REGION
AlaskaTHEME
Self drive tourACTIVITIES
Glacier, Rafting, TrekkingDURATION
16 daysDIFFICULTY
Very easyYou’ll experience beautiful landscapes throughout Alaska.
Highlights of the itinerary :
Explore the scenic routes of Alaska, including the Richardson, Parks, and Seward Highway. Visit McCarthy/Kennicott in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Denali National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park. Stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife.”
Detailed program
DAY 1 : PARIS/ ANCHORAGE
Departure to Anchorage on regular flights. Arrival in Anchorage. Transfer is on your own via the hotel shuttle or by taxi. Depending on your arrival time, there is the option to take an optional excursion such as a scenic flight or a city tour (not included). Overnight in Anchorage.
- Standard: Inlet Tower Hotel (hotel shuttle available)
- Superior: Hilton Hotel (hotel shuttle not available)
DAY 2: FROM ANCHORAGE TO THE GLENNALLEN / COPPER CENTER REGION (304 km, 4 hours)
Pick up your rental vehicle. Drive on the Glenn Highway towards Glennallen/Copper Center. Points of interest: The birthplace of Alaska, Independence Mine at Hatcher Pass, and Matanuska Glacier.
- Standard: Caribou Hotel Superior: Copper River Princess Lodge
DAY 3: GLENNALLEN / COPPER CENTER / MCCARTHY (via a Chitina-McCarthy flight) (104 km, 1.5 hours, 30-minute flight)
In the morning, drive towards the small community of Chitina, where you’ll take a flight to McCarthy. Points of interest: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which is a vast park with 13.2 million hectares, 9 of the highest peaks in the United States, and the largest concentration of glaciers on the North American continent.
- Standard / Superior: Kennicott Glacier Lodge (2 nights, shared bathroom in standard, private bathroom in superior category)
DAY 4: MCCARTHY / KENNECOTT: FREE DAY
One of the highlights of the itinerary. Kennecott is an old copper mine ghost town. A 2-hour guided historical walking tour of Kennecott is included. In the afternoon, optional free time for a guided glacier hike (not included).
DAY 5: MCCARTHY / FAIRBANKS (via McCarthy – Chitina flight) (30-minute flight, 495 km, 6.5 hours)
Start your day with a flight to Chitina, where you can pick up your car, then head north on the oldest road in Alaska, the Richardson Highway, which began in 1898. This route follows the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Along the way, there are several rest stops, including historic roadhouses and viewpoints. Spend the rest of the day exploring the historic gold mining town of Fairbanks.
- Standard: La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks (2 nights)
- Superior: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (2 nights)
DAY 6: FAIRBANKS: FREE DAY
A free day to explore the second-largest city in Alaska, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” There is the possibility of taking an excursion to the Arctic Circle or a historic river cruise (not included). Attractions in Fairbanks include the Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, the Ice Museum, and Santa Claus House in the nearby town of North Pole.
DAY 7: FAIRBANKS / DENALI (200 km, 2.5 hours)
Head towards Denali. You will traverse forests and mountain landscapes before reaching Denali National Park. You will pass through the town of Healy with its coal mines.
- Standard: Denali Grizzly Bear (2 nights)
- Superior: Grande Denali Lodge (2 nights)
DAY 8: DENALI NATIONAL PARK
A full-day bus tour to explore Denali National Park (approx. 165 km, lunch included). The park is home to North America’s highest mountain, Mt. Denali, and a variety of wildlife, including bears and caribou. You’ll be on the lookout for animals in the tundra landscapes. Lunch is included. (Due to road conditions during the season, the bus tour may be shortened to 4-6 hours).
DAY 9: DENALI / WASILLA (312 km, 4 hours)
Head to Wasilla. We recommend taking an excursion to Talkeetna, where most scenic flights to see Mt. Denali depart. Upon arriving in Wasilla, there is the option to witness a sled dog demonstration at the Iditarod Museum.
