This 14-night itinerary is designed to give you time to explore some of the best areas in Alaska. Following a self drive program of Alaska's interior, you will fly to Juneau, Alaska's capital. From here you will fly to Gustavus where you will stay one night. From Gustavus you will take a full day boat cruise into famous Glacier Bay National Park, known for its spectacular glaciers, scenery and wildlife. The itinerary allows you plenty of time to explore each area. You can depart any day in the summer and you can also add additional days or optional excursions such as day or overnight tour into Alaska's Arctic.

Day 1: Anchorage Arrival

Pick up your rental vehicle and drive to your hotel accommodation. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to enjoy an optional excursion such as flight seeing or a Portage Glacier Tour (not included). Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 5: Denali to Fairbanks / 125 miles

Plan 2.5 hours drive time, not including stops.
Today continue on the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by forest and mountain landscape, you will drive through the coal mining town of Healy, historic railroad town of Nenana, and the old mining camp, Ester. You have several tour options while in Fairbanks today including a Riverboat Cruise or visit the El Dorado Goldmine (not included). Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 6: Fairbanks

Today is a free day to explore the Fairbanks area at your leisure, and a great opportunity for optional excursions into Alaska's Arctic (not included). We also recommend a visit to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 7: Fairbanks to Glennallen/Copper Center/Chitina area / +/- 260 miles

Plan 4.5 hours drive time, not including stops.

Travel south on the Richardson-Alaska Highway to Delta Junction and then continue south on the Richardson Highway. Just outside of Fairbanks visit the Santa Clause House in North Pole. Along the scenic Richardson Highway there are several rest stops, making this a perfect day to plan a picnic! As you near your final destination of Glennallen/Copper Center, you are very near the boundary of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve. This region of Alaska offers impressive vistas of several of North America's tallest peaks. Overnight in the Glennallen/ Copper Center/ Chitina area.

Day 8: Glennallen/Copper Center/Chitina area to Valdez / +/-100 miles

Plan 2.5 hours drive time, not including stops.

Continue on the spectacular Richardson Highway further south towards Valdez. Part of the route parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Weather permitting you'll have incredible views of the St. Elias Mountains. This scenic drive will take you by the Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its many cascading waterfalls. Overnight in Valdez

Day 9: Valdez

Enjoy the day exploring the port of Valdez and its surroundings, such as Prince William Sound, home to an abundance of wildlife and glaciers. We recommend a Columbia and Meares Glacier cruise or kayaking trip in Prince William Sound (not included. Overnight in Valdez.

Day 10: Valdez to Palmer area / 258 miles
Plan 5 hours drive time, not including stops.
Today you drive the Richardson Highway back north to Glennallen. From here you continue on the Glenn Highway west to Palmer. The road curves through the Matanuska Valley, offering spectacular views of the Matanuska Glacier. Upon reaching Palmer, you may want to take a side trip to a Musk-Ox Farm before continuing on to your overnight accommodation. For the next two nights you will stay at the Knik River Lodge which offers comfortable wooden cabins with mountains in the backdrop and incredible views of the Knik River. Tonight relax on the porch of your cabin and take in the quietness and beauty of the area. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.
NOTE: you will stay at the Knik River Lodge with the standard and the upgraded program.

Day 11: Palmer area

Today you can relax and explore the area at your leisure. Enjoy a hike or boat tour to nearly Knik Glacier. This remote glacier is one of the least visited, yet most beautiful, glaciers in Alaska. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Hatcher Pass which offers a variety of hiking trails with outstanding views. Independence Mine State Historical Park, an abandoned mine from the 1930s, is also located here; daily tours are offered. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.

Day 12: Palmer to Anchorage / 62 miles and flight from Anchorage to Juneau
62 miles Knik River to Anchorage (plan 1.5 hours drive time, not including stops)
1.5 hour flight from Anchorage to Juneau
This morning drive to Anchorage where you will return your rental vehicle. Then board an Alaska Airlines flight to Juneau, Alaska's capital. On arrival, transfer on your own to your hotel. The afternoon you have at your leisure for optional tours such as kayaking, bear viewing, or helicopter dog sledding (not included). Overnight in Juneau.

