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Wild Alaska and

The Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival

May 16 through May 28, 2017

CONNOISSEURS TOURS | 1.800.856.1045 or 1.912.351.9525 or [email protected]

Imagine walking on a magni�cent Alaskan glacier in the morning, watching majestic whales and bears in the afternoon, and after the best salmon and Alaskan crab dinner you have ever tasted, enjoying the elegant stylings of the Gary Motley Trio in concert at night. �is is just one day of a magical life-changing experience that awaits you on a tour of Wild Alaska and the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival next May!

Join a small group of fellow music and nature lovers for an insider’s view of an incredible musical experience joined with a glimpse of the most amazing natural beauty you have ever seen. On this authentic tour you will hear and mingle with some of the world’s �nest musicians, including violinist David and pianist Julie Coucheron, the Axiom Brass Quintet, and cellist Evan Drachman performing music from Vivaldi and Beethoven to Brahms and Stravinsky. Mid-May in Southeast Alaska is perhaps the best time to visit – springtime is beautiful, warm during the days and still crisp at night – and you beat the crowds!

In conjunction with the festival, we have secured coveted space aboard the 88-passenger ship �e M/V Wilderness Explorer. �is “real Alaska” all-inclusive cruise departs from Juneau and takes you to places in southeast Alaska where the large cruise ships and hoards of crowds cannot travel. �is magni�cent, one-week expedition

is truly the genuine wildlife experience. We are limited to 22 people, so don’t delay in contacting our festival journey partners, Connoisseurs Tours!

I hope you will join me to celebrate my �rst season as Artistic Director of this very special festival, celebrating its 31st season of great music and musicians in a stunning setting. See you in Alaska!

Will RansomAnna and Hays Mershon Artistic Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music FestivalArtistic Director, Juneau Jazz & Classics

13-day private Alaska experience includes:• 4 nights in Juneau with sightseeing, transfers, concerts, flight seeing,

bear watching, Iditarod glacier dog sledding • 7-night all-inclusive Northern Passage and Glacier Bay expedition cruise

aboard 77-passenger Wilderness Explorer• 1 night post-cruise stay in Juneau after full day private Sitka sightseeing

experience Prices begin at $7795 per person double occupancy. Special single prices available.

For reservations and brochures: Connoisseurs ToursLuxury journey specialists for over 40 years

800.856.1045 | [email protected]


We’ll begin our journey in Juneau, hosted by Will Ransom, the Director of the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival, and members of the Board, meeting and mixing with the art lovers and leaders of Southeast Alaska’s capital. After this introduction to Alaska’s burgeoning artistic culture, we’ll be swept away by the natural majesty of her vast landscapes and wildlife. Along the way, our guides will reveal the story behind this northwestern territory’s long and winding pathway to becoming our 49th state.

We will be traveling on UnCruise’s Wilderness Explorer, a 74-passenger yacht taking us to beautiful, secluded destinations to which few ships can pilot. Most cruise ships, no matter how luxurious, share each Alaskan port with over 5,000 people, where guests spend many hours on buses or wildlife day boats just to get a glimpse of the natural beauty. �e UnCruise all-inclusive experience o�ers an intimate, up-close advantage by tailoring small-scale excursions into remote settings with knowledgeable, highly attentive guides and naturalists who share their wealth of experience with us.

Day 1 | Tuesday, May 16 JuneauDepart your home and arrive in Juneau to be met by your private driver and transported to �e Four Points Sheraton where you can check in, relax, take in the local sites, or (for the late arrivals) grab some much needed overnight rest.

Far away from the huge cruise ships and maddening crowds, this is the

Day 2 | Wednesday, May 17 Mendenhall Glacier, Axiom PlusAfter breakfast and a morning welcome, we set o� on a guided tour of Alaska’s capital. We’ll visit stunning sites like the Mendenhall Glacier, and the Alaska State Museum to familiarize ourselves with the grand scale of this wilderness. �en we’ll �nish with a tramway ride up Mt. Roberts for a breathtaking view. �e remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the local environs and prepare for the evening’s musical treat.

