Alaska in a Glimpse Self-Drive Tour

Discover two of Alaska's Highlights on this weeklong Alaska self-drive tour

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Tour Code: 3013CTA

Tour Overview

This one-week Alaska self-drive tour takes you to two major Alaska Highlights: Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Enjoy easy driving on some of the most scenic roads of Alaska. You can make plenty of stops along the way on this Alaska driving tour. From Seward, you can take a boat cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. After Seward, you drive to Talkeetna, a unique Alaska backcountry town. Stroll through the charming downtown or take an impressive flightseeing tour toward the Alaska Mountain Range. After your visit to Talkeetna, drive north to Denali. During your stay in Denali, you will take a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park and have a chance to see wildlife and enjoy the fantastic scenery. At the end, you drive back to Anchorage. A perfect way to explore two must-see national parks in Alaska

What's Included

7 nights accommodations
7-day midsize rental car with unlimited mileage
4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
All taxes and fees

What's Not Included

Meals, and gratuities. Optional car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, fuel, or GPS rental. Car rental category upgrades available at additional fee.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Anchorage Arrival

Arrive into Anchorage on your own. Pick up your rental vehicle at the Anchorage airport and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Anchorage. You will stay at a hotel in the midtown business district of Anchorage or near the Anchorage 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.

Day 2

Anchorage to Seward

Your self-drive tour starts today with one of the most scenic roads, the drive from Anchorage to Seward on the Seward Highway. Just outside of Anchorage you drive along the beautiful Turnagain Arm. There are several viewing points along the roads, so take the opportunity and make stops to take in the scenery. You have a chance to stop by Girdwood, an Alaska ski resort town. A ride up Mt Alyeska on the tram is worth it on a nice sunny day. Then continue and drive through the Portage area with an option to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. You continue your drive south through more amazing scenery. As you reach Seward, you may want to stop by the Exit Glacier. Overnight Seward

Day 3

Seward

Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Don’t miss out on this spectacular national park! You can book an optional boat cruise that takes you into the park and Resurrection Bay where you have a chance to see different marine wildlife and glaciers. You can also visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, take a helicopter flight or visit a dog kennel. Overnight Seward

Day 4

Seward to Talkeetna

Enjoy a scenic drive on the Seward Highway back to Anchorage and then continue on the Glenn Highway north to Talkeetna. There are places to discover along the way. You may want to stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center just outside of Anchorage. Other interesting places for a stop are Eklutna Lake, the Reindeer Farm or Musk-Ox Farm in Palmer. Then arrive in Talkeetna, a small backcountry town with lots of charm. One clear days, you have specular mountain views from Talkeetna. Talkeetna is the starting point for many Denali climbing expeditions. Overnight in Talkeetna

Day 5

Talkeetna to Denali

This morning you have a chance to take an optional flightseeing tour, river fishing trip or boat tour in Talkeetna. Then continue your drive north towards Denali. Along the way, you will be accompanied by beautiful landscapes. Stop at the viewpoint areas or go for a walk or hike. Byer’s Lake in Denali State Park offers scenic hiking trails. Then arrive at the Denali Park entrance area. Your hotel will be at the park entrance, where most of the park services and hotels are located. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to stop at the Denali visitor center or take an optional tour such as a rafting trip, ATV tour or flightseeing tour. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Day 6

Denali National Park

Today, you go on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park. At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. 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. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, or some hiking. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Day 7

Denali to Anchorage

This morning sleep in or book an optional morning activity at the Denali park entrance. Then take your time to drive back to Anchorage. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Anchorage. You will stay at a hotel in the midtown business district of Anchorage or near the Anchorage airport.

Day 8

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.

Tour Map

Dates & Rates

You can start this tour daily (within the listed dates of operation).

Click the "Book Now" button next to the date range you are interested in. After you select the date and number of room / people, you will see all services included in the tour and hotel information. To book the tour, add the package to your cart and checkout.

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.

*Child prices are valid for children 11 years and younger, sharing room with at least 2 full paying adults with existing bedding. Maximum 4 people per room.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations.

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.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

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.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible.

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.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

After you click "book now" and select a date, you will see tour availability. "To Be Requested" indicates that the service cannot be immediately confirmed online. This status requires us to check space with the hotel or service supplier and the service may or may not be available.