Day 13: Juneau to Gustavus / 25 minute flight

This morning, transfer to the Juneau airport on own. Here you will board a small plane for a scenic flight to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. On arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the lodge. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy a walk or relax at the lodge. Overnight Gustavus.

Note:  If you book the standard program you will stay at the Glacier Bay Lodge. If you book the upgraded program you will stay at Glacier Bay's Bear Track Inn (subject to availability).

Day 14: Glacier Bay National Park to Juneau

Early this morning, depart on a cruise of Glacier Bay National Park. A National Park Service ranger is on-board to provide information on the park and its wildlife. Lunch is included while on board. In the evening, you will be transferred to the Gustavus airport and fly back to Juneau (flight may be in small plane). Upon arrival in Juneau, transfer on own to your hotel. Overnight in Juneau.

Day 15:  Juneau Departure

Depending on your departure arrangements, you might have some more time to explore Alaska's capital (tours not included). Transfer on own to the airport or ferry terminal. Depart or start additional program.

Tip: We can make reservations for you on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry which has service to Prince Rupert (in Canada) and Bellingham, WA. We can also arrange transfers from Bellingham to Seattle and post programs/hotels in Seattle. Please e-mail us.

14 nights accommodation, 11 day midsize car rental from/to Anchorage including unlimited mileage. Bus tour into Denali National park with snack and park fees. Scheduled flight from Anchorage to Juneau; roundtrip flights Juneau to Gustavus (will most likely be a small plane with luggage restrictions). Transfers in Gustavus; full-day cruise into Glacier Bay National Park from Gustavus with lunch and park fees, one breakfast and one dinner during stay in Gustavus. All taxes.

 

Any insurances for rental car, additional driver fees, gas.
Airfare, meals, optional excursions, or park/admission fees other than those mentioned, gratuity.
For additional car rental days please click here!

 

Accommodations: On days 10 and 11, accommodation is at Knik River Lodge for both the standard and upgraded programs.

On day 13,  accommodation for the standard program is at the Glacier Bay Lodge. The lodge is located  on Bartlett Cove outside of Gustavus and is owned by the National Park Service. It consists of a main building with a sitting area, park interpretive center, gift shop and restaurant. The rooms are located in wings separate from the main building. Activities at the lodge are mainly park ranger programs including guided nature walks and presentations. Accommodation for the upgraded program will be at an upscale inn located in Gustavus. The inn accommodates a limited number of guests and offers more personalized service.

 

May 18 - August 20, 2009: Daily Departures

2009 Rates Tour 1508CTA based on standard program and mid size car
Season / Room Type	Single	Double/ Twin	Triple	Quad	4 share car 2 rooms
May 18 - May 31	$4551	$2808	$2287	$2143	$2671
June 1 - August 20	$5139	$3099	$2483	$2289	$2818
Child: $1139 Valid for children 2 - 11 years sharing 1 room with 2 full paying adults with existing bedding. Max. 2 children / 2 adults per room.

 

 

2009 Rates Tour 1508CTA based on upgraded program and mid size car
Season / Room Type	Single	Double/ Twin	Triple	Quad	4 share car 2 rooms
May 20 - May 31	$5339	$3416	$2839	$2634	$3279
June 1 - August 20	$5929	$3709	$3035	$2779	$3429
Child: $1269 Valid for children 2 - 11 years sharing 1 room with 2 full paying adults with existing bedding. Max. 2 children / 2 adults per room.

 

 

Upgrade your rental car!!! Surcharge per rental vehicle			Make your vacation even more enjoyable! We especially recommend these tours and lodges
Tour start date: May 20 - 31	Tour start date: June 1 - August 20		~ Ski-Plane Tour to Mt. McKinley, Day 2 ~ Top Of The World Tour, Day 6 ~ Glacier Kayaking, Day 9
Full size: $50	Full size: $69
SUV: $452	SUV: $703
Minivan: $287	Minivan: $703