Discover Alaska by Car

Blaze your own trails across the ‘Last Frontier’, this comprehensive self-drive visits the main sights in Alaska with the benefit of longer stays in key areas. Your journey begins in the Anchorage before driving to the magnificent waters of Kenai Fjords National Park and through dramatic and magnificent Denali and Wrangell-St Elias National Parks. Your adventure will also take you to Fairbanks, where you can take a look back at Alaska's interesting history.

MEAL PLAN → No meals are included apart from a snack lunch on Day 13.

ACCOMMODATION → Is in three star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns, this standard may not exist and may be more simple and rustic. Accommodation in McCarthy has shared bathrooms. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.

TOUR INCLUDES → Prices include an Alamo rental car on a rental only basis including unlimited mileage and size depending on the number of people in your party. Please call for details of allocated cars and Alamo's rental packages. A comprehensive step by step self-drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information is included on your Discover Alaska by Car self-drive. Prices also include the ferry crossing from Whittier to Valdez on Day 6.

GRATUITIES → Tipping is common practice in North America. We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff, barmen and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.

TRAVEL TIPS → You will be covering long distances on some days, so remember to fill up with petrol every morning before you start your journey.

DAY 1 → Pick up your rental car at Anchorage airport and drive to your Anchorage hotel for a one night stay.

DAY 2 → This morning meet with our local representative for a fly-drive briefing. Then drive to Homer along the beautiful Turnagain Arm. Watch out for Dall sheep and whales, which sometimes can be seen. Enjoy the following day at leisure or perhaps take a water taxi ride in to Kachemak Bay or a bear viewing flight safari (approx. 233 miles).

DAY 4 → Today drive to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The following day take an optional boat cruise into the National Park, a scenic marine park, which is home to many marine animals such as Steller-Sea Lions, Harbour seals, orca’s and Humpback Whales (approx. 180 miles).

DAY 6 → Head to Whittier and board your ferry across to Valdez. Your cruise will take you through Prince William Sound, home to a variety of wildlife (approx. 90 miles).

DAY 7 → During today’s drive along the Richardson Highway, you will see the Alyeska Pipeline. On arrival in Chitina, park your car and take your overnight bag on the scenic 30 minute sightseeing flight to McCarthy, which is in the heart of Wrangell St Elias National Park. Explore the fascinating backcountry area of Kennicott where you can decide to take part in glacier hikes or river rafting (approx. 117 miles).

DAY 9 → Today return back by flight to Chitina, collect your car and drive along the Richardson Highway to Glennallen (approx. 136 miles).

DAY 10 → Head north through stunning mountain and lake scenery. Before you reach Fairbanks, make a visit to the home of Santa Claus. Fairbanks has an interesting gold rush history and you will have the opportunity to visit an old dredge and try your luck at gold panning during your stay (approx. 177 miles).

DAY 12 → Next stop is Denali National Park. Discover the beauty of the park the following day on an included coach excursion, which includes a snack lunch. Bears, moose, sheep and wolves inhabit the park along with a variety of birds. On a clear day you can see North America’s highest peak, Mt McKinley (approx. 121 miles).

DAY 14 → Today you will drive the Parks and Glenn Highway to Anchorage. If you have time take a drive to the little village of Talkeetna, where you can book optional scenic flights to Mt McKinley (approx. 237 miles).

DAY 15 → Drive back to Anchorage airport, the end of your journey to drop your rental car off.

Destination introduction

Alaska is home to spectacular wilderness, mighty glaciers, sparkling lakes and majestic mountains. Our selection of properties are located in the main cities and near to Alaska’s major attractions. Below is a selection of itineraries travelling by coach and rail or for those wishing to drive the open roads of Alaska self-drive tours.