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Prince William Sound | Credit: State of Alaska | Chris McLennan
Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung
Talkeetna | Credit: David Mark
Turnagain Arm | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan
Kenai River | Credit: Travel Alaska
Fairbanks Fireweed | Credit: Travel Alaska
Seward | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage
Alyeska Resort | Credit: Travel Alaska

Alaska’s Mountains, Glaciers & Wildlife Self-Drive

Alaska | Tour Code: 12509

STARTS AND ENDS
Anchorage To
Fairbanks
TRAVEL PERIODS
May - September
TRAVEL STYLE
Independent Holiday Packages

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, exploring two of Alaska's most iconic national parks - Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a self-drive journey through the spectacular scenery and landscapes of Alaska

  • Observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals in the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

  • Board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound

  • Embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat Tour at Talkeetna


Entire Bonus

  • 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

Experience the best of Alaska's breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders with our carefully crafted self-drive itinerary - a top choice for first-time visitors. Designed to make the most of your limited time, this journey immerses you in the heart of Alaska's iconic attractions.

Begin your adventure with a scenic Prince William Sound cruise departing from Whittier. Glide through pristine waters, surrounded by towering glaciers and the majestic Chugach Mountains, as you get up close to the wonders of this marine wilderness.

Next, the adventure takes you to the Kenai Fjords, a land of glaciers, coastal fjords, and abundant marine life. Cruise through ice-filled waters, marveling at tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, and keep a watchful eye for playful sea otters and majestic humpback whales.

Venture to the charming town of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. Explore its vibrant arts scene, indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries, and bask in the stunning vistas of the Homer Spit - a truly unique Alaskan gem.

Your journey continues with a visit to Denali National Park, where the wilderness beckons. Witness the awe-inspiring Denali, North America's tallest peak, and embark on unforgettable wildlife excursions, spotting grizzly bears, caribou, and other native species in their natural habitat.

This self-drive itinerary offers a taste of Alaska's diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to coastal wonders, all in one memorable journey. Discover the essence of the Last Frontier in a way that suits your schedule and interests.

Inclusions

  • 2 nights in Seward at Seward Windsong Lodge
  • 2 nights in Homer at Land's End Resort
  • 1 night in Girdwood at Alyeska Resort
  • 1 night in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
  • 2 nights in Denali at Grande Denali Lodge
  • 9 days intermediate size car rental
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise including lunch
  • Alyeska Scenic Tram Ride
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Admission
  • Talkeetna Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat Tour

Itinerary

This morning, travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second-highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway. From Porterage travel through mountain tunnels to the port town of Whittier. Board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Enjoy a scrumptious lunch onboard. Following your cruise, it is an approximately 2-hour drive to Seward.

Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge

Lunch
Anchorage → Seward
Prince William Sound | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan

It's time to explore the city! Personalise your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge

Freedom of Choice Options

  • ETG.FreedomOfChoiceOption
  • ETG.FreedomOfChoiceOption
Seward
Seward | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage

Continue your self-drive journey and follow the Sterling Highway, a designated scenic highway covering miles of spectacular landscape. Along the way view snowcapped mountains, active volcanoes including Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Augustine, deep ocean bluffs, excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River, and a magnificent coastline.

Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort

Seward → Homer
Homer | Credit: Travel Alaska / Brian Adams

Homer “Halibut Capital of the World” provides you with truly incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Spit. Use the day to explore the area - kayak to a remote cove, take a scenic cruise and spot wildlife including whales, seals, sea otters and many shorebirds. If you prefer to observe Grizzly bears up close, take an optional scenic flightseeing tour to the Katmai Coast.

Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort

Homer
Halibut Cove Homer | Credit: Travel Alaska / Brian Adams

This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation.

Overnight in Girdwood at the Alyeska Resort

Homer → Girdwood
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage

Drive north from Girdwood along scenic Turnagain Arm, traveling through Anchorage and the agricultural region of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, to the small, picturesque town of Talkeetna. Talkeetna serves as a base camp for Mt. Denali climbers; the community of 857 residents is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. A turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining centre, the town has retained much of its early Alaskan flavour.

Overnight in Talkteetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodg​e

Girdwood → Talkeetna
Talkeetna

This morning, embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat tour. Stand in the splendour of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! The folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure. After your jet boat tour, drive the Parks Highway north to Denali National Park, passing by incredible forest and mountain landscapes. You’ll have as much time as you like to experience the majesty of Denali National Park, take in the sights of the George Parks Highway or arrive at your hotel near the park entrance to take advantage of an optional excursion or a visit to the Denali Visitor Centre.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodg​e

Talkeetna → Denali
Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung

Personalise your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodg​e

Freedom of Choice Options

  • ETG.FreedomOfChoiceOption
  • ETG.FreedomOfChoiceOption
Denali
Denali Highway | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung

Continue on the George Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes, you’ll drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester - an old mining camp. Upon arrival into Fairbanks your incredible Alaska self drive adventure comes to an end.

Denali → Fairbanks
Denali | Credit: David Frankel

Additional Information

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English
LOCAL CURRENCY
USD

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.

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