7pm | classical concert “Axiom Plus!” Brass Q5, Saint-Saens Septet, Brahms Horn Trio Mvt 1 & 4

Brass Q5: David Coucheron and Mae Lin, violins; Jessica Chang, viola; Evan Drachman, cello; Janet Clippard, bass; Elena Cholakova and Elizabeth Pridgen, piano


AXIOM BRASS: Praised for their “high level of musicality and technical ability” and for their “clean, clear and precise sound,” the award-winning Axiom Brass Quintet has quickly established itself as “one of the major art music groups in brass chamber music.” �ey are the only brass quintet in 27 years to win the prestigious Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition (2012), and the only American ensemble to ever win the Preis der Europa-Stadt Passau in Germany (2012).

Day 3 | Thursday, May 18 Iditarod dog sledding After a hearty breakfast, get ready to head out to the high country for a dog sledding tour. �e helicopter-based ice�eld and glacier dog sledding tour whisks us from the city dock to the glacier with maximum comfort and safety. Once up on the Alaska glacier ice�eld, we’ll meet the teams of Alaskan huskies and their professional handlers. After learning about

the dogs and their handlers, we’ll enjoy a ride on a dogsled! Depending on departure time in the morning, we’ll return by mid-afternoon to refresh and regroup at the hotel.

�e ride itself was breathtaking, seeing Mother Nature in all her glory, looking at the frozen river that is Mendenhall Glacier.Truly AMAZING experience!

Later, we’ll gather together for a special cocktail reception to mix and mingle with the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival Board members.

7pm | classical concert “�e Rites of Spring” Spring by Vivaldi; “Spring” Sonata, Beethoven; “Rite of Spring,” Stravinsky for piano 4 hands. David Coucheron and Mae Lin, violin; Jessica Chang, viola; Evan Drachman, cello; W Ransom, Elizabeth Pridgen, Elena Cholakova, piano

Day 4 | Friday, May 19 Alaska Seaplanes bear watching experienceBreakfast, and away to the wild country to observe ursine royalty in their natural glory! After transport to the Juneau Airport, our journey to the wilderness begins at the Alaska Seaplanes counter where we’ll be met by our trip leader, an experienced wilderness guide and naturalist. We’ll then board a classic Alaska �oat plane. Along the way, our guide will point out the topography and natural features, often sighting whales or bears from the air! We’ll land on the water and gently taxi to the beach where the adventure begins. Depending on departure time


in the morning, we’ll return by mid-afternoon to refresh and regroup at the hotel. (B,L)

7pm | Jazz at the JACC: �e Gary Motley Trio Gary Motley has been recognized with awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Soapstone Center for the Arts, the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and the American Composers Forum. Gary has also been featured in Downbeat Magazine and on Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland (NPR).

Day 5 | Saturday, May 20 Juneau embarkationAfter breakfast, we depart Juneau and head to the dock where we board the M/V Wilderness Explorer (a �agship of the UnCruise �eet). Famous for their exceptional tours, UnCruise provides a seaborne experience like no other cruise line’s. While their vessels are designed to endure the same challenges of wind and weather and provide the amenities of their larger cousins, the scale of UnCruise’s ships allows for deeper, more intimate exploration of Alaska’s coastal isles and inlets; sites and wonders the big passenger ships simply cannot access. Our UnCruise journey bears the markings of a solo expedition

as we anchor in quiet, secluded harbors, view the marvels of nature in undisturbed settings, and make port away from the mammoth pods of cruise ships. As we board, we’ll meet the crew, settle in, and relax. Within minutes we’ll be cruising the magical channels of Alaska’s Inside Passage. (B,D)

Day 6 | Sunday, May 21 captain’s choicePlying the remote waterways of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, our captain sets the course for adventure! Wake up at anchor and kick o� your morning with on-deck yoga stretches. �en slip into a kayak, tour by zodiac ski�, or step onto a paddle board and glide along rocky outcroppings with your guides. While you keep watch for playful harbor seals in these protected waters, bald eagles will likely monitor your improving paddling skills from the treetops. Not interested in kayaking or paddleboarding? UnCruise understands that guests have di�erent interests, so they make every e�ort to customize excursion activities to match each guest’s desires.

