With international destinations still very limited, bookings for U.S. travel have intensified as many Americans look to stay in the states for the balance of the year. We understand that it is disappointing not to be able to travel the globe beyond Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and limited European and African countries, but remind you that the United States has a wealth of wonderful places not to be overlooked.
The key is to book as soon as possible since demand is high and availability is increasingly limited, especially as the season progresses. As we enter the peak warm weather travel months, coastal hotels and resorts are booking up rapidly, as are many lakefront properties, national park locations and U.S. river cruises. We highly recommend that you not wait to reach out to us if you hope to travel to a popular U.S. destination this year, especially this summer and fall.
Travel within the U.S. has gotten significantly easier as individual states ease entry requirements for domestic travelers now that vaccinations are readily accessible to anyone over the age of 16. Covid-19 vaccines are contributing to the expansion of international destinations as well—the European Union recently announced that it is reopening its borders to vaccinated travelers as early as this summer. While the specific details and timeline of renewed European travel have not been finalized, it is cause for optimism particularly for the latter part of the year and most certainly for 2022.
Airlines have started announcing the addition of more domestic flights over the summer to meet increased summer demand. So, consider exploring all that this magnificent country has to offer from coast to coast, whether it’s a summer beach getaway, a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise, a wine country visit or a fall foliage journey.
As always, we are here to assist with all your travel needs, whether it’s for a short weekend escape or extended family vacation. Call us to review your options and the protocols specific to your desired destination.
In the meantime, enjoy this issue of our monthly newsletter highlighting the Pacific Coast from Northern California to Alaska.
The Pacific Coast Beckons
Now that domestic travel restrictions are beginning to relax, this is the perfect time to explore all the amazing destinations our country has to offer. From sea to shining sea, the U.S. abounds with natural wonders, interesting cities, a rich history, and culinary delights. The Pacific Coast, from northern California to Alaska, is an especially fun place to visit during the summer and early fall when the weather is conducive to outdoor activities.
A trip to the Pacific Northwest offers an extensive range of destinations, activities, and types of travel. Images of wine, water and whale-watching come to mind. Think wine-tastings, Columbia and Snake River cruises, dramatic waterfalls and endless coastal shorelines punctuated with whale sightings. Consider compartmentalized trips such as Northern California, where you can combine a city stay in San Francisco with Napa or Sonoma Valley wine country visits. If you have never taken a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, why not do it now and head north, starting in Santa Barbara and winding your way through Solvang, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Muir Woods, and Mendocino. If you are truly adventurous, continue the drive all the way through Portland to Seattle to experience the breathtaking coastline, snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, lush forests, and unique towns along the way.
Alaska is an adventure unto itself—a must on travel bucket lists! Although Alaskan big ship cruises are temporarily suspended, there are small ship options and land tours that allow travelers to have a wonderfully authentic Alaskan adventure. In fact, many are already sold out for this year and booking rapidly for 2022, so if you cancelled an Alaskan trip last year or this year due to Covid-19, now is the time to book it for 2022 or you are likely to be preempted to 2023.
There is a lot to be optimistic about as more Americans become vaccinated and medical professionals get a better handle on how to treat Covid-19. Travel and safety protocols will vary from state to state, city to city and from hotel to hotel, so it is important to remain flexible and fluid in terms of your travel expectations.
Please enjoy our newsletter and feel free to reach out for assistance in discussing and planning trips for 2021 and 2022.
Northern California Wine Country
California is synonymous with the resplendent wine-growing regions located throughout the Golden State. A relaxing wine-tasting vacation in Northern California’s Wine Country is the epitome of the good life – no matter how you experience it! Napa and Sonoma Valleys welcome you to their rolling hills, luxury resorts, numerous Michelin-star restaurants, lush spas, and breathtaking views. A memorable experience is what you come for, but you will leave with so much more!
Northern California has so much many great vacation options—you are sure to find the perfect trip to suit your vacation style. Sample San Francisco’s highlights and then head an hour north for a multi-night stay in Napa Valley. Or perhaps Big Sur’s rugged coastline along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway is luring you to explore its quaint towns. Continue your leisurely road trip to Sonoma Valley, about three hours north, and relish all that California has to offer. One guarantee—you will taste some of the most coveted grapes in the world!
