Why National Parks are "America's Best Idea"

Explore North America with Abercrombie & Kent

What began fifty years ago on a family road trip to national parks across the country led to a lifelong fascination for writer Dayton Duncan, resulting in “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” a six-part, 12-hour documentary by Ken Burns, which begins airing on PBS stations September 27. Filmed in some of nature’s most spectacular locales, the series is sure to inspire other families to visit all 58 U.S. national parks. Abercrombie & Kent celebrates these national treasures with new itineraries in North America for 2010, featuring several of the national parks showcased in the series including Denali National Park in Alaska and Glacier National Park, where “Going-to-the-Sun” Road is said to be “the most beautiful 50 miles in the world.” 

Alaska: A Backcountry Adventure – New for 2010
Glimpse Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak, en route to your lodge in Denali National Park, home to large caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and grizzly bear. Travel aboard the Alaska GoldStar Dome train to Talkeetna for a river canyon trip by jetboat. Visit the homestead of 4-Time Iditarod Champion, Martin Buser. Enjoy a scenic glacier cruise in Prince William Sound, keeping watch for glaciers calving and a variety of marine wildlife, including whales. Time-saving charter flights maximize comfort. Eight days from $6975.

Lewis & Clark Montana Adventure – Featuring Glacier National Park for 2010
Explore the Upper Missouri River just as Lewis and Clark did 200 years ago. History comes to life as you paddle, hike and explore the White Cliffs region which offers some of the most spectacular scenery along the river. A Blackfeet historian is your guide to expedition sites, including Starvation Winter and Medicine River. The adventure begins with a dramatic drive on the “Going to the Sun” Road in Glacier National Park with spectacular mountain views of glacial lakes, plummeting waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys. Your A&K River Camp is fully outfitted with large, comfortable tents that come fully equipped with off-the-ground cots, sleeping bags, pillows and headlamps. Eight days from $3395.

Rivers offer another way to explore our National Parks and remember the visionaries who saved them for future generations. Cataract Canyon River Rafting (six days from $2415) takes you deep into Canyonlands National Park where the magnificent scenery rivals the lower Grand Canyon. During the day, exciting whitewater alternates with slower, easier stretches.  At the end of the day, delicious evening meals await, along with a large tent, equipped with cots, pillows and sleeping bags.  This is camping, A&K style, distinctively different from other rafting choices available.

Abercrombie & Kent also offers tailor made private travel that includes national parks with accommodations nearby.  From luxurious romantic retreats to outstanding family getaways, A&K’s selection of wilderness resorts and ranches offers another way to pursue a passion for the outdoors and a choice of activities including Hiking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park from your base at Smith Fork Ranch, known for its gracious hospitality, superb cuisine and outstanding wine cellar, or take the family to Yellowstone National Park while staying at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, where a specialized children’s program features age-appropriate activities.

While the idea of national parks is uniquely American, natural beauty can be found all over North America, including Canada.

Signature British Columbia – Revised for 2010
One day longer and priced less than 2009, this privately guided journey includes accommodations at some of the region’s finest resorts. Begin with a guided tour of Vancouver. Fly to Sonora Island for three days of outdoor activities including Zodiac exploration along British Columbia’s Inside Passage. End your journey at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with a choice of golfing, river rafting on the Elaho River, ziptrekking or simply relaxing at the spa. Nine days from $5760.

A&K Price Assurance

Reserve your 2010 North American adventure with confidence thanks to A&K Price Assurance guarantee.  If the eligible North American Abercrombie & Kent journey you’ve booked is ever offered at a lower price, A&K will refund the difference.  Newly introduced page-turning technology makes it fast and easy to view Abercrombie & Kent’s new North America 2010 brochure online.  Preview or download a copy at www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak with a destination specialist.