Alaskan Yacht Spectacular

Expect a warm Alaskan welcome at the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. A private transfer will whisk you from Anchorage International Airport to this comfortable hotel in the heart of this vibrant city. Along the way, enjoy captivating views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. While the location provides easy access to the city’s main attractions, such as the Anchorage Museum, Native Heritage Centre and scenic walking trails, the onsite facilities are superb.

Staying in a Captain’s Deck Junior Suite, the hotel has a choice of restaurants including fine dining at the Crow’s Nest accompanied by panoramic city views. There’s also an in-house private art collection focusing on Alaskan history, culture, and the expeditions of Captain Cook, who first mapped the Alaskan coastline. For those looking for post-flight relaxation, there is a fitness centre, sauna, steam room and indoor pool.

After breakfast you will be collected for a private transfer to Lake Hood to board a seaplane for a scenic 1-hour flight to Finger Lake in the Tordrillo Mountains. Your base for the following three nights is one of five characterful cabins at the historic Winterlake Lodge. The limited guest numbers staying at the lodge ensures the vibe is personal, allowing for genuine connections between guests, hosts, and guides. This is a glorious spot to escape the pressures of the modern world and embrace the great outdoors.

Winterlake is owned by Carl and Kirsten Dixon and was once the site of a hunting camp. Since ceasing all hunting activities and developing a lodge based on sustainable adventure, the wildlife has returned with thriving populations of moose, bears, beavers, wolverine, and otters. Located on the tranquil waters of Winter Lake, the property is surrounded by spectacular Alaskan wilderness and mountain scenery. It is also the Finger Lake checkpoint for the Iditarod sled dog race, as it sits on the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which makes for great hiking.

The Lodge focuses on mountain adventures. Behind the property, the Wolverine Mountain offers glorious hiking, wildlife viewing and fabulous views of Mount Denali. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, wolves, and black bear. You can also enjoy kayaking on the lake, practicing yoga or taking a relaxed cookery class. Kirsten is an accomplished and celebrated chef. The food here is wonderful and she enjoys sharing her knowledge.

The following day ramps up the adrenalin with a helicopter adventure tailored to your interests and physical abilities. Options include heli-hiking to a glacier ridge, glacier trekking, heli-rafting on the untamed waters of the Happy River and heli-fishing. Travelling by helicopter provides access to remote and untouched destinations, rivers, and streams, making for excellent fishing opportunities.

Your final full day at the lodge is a chance to indulge in more of the activities that appeal to you. Amid such spectacular scenery, you may wish to simply relax and appreciate the chance to kick back and soak up the surrounding natural beauty and deep sense of serenity.

Following breakfast, you will take a seaplane bound for Anchorage, where you will be met for a private transfer to Whittier (up to 5-hours). On arrival, you’ll board the private Sea Mist Yacht, for a customised cruise exploring the wildlife-rich waters and majestic scenery of Prince William Sound. For the following three nights, you set the itinerary deciding on the excursions and activities to suit your specific interests. The crew comprises Captain Jeff Gorton, who has been sailing these waters for decades, an experienced and excellent chef and friendly deckhand, all at the ready to ensure you enjoy the cruise of a lifetime.

Onboard, you’ll dine on custom-prepared gourmet meals created from local and organic produce where possible, while the main salon and deck offer relaxed and comfortable spaces for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery of Sound.

From whale watching, scouting for sea otters, seals, bald eagles and puffins, the wildlife viewing is excellent. Guests can also enjoy shrimping and fishing, with anything caught contributing to a delicious supper. The ship carries a 14-foot tender, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, so there’s plenty of opportunity for water activities and exploration. Land activities can also be included, with hiking ancient forest, and berry picking on offer for those interested. As a small ship, the Sea Mist can get close to the glaciers for wonderful glacier viewing. The sight and sound of a glacier calving into the deep blue waters will live long in the memory

Day 8: Anchorage

On your final morning, the Sea Mist will dock back in Whittier, where your driver will transfer you to Anchorage International Airport for the journey home.

An exceptional and unforgettable trip, your Alaskan expedition will leave you with many lasting memories.