Alaska Highlights 9 days / 8 nights

Trip Overview

This Alaska fly drive vacation takes you far north into dramatic landscapes. Begin in Anchorage through spectacular mountains, serene landscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery. Included is a ferry cruise through Prince William Sound and a wilderness tour into Denali National Park. As you travel Alaska, by land or sea, keep an eye out for grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, whales, sea lions, seals, and other amazing spectacles of nature on this Alaska tour.

Trip Images

Moose - you won't see this everyday!
Another scenic coastal town of Alaska.
Peek-a-boo! Did you see the big horn sheep first or did they see you!
Heading to the majestic mountains of Alaska.

Map

Arrive Anchorage
1 night Anchorage
2 nights Denali National Park
1 night Fairbanks
2 nights Valdez
1 night Seward
1 night Anchorage
Depart from Anchorage

Detailed Itinerary


Day 1 - Anchorage arrival
Your Alaska vacation begins upon arrival in Anchorage where you make your own way to your first hotel. Spend the afternoon getting to know Alaska by exploring the unique charms of this frontier town. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Denali National Park (237 miles/379 km, 5 hrs)
Drive the Glenn Highway north to Wasilla. Interesting stops along the Glenn Highway might be the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Indian Village. In Wasilla you continue on the Parks Highway north towards Denali National Park. You drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park. A possible side trip on your Alaska tour may be to the small gold mining community Talkeetna, famous for its special charm. Overnight Denali.

Day 3 - Denali National Park
Enjoy a 6 to 8 hour Alaska wildlife tour into Denali National Park (approx. 55miles/88km into the park). The park is home to a variety of different animal species. Keep an eye out for bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. If the weather is just right, you may be able to see the peak of Mt. McKinley. Snack is included. Overnight in Denali.

Day 4 - Denali to Fairbanks (121 miles/194 km, 2.5 hrs)
Continue on the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. You will be accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes as you travel Alaska through the communities Healy and Nenana and by Ester, an old mining camp. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 5 - Fairbanks to Valdez (366 miles/586 km, 7 hrs)

Drive the spectacular Richardson Highway south, which runs parallels to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline for part of the journey. Kepp your eyes open for incredible views of the St Elias Mountains (weather permitting). Drive by Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its waterfalls. Overnight Valdez.

Day 6 - Valdez
Enjoy a full day to explore Valdez on own. This city is the end terminus of the Alyeska Pipeline as well as perfect gateway to explore the Prince William Sound and its glaciers. Choose from a number of activities such as day cruises into Prince William Sound and to Columbia Glacier, or kayaking tours. Overnight in Valdez.

Day 7 - Valdez to Seward (85 miles/140 km, 9 hrs total)
Leave Valdez in the early morning on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry and make your way through beautiful Prince William Sound. Upon arrival in Whittier, drive through the new Whittier-Portage Tunnel, a one-lane tunnel (open to traffic during certain hours only). You may wish to make a stop at the Portage Glacier and Visitor Center. Then drive the Seward Highway through scenic landscape to Seward. Another possible side trip would be to Hope and Exit Glacier. Overnight in Seward.

Day 8 - Seward to Anchorage (127 miles/204 km, 2.5 hrs)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before you travel back to Anchorage. You may choose to take a wildlife and glacier cruise into scenic Kenai Fjords National Park - both great endings to your Alaska vacation. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 9 - Anchorage departure
Return car to Anchorage car rental station. Make your own way to the airport as your Alaska vacation comes to a memorable end.

Which part of Canada or Alaska should I explore?

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US & Canada  UK 0-800-917-5924 AUS 1-800-992-872

Accommodations

Standard hotels

Options & Upgrades

• This trip makes the perfect pre or post addition to a cruise vacation
• Extra nights/tours may be added in to any days of this package

Dates & Prices

2010 Departure Dates May 17 - August 30, 2010
This trip starts in Anchorage:
May 17 – 24 - Monday, Thursday & Saturday
May 27-August 30 - departs daily except Wednesdays(Schedule based on ferry days but subject to change).
Dates and Rates USD $
Double Single
May 17 - May 30 2010 1,919 3,464
May 31 - Aug 30 2010 2,273 4,170
Price Notes
• Prices are per person - Triple, Quad and Child rates are available

Included
• 8 nights accommodation in standard class hotels with tax
• Bus tour into Denali National Park, includes snack
• Alaska Ferry from Valdez to Whittier (passengers and car space)
• Mid-size car rental from day 2 to day 9
• Comprehensive documentation and information package; daily driving descriptions and directions to hotels


Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Optional Activities & Tours
• Optional insurance and fees to be paid locally for the car rental, such as additional drivers
• Trip Cancellation Insurance

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.