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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 2

Arrival in Anchorage

Pick up your rental car from the airport

1 Night

Anchorage

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city nestled on the shores of Cook Inlet. Sandwiched between rugged peaks and tranquil water, this urban sprawl is home to nearly half of the state’s population. Don’t be surprised to see bears and moose sauntering across private yards or public parks – it’s a way of life here! The Alaska Native Heritage Center is your one-stop source for all things cultural with its traditional craft displays and dance performances. Top it off with a trip to the local museum for your fill of the region’s history. Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching tours let you explore the area by water, while scenic flight tours are a great way of discovering glaciers. Dog sledding remains a favorite pastime of visitors, followed closely by gold panning at the local mines. Back in town, dining experiences turn into gourmet feasts with fresh seafood and local produce dominating the culinary scene.

Included activities

Explore Anchorage on Your Own

Explore Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, at your own pace. Set off along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs along the coastline and passes through serene forests. The fully paved trail begins in the downtown area and goes right up to Kincaid Park. Enjoy gorgeous views of Cook Inlet and six mountain ranges from vantage points. You can also see North America’s highest peak, Denali or Mount McKinley. Head to the aptly named Sunshine Plaza to see historic photographs and trivia about the 1964 earthquake, the largest recorded in North America. Alternatively, make your way to Earthquake Park to see for yourself how this natural disaster permanently changed the Alaskan landscape. Discover indigenous culture and tradition at the Alaska Native Heritage Center with its displays of local crafts and live dance performances. (Duration: Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)

Hotel options

Aloft Anchorage – Opt 1
Room King Room
Meals Room Only
Style International
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage – Opt 2
Room 1 King Bed [HILTONAKWEDD]
Meals Room Only
Style International
Day 2 – 4

Drive yourself from Anchorage to Glacier View in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

2 Nights

Glacier View

Glacier View is a picturesque place beneath the towering Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. This erstwhile coal mining destination in the Matanuska Susitna Borough of Alaska is today a popular destination for adventure seekers. Whitewater rafting on the Matanuska River, top hiking spots, ice climbing, glacier hiking, and fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers are the region’s main attractions. The 24-mile-long Matanuska glacier is worth exploring for its beautiful ice formations, deep crevasses and blue melt water pools.

Included activities

Explore Matanuska Glacier on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting Matanuska Glacier. Drive along the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, going past ice-capped mountains and sparkling blue lakes. The road will take you towards Lion’s Head, one of the most picturesque places along the way. Here, you can stop for panoramic views of the glacier and to take some great photographs. Then, continue to Glacier Park Road. Travel down the hill and across the river until the road ends. Once you reach, join a shared guided tour of the glacier. Gear up with crampons, helmets and extra layers and make your way to the sheer ice walls. Walk alongside moulins, which are cylindrical shafts that are carved by meltwater from the glacier’s surface. Gain insight into the area’s history and glaciology, and its original inhabitants, the Alaskan Athabaskans. Take some amazing pictures at scenic spots before heading back. (Duration: 2 hrs; Independent activity; Transfers, entrance fees & meals are not included; Starting point: Glacier Tours office, 66500 Glacier Park Rd; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

Sheep Mountain Lodge – Opt 1
Room Classic Cabin
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Sheep Mountain Lodge – Opt 2
Room Classic Cabin
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Day 4 – 6

Drive yourself from Glacier View to Talkeetna in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)

2 Nights

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is all that you would expect in a typical Alaskan small town. Tucked into the Mat-Su Valley, this picturesque town with its colorful old buildings gives off an artsy vibe. Nestled at the foothills of majestic Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, it is a convenient base camp for climbing expeditions to major peaks. Log cabins and clapboard storefronts testify to its past as a gold mining center. The small museum in town chronicling the adventures of early climbers is worth a visit. Flightseeing tours offer panoramic views of the mountains and can even include glacier landings. Riverboat and jet boat tours enable you to explore the waterways and navigate deep into the canyons. Fishing and horseback riding are some of the activities that let you soak in the scenic beauty of the region. Sampling the local specialties at cozy cafes and browsing local galleries are excellent ways of unwinding after a busy day of outdoor fun.

Included activities

Group Flying Tour of Denali with glacier landing

This 1.5 hour flying tour gives you a unique perspective on the highest peak in North America and bring into focus the scale of the Alaskan range. Fly up to six miles’ distance from Denali’s summit, before swooping down through Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Gaze upon the stunning Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers and see the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter. See the sharp ridges of Mount Huntington and view the summit of the famous Moose’s Tooth, one of the toughest climbs in the range. (Duration: 1.5 hrs flying time + 30 min check-in time; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group size: up to 10 people; Meals Not Included, Glacier Landing Included. Please note that this activity is weather-dependent and may get cancelled should conditions not permit a safe flight. USD 15 per person national park fee is not included and payable on site.)

Hotel options

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Opt 1
Room Main Lodge Room w/ Forest View
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Opt 2
Room Mountainside Room
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Day 6 – 8

Drive yourself from Talkeetna to Denali National Park in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

2 Nights

Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve, with its primeval landscape and untamed wilderness, promises a one-of-a-kind adventure. Located in the Interior Alaska region, it is home to Denali, the tallest peak in North America. This nature lover’s paradise offers an endless sequence of breathtaking vistas all around. Free-roaming moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves make for excellent wildlife viewing. Hiking along marked trails or going off the beaten path top the list of activities for visitors to Denali. Bicycling and bus tours are other ways of exploring the major attractions of this sprawling reserve. Entertaining sled dog demonstrations provide a peek into the life of park rangers and their canine partners. For a rush of adrenaline, go whitewater rafting over the rapids in the many rivers across the park. Aerial tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape with its mountains and glaciers.