- Standard: Alaska Garden Gate
- Superior: Best Western Lake Lucille Hotel.
DAY 10: WASILLA / SEWARD (272 km, 3.5 hours)
Heading south to Seward via Anchorage. You will drive along Turnagain Arm, with a stop in the town of Girdwood for lunch (not included). Upon arrival in Seward, explore the tourist attractions, including glaciers and the Alaska SeaLife Center.
- Standard: Breeze Inn/Exit Glacier Lodge
- Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge (2 nights)
DAY 11: SEWARD – FREE DAY
A free day to explore Seward or the Kenai Fjords National Park during a cruise.
DAY 12: SEWARD / HOMER (288 km, 3.5 hours)
Explore the Kenai Peninsula. You’ll drive along the turquoise Kenai River, world-famous for salmon fishing. Continue to Homer with stops in picturesque small villages.
- Standard: Best Western Bidarka Hotel
- Superior: Land’s End Resort (2 nights)
DAY 13: HOMER – FREE DAY
A free day to explore Homer, known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital,” and its surroundings. From Homer, there’s the option to take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay or a flight to observe bears (not included).
DAY 14: HOMER / ANCHORAGE (373 km, 4.5 hours)
Return to Anchorage.
- Standard: Inlet Tower Hotel
- Superior: Hilton Hotel
DAY 15: ANCHORAGE / PARIS
Flight to Paris on regular flights.
DAY 16: PARIS
Arrival in Paris.
Travel periods
Departures from 27/05/2024 to 01/09/2024Prices
From 4,275€VAT includedAsk for a quote
Pricing information
OUR RATES INCLUDE:
- Regular flights Paris/Anchorage/Paris in economy class
- Airport taxes
- 14 nights in standard or higher category rooms + 1 night on the return flight
- Chitina/McCarthy/Chitina flight
- 2 hours of guided historical tour of Kennicott
- 3-6 hour guided full-day tour through Denali National Park
- Digital detailed travel documents
- All taxes
- Complimentary repatriation assistance insurance
OUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Rental vehicle if booked through us (2 weeks, 14 days, unlimited mileage, taxes, LDW, starting on day 2)
- Meals
- Optional excursions
- Arrival day transfer
- Fuel
- Optional “PREMIUM” Cancellation/Multirisk insurance (please contact us)
Good to know
Important:
Accommodation in McCarthy/Kennicott with shared hallway bathrooms. Rooms have a sink with cold running water and either 1 double bed or 2 twin beds. The Denali National Park bus tour may last between 8 to 12 hours, and during the early or late season, the duration may be shorter depending on weather conditions. Alaska offers a wide range of accommodations, and we will always try to book the best available hotel for you.
Equipment:
The general rule for Alaska is to wear casual and comfortable clothing that can be layered. The first layer should be something thin and close to the skin (try to avoid cotton). The second layer adds warmth and allows you the option to remove it if it gets warmer (especially fleece or similar materials). The third layer should protect you from rain and wind if necessary. For day cruises in Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park, for example, it is recommended to have an additional layer, including a scarf, hat, and gloves, as it can get cold on the boats. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are also recommended. A backpack is a particularly useful item to bring. Other suggested personal items include a small flashlight, a hairdryer (as some hotel rooms may not have one), insect repellent, binoculars, an ample supply of prescription medications, and a camera. A duffel bag or soft luggage is the most practical for travel in Alaska, especially on small planes and boats. It is recommended to limit yourself to one piece of luggage.
Formalities and Health:
As with any trip to the United States, a passport is essential. To be eligible for the visa waiver program, your passport must be a biometric (or electronic) passport or a machine-readable passport for passports issued before October 26, 2005. The stay should not exceed 90 days, and a round-trip ticket is mandatory. You will also need to fill out the ESTA form online at least 72 hours before departure and pay the associated $14 fee. Be sure not to overlook filling out the forms handed out by flight attendants on the plane, as they are necessary for smooth departure from the country.
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