Enjoy an in-depth and active Alaska adventure! Raft, hike and discover amazing scenery as you explore Denali and the Kenai Peninsula by car. Visit Denali National Park on a bus tour. Then explore the beautiful Kenai Peninsula in South Central Alaska, where you can go fishing and then add a kayaking or even bear viewing excursion. On Day Five of this Adventure Driving Tour, you also have the chance to book an optional excursion that gives you a chance to ride on the Alaska Railroad into the back country for a kayaking paddle OR float trip around icebergs with scenic views of Spencer Glacier. This very special Alaska driving tour is planned especially for active outdoor and nature enthusiasts and is the perfect way to truly experience all Alaska has to offer.
Anchorage Arrival
Arrive into Anchorage and pick up your rental car at the airport. 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 (near the airport).
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.
Anchorage to Denali National Park
Today you depart Anchorage and travel north to Denali. Along the way are the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Indian Village. The drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park can have stunning views of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. This afternoon enjoy a 2 hour white water rafting tour which takes you 11 miles through class III and one class IV rapid. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali National Park
Today, depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This tour takes you through the best wildlife viewing portion of the Park Road, approximately 55 miles into the 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 and make stops during your approx. 7-8 hour tour*. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight near the Denali park entrance
Denali National Park to Girdwood
The scenic drive southbound as you make your way back down to Anchorage. Along the way, stop in the quaint town of Talkeetna, known for its special backcountry town charm. Weather permitting, Talkeetna can have one of the best views of mountain Denali and the Alaska Mountain Range. Later drive through Anchorage and along Turnagain Arm. This route has beautiful views of the Chugach Mountains. Girdwood is a quaint ski town with one of the nicest resorts in Alaska. Overnight in Girdwood.
Girdwood
Explore Girdwood and its amazing surroundings. There are many things to do. One of the options is a short helicopter ride up to the Chugach Mountains to meet an eager dog team and the experience a real dog sled ride on snow (in the middle of the summer) - a must do adventure! Another option is a scenic train ride from Portage to Spencer Glacier where you gear up for a fun float trip through an amazing glacier landscape. (Tours are optional, see Tour Add-Ons). The rest of the day explore the hiking trails around the resort and enjoy this relaxing mountain setting. Overnight Girdwood.
Girdwood to Homer
Drive south along Turnagain Arm onto the Kenai Peninsula. Head west on the Sterling Highway, following the world famous Kenai River. Homer is a quaint fishing town with a beautiful spit of land that extends into Kachemak Bay. Overnight in Homer.
Homer
Spend a free day exploring all that Homer and Kachemak Bay have to offer. Highlights include the Homer Spit, a local winery, the Islands and Ocean Center, the Pratt Museum, fresh seafood restaurants, and views from East End Road. There are some great hiking opportunities. Or you may prefer to participate in optional excursions, including halibut fishing or a bear viewing flight safari (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Homer.
Note: None of todays tour options are included and are at additional charge.
Homer to Anchorage
This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back to Anchorage. Possible stopovers include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, or take one of the many hikes along the Turnagain Arm. Overnight in Anchorage (near the airport).
Anchorage Departure
Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Return your car to the Anchorage airport rental car station. Depart or start an additional program.
* Please note that in September the bus tour into Denali Nat Park may be shorter (only up to 4 hours) due to road and weather conditions
Please provide us with your flight arrival information (arrival time, flight number and name of airline) when you make your reservation. That way we can book the rental car accordingly.
The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.
If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.
The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.
All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.
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Enjoy a fun and exciting day tour out of Girdwood just south of Anchorage. The greatest Alaskan experience of all - dog sledding on a glacier! Enjoy a scenic 15-minute round-trip helicopter flight to the unique glacier base camp which serves as a summer-time training ground for Iditarod sled dogs. Learn about mushing and hold adorable puppies while the team is prepared.... Read More
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Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
Book the "Adventure Driving Tour: Denali + Kenai", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
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Call or email us your tour questions or to customize your Alaskan vacation.
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