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Itinerary
Day 1 Anchorage Seward
This morning, travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second-highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway. From Porterage travel through mountain tunnels to the port town of Whittier. Board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Enjoy a scrumptious lunch onboard. Following your cruise, it is an approximately 2-hour drive to Seward.
Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.
Day 2 Seward
It's time to explore the city! Personalize your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.
Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.
Day 3 Seward Homer
Continue your self-drive journey and follow the Sterling Highway, a designated scenic highway covering miles of spectacular landscape. Along the way view snowcapped mountains, active volcanoes including Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Augustine, deep ocean bluffs, excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River, and a magnificent coastline.
Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort.
Day 4 Homer
Homer “Halibut Capital of the World” provides you with truly incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Spit. Use the day to explore the area - kayak to a remote cove, take a scenic cruise and spot wildlife including whales, seals, sea otters and many shorebirds. If you prefer to observe Grizzly bears up close, take an optional scenic flightseeing tour to the Katmai Coast.
Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort.
Day 5 Homer Girdwood
This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation.
Overnight in Girdwood at the Alyeska Resort.
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Day 6 Girdwood Talkeetna
Drive north from Girdwood along scenic Turnagain Arm, traveling through Anchorage and the agricultural region of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, to the small, picturesque town of Talkeetna. Talkeetna serves as a base camp for Mt. Denali climbers; the community of 857 residents is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. A turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining centre, the town has retained much of its early Alaskan flavour.
Overnight in Talkteetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
Day 7 Talkeetna Denali
This morning, embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat tour. Stand in the splendour of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! The folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure. After your jet boat tour, drive the Parks Highway north to Denali National Park, passing by incredible forest and mountain landscapes. You’ll have as much time as you like to experience the majesty of Denali National Park, take in the sights of the George Parks Highway or arrive at your hotel near the park entrance to take advantage of an optional excursion or a visit to the Denali Visitor Centre.
Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge.
Day 8 Denali
Personalize your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.
Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge.
Day 9 Denali Fairbanks
Continue on the George Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes, you’ll drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester - an old mining camp. Upon arrival into Fairbanks your incredible Alaska self drive adventure comes to an end.
Accommodation
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood
Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination, featuring over 300-rooms, many fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, a ski mountain, a bike park, and the new Nordic Spa. With a charming chateau-style design, Alyeska Resort features eight floors with 301 spacious guest rooms. Whether summer or winter, Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation. The resort is only 40 miles south of Anchorage, along the scenic Seward Highway.
Grande Denali Lodge
Denali National Park
The Grande Denali Lodge on Sugarloaf Mountain is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. The interior design highlights the Alaska Native Heritage of its owners while it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River canyon. You'll find the lodge is a very special place where you can truly relax, meet friends, share a meal, or simply take in the beauty all around you. Grande Denali Lodge offers spacious guest rooms with canyon or hillside views and a selection of Alaskan-style cabins with a range of creature comforts. Our Alpenglow Restaurant features New American cuisine with a focus on fresh Alaskan seafood and tender, all-natural meats combined with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Land’s End Resort
Homer
For half a century, Land’s End in Homer, Alaska, has been among Alaska’s most cherished waterfront hotels. Perched on the beach at the tip of the famous Homer Spit, Land’s End immerses you in the natural paradise of Kachemak Bay. View whales and sea otters right outside your window or shorebirds as they migrate the shoreline. Wake up to the sounds of the surf and the eagle’s antics. View sunrises and stunning vistas of the Kenai Mountains from your private deck. This Alaska resort hotel features a variety of lodging styles, including fully furnished beachfront homes, view-lofts and two-room suites.
Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward
Set alongside the Resurrection River, on the edge of Chugach National Forest near the Exit Glacier. Windsong Lodge is a tranquil retreat designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. While the bustling port of Seward and vast protected expanses of Kenaj Fjords National Park are mere minutes away, Windsong’s peaceful setting and unique dining experiences offer a quiet and cosy escape after an exhilarating day of exploration. Our contemporary Alaskan-inspired guest rooms and suites feature a private ensuite, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, flat-screen television, telephone, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Talkeetna
Set on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America. It’s the best of Alaska, outside and in. Outside, we’re at the doorstep for high-energy outdoor adventures in Denali and beyond. Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, and a carefully-curated selection of Native art in the boutique. Award-winning cuisine, the best wine selection in the area, friendly service—and a great night’s sleep! All rooms feature a full private bath, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, satellite television, telephone, and wireless internet.
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