Bring the Family
This 14-day, self drive itinerary is a perfect family get-away.
This customized Alaska vacation will bring your family unforgettable memories. Experience the diversity of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, majestic glaciers and towering mountains. With selected cabin accommodations and plenty of activities included children and parents alike will enjoy this Alaska adventure!
Itinerary/Details
Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive at the Anchorage Airport . Pick up your rental car (rental is not included in the package price) and transfer to your hotel for an overnight in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. A MilePost Guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Day 2 Anchorage/Talkeetna
Head north on the Glenn and Parks Highways through Wasilla, “Home of the Iditarod.” Proceed to Talkeetna, a quaint town that serves as the jumping off point for Mt. McKinley climbing expeditions. Embark on a jet boat tour. Visit an authentic Trapper's Cabin during your 1/4 mile nature walk. Overnight in Talkeetna. (CB)
Day 3 Talkeetna/Denali Park
Continue your journey on the Parks Highway to the entrance of Denali National Park Upon arrival stop at the Denali Park Visitor Center for information, maps and brochures about the Park and its surroundings. Overnight near the Park entrance.
Day 4 Denali Park
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park on an 8 hour trip to Eielson. Shuttles make regular restroom stops and wildlife-viewing stops, just like the tour buses. Unlike the tours, however, you’re not limited to staying on the bus in which you originally started. This is the type of bus you want to take if you’re interested in a day hike, or just want to experience the park on your own terms rather than as part of a tour group. Overnight near the Denali National Park entrance.
Day 5 Denali/Fairbanks
Spend some time sightseeing in Denali before you head to Fairbanks. In Fairbanks, explore downtown and/or enjoy an optional visit to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The Museum features Alaska Native cultural, historical and contemporary art. See Blue Babe, the world’s only restored Ice Age bison mummy, fist-sized gold nuggets, Alaskan dinosaur bones and much more. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 6 Fairbanks
Today is free for Fairbanks sightseeing. Your choice of optional activities include cultural tours above the Arctic Circle, riverboat cruising or gold panning. This evening head to Pioneer Park for an included Salmon Bake Dinner. Overnight Fairbanks. (D)
Day 7 Fairbanks/Sheep Mountain
Travel along the scenic Richardson Highway to Glennallen where you turn onto the Glenn Highway. The Sheep Mountain Lodge is located between Palmer and Glennallen. Enjoy spectacular mountain views and local outdoor recreational activities. Overnight Sheep Mountain Lodge.
Day 8 Sheep Mountain
Enjoy the Shee Mountain area. From adventurous whitewater river rafting to self-guided hikes and dall sheep viewing, there are activities for everyone. Overnight Sheep Mountain Lodge.
Day 9 Sheep Mountain/Seward
Take the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. From Anchorage continue your drive south along the Seward Highway to the seaside community of Seward. Overnight in Seward.
Day 10 Seward
Today enjoy the day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park on a 6-hour wildlife and glacier cruise including lunch. Kenai Fjords National Park abounds with marine sealife and is a must for those interested in Alaska glacier cruises, whale watching, Alaska bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Overnight Seward. (L)
Day 11 Seward/Homer
Before leaving Seward today make a stop at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Visitors to this “window on the sea” have close encounters with puffins, octopus, sea lions and other sea life while peeking over the shoulders of ocean scientists studying Alaska’s rich seas. En route to Homer stop in Ninilchik for photos of the historic Russian Orthodox Church. Continue on to Anchor Point, the most westerly highway point in North America. Overnight in Homer.
Day 12 Homer
Homer is a quaint town nestled on the shore of Kachemak Bay offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains and wildlife. Homer is known to many as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World. Tour options are many; a short flight will take you to Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks, areas of pristine wilderness and prime brown bear viewing areas. By water taxi you can enjoy the views of mountains, glaciers and wildlife of the bay. Over 90 miles of managed trails of all skill levels run near the coast, by glacier lakes and inland up ridges providing a variety of hiking options. Overnight Homer.
Day 13 Homer/Girdwood
From Homer you will take the Sterling and the Seward highways in the direction of Anchorage. Spend the night in Girdwood located about 40 miles south of Anchorage. Nestled among the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and spectacular Mt. Alyeska, Girdwood has evolved from a gold mining town into Alaska's only year-round resort community. Overnight Girdwood.
Day 14 Girdwood/Anchorage
Return to Anchorage to day. End of tour. (B)
Departure
Package departs from:
Anchorage
2012 Validity dates:
June 1 - August 31, 2012
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
$1911 per person, double occupancy
$1488 per person, triple occupancy
$1277 per person, quad occupancy
Note: Additional child discounts (age 11 and under) are be available for select itinerary components.
Package Includes
MilePost Guide, overnight accommodations (in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks, Sheep Mountain, Seward, Homer and Girdwood) Talkeetna jetboat tour, Eielson Shuttle Bus in Denali, Denali Park entrance fees, Alaska Salmon Bake in Fairbanks, 6 hour Kenai Fjords Cruise (with lunch) and Alaska SeaLife Center Admission in Seward.
Not Included: Rental car. Contact Explore Tours for a car rental quote based on your preferred vehicle type.
Also Note: Continental Breakfast (CB) or Breakfast (B) listed may not be available if our prefered hotel for this area is sold out.
