Alaska Highlights by Car (Self-Drive)
9 Days
from
$2,884 pp*
Highlights:
Alaska
(Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, Valdez, Seward)
Trip Start/End:
Anchorage
/
Anchorage
Discover Anchorage before you embark on a self-drive journey as you drive a rental car along the scenic highways of Alaska, stopping to experience and explore Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Valdez and Seward along the way. With majestic mountain vistas playing background to beautiful caniferous-lined highway stretches, keep your eyes peeled for exciting roadside wildlife sightings during your drives from city to city. A bus tour will take you into Denali National Park, watching for bears, caribou and moose with commentary by a naturalist-guide. After transfering between cities, much of your time each day is free to be spent as you wish- whether that's exploring the scenery, visiting wildlife preserves, brushing up on history of the gold rush, or simply relaxing. This is a great way to experience Alaska with its lush spring or summer vibrance.
Trip Itinerary
Anchorage
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Day 1: Anchorage
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
Meet your driver-guide for a private half-day tour of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Full of interesting sites, picturesque scenery, and history, Anchorage makes for a great sightseeing tour. Your tour will pass attractions like the Log Cabin Visitor Center, the Alaska Railroad Depot, and the Museum of Art & History. Visit Resolution Park and the Captain Cook Monument as well as Ship Creek Viewpoint, which overlooks Cook Inlet. Return transfer to your hotel included. Admissions (if desired) payable on spot.
Accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is on the eastern edge of downtown and is 3 blocks from the Museum of History and Art, and within 8 blocks of the Egan Convention Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa’s Ptarmigan Restaurant serves all meals, while Josephine’s, with panoramic views, serves a lavish Sunday brunch. Also on site are a 24-hour business center and 24-hour health club. All Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa guestrooms have signature Sweet Sleeper beds and views of the city, mountains, or Cook Inlet. Amenities include cable TVs with pay movies, and high-speed Internet access. Dogs are welcome.
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Wonder Lake Denali National Park
Grande Denali Lodge
Day 2: Anchorage - Denali National Park and Preserve
Make your way to the designated rental vehicle pick-up location this morning and embark on your self-driving journey of Alaska!
Driving 237 miles, you'll bring yourself from Anchorage to Denali today, passing through some wonderful Alaskan highway scenery. The travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Upon arrival in Denali, you'll have the remainder of the day to spend relaxingly, or to explore independently in the vicinity of the park.
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge (4*) The Grande Denali Lodge (4*) is comfort and style with a view. Located on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, it is literally a step above other accommodations in the area. The Grande Denali Lodge has unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Denali National Park and Preserve, the Alaska Railroad, river rafting and many more activities are all just minutes away. Spacious guest rooms, fully equipped cabins, on-site dining and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your Denali adventures.
Caribou in Denali N.P.
Day 3: Denali National Park and Preserve
Departing from your designated Denali park entrance hotel, this narrated bus tour takes you through the pristine wilderness of Denali. The experienced naturalist driver-guide will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife as you travel approximately 53 miles on the park road. Along the way, stops will be made at scenic overlooks and for viewing wildlife, such as bears, caribou and moose. A boxed snack and bottled water will be provided on your tour.
Please note, depending on weather and road conditions, this tour averages between 6-8 hours June-August, and shorter in May and September.
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge (4*) 
Fairbanks
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Day 4: Denali National Park and Preserve - Fairbanks
Your 125 mile drive today brings you to Fairbanks, an approximate 2.5 hour trip.
With a large portion of the day remaining upon your arrival to Fairbanks, there are multiple optional activities for you, including a visit to Creamer's Field Wildlife Refuge, Pioneer Park, or the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour (admissions payable on spot).
Take some time to view the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, which passes through Fairbanks. It runs for 800 miles, from Prudhoe Bay in the north of Alaska, to Valdez in the south.
Accommodation: Pike`s Waterfront Lodge (4*) Located on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (4*) offers a warm, friendly Fairbanks experience to guests. This hotel offers rooms with scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wireless internet in the lobby. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport, and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant.