Roam the hillsides via bike, rent a private car, or join a small tour bus traveling from vineyard to vineyard. With elegant estates, low-key wineries, and urban wine trails, Northern California’s Wine Country is as varied as the grapes themselves. Visit charming villages, discover interesting shops, and savor a culinary experience like no other. Hike the hills while enjoying California’s near-perfect weather or soar high above the incredible terrain in an exhilarating hot air balloon ride. Each season in Wine Country has its own charm and with hundreds of wineries to choose from, you will want to come back again and again.
Harvest Inn: St. Helena, CA
The Harvest Inn, recognized by Condè Nast Traveler as one of the top hotels in the heart of Napa Valley, sits on 8-acres amongst an abundance of open space and fresh air. Boasting a storybook charm where you can walk beneath 320 redwood trees leading to the expansive cabernet vineyards, Harvest Inn amenities include a relaxing poolside, farm-to-table meals, and in-room wine, to name just a few. The fragrant countryside surrounding Harvest Inn allows you to enjoy wine tastings, outdoor activities, and local boutique shopping.
The restaurant, Harvest Table, is a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. It features a robust wine list, locally sourced ingredients, and a collection of five culinary gardens on the property. The alfresco dining sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience punctuated by exquisite tastes and flavors.
The resort’s 81 luxurious guest rooms are surrounded by trees, gardens, and lush landscaping that bring Napa Valley to life. The Vineyard View Collection has panoramic views of Whitehall Lane’s Leonardini Family Vineyards that scream seclusion and beauty. The Harvest Inn rooms celebrate the town’s style with fountain, garden, and landscape scenes around the property. The two distinct lodging styles come with free Wi-Fi, luxe bathrobes, an in-room fireplace, flat-screen T.V., and private patios enveloped in natural surroundings.
Auberge du Soleil: Rutherford, CA
Auberge du Soleil considers itself the ‘quintessential Napa Valley Adult Getaway.’ With the outstanding outdoor dining, deluxe residential-style accommodations, and inspiration from the south of France, we concur! Inside 33 acres of olive and oak trees, Auberge du Soleil’s guestrooms and suites exude sophistication and elegance. This iconic property, distinguished for its culinary roots, ensures that guests’ experiences are unique. Partake in a personalized winery tour, shop at boutiques, and lean into your indulgent side while at Auberge du Soleil.
The spa offers a retreat within a retreat, overlooking one of the most famous views in all of Napa Valley. Auberge du Soleil Spa treatments, customized to your needs, are reserved solely for hotel guests. Savor the ultimate culinary experience at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, awarded the Michelin star for 13 consecutive years, where you can indulge in a full sensory encounter by Executive Chef Robert Curry. For more informal dining, try the Bistro and Bar on the terrace with stunning sunset views.
