Alaskan Road trip (self drive)

Day 1: Arrive Fairbanks

Upon arrival into Fairbanks, you will pick up your rental vehicle for the short five-minute drive down the road to your quaint riverside lodging for the evening. Nestled alongside the Chena River, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge features a spacious outdoor deck to enjoy river views, a bocce ball court, and fire pits. Fairbanks is a small, compact city that is easily navigable and serves as the perfect jumping-off point to explore Alaska’s wondrous interior. Come evening, why not take a short drive to enjoy upscale mountain cuisine at The Pumphouse – Fairbanks’ most iconic restaurant. Established in 1933 and featuring décor from the gold rush era, enjoy a feast of loving prepared Alaskan specialties such as fresh caught salmon and
succulent oysters. On a nice night, enjoy dinner on the deck and watch boats drift by as day turns into night.

Day 2: Denali Wilderness Hiking & Sightseeing Adventure

After an early breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive towards Denali National Park. On arrival park your car and set out for an adventure with your expert naturalist driver-guide who will take you on an unforgettable wilderness immersion. The greater Denali wilderness is a true untamed landscape spanning a massive 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares). The region itself is home to the big five of Alaskan wildlife: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears. This private tour will allow you the chance to better understand the ecology and cultural perspective found here and nowhere else in the world, while also providing an opportunity to detour away from the park crowds. As such, your exploration will be customized to your group’s ability, interest and fitness level. Spend the day scouting for the best photo spots, looking for wildlife, and better understanding Alaska’s sub-arctic ecosystem. At lunchtime, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch prepared fresh by a local café, while hearing stories about the area from your guide.

After your full-day adventure, you will check into to Denali Bluffs, your sanctuary for the next two nights. This well maintained lodge is conveniently located just ten minutes away from Denali National Park’s visitor center, and sits on a hillside overlooking the majestic peaks of Denali.

Day 3: Denali National Park Bus Tour

The only way to travel beyond the front country of Denali National Park and receive detailed interpretation is to take a sightseeing bus tour. Early this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day narrated motor coach ride into the interior of Denali National Park with a very knowledgeable driver-guide. You will travel deep into the backcountry all the way to the end of the road at the historic gold mining area of Kantishna on a very full day up to 12-hours. The majority of the 92-mile (148 km) road is along a narrow dirt road, where you will be able to take in the vistas of the majestic Alaskan mountain range that can only be described as majestic. Your guide will detail the history and tell you all about the unique flora and fauna that are found within the park. Enjoy several stops along the way as you head into the park for photographs and wildlife viewing. Approximately 90-miles (145 km) down road, you will come to Wonder Lake – one of the jewels of
the park. On a clear day, Mt. Denali’s reflection in her clear waters look like a painting come to life. At the end of the road, learn about the exploration and impact of mining in the area and how it led to development of Alaska’s interior. Hear stories about the lifestyles and characteristics required of early settlers as you arrive to a historic lodge where you will have a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a deli-style lunch and engage in an activity like gold panning or cultural presentation before making your way out of the park. The return back will be more direct with stops only made for restroom breaks and wildlife sightings. Sit back and take in the views of this incredible park and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, foxes, moose, bears, and more! You tour will end back at your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Denali – Talkeetna  

This morning you will check-out and continue your journey southward to the eclectic town of Talkeetna. This two-and-a-half-hour leisurely route meanders through lush forest before winding back along the Susitna River. Once you detour off the main road onto Talkeetna Spur road, you’ll be able to stop to visit some of the artisan shops. Take a break from the drive and pop into a birch syrup shop to try this local delicacy along with wild jams and preserved Alaska specialties. Continue a little further down the road and pop into the local brewery for a tasting and maybe even a tour. Sample craft beers, ciders and meads (and maybe grab a growler to enjoy at the hotel!) In the town of Talkeetna, you can take a short stroll through town to explore the historic district which features buildings constructed in the early 1900’ and discover art and craftwork from
numerous local artists. Enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants and enjoy the pageantry of this eclectic little town. Afterward, check into Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. This spacious lodge is perched on a small bluff with scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains. If weather permits, you will have the chance to see Denali’s peak from the lodge’s backdoor!

Day 5: Afternoon Coastal Trail Bike Ride

Enjoy a hearty breakfast then check out of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge at your leisure to drive 2-hours to Anchorage. The largest city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage offers opportunities for cultural immersion and natural adventures. Upon arriving, stop to enjoy lunch then park your vehicle at your hotel and take a short walk to meet your local guide for a small group afternoon bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation; the trail
gently winds along the coast eleven miles from downtown to the chalet at Kincaid Park. Leave the bustling city behind and explore a local treasure that tells a long tale of natural and human history as narrated by your local guide. Ride along the fault line of the ’64 quake, roll through scented forests, look for moose, and take in sweeping vistas where you can spot beluga whales and North America’s highest peak, Denali, all in a single view. After your ride, your guide will lead you back to the starting point where you can walk back to your hotel to check in and enjoy happy hour before heading out to enjoy dinner in town.

