Alaska's Wildlife & Wilderness • Panoramic scenery & iconic animals
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Activities Included
Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
Moose at Anchorage
Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
Seals at Seward, Alaska
Whale Breaching In Seward, Alaska
Resurrection Bay, Alaska
Whales at Resurrection Bay, Alaska
Bear at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Karibou at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Wolf at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Glaciers In Kenai National Park, Alaska
Alaska Bears
Float plane, Alaska
Brown bear, Redoubt Bay, Alaska
Denali Star Train, Alaska
Denali Star Train, Alaska
Mt. Denali, Alaska
Denali Star Train, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska’s Wildlife & Wilderness

10 day Self Drive & Rail Holiday – from £3029

With flights from £3929

Drive through panoramic landscapes and encounter Alaska’s iconic wildlife. Then board the Alaska Railroad to journey further into the pristine wilderness of Denali National Park.

Highlights
  • View Alaska’s wild black and brown bears in their natural habitat
  • Cruise up to the brilliant blue glaciers of Prince William Sound
  • Observe moose, bison, elk and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
  • Board the Denali Star, on the Alaska Railroad, to Denali National Park
  • Spot humpback whales and orca on an optional whale watching cruise

Your Itinerary

Expand All

Your Alaska fly-drive holiday can be personalised by adding extra nights at the beginning or end of the holiday. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Anchorage, Alaska

Day 1 – Welcome to Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage, collect your luggage and pick up your pre-booked car, before driving to…

Upon arrival in Anchorage, collect your luggage and pick up your pre-booked car, before driving to your downtown hotel.

After check-in you can explore the city, perhaps stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, overlooking Cook Inlet, or head to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, to learn about indigenous art, history and culture.

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage, Alaska
Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA

Day 2 – Scenic Seward Highway & Cook Inlet

This morning drive along the scenic Seward Highway towards the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet….

This morning drive along the scenic Seward Highway towards the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Arm is branch of the inlet, bordered by steep cliffs, that features tidal changes over 30 feet.

At the port of Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise to venture further into Prince William Sound. Hear you will approach so close to some of the glaciers that you can “hear” them move, as well as gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Lunch is included onboard.

Following your cruise it is an approximately a 2 hour drive onwards to the town of Seward.

    Anchorage > Seward | 149 miles

    Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge

    Lunch
Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
Whale Breaching In Seward, Alaska

Day 3 – Explore from Seward

Whilst you are in Seward today you can personalise your day by choosing one of these…

Whilst you are in Seward today you can personalise your day by choosing one of these included excursions

Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
The calm waters of Resurrection Bay are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to 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 and you will share the waters with Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle.

Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, and then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.

Option 4. Exit Glacier Hike
This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley – The Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field.

Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Sail past Bear Glacier and close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

    Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge

Whale Breaching In Seward, Alaska
Bear at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

Day 4 – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

You may like to begin your day with a short drive to Exit Glacier,…

You may like to begin your day with a short drive to Exit Glacier, where an easy walk enables you to stand beside this spectacular Glacier.

Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre 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.

Continue to Girdwood where you can ride the aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Cook Inlet, 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.

    Seward > Girdwood | 89 miles

    Moderate & Superior: Alyeska Resort

Bear at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Glaciers In Kenai National Park, Alaska

Day 5 – Girdwood to Anchorage

Driving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the…

Driving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the Kenai Peninsula, across Turnagain Arm.

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.

Arrive back into Anchorage and return your car, in the afternoon.

    Girdwood > Anchorage | 38 miles

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Glaciers In Kenai National Park, Alaska
Alaska Bears

Day 6 – Bear Viewing

Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears…

Enjoy 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, in the company of your expert guides, you will be able to safely view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Alaska Bears
Denali Star Train, Alaska

Day 7 – The Alaska Railroad

Make your way to the station this morning to board the Denali Star train, the Alaska…

Make your way to the station this morning to board the Denali Star train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. The Denali Star offers an unforgettable journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park, traversing some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Travelling in the Goldstar railcar will enhance your travel experience with luxury amenities and panoramic views. You can relax in spacious, upper-level dome seating, offering unparalleled vistas of the Alaskan wilderness. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)

The train will arrive at the entrance to Denali National Park mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your hotel or enjoy a local activity.

    Moderate: Denali Cabins

    Superior: Grande Denali Lodge

    Breakfast, Lunch
Denali Star Train, Alaska
Mt. Denali, Alaska

Day 8 – Denali National Park

It is possible to explore in and around Denali National Park in a number of different…

It is possible to explore in and around Denali National Park in a number of different ways. You can choose from any of the below options:

Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
Experience the scenic wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway in a 4×4 jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a gravel road that takes you off the beaten track enjoy scenic views of Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.

Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Coach Tour
This half day narrated tour includes highlights such as the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, the wildlife rich Sable Pass and the braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.

Option 3. Denali Summit Flight (additional charge applies)
Get a birds-eye view of Denali National Park from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks.