Tucked within a hillside overlooking vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains, Auberge du Soleil’s guestrooms feature luxurious interiors and natural beauty on the outside. Choose from classic and deluxe rooms and suites or opt for a private Maison. The suites have classic French doors, oversized private terraces, and spacious interiors. The classic and deluxe rooms are warm, intimate, and refined. A stay in a private Maison is unrivaled in romance and style. The trellised terrace has an outdoor tub and rain shower with unobstructed valley views. One may forget all about the wine while staying in any of the rooms at Auberge du Soleil.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa: Yountville, CA
Where earth meets sky, breathe in nature’s clarity at Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville, California. Whether it’s enjoying a day at the spa, walking the gardens, tasting the wine, or relishing the views, Bardessono is bold in all its features. Take a dip in the sun-filled rooftop pool, choose from a variety of fresh field-to-fork dishes at Lucy, or use the complimentary bicycles for touring the town and surrounding Napa Valley. Here is where art meets culture, shopping, and dining.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa has earned numerous awards such as #3 in Top Hotels in Northern California in the 2020 and 2019 Condè Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, #7 Best Eco-Friendly Hotel in USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2019 Awards, and #4 Best Napa Valley Hotel in U.S. News & World Report 2020 Rankings, to name a few. “Living Bardessono means doing the things you love”—celebrate local festivals, walk the wineries, and shop the marketplaces nearby. Tranquility of the mind and soul come together at Bardessono Hotel & Spa.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa luxury rooms are contemporary in style and feel, striving to blend privacy with enhanced exclusive experiences. Enjoy a glass of wine during check-in, a bottle of wine in each guest room, in-room refreshments, fitness center, and turndown service. Lodging options range from suites to villas. The Spa-Suite comes with a luxurious oversized spa bathroom, fireplace, and private balcony. The Steam Spa-Suite has a soaking tub, steam shower, and secluded outdoor shower. Finally, the Tufa Suite has an expanded private courtyard and spacious options for in-suite dining. For refined luxury, The Maple Grove Villas offer seclusion and elite experiences including private cocktail pool, butler service, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Solage Resort & Spa: Calistoga, CA
Solage Resort & Spa, a vibrant retreat nestled in Napa Valley, is a bucket-list destination for wine lovers, wellness seekers, and foodies. With natural hot springs, beautiful weather, and stunning landscapes, relax, connect, and revel in the good life here. Experience ‘Sip & Cycle,’ combining two of Napa Valley’s traditions, wine tasting and cycling! Afterward, the Solbar patio turns up the heat with Friday and Saturday night S’more-making around the fire. To see Napa Valley’s sunrise or sunset, soar over the idyllic landscape in a private hot air balloon.
Spa Solage, the award-winning 20,000 square foot spa in the center of the resort, continues to attract spa goers from around the world. Spa Solage’s Bathhouse, with its geothermal pools, delivers the ultimate retreat. After a detox, Executive Chef Gustavo Rios brings food alive. Stimulate your palate with fresh and seasonal eats from Nappy Valley on the sunlit patio or in-room dining. Coming in May 2021, Picobar will overlook the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains as a traditional pool grill. Grab a snack poolside and continue to soak in all that Solage Resort & Spa has to offer.
Solage Resort & Spa’s deep respect for nature, with a fresh spin on wine country, is ever-present in its spacious, comfortable studios and suites. With outdoor patios in each room, relax under vaulted ceilings, cozy up fireside, and refresh in a unique pebbled shower. Solage Resort & Spa’s suites offer unrivaled seclusion with a private hot tub for two on the outdoor patios for a more exclusive private haven.
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort: Big Sur, CA
Develop a deeper connection not only with yourself, but with the natural world during a stay at Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. It is no surprise that a stay at Ventana Big Sur opens a world of possibilities, where everyone can find what they are looking for. Rejuvenate at Spa Alila in iconic Big Sur, where you will leave with a profound sense of wellness. The leisure concierge team will assist with every aspect of your stay—reserve one of many exclusive activities the resort offers, such as a private picnic, star bathing, and a mixology class.
While at Ventana Big Sur, enjoy outdoor swimming pools, Japanese baths, and the surrounding natural wonderland beckoning for exploration. Head to the beach or to the forest—Ventana Big Sur has a plethora of equipment available for your outings. After a day of adventure, head to The Sur House, sitting high above the ocean with terrace views that take your breath away. Another dinner choice is the Glass House, where you can partake in unparalleled private dining experience with a prix-fixe menu that will be remembered forever.
Ventana Big Sur is purposeful with the mindset that space is luxury. The resort’s 59 secluded suites feature expansive balconies overlooking 160 acres of the gorgeous Pacific coastline. This sophisticated retreat has luxurious bathrooms, king beds, and a private balcony or patio with forest, meadow, ocean, or canyon views in every room. From guestrooms to suites, villas to houses, Ventana Big Sur has it all. Each room has its own flair, such as a forest shower suite, superior fireplace room, and even the possibility of Glamping with Ventana Big Sur’s tent cabins. With refined, rustic, and elevated aesthetics, Ventana Big Sur is the most fitting place to stay while enjoying the coast.