Day 6: Matanuska Glacier & Turnagain Arm

This morning rise early for a full day hiking glacier adventure on Matanuska Glacier. Your driverguide will pick you up for a small group tour where you will learn more about the area and stop to take photos of breathtaking landscapes on your 90-minute drive. At the glacier, you will gear up and hit the ice with your guide leading the way! At 27 miles (43 km) long and 4 miles (6.4 km) wide Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest glacier accessible by road. Marvel at ice that formed thousands of years ago high in the Chugach Mountains as you trek over crevasses and peek into ice caves. After a spectacular hike, you will stop for lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier to enjoy a home cooked entree before making your way back to Anchorage. In Anchorage, bid farewell to your guide and set out on a 60-minute drive to Girdwood on the most incredible stretch of Seward Highway on Turnagain Arm. Recognized as National Scenic Byway, the Seward Highway is a drive that is a destination unto itself. Turnouts at Beluga Point, Windy Corner or Bird Point are perfect spots to view the Kenai and Chugach mountains and spot beluga whales and Dall sheep! Take your time admiring the beauty of this highway before reaching Alyeska Resort where you will check in and relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 7: Glacier Rafting Or Kayaking Adventure By Train

This morning to make your way to the Girdwood train stop for a departure on the iconic Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic! Your friendly guide will be waiting for you at the station to navigate you on a full day rafting and hiking adventure at Spencer Glacier. During your train ride to the Spencer Whistle Stop, you will be oriented as to what to expect for the day ahead and answer any questions about the majestic scenery you will see during your journey. Make sure to bring your layers as the temperature on the water can be much lower than on land. Upon arrival, you will put on a pair of rubber boots and a flotation device then join a small group to board a shared raft. Your guide will row the oars to navigate around Spencer Glacier’s magnificent icebergs which change in size and quantity throughout the season. Sit back and enjoy expansive views of breathtaking mountain and glacial landscapes during a 7-mile scenic river float down the pristine Placer River. This trip is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska. With your morning departure, you will have more time to get closer to experience this imposing glacier.

For the more adventurous, you can opt in advance to join a small kayaking group and paddle around icebergs while getting a closer look at these magnificent blocks of ice while maintaining a safe distance from the glacier. After your trip, you will take a sightseeing train through the most scenic section of the route before making your way back to Girdwood.

Day 8-10: Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

After breakfast, make your way to the town of Seward to take a boat tour through Kenai Fjords National Park that ends at Kenai Wilderness Lodge. Located two hours from Girdwood, the town of Seward is ideally located in the mountainous folds of famed Resurrection Bay and serves as a departure point to reach Fox Island. When you arrive at Fox Island, mist-covered pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters call for adventure. Inside the lodge, immense windows open to awe-inspiring views of gorgeous Halibut Cove, where sea lions and humpback whales occasionally make surprise visits. After your gourmet
lunch, you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore the island and find tranquillity. For the next two-days, you can choose your own adventure and relax or play as your heart desires.

The following are some of the options available to you on the island:

• A guided kayaking trip is included with your stay and is accessible to all levels. Options span anywhere from two hours to a full day exploration on the lookout for whales, sea birds, seals, and sea lions! This is one of the most intimate ways to explore the area, with an opportunity to get up close to the amazing wildlife that call this site home.
• A guided beach walk and beachcombing is also included, which allows you the opportunity to walk along the pebble-lined beach as the soothing sound of the waves lapping ashore provide a soothing melody to your guide’s narration on the island’s history and ecology.
• Unguided hiking: There are various hiking trails which are available to guests at Fox Island. Stroll the mysterious, beautiful swaths of verdant temperate rainforest at the lodge’s backdoor, soaking in the absolute tranquility which her remote location provides.

Day 11: Kenai FJords Boat Tour

Before you leave this breathtaking area, you will rise early and depart the island after lunch to enjoy a narrated cruise deep into the fjord where you will have a chance to see more wildlife. Be on the look out for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, puffins and more. At the end of the tour, you will disembark in Seward where you will hop in your car drive 3-hours to
Anchorage, arriving in time to have dinner before checking in for the night.

Day 12: Farewell Alaska

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Anchorage International Airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are air and land per person based on double occupancy. Additional peak date supplements apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.