Option 4. Helicopter Glacier Landing (additional charge applies)
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 caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep.

    Moderate: Denali Cabins

    Superior: Grande Denali Lodge

Mt. Denali, Alaska
Denali Star Train, Alaska

Day 9 – Denali to Fairbanks by Train

You can relax this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or participate in optional local activities…

You can relax this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or participate in optional local activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking (payable locally).

By early afternoon, reboard Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to continue your journey to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends when you disembark. (Dinner is included on board the train today.

    Moderate & Superior: Springhill Suites

    Dinner
Denali Star Train, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska

Day 10 – Farewell from Fairbanks

After breakfast transfer independently to Fairbanks airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight and…

After breakfast transfer independently to Fairbanks airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight and connections.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Your Itinerary

Your Alaska fly-drive holiday can be personalised by adding extra nights at the beginning or end of the holiday. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1

|

Welcome to Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage, collect your luggage and pick up your pre-booked car, before driving to your downtown hotel.

After check-in you can explore the city, perhaps stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, overlooking Cook Inlet, or head to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, to learn about indigenous art, history and culture.

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage, Alaska

Day 2

|

Scenic Seward Highway & Cook Inlet

This morning drive along the scenic Seward Highway towards the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Arm is branch of the inlet, bordered by steep cliffs, that features tidal changes over 30 feet.

At the port of Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise to venture further into Prince William Sound. Hear you will approach so close to some of the glaciers that you can “hear” them move, as well as gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Lunch is included onboard.

Following your cruise it is an approximately a 2 hour drive onwards to the town of Seward.

    Anchorage > Seward | 149 miles

    Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge

    Lunch
Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA

Day 3

|

Explore from Seward

Whilst you are in Seward today you can personalise your day by choosing one of these included excursions

Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
The calm waters of Resurrection Bay are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to 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 and you will share the waters with Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle.

Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, and then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.

Option 4. Exit Glacier Hike
This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley – The Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field.

Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Sail past Bear Glacier and close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

    Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge

Whale Breaching In Seward, Alaska

Day 4

|

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

You may like to begin your day with a short drive to Exit Glacier, where an easy walk enables you to stand beside this spectacular Glacier.

Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre 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.

Continue to Girdwood where you can ride the aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Cook Inlet, 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.

    Seward > Girdwood | 89 miles

    Moderate & Superior: Alyeska Resort

Bear at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

Day 5

|

Girdwood to Anchorage

Driving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the Kenai Peninsula, across Turnagain Arm.

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.

Arrive back into Anchorage and return your car, in the afternoon.

    Girdwood > Anchorage | 38 miles

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Glaciers In Kenai National Park, Alaska

Day 6

|

Bear Viewing

Enjoy 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, in the company of your expert guides, you will be able to safely view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.

    Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel

    Superior: Hotel Captain Cook

Alaska Bears

Day 7

|

The Alaska Railroad

Make your way to the station this morning to board the Denali Star train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. The Denali Star offers an unforgettable journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park, traversing some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Travelling in the Goldstar railcar will enhance your travel experience with luxury amenities and panoramic views. You can relax in spacious, upper-level dome seating, offering unparalleled vistas of the Alaskan wilderness. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)

The train will arrive at the entrance to Denali National Park mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your hotel or enjoy a local activity.

    Moderate: Denali Cabins

    Superior: Grande Denali Lodge

    Breakfast, Lunch
Denali Star Train, Alaska

Day 8

|

Denali National Park

It is possible to explore in and around Denali National Park in a number of different ways. You can choose from any of the below options:

Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
Experience the scenic wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway in a 4×4 jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a gravel road that takes you off the beaten track enjoy scenic views of Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.

Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Coach Tour
This half day narrated tour includes highlights such as the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, the wildlife rich Sable Pass and the braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.

Option 3. Denali Summit Flight (additional charge applies)
Get a birds-eye view of Denali National Park from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks.

Option 4. Helicopter Glacier Landing (additional charge applies)
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 caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep.

    Moderate: Denali Cabins

    Superior: Grande Denali Lodge

Mt. Denali, Alaska

Day 9

|

Denali to Fairbanks by Train

You can relax this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or participate in optional local activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking (payable locally).

By early afternoon, reboard Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to continue your journey to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends when you disembark. (Dinner is included on board the train today.

    Moderate & Superior: Springhill Suites

    Dinner
Denali Star Train, Alaska

Day 10

|

Farewell from Fairbanks

After breakfast transfer independently to Fairbanks airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight and connections.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Your Holiday Includes

9 nights’ hotel accommodation
5 days’ car rental, with unlimited mileage
2 Alaska Railroad train journeys
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Prince William Sound Cruise

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your Alaska’s Wildlife & Wilderness self drive & rail holiday and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

Next Step

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Alaska’s Wildlife & Wilderness

10 day Self Drive & Rail Holiday – from £3029

With flights from £3929

National Parks Explorer

Map

Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness, Fly Drive & Rail Holiday, Route Map