Day 7 | Monday May Glacier Bay National ParkOne of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore – Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. A National Park Ranger joins you to uncover coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Linger near South Marble Island to spot the many species of rare sea birds that call this area home. Keep your eyes on the water and the island for brightly-colored pu�ns and Black Oystercatchers.


With spectacular scenic backdrops all around you, you’ll �nd sea lions, mountain goats, bears, eagles, and more! Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay.

Day 8 | Tuesday, May 23 Icy StraitSet your course for some of the most remote waters in southeast Alaska. Join the captain on the bridge or the expedition team out on deck in search of whales and marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these wilderness reaches. Ride the ski�s for a closer inspection of the wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.

Day 9 | Wednesday, May 24 Chichagof Island / Peril StraitMeander along the coast of Chichagof Island. In the expedition spirit, marvel at the unbelievable scenery as your crew expertly guides you through glacier-carved �ords. Anchor in remote coves for an opportunity to lower the kayaks and ski�s. Explore the shoreline on an intertidal walk or forest hike with your guides. �en wend your way along Peril

Strait – a twisting channel known for dramatic currents, running 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound.

Day 10 | Thursday, May 25 Sergius Narrows / Neva StraitOpening at Hoonah Sound, the aptly named Sergius Narrows – squeezing to only 300 feet wide in one spot and a shallow 24 feet deep – is a great place to watch the shoreline for bears, the waters for otters and whales, and skyward for eagles. �e rugged rock �ngers of the narrows wind into scenic Neva Strait. �is evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a frosty microbrew or hot toddy.

Day 11 | Friday, May 26 Krestof & Nakwasina Sounds�ere aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island, but along its western side lay hundreds of remote, uninhabited islands, and endless opportunities for dropping anchor and adventure. With many secluded coves and islands to choose from, discover the region’s intertidal zones or watch for whales and sea lions from your ski� or kayak. Gear up for a guided hike with your expedition team for a new perspective of the vast Tongass National Forest. After an active day, toast your voyage with a festive farewell dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your expedition team.


Day 12 | Saturday, May 27 Sitka Tour and transfer to Juneau�is morning we wave goodbye to our shipmates as we disembark in Sitka. We will be met by our driver/ tour guide who’ll whisk us o� on a whirlwind tour

of this charming town with a multifaceted past. We’ll visit the Sitka Historical Society and learn about Sitka’s various inhabitants beginning with First Nations and the Russian and American invasions; watch the Naa Kahidi Dance Show; visit St. Michael’s Cathedral and Sitka National Historical Park (known locally as Totem Park which preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit fort); as well as the Raptor Center. We’ll take a well deserved break at a local cafe for lunch and in the late afternoon board our �ight back to Juneau, where we return to �e Four Points Sheraton.

Overnight at Sheraton Four Points Juneau

Day 13 | Sunday, May 28 return home Return �ights back to your home


Tour ConditionsPRICES INCLUDE:• All hotel accommodations in Juneau before and after the cruise• Three Juneau Jazz and Classics concerts• All transportation in Alaska• Seven night all inclusive Uncruise: Northern Passages and Glacier Bay Juneau to Sitka• Juneau sightseeing tour including Mendenhall Glacier• Helicopter Iditarod sightseeing tour• Flightseeing remote bear watching excursion • Full day Sikta sightseeing• All tours and excursions, meals and drinks aboard the Wilderness Explorer

13-Day Journey Prices$7795 per person double occupancy Trailblazer Cabins (twin beds only)207-215, 302-303, 305-306, 309-312Queen or twin beds; view window; private bath with shower

$7995 per person double occupancy Path�nder Cabins (twin beds or queen bed)107-114, 202-206Queen or twin beds; view window; private bath with shower

$8995 per person double occupancy Explorer Cabins (queen bed)301, 304, 313-314Sitting area; refrigerator; �xed queen bed; large picture window; private bath with shower


$9995 Single Occupancy Trailblazer Cabin104-106Twin beds; view window; private bath with shower

Not included:$250 per person port charges $100 one way �ight from Sitka to Juneau

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT A deposit of $1000 per person is due to reserve a place on this tour. Deposits and payments can be paid by check or any major credit card. Final payment is due March 15, 2017.

