Alaska Highlights Tour

Tour length: 15 days
Price per person (based on double occupancy): starting at $2,195
Valid: June 1 to August 31, 2023
A trip to Alaska translates into countless opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With breathtaking Denali, towering glaciers, and diverse wildlife, this self-drive itinerary routes through the most popular destinations in all of Alaska. Explore these unique places by rental car at your own pace.
Featured inclusions: complimentary Milepost travel guide with Alaska highway map, wildlife encounter in Denali National Park, scenic flights above Wrangell St. Elias Park which is the biggest National Park in the US, spanning over 13 million acres (roughly the size of six Yellowstone National Parks!)
Day 1 – Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage today and pick up your rental car.
A Milepost Travel Guide will be waiting for you upon check in at your hotel. Overnight in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.
Day 2 – Anchorage/Talkeetna
Head north to the colorful town of Talkeetna (approximately 3 hours, 112 miles, 180 km) for an optional scenic jet boat safari along the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers. If the weather is in your favor you may get a glimpse of Denali. Overnight in Talkeetna.
Day 3 – Talkeetna/Denali
This morning you have time for an optional flight-seeing tour before continuing north to the Denali Park Entrance for your overnight (approximately 3 hours, 151 miles, 243 km).
Day 4 – Denali National Park
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park on the East Fork Transit shuttle bus to mile 43. This tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denali’s wildlife moves at its own pace. Overnight near the Denali National Park entrance.
Day 5 – Denali/Fairbanks
Depart Denali for an enjoyable drive to Fairbanks, a city located in the interior of Alaska, (approximately 3 hours, 125 miles, 201 km). Keep an eye out for wildlife and other photo opportunities along the way. In the evening, relax at your leisure. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 6 – Fairbanks/Valdez
Take a little time this morning and explore Fairbanks, a city located in the interior of Alaska. Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, one of Alaska’s premier cultural attractions. Depart Fairbanks and continue your journey on to Valdez, terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Overnight in Valdez.
Day 7 – Valdez
Valdez is the gateway to Prince William Sound. The day is free at your leisure to explore. Perhaps take a guided sea kayaking adventure, floating amongst giant icebergs — or embark by boat to view the abundant marine wildlife and calving glaciers. Overnight in Valdez.
Day 8 – Valdez/Knik River Lodge
Depart Valdez for the scenic Knik River Valley, offering landmark views of Knik Glacier in the setting of the majestic Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.
Day 9 – Knik River Lodge
Situated in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, the Knik River Valley features abundant outdoor activities. Explore on your own with a hike, helicopter flight-see, or reserve an exciting airboat excursion to get up to the face of the Knik Glacier! Overnight at Knik River Lodge.
Day 10 – Knik River Lodge/Seward
Head south, along a scenic stretch of the Seward Highway, named a national scenic byway – famously known as “Turnagain Arm”. En route, optional stops include the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or Begich Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Lake. Arrive in the seaside community of Seward for your overnight.
Day 11 – Seward
Spend another overnight in Seward. The day is free for you to choose as much or as little as you’d like to do. Optional excursions feature cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, touring the Alaska SeaLife Center, helicopter dog sledding, Exit Glacier hikes and more! Overnight Seward.
Day 12 – Seward/Homer
Depart Seward and travel to the “end of the road” and explore the “spit” area with raised boardwalks, sandy beaches and picturesque views overlooking Kachemak Bay. Overnight in Homer.
Day 13 – Homer
Enjoy a free day exploring Homer on your own. Choose from wild options such as: guided bear viewing, a ferry to Seldovia — or perhaps take your shot at catching a world-famous “Barn Door” Halibut on a deep sea fishing excursion. Overnight in Homer.
Day 14 – Homer/Anchorage
Depart Homer for your return to Anchorage today. Be sure to watch for Beluga whales in Cook Inlet and Dall sheep along the rocky cliffs on your way back. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 15 – Anchorage
Return your rental car today. End of tour.
– Optional rental car is not included in total price.
– Hotel category is standard 3-star.
– Meals are not included unless noted above.
Package includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- All applicable taxes and fees
- Eielson shuttle bus excursion.