Ultimate Alaska National Parks - 185

20 Days

Season

May 24 to Aug 23

Price

From $6482

Start & End Cities

Start: Anchorage

End: Anchorage

Land Package Type

Self-Guided Land Tours

Show Map

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Anchorage


1 View on Map

Arrive into Anchorage and settle in at your hotel overlooking the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 2

Anchorage/Katmai or Lake Clark National Park


2 View on Map

Discover the story of Alaska's largest city on a guided tour of Anchorage, or hop on a flight to Lake Clark National Park or Katmai National Park for a day of bear viewing. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 3

Drive from Anchorage to Seward


3 View on Map

Pick up your rental car, then head on down the highway to Seward. Take some time to stop for photos at Beluga Point, a cup of coffee in Girdwood, and a walk in Turnagain pass. Overnight Seward.

Day 4

Day in Kenai Fjords National Park | Overnight in Seward


4 View on Map

Explore the far reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park on a full day cruise to the remote Northwestern Fjord. See some of the park’s famous tidewater glaciers and, hopefully, its thriving marine wildlife. Overnight Seward.

Day 5

Drive from Seward to Homer


5 View on Map

Spend the morning exploring Kenai Fjords by land this time on a side trip to Exit Glacier. This afternoon hit the road again for a drive across the Kenai Peninsula to Homer. Overnight Homer.

Day 6

Day in Kachemak Bay State Park | Overnight in Homer


6 View on Map

Take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to Otter Cove, then switch to sea kayaks for a guided paddle. Enjoy Homer’s many shops, galleries, and seafood eateries this afternoon. Overnight Homer.

Day 7

Drive from Homer to Girdwood


7 View on Map

After a drive through mountains, past lakes, and along Turnagain Arm, enjoy a little rest and relaxation at the luxe Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood. Feeling energized? Head out on a hike right from the hotel. Overnight Girdwood.

Day 8

Drive from Girdwood to Palmer


8 View on Map

Make your way back through Anchorage today, and then north along the Chugach Mountains to the Knik River Lodge in Palmer. Overnight Palmer.

Day 9

Day & Overnight in Palmer


9 View on Map

So far you've seen Alaska by land and by water. Today you'll see it by air. Your mid-morning helicopter tour takes you up and over nearby ridgelines and down to the vast Knik Glacier. Explore by foot for 30 minutes before returning. Overnight Palmer.

Day 10

Drive from Palmer to Valdez


10 View on Map

The Matanuska Valley awaits on your drive to Valdez today. Home to the Matanuska River and twisting, turning Matanuska Glacier, you’ll want to take your time through here. Further on you’ll cross over Thompson Pass and through the Keystone Canyon. Overnight Valdez.

Day 11

Day & Overnight in Valdez


11 View on Map

Head into Prince William Sound for the day, your destination Columbia Glacier. Keep that camera handy. The Columbia is a highly active glacier and calving a common sight. Overnight Valdez.

Day 12

Drive from Valdez to McCarthy/Kennicott


12 View on Map

You’re headed well off the beaten path today. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is your destination. When you reach the town of McCarthy inside the park, it’s just a few more miles by shuttle to the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Overnight Kennicott.

Day 13

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park


13 View on Map

Join a guide for a hike to Root Glacier this morning, then enjoy the afternoon on your own at the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. Overnight Kennicott.

Day 14

Drive from McCarthy/Kennicott for Fairbanks


14 View on Map

Savor this final day on the road with a drive north through Paxson, Gulkana, and North Pole to Fairbanks. Once you arrive in town, drop off your rental car. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 15

Arctic Circle/Gates of the Arctic National Park


15 View on Map

Mark visiting the Arctic Circle off your bucket list today on a full-day tour by van and plane. On this trip you’ll see the mountains of Gates of the Arctic National Park, witness vast tundral landscapes, and visit the tiny outpost of Coldfoot. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 16

Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park


16 View on Map

With the driving done, board the Alaska Railroad for a relaxed ride to Denali National Park. Overnight Denali.

Day 17

Day & Overnight in Denali National Park


17 View on Map

Travel to the very end of the only road into Denali National Park on a guided wildlife bus tour. Overnight Denali.

Day 18

Railroad from Denali National Park to Talkeetna


18 View on Map

Continue your rail trip south, leaving the Denali Depot for the town of Talkeetna. Overnight Talkeetna.

Day 19

Day & Overnight in Talkeetna


19 View on Map

You may have saved the best for last with today’s flightseeing excursion into Denali National Park. The scenery is unlike anything you’ve seen yet. Overnight Talkeetna.

Day 20

Railroad Talkeetna to Anchorage


20 View on Map

Board the train for your final ride back to Anchorage. Cheers to the trip of a lifetime with one last dinner and a final overnight in Anchorage.

Prices & Dates

Season May 24 - Aug 23
Duration 21 Days / 20 Nights
Rates From $6,482

Photos

Ultimate Alaska National Parks - 185

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