Alaska | Tour Code: 13105
An immersion in nature on this self-drive experience, visiting three of Alaska's amazing National Parks, including Denali and Wrangell St. Elias and Kenai Fjords.
Highlights
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Journey into Denali National Park on a narrated bus tour, where you'll encounter wildlife and capture views of the majestic Denali Mountain
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Observe the dramatic calving of ice into the ocean at Aialik Glacier and dine with a view during lunch
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Experience a scenic flight into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and explore the historical Kennicott mining town on a two-hour guided tour
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Drive along the scenic Seward Highway with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and the possibility of spotting Dall sheep perched on roadside cliffs
Entire Bonus
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This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination.
Overview
Explore lesser-known destinations with stays in secluded wilderness lodges and charming inns offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. Your journey will feature a breathtaking flight into the vast Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, along with visits to the iconic Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. This self-drive adventure in Alaska promises outstanding wildlife encounters on both land and at sea, delivering an unforgettable experience in the wild.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in Anchorage at Copper Whale Inn
- 2 nights in McCarthy at Kennicott Glacier Lodge
- 1 night in Fairbanks at Pike's Waterfront Lodge
- 2 nights in Denali at Grande Denali Lodge
- 1 night in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
- 1 night in Seward at Hotel Seward
- 2 nights in Kenai Fjords National Park at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
- Day excursions and guided activities at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
- Roundtrip scenic flights in a bush plane between Chitina and McCarthy
- 2-hour guided Historical Kennicott Tour
- Guided bus tour into Denali National Park
- Roundtrip transfer and wildlife cruise between Seward and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
- 11 days intermediate size car rental
Itinerary
Arrive into Anchorage. Transfer to your hotel on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Copper Whale Inn
Today is yours to explore Alaska’s largest city. Go shopping, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, take a hike or bike ride in one of Anchorage’s many parks, or step aboard an Anchorage Trolley for a lively and informative one hour sightseeing tour of the city. Another option is a bear viewing tour such as to the Chinitna Bay area.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Copper Whale Inn
Pick up your rental car and then start your driving tour today. There are numerous photo stops and hiking trail options as you drive along the Glenn Highway, recognised as a National Scenic Byway. Enjoy beautiful views of the Matanuska Glacier along your route to the small community of Chitina. In Chitina you will leave your car and take a short flight to McCarthy, located in the heart of Wrangell – St. Elias National Park. The small plane flight provides stunning views of the mountains and glaciers that make this park unique. Plan 5.5 hours driving time, not including stops, plus a 30-minute flight from Chitina to McCarthy.
Overnight in Kennicott at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Take a step back in time today on a two-hour historical walking tour of Kennecott. Your guide will take you to the 14 story Mill Building of the Kennecott Copper Corporation which was built in the early 1900’s. You will also visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Centre, see mining artifacts, and tour historic buildings. Catch a glimpse of what it was like to live and work in this remote wilderness while hearing tales of lucky fortunes, tenacious frontiersmen, and tragic endings. This afternoon you have plenty of time for an optional guided glacier hike.
Overnight in Kennicott at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Begin your day with a return scenic flight to Chitina where you will pick up your car. Your drive takes you north on Alaska’s oldest highway, the Richardson Highway, which began in 1898 as a gold rush trail to Eagle. The route follows the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Along the way there are several rest stops, including historic roadhouses and scenic viewpoints. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the historic gold mining town of Fairbanks, also known as Alaska’s “Gateway to the Arctic.” We suggest a visit to the University Of Alaska Museum of the North and the Musk Ox farm.
Overnight in Fairbanks at the Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Today, drive along the scenic Parks Highway to the park entrance area of Denali National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Denali Park entrance that has numerous optional tours such as rafting, flightseeing, or ATV tours to offer.
Overnight Denali Park Entrance at the Grande Denali Lodge
Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary. The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions.
Overnight Denali Park Entrance at the Grande Denali Lodge
This morning, your scenic drive today takes you south to Talkeetna known for its special backcountry-town charm. Weather permitting, Talkeetna can have one of the best views of the mountain Denali as well as the Alaska Range. From Talkeetna there are spectacular flight-seeing tour options or a jet boat excursion.
Overnight in Talkeetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Today you will drive south through the Matanuska Valley before reaching Anchorage. Continue south along the Turnagain Arm on the Seward Highway, an American Scenic Byway. There are beautiful views of the Chugach Mountains on this route where you can frequently see Dall sheep perched on roadside cliffs. You may decide to visit Exit Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. There are numerous interpretive trails in the area including one that leads to the face of the glacier.
Overnight in Seward at the Hotel Seward
In the morning depart from the scenic port of Seward. A four to five-hour glacier and wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park takes you to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge inside Kenai Fjords National Park. On your cruise look for whales, porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins, and other wildlife. Enjoy lunch in front of the impressive Aialik Glacier and watch for ice to calve off into the ocean. After arriving at the shores near Pederson Glacier, the lodge and guest cabins are an easy 20 minute walk from the outer coast along a maintained trail; motorised travel is provided if desired. After an orientation you have the afternoon available for optional activities. Evening programs are also available.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Choose from a variety of activities offered daily, including sea kayaking (short and long tours), short hikes, canoeing across the lagoon, and interpretive programs. Take a sack lunch for extended activities or join an in camp lunch in between shorter trips. Alternatively, choose time to relax and enjoy the views of the lagoon and glacier from the lodge.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Choose a short morning activity to suit your interest. After lunch, board the boat for a scenic cruise back to the town of Seward. Upon arrival drive back north along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Anchorage.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Copper Whale Inn
Depending on your departure time, you may have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport and return rental car.
Additional Information
FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.
