LOADING








Alaska Self Drive & Alaska Railroad Vacation
INTRODUCTION
Visit some of Alaska's most popular places on this 10 day road trip departing from Anchorage.
Packed with true and authentic Alaskan experiences, this self drive will take you off the beaten path and into adventures you can only imagine.
Highlights include Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Anchorage|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Anchorage | ArrivalUpon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Anchorage to Seward | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise This morning travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is a body of water featuring the world’s second highest tides at over 30 feet. In 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. Lunch is included onboard. Following your cruise it is an approximate 2 hour drive to your destination of Seward.
Day 3 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking AdventureResurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore!Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventureOption 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride TourVisit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.Option 4. Exit Glacier HikeThis moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife CruiseTreat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 31/2 hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.
Day 4 Seward to Girdwood | 143 km/89 miles Begin your day with a short drive to Exit Glacier to take the easy walk to stand beside this spectacular Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and 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 at Alyeska Resort.
Day 5 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 miDriving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the Kenai Peninsula across Turnagain Arm. If you like, there is a great walking area in Potter Point Park along the ocean. Keep an eye out for beluga whales making their way towards the Cook Inlet or for Dall sheep combing the mountainsides.
Day 6 Anchorage | Floatplane to Redoubt Bay or Chinita Bear ViewingEnjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close
Day 7 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadEarly this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 8 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 9 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadThis morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska RailroadThis morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
**Day 3 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska RailroadThis morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or black bears along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Anchorage | Floatplane to Redoubt Bay or Chinita Bear ViewingEnjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close
Day 5 Anchorage to Seward | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise This morning travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is a body of water featuring the world’s second highest tides at over 30 feet. In 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. Lunch is included onboard. Following your cruise it is an approximate 2 hour drive to your destination of Seward.
Day 6 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking AdventureResurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore!Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventureOption 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride TourVisit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.Option 4. Exit Glacier HikeThis moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife CruiseTreat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 31/2 hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.
Day 7 Seward to Girdwood | 143 km/89 miles Begin your day with a short drive to Exit Glacier to take the easy walk to stand beside this spectacular Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and 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 at Alyeska Resort.
Day 8 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 miDriving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the Kenai Peninsula across Turnagain Arm. If you like, there is a great walking area in Potter Point Park along the ocean. Keep an eye out for beluga whales making their way towards the Cook Inlet or for Dall sheep combing the mountainsides.
Day 9 Anchorage | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 8 nights
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch onboard the cruise
- Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
- Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
- Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip
- Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
- Exit Glacier Hike
- Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
- Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Bear Viewing Safari with the following inclusions:
- Anchorage hotel to floatplane dock pick up / drop off
- Return floatplane flight from Anchorage
- Bear viewing with professional guides
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service
Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck (Meals included onboard train) - Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
- Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck (Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per itinerary
Hotel Information | Moderate Grade
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Girdwood - Alyeska Resort | Deluxe Room
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
Hotel Information | Superior Grade
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- Girdwood - Alyeska Resort | Deluxe Room
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower level dining room.
Not included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
- Rental car
- Road and tunnel tolls
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: SDA4)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: SDA5)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $4,660 $5,385 $4,455
| $6,406 $7,615 $5,996 | $4,170 $4,734 $4,033
| $2,515 $2,553 $2,515
|
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $5,255 $5,814 $5,051 | $7,597 $8,473 $7,188
| $4,572 $5,025 $4,436 | $2,515 $2,553 $2,515 |
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS ALASKA VACATION
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE SIMILAR ALASKA VACATIONS
per person


Alaska Discovery Road Trip with Alaska Railroad
8 Days / 7 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska National Parks Self Drive Explorer
12 Days / 11 Nights
Anchorage to Anchorage
per person


Alaska Road Trip | Glaciers Fjords & Denali
10 Days / 9 Nights
Anchorage to Anchorage
per person


Alaska Train Vacation Kenai Road Trip Combo
11 Days / 10 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska’s Mountains, Glaciers & Wildlife | First Time Favorites Drive Tour
9 Days / 8 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska’s Scenic National Parks Road Trip
15 Days / 14 Nights
Anchorage to Anchorage
per person


Best of Alaska Self Drive Road Trip with Arctic Circle
13 Days / 12 Nights
Anchorage to Anchorage
per person


Northern Exposure | Favorite Alaska Road Trip
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
REVIEWS
1 of 6
"We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. "
We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way.
Nick Florida, United States
2 of 6
"Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients."
Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients. They returned with great memories and were extremely pleased with all aspects of their trip.
Michael Figueriedo Spain
3 of 6
"They were professional and pleasant to work with."
They were professional and pleasant to work with. When the fires starts in various areas that they would be touring Alaska By Design was great in helping to make adjustments to the clients reservations. The clients were thrilled with there trip.
Jemma L New York
4 of 6
"Excellent services!"
Excellent services!Our clients were extremely satisfied with the itinerary, hotels and tours you have offered.We will contact you again for our next clients.Thanks again for all!
Polona Australia
5 of 6
"I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design Absolute Experts "
I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design, I was introduced to them by Debra Roberts and Karen did a great job for me with a couple of my reservations
Haleh M California, USA
6 of 6
"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"
Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!
Tina M Los Angeles, CA
Alaska Self Drive & Alaska Railroad Vacation
Start planning your tailor-made rail vacation in Alaska by contacting our Alaska specialists
Call 1 855 465 1001US
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm PST
, Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST
, Sunday: 11am - 5pm PST
Send an email sales@alaskabydesign.com
Or send a message