Focusing on Alaska’s great abundance of natural highlights, this self-drive adventure includes excursions in Prince William Sound, Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks as well as plenty of free time to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and hidden gems of Alaska in your own way.
Take a guided excursion into the heart of Denali National Park in search of Alaska’s wildlife and enjoy aerial views over the vast expanse of Wrangell-St Elias National Park, before spending two nights in the abandoned former copper-mining settlement of Kennicott.
Days at leisure in Seward, Talkeetna and Denali offer the chance to explore independently, taking advantage of numerous hiking opportunities or perhaps choosing an included excursion such as a cruise into Kenai Fjords or, at an additional cost, take a Helicopter Glacier Landing, soaring above tundra and rugged mountain terrain while watching for wildlife before touching down on the vast Yanert Glacier.
Time spent in the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks provides a good contrast to the wilderness, making this a very comprehensive introduction to Alaska.
Itinerary
Start your adventure this morning and travel along the Seward Highway toward the scenic Turnagain Arm, home to some of the world’s highest tides. Keep an eye out for beluga whales in the bay and Dall sheep along the cliffs. A great lunch stop is Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, where you can also take the optional tram ride up Mt. Alyeska. Other recommended stops include Portage Glacier and its visitor centre, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. In Seward, you can also visit Exit Glacier and the Alaska SeaLife Centre.
Today, enjoy an included full-day Kenai Fjords Cruise, venturing deeper into Kenai Fjords National Park than any other tour. Explore the stunning Northwestern Fjord, home to three tidewater glaciers, numerous alpine glaciers and abundant wildlife, including Steller sea lions, seals, humpbacks, orcas, and otters.
This morning, head back toward Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway before continuing north on the Glenn Highway through Wasilla to Talkeetna. Possible stops include the Alaska Native Heritage Centre in Anchorage and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Talkeetna, a base camp for Denali climbers, sits at the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. Once a turn of the century goldmining hub, this small community of under 1,000 residents has kept much of its early Alaskan charm.
This morning is free for optional adventures, including a Jetboat river cruise (included) or upgrade your experience with a Denali flightseeing or glacier landing trip. After your excursion, continue north on the Parks Highway to Denali National Park, passing impressive forest and mountain scenery along the way. Spend as much time as you like exploring the park, enjoying views along the George Parks Highway, or heading straight to your hotel near the entrance.
Today, tailor your Denali experience. Perhaps choose the Denali Highway Jeep Excursion, a guided self‑drive 4×4 journey along one of National Geographic Traveler’s top “Drives of a Lifetime,” offering expansive views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and remote wilderness. Or opt for the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a narrated coach trip showcasing classic park highlights such as Cathedral Mountain, Sable Pass and the East Fork River. For an upgrade enjoy either a Denali Summit Flightseeing Tour, flying over snow‑covered peaks and glacier‑carved valleys or take a Helicopter Glacier Landing.
Continue north on the George Parks Highway to Fairbanks, passing beautiful forest and mountain scenery and the communities of Healy, Nenana, and the old mining camp of Ester. In the afternoon, board the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable three hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic sternwheeler. This narrated journey offers insight into the region’s natural history and Athabascan culture.
Depart early for a 6‑hour drive through broad river valleys on the north side of the Alaska Range. As you reach the Copper River, the scenery shifts dramatically with Mt. Drum, Mt. Wrangell, and Mt. Blackburn dominating the horizon. A short detour to Copper Centre, set at the confluence of the Klutina and Copper Rivers, is well worth it for its classic Alaskan character and points of interest. Continue south to Chitina, the main gateway for your included flight to McCarthy‑Kennicott and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
Spend the morning exploring the dramatic Root Glacier on a guided trail and ice hike. In the afternoon, visit the historic Kennecott Mines and the quirky nearby town of McCarthy at your own pace.
Today, fly back to Chitina by bush plane, enjoying sweeping views of the Wrangell Mountains. From Chitina, continue south into the Chugach Mountains, which frame Alaska’s coastline along Prince William Sound. Consider a stop at Thompson Pass for stunning scenery and views of Worthington Glacier before descending into Valdez.
Experience the beauty of Alaska on a 7-hour Columbia Glacier cruise from Valdez. Your captain and crew will guide you past the Trans Alaska Pipeline Terminal and through Columbia Bay to the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Southcentral Alaska. Keep an eye out for wildlife, porpoises, puffins, sea lions and sea otters are often spotted along the way. Lunch is included.
Drive north from Valdez through the dramatic Thompson Pass, known for its towering peaks and waterfalls, and stop at Worthington Glacier for a close-up look. Continue along the Richardson Highway through the lush Chugach Mountains, pausing in historic Copper Centre to explore its museum of Native Alaskan culture and goldrush history. A stop at the Gulkana River viewpoint offers chances to spot salmon or bald eagles. Then continue to Sheep Mountain Lodge, surrounded by colourful mountains and wide glacial valleys.
Continue toward Anchorage with a stop at Matanuska Glacier for sweeping views or a short hike. Explore Independence Mine State Historical Park near Hatcher Pass, where the preserved mining camp offers insight into Alaska’s gold‑mining past. As you follow the Glenn Highway, enjoy expansive views of the Chugach Mountains and winding rivers. Make time for a brief walk at Eagle River Nature Centre, known for its mountain scenery and wildlife. End your journey at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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11 nights accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Midsize car hire including unlimited mileage and loss damage waiver
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Choice of excursions in Seward
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (admission fee)
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Choice of excursions in Talkeetna
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Choice of excursions in Denali
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Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery Cruise
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Scenic Return Flight Chitina – McCarthy (max luggage allowance 13 kgs per person)
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Kennecott Mill Town Tour
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Kennicott Morning Glacier Hike
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Prince William Sound Columbia Glacier Cruise with lunch
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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Full financial protection
From £6571 Excluding Flights
11 Nights
May-Sep
Your Holiday Pricing
Prices are per person based on two people sharing and are subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will provide a final price tailored to your specific dates and requirements.
What’s Included:
Items listed and all known compulsory taxes and charges.
Our holiday prices also exclude flights. Flight prices and offers change daily, so we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on your preferred airport at the best price available.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Rosie
5
Humpback whales spotted in Redoubt Bay
1
Echidna spotted in Australia's Southern Highlands
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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