Day 1: Arrive Fairbanks

Upon arrival into Fairbanks, you will pick up your rental vehicle for the short five-minute drive down the road to your quaint riverside lodging for the evening. Nestled alongside the Chena River, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge features a spacious outdoor deck to enjoy river views, a bocce ball court, and fire pits. Fairbanks is a small, compact city that is easily navigable and serves as the perfect jumping-off point to explore Alaska’s wondrous interior. Come evening, take a short drive to enjoy upscale mountain cuisine at The Pumphouse – Fairbanks’ most iconic restaurant (pay direct.) Established in 1933 and featuring décor from the gold rush era, enjoy a feast of loving prepared Alaskan specialties such as fresh caught salmon and
succulent oysters. On a nice night, enjoy dinner on the deck and watch boats drift by as day turns into night.

Day 2: Denali Wilderness Hiking & Sightseeing Adventure

After an early breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive towards Denali National Park. On arrival park your car and set out for an adventure with your expert naturalist driver-guide who will take you on an unforgettable wilderness immersion. The greater Denali wilderness is a true untamed landscape spanning a massive 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares). The region itself is home to the big five of Alaskan wildlife: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears. This private tour will allow you the chance to better understand the ecology and cultural perspective found here and nowhere else in the world, while also providing an opportunity to detour away from the park crowds. As such, your exploration will be customized to your group’s ability, interest and fitness level. Spend the day scouting for the best photo spots, looking for wildlife, and better understanding Alaska’s sub-arctic ecosystem. At lunchtime, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch prepared fresh by a local café, while hearing stories about the area from your guide.

After your full-day adventure, you will check into to Denali Bluffs, your sanctuary for the next two nights. This well maintained lodge is conveniently located just ten minutes away from Denali National Park’s visitor center, and sits on a hillside overlooking the majestic peaks of Denali.

Day 3: Denali National Park Bus Tour

The only way to travel beyond the front country of Denali National Park and receive detailed interpretation is to take a sightseeing bus tour. Early this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day narrated motor coach ride into the interior of Denali National Park with a very knowledgeable driver-guide. You will travel deep into the backcountry all the way to the end of the road at the historic gold mining area of Kantishna on a very full day up to 12-hours. The majority of the 92-mile (148 km) road is along a narrow dirt road, where you will be able to take in the vistas of the majestic Alaskan mountain range that can only be described as majestic. Your guide will detail the history and tell you all about the unique flora and fauna that are found within the park. Enjoy several stops along the way as you head into the park for photographs and wildlife viewing. Approximately 90-miles (145 km) down road, you will come to Wonder Lake – one of the jewels of
the park. On a clear day, Mt. Denali’s reflection in her clear waters look like a painting come to life. At the end of the road, learn about the exploration and impact of mining in the area and how it led to development of Alaska’s interior. Hear stories about the lifestyles and characteristics required of early settlers as you arrive to a historic lodge where you will have a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a deli-style lunch and engage in an activity like gold panning or cultural presentation before making your way out of the park. The return back will be more direct with stops only made for restroom breaks and wildlife sightings. Sit back and take in the views of this incredible park and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, foxes, moose, bears, and more! You tour will end back at your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Denali – Talkeetna  

This morning you will check-out and continue your journey southward to the eclectic town of Talkeetna. This two-and-a-half-hour leisurely route meanders through lush forest before winding back along the Susitna River. Once you detour off the main road onto Talkeetna Spur road, you’ll be able to stop to visit some of the artisan shops. Take a break from the drive and pop into a birch syrup shop to try this local delicacy along with wild jams and preserved Alaska specialties. Continue a little further down the road and pop into the local brewery for a tasting and maybe even a tour. Sample craft beers, ciders and meads (and maybe grab a growler to enjoy at the hotel!) In the town of Talkeetna, you can take a short stroll through town to explore the historic district which features buildings constructed in the early 1900’ and discover art and craftwork from
numerous local artists. Enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants and enjoy the pageantry of this eclectic little town. Afterward, check into Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. This spacious lodge is perched on a small bluff with scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains. If weather permits, you will have the chance to see Denali’s peak from the lodge’s backdoor!

Day 5: Afternoon Coastal Trail Bike Ride

Enjoy a hearty breakfast then check out of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge at your leisure to drive 2-hours to Anchorage. The largest city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage offers opportunities for cultural immersion and natural adventures. Upon arriving, stop to enjoy lunch then park your vehicle at your hotel and take a short walk to meet your local guide for a small group afternoon bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation; the trail
gently winds along the coast eleven miles from downtown to the chalet at Kincaid Park. Leave the bustling city behind and explore a local treasure that tells a long tale of natural and human history as narrated by your local guide. Ride along the fault line of the ’64 quake, roll through scented forests, look for moose, and take in sweeping vistas where you can spot beluga whales and North America’s highest peak, Denali, all in a single view. After your ride, your guide will lead you back to the starting point where you can walk back to your hotel to check in and enjoy happy hour before heading out to enjoy dinner in town.