Portland, Oregon
Foodies and culture fans alike gravitate toward Portland, drawn by its diverse neighborhoods, funky food cart reputation, iconic coffee ethos, extensive musical offerings, and trendy vintage boutiques. A visit to Portland is not complete unless you have experienced the Portland Saturday Market, the largest arts-and-craft fair in the U.S., held every Saturday from March to December at the city’s waterfront park.
The city is the perfect blend of culture and the outdoors. Often referred to as the “City of Roses,” be sure to admire the roses at the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the country. Observe a traditional ancient tea ceremony at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, inhale fragrant blossoms at the Portland Japanese Garden, and visit the Portland Art Museum, home to more than 1,800 works of Japanese art. Browse the chic boutiques, galleries, and restaurants houses in renovated warehouses in the Pearl District, once Portland’s main downtown area. End up at Powell’s City of Books, a huge bookstore encompassing a full city block that holds more than 1.5 million books!
Portland is an ideal home base for area outdoor activities as well. There are more than 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits. In fact, there are more than 275 public parks in Portland, including Forest Park, which has more than 5,000 acres. Learn the history of the 12 Willamette River bridge crossings as you cross them to venture outside of the city limits to hike Mount Hood, explore one of many amazing coastal beaches or sample some
The Nines, Portland
The Nines, housed in the historic former Meier & Frank retail flagship, is located in downtown Portland in the heart of it all. This striking building, with its glazed terra cotta façade, served as Portland’s commerce hub for decades until it began its metamorphosis into a luxury hotel in 2005. By blending the original exterior with a new light-filled atrium, the architects have created a unique homage to the building’s storied fashion and art roots, hence the name The Nines, as in “dressed to the nines.”
Situated next to Pioneer Square and the central business district., The Nines is the perfect base to explore local shops, dine in the trendy Pearl District, visit museums, enjoy the city’s many beautiful parks or head to the breathtaking Willamette Valley wine country.
The hotel is home to a bold collection of over 400 pieces of commissioned art, including sculpture, paintings and custom installations created by local artists. Each room features delightful design elements harking back to the property’s fashion heritage including mercury lamps reminiscent of mannequins, crystal pendant lights, nightstand drawer pulls inspired by elegant silver bracelets, as well as original art produced by students from the Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Guests can enjoy meals at two distinctly crafted restaurants. The Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse emphasizing Northwest ingredients and farm-to-table options coupled with an expansive wine list and locally inspired cocktails, is in the colorful atrium. The Departure Restaurant offers modern Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan 15th floor-setting with two outdoor decks and stunning views of the city, mountains, and Willamette River. Before or after dinner, relax in The Library, a lounge enveloped in reclaimed wooden shelves with 3,000 new and used books from Powell’s Bookstore, available for casual gatherings, cocktail receptions, and wine tastings.
Added amenities include a fitness studio available to guests by appointment only due to Covid-19 guidelines and a pet-friendly policy that welcomes four-legged family members for an added $85 cleaning fee.
The Allison Inn and Spa, Newberg, Oregon
The Allison Inn & Spa, set in the foothills of Willamette Valley in the heart of Oregon’s wine country just 45 minutes south of Portland, redefines the experience of luxury and hospitality. The Allison is the only full-service resort and spa in Oregon Wine Country, the perfect destination for those wanting to combine city and country in one visit that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. It offers the finest in dining, nurturing and healing treatments at the award-winning Allison Spa, and luxurious accommodations.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges, rolling hillsides, working vineyards and farmlands, the resort features stunning walking trails, an open-air art gallery, beautiful gardens, breathtaking vineyard and valley views, and one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the Pacific Northwest. The Art at The Allison collection integrates over 500 original pieces of Oregon art by more than 100 local artists into the resort’s contemporary design.
The award-winning Allison Spa offers an indulgent full-service spa menu that embodies the natural essence of the Pacific Northwest. Treatments and therapies for both men and women are dedicated to health and wellness, allowing you to reconnect with yourself. One of the newest is halotherapy, a Himalayan salt treatment created to improve overall mental, emotional and physical health. A vanishing edge swimming pool is flooded with daylight from the large skylight, while the inviting whirlpool provides beautiful landscape views. Sliding glass doors open to lounge chairs and umbrellas on the sun terrace – a comfortable place to read, unwind after a day of wine tasting or socialize.