Valdez, AK
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Day 5: Fairbanks - Valdez
Take a scenic day's drive from Fairbanks to Valdez, passing the Delta Junction, Glennallen, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park along the way.
This afternoon/evening you'll arrive in Valdez, with the remainder of your day spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (2.5*) Majestically located on the waterfront in picturesque Valdez, Alaska, the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (2.5*) is a step above for casual luxury and friendly, professional service. Just walk out the door and watch the tour boats gather at the docks as they embark on a unique Alaskan adventure of viewing beautiful Alaskan landscape and wildlife. This charming Bed and Breakfast is family owned and operated and located just a few minutes outside of Valdez, along the Richardson Highway. The building was originally built for the army in 1898 and transformed into a Bed and Breakfast in 1999. The welcoming atmosphere and nicely decorated rooms make this place a perfect overnight choice.
Waterfall in the Mountains of Valdez
Day 6: Valdez
This afternoon/evening you'll arrive in Valdez, with the remainder of your day spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (2.5*) 
Seward
Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 7: Valdez - Seward
Leaving Valdez, you'll board the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry with your rental car for a 3-hour ride to Whittier, and upon disembarking you'll continue the journey with a 4-hour scenic drive to Seward where you will overnight.
Arriving in the late afternoon or early evening, the remainder of today is spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) The Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) is located just outside the city of Seward, travel down the winding road to Exit Glacier and you'll find your paradise away from home. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River awaken your senses upon arrival. Close to town, yet located in a secluded setting, the 180 spacious guest rooms, onsite restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities provide a peaceful respite.
Highway Scenery
Day 8: Seward - Anchorage
Completing the full circle, you'll drive 127 miles (2.5 hours) back to Anchorage today.
With the remainder of your day at leisure, you have an opportunity to see and do what you didn't get to do the first time around in Anchorage.
Accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) Day 9: Anchorage
Today you'll drop off your rental vehicle to the pre-determined drop spot.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) - Anchorage
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is on the eastern edge of downtown and is 3 blocks from the Museum of History and Art, and within 8 blocks of the Egan Convention Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa’s Ptarmigan Restaurant serves all meals, while Josephine’s, with panoramic views, serves a lavish Sunday brunch. Also on site are a 24-hour business center and 24-hour health club. All Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa guestrooms have signature Sweet Sleeper beds and views of the city, mountains, or Cook Inlet. Amenities include cable TVs with pay movies, and high-speed Internet access. Dogs are welcome.
- Grande Denali Lodge
Grande Denali Lodge (4*) - Denali National Park and Preserve
The Grande Denali Lodge (4*) is comfort and style with a view. Located on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, it is literally a step above other accommodations in the area. The Grande Denali Lodge has unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Denali National Park and Preserve, the Alaska Railroad, river rafting and many more activities are all just minutes away. Spacious guest rooms, fully equipped cabins, on-site dining and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your Denali adventures.
- Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Pike's Waterfront Lodge (4*) - Fairbanks
Located on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (4*) offers a warm, friendly Fairbanks experience to guests. This hotel offers rooms with scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wireless internet in the lobby. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport, and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant.
- Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (2.5*) - Valdez
Majestically located on the waterfront in picturesque Valdez, Alaska, the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (2.5*) is a step above for casual luxury and friendly, professional service. Just walk out the door and watch the tour boats gather at the docks as they embark on a unique Alaskan adventure of viewing beautiful Alaskan landscape and wildlife. This charming Bed and Breakfast is family owned and operated and located just a few minutes outside of Valdez, along the Richardson Highway. The building was originally built for the army in 1898 and transformed into a Bed and Breakfast in 1999. The welcoming atmosphere and nicely decorated rooms make this place a perfect overnight choice.
- Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) - Seward
The Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) is located just outside the city of Seward, travel down the winding road to Exit Glacier and you'll find your paradise away from home. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River awaken your senses upon arrival. Close to town, yet located in a secluded setting, the 180 spacious guest rooms, onsite restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities provide a peaceful respite.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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