and can officially claim the title Alaskan Sourdough. Talkeetna is the destination tonight, with dinner in the luxurious Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. 

Day 5: Homesteaders Dream 

A private helicopter can take members of the group to a remote Alaskan homestead in the foothills of Mt. McKinley.  Years ago, an Alaskan family staked their claim on this public lands, gaining permission to build their homestead. The helicopter flightseeing tour passes by North America’s highest mountain (Mt. McKinley) with views of glaciers and Icefields.  Landing at the homestead, a prepared a hearty backcountry lunch can be arranged before returning to Talkeetna.  

Day 6: Alaskan River

The adventure can continue by jet boat today with a ride through wilderness and a good opportunity to see moose or black bears. This is natural animal habitat and sightings are common. Talkeetna is a classic ‘picture postcard’ Alaskan town, with rustic wooden buildings and frontier atmosphere.   Most mountaineering expeditions set out for Mt. McKinley by bush plane from Talkeetna and  special flightseeing trips are available by ski plane to land on a glacier.  Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad for a return journey to Anchorage.

Day 7:  Anchorage - design your own day

From a menu of adventure and sporting activities we can allow participants to design their own day. Possible activities include: golf, fishing, bear viewing, arctic fly in tours, sea plane flights, river rafting, classic DC3 flights, mountain bike rentals and guided hiking. Tonight a “Farewell to Alaska” gala dinner could be held in a hotel or selected restaurant.

Day 8: Anchorage departure

Important Theme Notes:

• If contest format selected engraved gold pans or gold nugget jewelry for awards or gifts.

• Table pieces to keep the gold miner theme with old miner’s boot filled with Alaskan  wildflowers.

• A sport fishing experience or fishing contest can be added.