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Alaska Self-Drive Tour

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Alaska Self-Drive Tour
From $2,195USDBook Now
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12 days from $2,195USD
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Alaska Self-Drive Tour
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Spend 12 incredible days discovering the wild beauty of Alaska on this self-drive tour in a rental car. The Alaska Self-Drive Tour covers the territory between Seward in the south, to the wilderness of Denali National Park, and all the way north to Fairbanks with plenty of time to explore in between.

This Alaskan road trip will take you on scenic roads through the untouched northern wilderness. Along your route, you can hike through impressive mountains and arctic tundra while watching for caribou, moose in the meadows, and eagles soaring above you. You’ll visit small gold rush towns to immerse yourself in the region’s history. The grand finale is the breathtaking Kenai Fjords, whose impressive mountains and glaciers meet the water where whales and sea lions play. This tour is a spectacular panorama through the wild north that you’ll never forget!

United States, North America
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Alaska Self-Drive Tour

Explore the beautiful Alaskan wilderness on an exhilarating self-drive adventure
4.40
(41 reviews)
12 days from $2,195USD
Easy quote
Duration
12 days
Season
Jun-Sep
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
Difficulty
Very Easy (1/5)
From $2,195USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Alaska Self-Drive Tour
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Spend 12 incredible days discovering the wild beauty of Alaska on this self-drive tour in a rental car. The Alaska Self-Drive Tour covers the territory between Seward in the south, to the wilderness of Denali National Park, and all the way north to Fairbanks with plenty of time to explore in between.

This Alaskan road trip will take you on scenic roads through the untouched northern wilderness. Along your route, you can hike through impressive mountains and arctic tundra while watching for caribou, moose in the meadows, and eagles soaring above you. You’ll visit small gold rush towns to immerse yourself in the region’s history. The grand finale is the breathtaking Kenai Fjords, whose impressive mountains and glaciers meet the water where whales and sea lions play. This tour is a spectacular panorama through the wild north that you’ll never forget!

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Trip highlights

Hike and explore the extraordinary Denali National Park and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Mount McKinley.

Enjoy a scenic ferry cruise from Valdez to Whittier and watch for whales and marine life.

Go for a hike in Glacier Bay National Park for an impressive view of the glacier up close.

Visit the spectacular Kenai Fjords to view the mountains and glaciers rising from the sea.

