Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung
Freedom of Choice
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Alaska’s Mountains, Glaciers & Wildlife Self-Drive
Thumbnails
Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung
Prince William Sound | Credit: State of Alaska | Chris McLennan
Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung
Talkeetna | Credit: David Mark
Turnagain Arm | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan
Kenai River | Credit: Travel Alaska
Fairbanks Fireweed | Credit: Travel Alaska
Seward | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage
Alyeska Resort | Credit: Travel Alaska
Alaska

Alaska’s Mountains, Glaciers & Wildlife Self-Drive (Tour code: 12509)

Starts and Ends
Anchorage to
Fairbanks
Travel Periods
15 May 25 - 12 Sep 25
Travel Style
Independent Holiday Packages
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, exploring two of Alaska's most iconic national parks - Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Highlights

Enjoy a self-drive journey through the spectacular scenery and landscapes of Alaska

Observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals in the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

Board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound

Embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat Tour at Talkeetna

9 days
From
AUD 6,570
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Overview

Experience the best of Alaska's breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders with our carefully crafted self-drive itinerary - a top choice for first-time visitors. Designed to make the most of your limited time, this journey immerses you in the heart of Alaska's iconic attractions.

Begin your adventure with a scenic Prince William Sound cruise departing from Whittier. Glide through pristine waters, surrounded by towering glaciers and the majestic Chugach Mountains, as you get up close to the wonders of this marine wilderness.

Next, the adventure takes you to the Kenai Fjords, a land of glaciers, coastal fjords, and abundant marine life. Cruise through ice-filled waters, marveling at tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, and keep a watchful eye for playful sea otters and majestic humpback whales.

Venture to the charming town of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. Explore its vibrant arts scene, indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries, and bask in the stunning vistas of the Homer Spit - a truly unique Alaskan gem.

Your journey continues with a visit to Denali National Park, where the wilderness beckons. Witness the awe-inspiring Denali, North America's tallest peak, and embark on unforgettable wildlife excursions, spotting grizzly bears, caribou, and other native species in their natural habitat.

This self-drive itinerary offers a taste of Alaska's diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to coastal wonders, all in one memorable journey. Discover the essence of the Last Frontier in a way that suits your schedule and interests.

Inclusions

2 nights in Seward at Seward Windsong Lodge
2 nights in Homer at Land's End Resort
1 night in Girdwood at Alyeska Resort
1 night in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
2 nights in Denali at Grande Denali Lodge
9 days intermediate size car rental
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise including Lunch
Alyeska Scenic Tram Ride
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Admission
Talkeetna Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat Tour
Freedom of Choice Days
Freedom of Choice

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:

  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 2
  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 8

Expand the itinerary below for more details.

Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.

Day 1 Anchorage Seward

This morning, travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second-highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway. From Porterage travel through mountain tunnels to the port town of 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. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Enjoy a scrumptious lunch onboard. Following your cruise, it is an approximately 2-hour drive to Seward.

Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.

Lunch
Anchorage → Seward
Prince William Sound | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan

Day 2 Seward

It's time to explore the city! Personalize your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Exit Glacier Hike:

    This 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.

OR

  • Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise:

    Treat 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.

Seward
Seward | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage

Day 3 Seward Homer

Continue your self-drive journey and follow the Sterling Highway, a designated scenic highway covering miles of spectacular landscape. Along the way view snowcapped mountains, active volcanoes including Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Augustine, deep ocean bluffs, excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River, and a magnificent coastline.

Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort.

Seward → Homer
Homer | Credit: Travel Alaska / Brian Adams

Day 4 Homer

Homer “Halibut Capital of the World” provides you with truly incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Spit. Use the day to explore the area - kayak to a remote cove, take a scenic cruise and spot wildlife including whales, seals, sea otters and many shorebirds. If you prefer to observe Grizzly bears up close, take an optional scenic flightseeing tour to the Katmai Coast.

Overnight in Homer at the Land's End Resort.

Homer
Halibut Cove Homer | Credit: Travel Alaska / Brian Adams

Day 5 Homer Girdwood

This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, 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.

Overnight in Girdwood at the Alyeska Resort.

