Adventure Driving Tour: Denali + Kenai

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.