Day 6: Matanuska Glacier & Turnagain Arm

This morning rise early for a full day hiking glacier adventure on Matanuska Glacier. Your driverguide will pick you up for a small group tour where you will learn more about the area and stop to take photos of breathtaking landscapes on your 90-minute drive. At the glacier, you will gear up and hit the ice with your guide leading the way! At 27 miles (43 km) long and 4 miles (6.4 km) wide Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest glacier accessible by road. Marvel at ice that formed thousands of years ago high in the Chugach Mountains as you trek over crevasses and peek into ice caves. After a spectacular hike, you will stop for lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier to enjoy a home cooked entree before making your way back to Anchorage. In Anchorage, bid farewell to your guide and set out on a 60-minute drive to Girdwood on the most incredible stretch of Seward Highway on Turnagain Arm. Recognized as National Scenic Byway, the Seward Highway is a drive that is a destination unto itself. Turnouts at Beluga Point, Windy Corner or Bird Point are perfect spots to view the Kenai and Chugach mountains and spot beluga whales and Dall sheep! Take your time admiring the beauty of this highway before reaching Alyeska Resort where you will check in and relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 7: Glacier Rafting Or Kayaking Adventure By Train

This morning to make your way to the Girdwood train stop for a departure on the iconic Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic! Your friendly guide will be waiting for you at the station to navigate you on a full day rafting and hiking adventure at Spencer Glacier. During your train ride to the Spencer Whistle Stop, you will be oriented as to what to expect for the day ahead and answer any questions about the majestic scenery you will see during your journey. Make sure to bring your layers as the temperature on the water can be much lower than on land. Upon arrival, you will put on a pair of rubber boots and a flotation device then join a small group to board a shared raft. Your guide will row the oars to navigate around Spencer Glacier’s magnificent icebergs which change in size and quantity throughout the season. Sit back and enjoy expansive views of breathtaking mountain and glacial landscapes during a 7-mile scenic river float down the pristine Placer River. This trip is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska. With your morning departure, you will have more time to get closer to experience this imposing glacier.

For the more adventurous, you can opt in advance to join a small kayaking group and paddle around icebergs while getting a closer look at these magnificent blocks of ice while maintaining a safe distance from the glacier. After your trip, you will take a sightseeing train through the most scenic section of the route before making your way back to Girdwood.

Day 8-10: Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

After breakfast, make your way to the town of Seward to take a boat tour through Kenai Fjords National Park that ends at Kenai Wilderness Lodge. Located two hours from Girdwood, the town of Seward is ideally located in the mountainous folds of famed Resurrection Bay and serves as a departure point to reach Fox Island. When you arrive at Fox Island, mist-covered pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters call for adventure. Inside the lodge, immense windows open to awe-inspiring views of gorgeous Halibut Cove, where sea lions and humpback whales occasionally make surprise visits. After your gourmet
lunch, you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore the island and find tranquillity. For the next two-days, you can choose your own adventure and relax or play as your heart desires.

The following are some of the options available to you on the island:

• A guided kayaking trip is included with your stay and is accessible to all levels. Options span anywhere from two hours to a full day exploration on the lookout for whales, sea birds, seals, and sea lions! This is one of the most intimate ways to explore the area, with an opportunity to get up close to the amazing wildlife that call this site home.
• A guided beach walk and beachcombing is also included, which allows you the opportunity to walk along the pebble-lined beach as the soothing sound of the waves lapping ashore provide a soothing melody to your guide’s narration on the island’s history and ecology.
• Unguided hiking: There are various hiking trails which are available to guests at Fox Island. Stroll the mysterious, beautiful swaths of verdant temperate rainforest at the lodge’s backdoor, soaking in the absolute tranquility which her remote location provides.

Day 11: Kenai FJords Boat Tour

Before you leave this breathtaking area, you will rise early and depart the island after lunch to enjoy a narrated cruise deep into the fjord where you will have a chance to see more wildlife. Be on the look out for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, puffins and more. At the end of the tour, you will disembark in Seward where you will hop in your car drive 3-hours to
Anchorage, arriving in time to have dinner before checking in for the night.

Day 12: Farewell Alaska

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Anchorage International Airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are air and land per person based on double occupancy. Additional peak date supplements apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.