Alaska Self Drive with ice trek option
This itinerary has been designed for people that would like to include activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing and glacier walks into their tour. The activities can be classified as soft adventure – they are not hard core ‘Bear Grylls’ type adventures. Other activities that could be added to similar Alaskan itineraries include flightseeing, dog mushing, horse riding, fly fishing, rafting, ATV tours guided ice trekking and climbling. |
Seward
Seward is the gateway to the famous Kenai Fjords National Park. This area is home to abundant wildlife, many species of birds and beautiful glaciers. Seward offers numerous activities including wildlife and glacier cruises, hiking and the Alaska Sealife Center.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay are abundant in marine wildlife and ice-blue tidewater glaciers. See harbor seals, otters, puffins and possibly Orca or Grey whales. There are over 100 species of birds flourishing in the area and a Steller Sea Lion colony.
Whittier
Whittier is a small town of about 400 residents located on the western edge of Prince William Sound. The town was established during WWII as a secret submarine base and military supply port. Today Whittier’s economy is comprised mainly of shipping and port related jobs, fishing and tourism.
Cordova
Nestled peacefully at the head of Orca Inlet in Prince William Sound, Cordova, Alaska has glacier carved mountains, wildlife rich wetlands, lush forests, and countless waterways. Optional activities such as hiking, wildlife photography, boating, sport fishing, and flightseeing are available in Cordova.
Valdez
Valdez is set on magnificent Prince William Sound. The town is located close to 5 glaciers, providing some of the best nature viewing opportunities in Alaska. Summer activities include: flight-seeing tours, fishing, historical gold rush sights and tours of Prince William Sound.
Kennicott
Visiting Kennicott and McCarthy is like stepping back in time into less travelled country that is just opening its doors to tourism. McCarthy still has its pioneering-heyday boisterousness. Kennicott, the once-staid mining camp just five miles away, is now Alaska's most fascinating ghost town.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
The distance between destinations in Alaska can require long hours of driving. Take a day or half a day to stretch your legs on a guided hike in the Sheep Mountain area. Options for hikes include, but are not limited to: Glacier Fan Creek Bed, Lion's Head Mountain, Sheep Mountain Ridge, Gunsight Mountain, Pinochle Trail and Caribou Creek.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks was originally a trading post when gold was found in 1902. Today the city is a blend of old and new; modern shopping strips stand beside log cabins and historic buildings. A popular highlight is the Riverboat Discovery; a sternwheeler ride down the Tanana River and Eldorado Gold Mine. During certain months, Fairbanks has some of the best northern lights viewing in the world.
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Day
1
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AnchorageArrival in Anchorage, complimentary transfer to Clarion Suites (1 night) |
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Day
2
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Anchorage to SewardCollect hire car and drive south to Seward. In the afternoon enjoy a two hour guided hike at nearby Exit Glacier. Your naturalist guide provides insightful narration about the topography, vegetation and natural habitats surrounding a glacial environment. Breeze Inn (2 nights) |
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Day
3
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Seward - Kenai Fjords CruiseFive hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is home to orcas, humpback whales, sea otters and many species of birds. The tour also visits Holgate Glacier. Afternoon at leisure to explore Seward. |
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Day
4
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Seward to Cordova via WhittierDrive to Whittier where you will board an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Ferry. Your car will be transported on the ferry as you sail through stunning Prince William Sound to Cordova. This area is home to marine life such as orca and humpback whales, sea lions and puffins. Orca Adventure Lodge (3 nights) |
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Day
5
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CordovaDay at leisure |
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Day
6
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Cordova to Kennicott via ValdezIn the morning, board AMHS ferry and sail to Valdez. Drive from Valdez to Chitna where you will board a light plane to Kennicott. Kennicott Glacier Lodge (2 nights) |
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Day
7
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KennicottThe Kennicott Glacier Lodge is a remote wilderness lodge in the heart of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. The spectacular alpine scenery is still being formed by glaciers and peaks that rise more sharply than the Himalayas. Possible activities include hikes on alpine trails, guided glacier walks and tours of historic Kennicott Copper Mine. |
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Day
8
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Kennicott to Sheep Mountain LodgeIn the morning catch a return flight to Chitina. Drive from Chitina to the Sheep Montain Lodge on the Glenn Highway (2 nights). |
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Day
9
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Sheep Mountain LodgeDay at leisure to explore the surrounding area. You may wish to take an optional ice trek onto the Matanuska Glacier. |
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Day
10
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Sheep Mountain Lodge to DenaliDrive from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Denali National Park. Denali Grizzly Resort (2 nights) Meals included:
Lunch
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Day
11
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Denali - Kantishna Wilderness TrailsThe Kantishna Wilderness Trails is a full day trip into Denali National Park. It includes a choice of activities in Kantishna such as free dog mushing demonstration or an interpretive program. Meals included:
Lunch
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Day
12
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Denali to FairbanksIn the morning enjoy your introduction to rafting in Alaska. You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, yet enjoyable rafting. For those not interested in rafting you can substitute a trip to the Husky Homestead Kennels. These kennels are run by Jeff King the 4 time winner of the world famous Iditarod dog sled race. In the afternoon drive to Fairbanks and return hire car. Bridgewater Hotel (1 night) |
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Day
13
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FairbanksDeparture from Fairbanks |
Tour Notes & Options
Prices based on twin share accommodation, please contact us for single pricing.
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