Alaska’s Finest Self Driving Tour

Anchorage to Girdwood

Today you pick-up your rental car and drive to the nearby resort village of Girdwood, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and pristine wilderness. Relax and enjoy the remainder of the day pampering yourself in the spa, riding the aerial tram up the mountain, or taking a walk on a nature trail. The town offers both casual and fine dining choices. Overnight in Girdwood.

Important Note: Please provide us with your flight arrival information at time of booking, so that we can schedule the car rental pick up time correctly.

Girdwood

This morning drive south through a one-lane toll tunnel to the small port town of Whittier. Embark on the magnificent 26 Glacier Cruise, which takes you over 135 miles into Prince William Sound. Here you will see 26 “named glaciers” and many more unnamed. The specially designed catamaran gets you within 500 feet of the face of the tidewater glaciers. Your captain will turn off the ship’s engines so you can “hear” the glaciers move, as well as see the brilliant blues in the ice. Glacier calving, where large pieces of ancient ice break off and fall into the sea, is normally seen during each cruise. You will see three types of glaciers on each trip including Alpine, Piedmont, and Tidewater glaciers. A hot lunch is included while on board. Return to Girdwood after the cruise. Overnight in Girdwood.

Girdwood to Talkeetna

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. Historic Talkeetna is best known as the jumping-off point for Denali climbing expeditions. Given clear weather, views of the Mountain are breathtaking. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day to explore the town on your own or participate in optional activities such as an exciting jet boat tour, fishing, or a ski-plane flight to Denali (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna to Denali National Park

Continuing northward from Talkeetna, tour the scenic Parks highway along the boundary of Denali State Park and Hurricane Gulch. The massive peaks of the Alaska Range are in view nearly the entire route. At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. In Denali you will stay at Tonglen Lake Lodge, located 7 miles south of the Denali park entrance along the Parks Highway (not inside the park). Tonglen Lake Lodge offers Alaska-style premium lodging for visitors seeking an exclusive Denali experience. Accommodation is in log cabins. Handcrafted log furniture, quilts, pottery, paintings and glass created by uniquely talented local artists accent the cabins, café, gallery and main lodge. Overnight Denali Park entrance (not inside the park). (Dinner included).

Denali National Park

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 (not inside the park). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Denali National Park to Anchorage

After breakfast, take more time to explore the Denali Park entrance area or take a flightseeing tour, then drive south to Anchorage. Points of interest along the way include the Iditarod Museum and the Reindeer Farm in Palmer. Overnight in Anchorage. (Breakfast included).

Anchorage

Today is yours to explore the city. Go shopping, tour local attractions, or take a hike or bike in one of Anchorage’s many parks. City highlights include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, the Log Cabin Visitor Center, the Alaska Zoo, local breweries, and the Coastal Trail. Experience more by adding an optional bear viewing excursion (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport for your flight departure, or extend your vacation an additional program.