Included activities

Group Tour: Denali Highway by Jeep

Traverse the Denali Highway by jeep for a unique exploration of the Alaskan wilderness. Listed second among National Geographic Traveler magazine’s picks for ‘Drive of a Lifetime’, this 135-mile gravel road runs adjacent to Denali National Park. Make yourself comfortable in a new, four-door Wrangler Jeep that can accommodate up to four adults. If you have a valid driver’s license, you could try driving the jeep during this fully guided tour. Enjoy splendid views of snow-capped peaks, icy glaciers and serene lakes as you travel down the road that once served as the gateway to the famous national park. With most rental companies prohibiting driving along this road, you can expect minimal traffic along the way. Drive for over a hundred miles, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Make use of the CB radio in your jeep to let your guide know whenever you want to halt. On a clear day, you might be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Denali. Look out for wildlife such as moose crossing your path or in the foliage along the roadside. (Duration: Half Day; Timing: 7:30am or 6:30pm/5:30pm starting Aug 6; Shared Activity & Transfers from select hotels; Snacks and Drinks Included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please note that you need to be 25 years or older and have a valid driving license in order to drive a jeep; This tour does not travel on Denali Park Road and does not go into the national park; Binoculars are provided in the jeep; You may have to share the vehicle with other guests. Jeep tours depart and continue in all conditions.)

Denali Visitor Center at Leisure

The Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus were built in 2005. The campus includes the Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center, Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) and more. Though the park is open all year round, the Denali Center, the park’s main welcome and information point, is operational only in the summer months. Here you can learn more about the park through Heartbeats of Denali, a 20-minute film. This documentary plays throughout the day, giving information on the various seasons, landscapes, and wildlife of the park. You can also speak with park rangers for more information, or take some of the ranger-led activities scheduled in or beginning at the center. In fall, winter and spring, the MSLC acts as the visitor center. (Duration: 1 hr; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Available May-Sept; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket.)

Horseshoe Lake Trail at Leisure

Take a popular and scenic hike along the Horseshoe Lake Trail in Denali National Park. The trail circles Horseshoe Lake and traces a stretch of the Nenana River, allowing you to have many scenic photo stops and the chance of encountering wildlife along the way. This is a well-maintained, moderately easy trail, with only one steep section and plenty of pretty lake views. From the trailhead, hike up a short steep hill to reach a bench overlooking the lake. Just beyond, the trail drops sharply (about 250 feet) to the level of the lake and forks in two directions, forming a loop around the lake. Along the way, there are several viewing platforms offering stunning views of the Nenana River, the development called ‘Glitter Gulch’ right outside the park, and the surrounding mountains. A beaver dam and beaver lodge can be seen within the lake. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy-moderate; Available year-round; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket)

Hotel options

Denali Park Village – Opt 1
Room Village Lodge Standard Room
Meals Room Only
Style Resort
Denali Bluffs Hotel – Opt 2
Room Hillside Guest Room
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Day 8 – 10

Drive yourself from Denali National Park to Fairbanks in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

2 Nights

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state of Alaska with all the charms of small town life. It is a favored base camp with adventure-seekers and explorers en route to the Alaskan Interior or the Arctic region. An excellent year-round destination, there is plenty to keep you busy come summer or winter! Rafting and kayaking down the Chena River appeal to adventure lovers while golfing and fishing are for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Pioneer Park stands as testimony to the city’s historic past of gold mining, and art galleries are filled with exquisite displays of local handicrafts for you to browse. The onset of winter brings with it dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing expeditions. Meanwhile, the hot springs are perfect for rejuvenating with a leisurely soak after every exciting adventure. Fairbanks makes for an especially unique destination during the Fall and Winter months, with the Northern Lights shining through the darkness!

Included activities

Group Alaska Tour on Riverboat Discovery

Go deep into the heart of Alaska on this riverboat tour. Board the Riverboat Discovery at the starting point, just a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport, and head for Chena Indian Village Living Museum. Take a guided walking tour of this Athabascan Indian village, complete with spruce cabins and fur pelts, and learn how the Athabascans survived here for over 10,000 years. Watch an Alaskan bush pilot take off and land right next to the boat and hear his tales of village life and the importance of planes in remote Alaska. Visit Trail Breaker Kennel, also the former home of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher. Watch a dog mushing demonstration and learn what goes into making a champion dogsled team. Choose a unique souvenir that reflects the local culture from a couple of traditional trading posts: The Discovery Trading Post on board Discovery III and Steamboat Landing onshore. You will also see reindeer during the tour. (Duration: 3 hrs; Shared activity & guide; No transfers; Meals not included)

Hotel options

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge – Opt 1
Room Aurora Cabin
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Opt 2
Room Double room bed Suite
Meals Room Only
Style Apartment

Drive yourself to Fairbanks airport and drop off your rental car

International Departure

Take an exciting road trip in the majestic landscapes of Alaska! Perfect for nature and adventure lovers, you’ll start from the charming coastal city of Anchorage with its striking backdrop of mountains and plentiful outdoor opportunities. Make your way to the scenic wilderness of Glacier View. Next, drive through the foothills of Denali, exploring Talkeetna and Denali National Park at your own pace, and enjoying an exciting flightseeing tour and glacier landing. The adventure continues in Fairbanks which is next on your route, where you will journey into the wilderness in a small group on a fun fishing excursion. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the abundant outdoor opportunities at Fairbanks—from rafting, kayaking, and hiking to snowmobiling and dog sledding in winter, before it’s time to return. If you’d like to see more of Alaska or plan your trip around your favorite local accommodations, we are only too happy to help turn your dream trip into reality. Just get in touch!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $4,790 USD / person

Option 2

From $4,890 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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