The signature restaurant, JORY, accentuates the flavors and influences of the Willamette Valley with an emphasis on a seasonal, farm-to-table menu, much of it from The Allison’s 1.5-acre garden and greenhouse. Customize your wine pairing to complement cuisine selections.
77 deluxe guest rooms and 8 suites located across four levels: Terrace, Spa, Main, and Penthouse, are appointed with custom built-in closets, upholstered window seats, and feature oversized windows to let in sunlight and vistas of Willamette Valley vineyards and the Oregon countryside.
Enjoy live jazz in the living room on Friday and Saturday evenings. Certified service animals are welcome.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, sitting at the edge of picturesque Puget Sound and enveloped by beautiful dark blue bay waters, evergreen forests, and snow-capped mountains in the distance, is a wonderful escape from the ordinary. Wander this walkable city to discover its many eclectic neighborhoods including Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown, and the Chinatown-International District with its ornate Chinatown Gate and tantalizing culinary scene.
A must-see stop during any Seattle visit is the infamous waterfront Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmers markets in the country, where vendors enthrall passersby with entertaining fish tossing skills and over 200 local artisans sell a variety of wares. Be sure to sample a cup of java at the original Starbucks café.
The Seattle skyline is known for the iconic Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. From the top you can see amazing views of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains and on a clear day, even Mount Rainier. Also punctuating the skyline is a newer addition, the Seattle Great Wheel built in 2012. Linking Seattle Center to downtown’s Westlake Center is the mile long route of another World’s Fair relic, the Seattle Center Monorail, which weaves along a track high above the street.
There are numerous museum offerings: the Museum of Pop Culture, housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building that from above looks like a smashed guitar; the family-friendly Pacific Science Center; the Seattle Art Museum, the largest museum in the city, which is home to a wide array of collections; the Olympic Sculpture Park, a free outdoor extension of the art museum located at the waterfront; the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the most comprehensive collection of world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly’s art; and the Museum of Flight, one of the largest air and space collections in the country.
Don’t limit your visit to the city center—hop on a Washington State Ferry for a daytrip to Bainbridge Island or the breathtaking San Juan Islands, where you will observe a plethora of wildlife, incredible beaches and even zipline through the treetops. If you prefer to stay on land, take a short drive to Woodinville where you will find more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms. Plane buffs will definitely want to visit The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, a working Boeing factory. And last, but not least, sports fans can take in a baseball game at T-Mobile Park and root for the home team Seattle Mariners or perhaps, their opponents.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
Seattle’s iconic hotel since 1924, The Fairmont Olympic, is rich in character and legendary luxury. Just steps from Pike Place Market, the waterfront, museums, attractions and shopping, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel offers the perfect blend of location and amenities, including an innovative culinary experience and best-in-class service.
The first phase of a major restoration— a new lobby, updated event spaces and bold lobby bar experience, the Olympic Bar— is being unveiled this week. The subsequent phases of the project, debuting later this year, will showcase a new culinary flagship and introduce an intimate spirit drinker’s enclave. Olympic Bar offers American cuisine focused on the modern traveler, highlighting local and seasonal ingredients. Carefully crafted drinks reflective of the city and its refined cocktail culture, as well as an extensive wine and beer selection, are rooted in the local region.
The 4th Avenue Espresso Bar, located in the lower lobby, offers a place to enjoy great coffee and homemade sweet and savory bites. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea on Saturday and Sundays featuring a selection of loose-leaf teas, delectable finger sandwiches and an array of sweets and scones in the newly renovated lobby of the historic Fairmont Olympic. If you crave oysters, Shuckers Oyster Bar is one of Seattle’s oldest and most preeminent oyster bars, housed in an exquisite 1930s carved oak paneled room with intricate tin ceiling.
The hotel’s 450 lavishly appointed guestrooms and suites feature spacious, well-defined living and work areas, and oversized bathrooms. The Fairmont Olympic Health Club, located on the 2nd floor, features a heated indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and state-of-the-art exercise equipment, free weights, and Private Peloton® Room, all currently available by reservation.