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Trip map

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in the North
When you arrive in Anchorage, you can pick up your rental vehicle from the airport and check into your hotel for your first night in Alaska. You may want to take a walk to inhale in the fresh northern air and get stocked up for your road trip.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Anchorage
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Scenic Drive to Denali
This morning, you’ll start your drive through the Matanuska Valley. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you drive past the mountains, glaciers, and the Nenana River canyon. Get settled in your Denali hotel, and plan how you want to spend your whole day in the park tomorrow.
Distance 400km
Overnight Location Hotel in Denali
Included Meals None
Day 3
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Explore Wild Denali National Park
Start your day at the information center to help plan your day in Denali and take the Denali Bus that drops you off near the park. You can book an optional Tundra Wilderness Tour that shows off views of Mount McKinley and the wildlife that roams this enormous wilderness park.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Denali
Included Meals None
Day 4
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Drive Towards the Arctic
Today, you’ll drive away from the spectacular mountain ranges and into valleys and tundra as you approach Fairbanks and the Arctic. You’ll notice the days getting longer and longer as you enter the land of the midnight sun.
Distance 190km
Overnight Location Hotel in Fairbanks
Included Meals None
Day 5
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Explore Fairbanks
You have the day to explore Fairbanks. Start with a walk along the Tanana River, which you can cruise if you book a tour on an authentic sternwheeler river cruise. You can also visit the Pioneer theme park or the number 8 dredge, where you’ll learn about the gold extraction process.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Fairbanks
Included Meals None
Day 6
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Journey Back to the Mountains
Leave Fairbanks and enjoy the panoramic views as you drive Richardson Road. After you’ve crossed the Delta Junction, you’ll find yourself back in the beautiful Alaska Range. Take time to stop by some of the roadhouses along the way to get a taste of the historic gold rush towns.
Distance 420km
Overnight Location Hotel in Copper Center
Included Meals None
Day 7
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Glaciers and Waterfalls on the Way to Valdez
Start your day with a stroll around Copper Center, and then head to Wrangell Mountains Park for a hike through the wilderness. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your drive through the incredible glaciers and mountains on the way to Valdez. Stop to stretch your legs on a hike at Worthington Glacier, and visit the spectacular Horse Tail and Bridal Veil Waterfalls.
Distance 167km
Overnight Location Hotel in Valdez
Included Meals None
Day 8
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Scenic Ferry Ride to Seward
Start the day with a ferry ride to Whittier. The five-and-a-half-hour cruise will navigate the phenomenal scenery of Prince William Sound. You’ll have to tear your eyes away from the glaciers and mountains to scan the water for whales every now and then. From Whittier, you’ll continue driving through the incredible mountains and valleys until you reach Seward.
Distance 144km
Overnight Location Hotel in Seward
Included Meals None
Day 9
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Visit the Kenai Fjords
During your stay in Seward, you’ll want to visit the Kenai Fjords. You can take one of the many stunning hiking trails, go on a glacier tour, or book the optional scenic boat cruise of the Kenai Fjords. The views of the mountains and glaciers flowing into the ocean are breathtaking.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Seward
Included Meals None
Day 10
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Glacier Hikes and Scenic Drives
Today, you can visit the Sea Life Center before you leave Seward behind. Then, you’ll drive to Glacier Bay National Park, where a short hike will bring you to the foot of the stunning glacier. Take the route to Anchorage that travels along the Turnagain Arm for majestic views of the mountains rising above the water.
Distance 205km
Overnight Location Hotel in Anchorage
Included Meals None
Day 11
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Explore Anchorage
Spend the day wandering the streets of downtown Anchorage to explore the shops and restaurants. Visit the museums to learn about the region’s Indigenous cultures and see the art that they produce. If you’re visiting Alaska during the summer, the midnight sun may have prevented you from seeing the Northern Lights, so you can witness the next best thing at the Alaska Experience Theatre, where you can get a digital glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Anchorage
Included Meals None
Day 12
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Final Day in Alaska
Today is your last day in wild Alaska, so take a final walk in the fresh northern air before you head to the airport. Drop off your car rental at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and begin your journey home.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals None

Why book with 10 Adventures?

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Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

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With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

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4.40 (41 reviews)
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Dates and prices

This self-guided tour in Alaska is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.

Prices below are per person:

  • Groups of 2+: from $2,195USD per person*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

Meals are not included in this tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Anchorage are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary. Ferry transportation is also included between Valdez and Seward on Day 8.

Also Included

  • Standard vehicle rental, Category B
  • Ferry between Valdez and Seward (does not operate every day)
  • American taxes
  • 24/7 access to helpline

Not included

  • Flights to and from Anchorage
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Guide service
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance fees to national parks
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Fuel

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions:
    • Tundra Wilderness tour in Denali
    • Kenai Fjord National Park tour

Accommodation for Alaska Self-Drive Tour

This tour is based on hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer clean, cozy accommodations with modern conveniences. The hotels will be conveniently located along your route.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Alaska Self-Drive Tour?

How hard is the Alaska Self-Drive Tour?

Is my driver’s licence valid in the USA?

Most standard driver’s licences are valid in the United States; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in the United States.

Is the vehicle insurance included?

No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Alaska Self-Drive Tour?

Meals are not included in this tour.

Does the Alaska Self-Drive Tour operate every day?

This tour can be requested any day; however, the Valdez–Seward ferry does not run every day. The schedule will have to be consulted before your date request can be confirmed.

Will I see the Northern Lights on the Alaska Self-Drive Tour?

During summer, you won’t have many hours of darkness in the land of the midnight sun, so you are not likely to see the Northern Lights. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis is from August 21 to April 21.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Anchorage to start this tour?

Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). You can collect your rental vehicle from the airport.

Is the Alaskan Adventure in English?

The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.

Where does the Alaska Self-Drive Tour end?

This tour ends in Anchorage. You can drop off your car rental at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Do I need special vaccines to travel to the USA?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for the USA?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?

The best time to travel to Alaska for this road trip tour is during the summer for long, warm days and ideal conditions for exploring outside. This tour is available from June to September.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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