Homer → Girdwood
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre | Credit: Travel Alaska / Matt Hage

Day 6 Girdwood Talkeetna

Drive north from Girdwood along scenic Turnagain Arm, traveling through Anchorage and the agricultural region of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, to the small, picturesque town of Talkeetna. Talkeetna serves as a base camp for Mt. Denali climbers; the community of 857 residents is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. A turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining centre, the town has retained much of its early Alaskan flavour.

Overnight in Talkteetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodg​e.

Girdwood → Talkeetna
Talkeetna

Day 7 Talkeetna Denali

This morning, embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat tour. Stand in the splendour of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! The folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure. After your jet boat tour, drive the Parks Highway north to Denali National Park, passing by incredible forest and mountain landscapes. You’ll have as much time as you like to experience the majesty of Denali National Park, take in the sights of the George Parks Highway or arrive at your hotel near the park entrance to take advantage of an optional excursion or a visit to the Denali Visitor Centre.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodg​e.

Talkeetna → Denali
Denali National Park | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung

Day 8 Denali

Personalize your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodg​e.


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Denali Highway Jeep 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.

OR

  • Tundra Wilderness 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.

Denali
Denali Highway | Credit: Travel Alaska / Michael DeYoung

Day 9 Denali Fairbanks

Continue on the George Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes, you’ll drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester - an old mining camp. Upon arrival into Fairbanks your incredible Alaska self drive adventure comes to an end.

Denali → Fairbanks
Denali | Credit: David Frankel

Accommodation

Alyeska Resort

Girdwood
Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination, featuring over 300-rooms, many fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, a ski mountain, a bike park, and the new Nordic Spa. With a charming chateau-style design, Alyeska Resort features eight floors with 301 spacious guest rooms. Whether summer or winter, Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation. The resort is only 40 miles south of Anchorage, along the scenic Seward Highway.

Grande Denali Lodge

Denali National Park
The Grande Denali Lodge on Sugarloaf Mountain is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.  The interior design highlights the Alaska Native Heritage of its owners while it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River canyon. You'll find the lodge is a very special place where you can truly relax, meet friends, share a meal, or simply take in the beauty all around you. Grande Denali Lodge offers spacious guest rooms with canyon or hillside views and a selection of Alaskan-style cabins with a range of creature comforts. Our Alpenglow Restaurant features New American cuisine with a focus on fresh Alaskan seafood and tender, all-natural meats combined with seasonal fruits and vegetables. 

Land’s End Resort

Homer
For half a century, Land’s End in Homer, Alaska, has been among Alaska’s most cherished waterfront hotels. Perched on the beach at the tip of the famous Homer Spit, Land’s End immerses you in the natural paradise of Kachemak Bay. View whales and sea otters right outside your window or shorebirds as they migrate the shoreline. Wake up to the sounds of the surf and the eagle’s antics. View sunrises and stunning vistas of the Kenai Mountains from your private deck. This Alaska resort hotel features a variety of lodging styles, including fully furnished beachfront homes, view-lofts and two-room suites.

Seward Windsong Lodge

Seward
Set alongside the Resurrection River, on the edge of Chugach National Forest near the Exit Glacier. Windsong Lodge is a tranquil retreat designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. While the bustling port of Seward and vast protected expanses of Kenaj Fjords National Park are mere minutes away, Windsong’s peaceful setting and unique dining experiences offer a quiet and cosy escape after an exhilarating day of exploration. Our contemporary Alaskan-inspired guest rooms and suites feature a private ensuite, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, flat-screen television, telephone, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Talkeetna
Set on a ridge just above the town of  Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America. It’s the best of Alaska, outside and in. Outside, we’re at the doorstep for high-energy outdoor adventures in Denali and beyond. Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, and a carefully-curated selection of Native art in the boutique. Award-winning cuisine, the best wine selection in the area, friendly service—and a great night’s sleep! All rooms feature a full private bath, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, satellite television, telephone, and wireless internet.

Additional information

Official language
English
Local currency
USD

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
  • Transfers, porterage fees, tolls, rental cars, and activities other than specified above

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
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