Penelope & The Beauty Bar, one of downtown Seattle’s premier day spas and wellness centers, includes a new salon and boutique area offering a variety of European skincare and body treatments such as facial toning, contouring body wraps, massage, sugaring, natural and gel nail treatments, and luxurious volume lash extensions.
Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle
The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, located in the heart of downtown right across the street from the Seattle Art Museum and just one block from iconic Pike Place Market, is the perfect home base for a visit to Seattle. Almost everything is within walking distance of the hotel—great things to do, delicious food to eat and interesting sights to see. Complimentary car service is available on a first-come, first-served basis for locations in the immediate downtown area.
Head to the fourth-floor terrace to take a refreshing swim in the heated, outdoor infinity-edge pool – the only one in the city. Relax on a chaise by the pool, soak in the whirlpool or sip drinks around the firepit in this welcoming outdoor oasis with its spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle Great Wheel, and ferries floating across Puget Sound.
The 24-hour Fitness Center, featuring a Peloton bike, techno-gym equipment, eucalyptus steam room and complimentary fresh fruit, also boasts incredible views of Elliott Bay. Spa treatments draw inspiration from the local ingredients of the Pacific Northwest. Try the unique full-body evergreen massage incorporating an aromatic blend of essential oils from resins and berries or the Seattle-inspired espresso manicure and pedicure featuring invigorating hand and foot massages using ground coffee beans, an espresso beverage, and the polish of your choice.
Enjoy exceptional Pacific Northwest cuisine at the Goldfinch Tavern, a unique partnership between Ethan Stowell Restaurants and Four Seasons where guests and locals can mingle over craft beer, cocktails, and fresh-caught seafood. During the summer the laid-back poolside bar and grill is the place to be. Private dining experiences include an al fresco evening in the Chef’s Cabana, situated poolside; the Whidbey Dining; and the Vashon Dining room, all featuring incredible views.
At the end of a long day, retire to your beautifully appointed guest room or suite with sleek, modern décor in caramel and soft, soothing blue tones designed to complement the rich textures and natural materials of the Pacific Northwest. Luxurious marble bathrooms are outfitted with deep soaking tubs, separate rain showers and a TV screen integrated into the mirror.
Alaskan Adventure
Get ready to be inspired—the Alaskan landscape is sure to fulfill your sense of adventure. The Last Frontier state is a wildlife wonderland teeming with wolf packs, grizzlies, foxes, and caribou roaming free while eagles soar overhead. Discover the grandeur of aquamarine glaciers and glistening fjords. Prepare yourself for the captivating sight of the Northern Lights as its brilliant neon colors swirl through star-studded skies.
Alaskan land and sea tours include stops in prominent regions and cities such as Juneau, the Kenai Peninsula, Sitka, Denali, and Ketchikan. Each destination offers unique landscapes and bucket list experiences. While in Sitka, head out on the sound for a once-in-a-lifetime sports fishing endeavor casting for king salmon and halibut. In Ketchum, learn about the artistic heritage of the Native Indians and the thriving tradition of totem pole carving, an age-old skill rescued from extinction. Experience the beauty of Mt. Roberts via tramway in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Set sail for the voyage of a lifetime as you cruise through the iconic Inside Passage and behold the coast’s only remaining tidewater glaciers.
Trek the Kenai Peninsula’s exceptional hiking and walking trails to discover the world’s most northerly rain forest. Witness Exit Glacier as you explore Kenai Fjords National Park, where you will be amazed by its extraordinary scale up-close. Sail Resurrection Bay and take in the splendor of humpback whales and orcas splashing about in the surrounding aqua-blue waters. When you make your journey though the legendary wild tundra of Denali National Park, choose to take to the skies in a private float plane for an amazing panoramic view of Denali, the highest peak in all of North America.
Head to the most pristine corner of the continental U.S. this summer for a truly special travel adventure—there are a host of private and small group land tours and small ship sailings scheduled through September of 2021. Those of you interested in Alaskan cruises with stops in Vancouver will have to wait until the Canadian border reopens and the CDC allows large ships to sail again. Since that is not likely to happen for the prime summer 2021 season, 2022 sailings are booking up rapidly, so we recommend that you book now for next year.
