Visit Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park as well as the Alaska cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez and Seward. This independent self-drive tour features many of Alaska’s most popular attractions and scenic road ways. The circular route takes to major highlights and allows visitors ample time to experience the many treasures. This 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
Early this morning 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. 8 hour tour*. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting (see Tour Add-Ons). 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 Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area
Today drive the Richardson Highway back north to the Glenn Highway. Take the Glenn Highway towards Anchorage to either the Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability). Check out scenic Matanuska Glacier before you relax for the evening. Overnight in Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability).
Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area to Seward
This morning continue driving the Glenn Highway to Anchorage and continue south on the Seward Highway. The Seward Highway takes you first along beautiful coastal scenery and then through scenic mountain areas. When arriving in Seward, check out Exit Glacier. 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.
* Please note that in May/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.
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 Self-Drive Tour", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
See Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, scenic Richardson Highway and Valdez. This tour combines a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car... Read more.
This tour is a great adventure! Ride the Alaska Railroad, explore Denali National Park, search for gold, meet a sled dog team and much more! This “Circle Alaska” adventure... Read more.
Discover more of Alaska on our “Great Alaska Road Trip” while you visit Denali National Park and Seward and take a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park! Enjoy Alaska at... Read more.
This independent self-drive tour features Alaska’s finest accommodation with a stay in Girdwood and Talkeetna as well as a wilderness lodge experience in Denali National Park!... Read more.
Call or email us your tour questions or to customize your Alaskan vacation.
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