This “Alaska’s Highlights” vacation is a self-driving tour by car that features many of Alaska’s most popular attractions and scenic road ways. The circular route avoids backtracking and allows visitors ample time to experience the many treasures of Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park as well as the Alaska cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez, Whittier and Seward. This particular Alaska self-drive tour works especially well for the independent-minded traveler who wants to add an Alaska land tour before or after their Alaska cruise.
Anchorage Arrival
Pick up your rental vehicle at the Anchorage airport upon your arrival and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Anchorage
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 Park Entrance
In the morning depart Anchorage at your leisure. As you travel there are interesting stops along the way including the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Indian Village. Continue towards Denali National Park through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park. You can take a side trip to the small gold mining community Talkeetna for either an optional jet boat tour or a ski-plane flight to land on Mt. Denali. This afternoon, you may wish to take an optional rafting tour or attend a dinner theater (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight near the Denali Park Entrance.
Denali National Park
Today enjoy an approx. 8 hour bus tour into Denali National Park. The park is inhabited by many different animal species and with some luck you may see bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. The mountain Denali may also be seen, weather permitting. A snack is provided during your tour. Upon return at the park entrance, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali National Park to Fairbanks
Surrounded by forests and mountains you will continue north to Fairbanks through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester, an old mining camp. In Fairbanks, you may explore the town on your own or participate in optional excursions like the Riverboat Discovery Cruise. Another option is to drive to Chena Hot Springs and take a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks to Valdez
Today your journey continues as you head southeast toward Delta Junction. You will pass through North Pole, home of the Santa Claus House, as you take the spectacular Richardson Highway south towards Valdez. Part of the route parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Weather permitting, you'll have incredible views of the Alaska Range and the St. Elias Mountains. Drive by Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its many cascading waterfalls. Overnight in Valdez.
Valdez
Today is at your leisure to enjoy Valdez and its surroundings. Try a scenic kayaking trip or a wildlife and glacier cruise into Prince William Sound (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Valdez.
Valdez to Seward
Today you will depart Valdez via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry and travel through beautiful Prince William Sound. Upon arrival in Whittier, drive through the Whittier-Portage Tunnel to meet up with the Seward Highway, a nationally recognized Scenic Byway. We recommend a stop at Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Continue along south through scenic landscapes and a mountain pass to Seward. Overnight in Seward.
Seward to Anchorage
This morning there is time to enjoy optional excursions, including a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, an Exit Glacier hike, or a visit to an Iditarod musher dog sled ride (see Tour Add-ons). Later you will return to Anchorage but before reaching the city you may want to stop at the resort community of Girdwood for a tram ride up Mt. Alyeska. Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage Departure
Return your car to the Anchorage airport car rental station. Depart or start an additional program.
Due to the ferry schedule, the tour generally departs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Please note the ferry schedule can change without notice and we reserve the right to modify the itinerary if needed.
Due to ferry security, we need the following to confirm this tour: Full name as it appears on identification, citizenship/ US drivers license issuing state, gender, and date of birth.
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.
Get a taste of old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic, Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Gold Rush tale of adventure in early 1900's Alaska. This dinner theater fun combines a great mix of colorful storytelling, spirited music... Read More
This Valdez glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board you will have a chance to view Prince Williams Sound's wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn about mining, oil shipping, the 1964 earthquake, and fishing history, and as well as stories about the first people to explore and live in... Read More
Take an unforgettable glacier and wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on... Read More
The perfect Fairbanks trip combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska's history of the Interior Region of Alaska. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated, guided Alaska tour provides background on the area's natural history and... Read More
This Valdez, Alaska day tour kayaking to Shoup Glacier offers an intimate experience at one of Prince William Sounds' many calving tidewater glaciers. This day trip is perfect for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Climb aboard a motor boat for a 40-minute ride to Shoup Bay where your scenic adventure begins. Over the course of the day you will paddle... Read More
Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
Book the "Alaska Highlights Vacation Tour", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
This “Alaska On A Dime” self-drive tour is designed for the lower budget and features two popular National Parks, Kenai Fjords and Denali. Enjoy stunning drives along... Read more.
Combine a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car, driving the iconic and scenic roadway, the Alaska Highway. The easy pace of this tour... Read more.
Nome, Alaska, situated near the Arctic Circle on the Bering Sea coastline in Alaska’s Far North started life as a ‘wild west’ tent city during the Alaska Gold Rush... Read more.
Enjoy an in-depth active Alaska adventure! Drive through amazing scenery, raft and hike in Denali National Park, and ride the Alaska Railroad into the back country for a kayaking... Read more.
Call or email us your tour questions or to customize your Alaskan vacation.
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