Tauck
Experience Alaska by land, ship, floatplane, paddlewheel boat, and vintage railway. This summer, Tauck Bridges is offering small group land tours for families. Next year, Tauck has added two more itineraries to the docket that include small group land tours and a small ship sailing. Tauck offers an option to combine land and sea tours – making for the ultimate final frontier adventure.
Your journey with Tauck allows guests to avoid crowds and experience Alaska in a unique and authentic way. Embark on the ultimate whale-watching experience off the coast of Juneau. Soar over the Denali foothills in a small float plane for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of towering Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Board a Zodiac for a gentle ride through the Alaska’s Chilkat Eagle Preserve to observe the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Take in a private tribal performance and gain insights into local culture and customs when visiting the Tlingit village of Klukwa. Visit Husky Homestead, home of 4-time Iditarod champion musher Jeff King and his indomitable Alaskan Husky sled dogs.
Rise early for a “Tundra Wilderness Tour” that takes you deep into the wilds of Denali National Park, a six-million-acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You will be awestruck by Glacier Bay National Park as you cruise along shorelines and among islands that were completely covered by ice some 200 years ago. Set sail through the fjords of Endicott and Tracy Arm. View blue-tinged ice cliffs towering over the sea and hear the roar as they calve and crash into the water.
Lindblad Expeditions
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic provides trips of epic proportions, journeying into the heart and soul of each of its destinations. The natural essence of lands less traveled will captivate you as daily explorations reveal the raw beauty of landscapes and wilderness. Lindblad Expeditions land and sea tours throughout Alaska begin in June. Travelers are encouraged to combine journeys in order to take in all the majesty and grandeur of America’s ‘Final Frontier.’
Explore Alaska’s iconic landscapes aboard Lindblad’s expedition ship, which will serve as your moving base camp. Discover the wilderness that lives in the heart of Alaska with an inland exploration of Denali National Park, the perfect addition to your coastal expedition. Uncover the intrigue and beauty of Denali from an idyllic, elegant wilderness lodge that gives Lindblad’s guests special access to Denali National Park’s most pristine backcountry areas.
Lindblad guests are privy to a first-in-class adventure—throughout the journey, whether by land or sea, you will be accompanied by top naturalists, who illuminate all you see, and a certified photography instructor, who will guide you in capturing breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Days wind down with nightly presentations highlighting Alaska’s natural and cultural history.
Exclusive experiences include the thrill of biking world-class trails and rafting the Chilkat River through a bald eagle preserve. Soar over Glacier Bay National Park on an exhilarating flightseeing excursion. Hike through lush forests and muskegs, kayak into secluded inlets, and cruise by Zodiac among electric blue icebergs and curious wildlife. Discover Alaska’s seldom-seen, vibrant marine life revealed by Lindblad’s undersea specialist.
Kensington Tours
The allure of planning an Alaskan adventure with Kensington Tours is its hand-crafted and meticulously planned itineraries. This tour company is truly the architect of travel—a destination specialist creates an idyllic journey based on your specifications and personal travel style. With Kensington’s expert planning and first-hand, local knowledge they make sure every detail is attended to, while you revel in the beauty and the mystique that makes up the ‘Last American Frontier.’
In Alaska, extraordinary landscapes and nature’s wilderness provide a magnificent backdrop for a variety of exciting adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Soar over stunning glaciers in route to mushing an elite dog sled team. Reel in massive halibut aboard a full-day fishing charter. Feel centuries of history under your feet as you hike the ancient Matanuska Glacier. Observe local wildlife, ice capped mountains and stunning tidewater glaciers from the viewing deck of a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel when cruising Blackstone Bay and Prince William Sound.
Kensington believes that travel is about connecting with, not just passing through a destination. Expert local guides work with you one on one—they ensure that you understand the ‘whys’ and ‘hows.’ With them, you will travel to and experience places that you will not find in any traditional guidebook and 24/7 service comes standard with every tour.
Space is extremely limited for travel in 2021 and already booking up for 2022.