�e Travel Insured Group Deluxe travel insurance protection plan is strongly recommended. CONNOISSEURS TOURS PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDED BY TRAVEL INSURED. Travel is a big investment. It pays to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as those related to medical emergencies.

�is Travel Insured Protection Plan is speci�cally designed to provide you with peace of mind, knowing you are protected against the �nancial impact of unexpected events while on your trip. Additional insurance is available to include the cost of your airfare. Please contact Connoisseurs Tours if you would like to insure the cost of your airline tickets after you have purchased your airline tickets. Please contact Connoisseurs Tours for Travel Protection prices.

INCLUSIVE PRICES Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, porterage, and the services of the local guides, drivers, cruise, naturalists, concerts, bear watching, and iditarod glacier experience are included, as per individual details of the itinerary.

Transportation from arrival airports to the �rst hotel is included, regardless of the time you check into the hotel, provided you have furnished us with accurate �ight information at least three weeks prior to the start of the tour.

Transportation from the last hotel to the departure airport listed in the brochure is also included. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other guests.

Hotel accommodations: �e tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacri�cing value. Although the quality of accommodations may di�er slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bed rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bed rooms plus a roll-away cot and are not recommended for comfort.


General information, terms & conditions Please read the Terms & Conditions in their entirety prior to making any payment for this tour.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your journey.

NOT INCLUDED Air transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included.

Gratuities to your guide/escort and drivers are not included. A recommended gratuity amount will be provided to you in your �nal tour documents. Connoisseurs Tours wishes to stress that this gratuity is optional and on a voluntary basis.

ITINERARY CHANGE AND FLEXIBILITY Connoisseurs Tours pledges to make every e�ort to operate all tours as advertised. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to alter or curtail any aspect of the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels/ and or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any additional expense for these substitutions will be covered by Connoisseurs Tours.

HEALTH AND FITNESS Connoisseurs Tours are moderate journeys. Travelers must certify that they are in good health and can walk two to three miles a day. �ese journeys are not recommended for those who have mobility limitations such as walkers, wheelchairs and scooters.

CANCELLATIONS• $500 per person from the time of booking to 120 days to departure is non-refundable.• $1000 per person from 119 to 90 days prior to departure is non-refundable.• 50% of the tour price from 89 to 60 days prior to departure is non-refundable.• 100% of the full program cost from 59 to 0 days prior to departure and during the tour

is non-refundable. • All cancellations must be in writing

RESPONSIBILITY Connoisseurs Tours acts only as an agent for the traveler with respect to transportation, accommodations and other services o�ered on the tour. Connoisseurs Tours and the agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error omission, or for any injury, loss, accident or delay or irregularity that may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier or through negligence or default of any subcontractor or other third party. �e passage contract in use by the carriers when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the traveler. Connoisseurs Tours and/or their agents will not responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to person or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other causes in connection with the tour for anything beyond their reasonable control. Connoisseurs Tours is not responsible for transportation or other delays or changes the tour program beyond their control, nor any additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred by the traveler. It may be necessary or advisable for the wellbeing of all travelers to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the travelers, and such alterations will be made without penalty to Connoisseurs Tours.

Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to decline or not to retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw a tour as circumstances demand. All rates quoted are based on tari�s in e�ect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. �e proposals of this section are governed by Georgia law, and �nal payment by the traveler to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above provisions.


VALIDITY June 13, 2016 through October 25, 2017

Any payment made towards a tour booking shall constitute a con�rmation by the guest on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking that he or she has read, understood, accepted and agreed to the Terms & Conditions of this tour, the terms of which will apply to the guest and all other persons named on their booking

Connoisseurs Contact 1.800.856.1045 or [email protected]

Connoisseurs Tours110 McIntosh DriveSavannah, GA 31406www.connoisseurstours.com

Connoisseurs Contact 1.800.856.1045 or [email protected]

Connoisseurs Tours110 McIntosh DriveSavannah, GA 31406

www.connoisseurstours.com

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