A Road Trip Through Alaska

Arrival in Anchorage, the largest city in the state of Alaska, ideally located at the junction of mountain ranges and the Kenai Peninsula.

Drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna. You’ll enjoy Alaska’s spectacular panoramic views. In good weather, you’ll be able to see Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America.

Arrival in the charming village of Talkeetna, known for its laid-back lifestyle and numerous craft shops with colorful storefronts. Free time to stroll through the streets.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Talkeetna.

Half-day at leisure in Talkeetna.

Depending on your interests and what you’d like to do today, we’ll suggest some activities.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Talkeetna.

A day dedicated to exploring Denali National Park.

Access to Denali National Parkis strictly regulated. The only way to see its wildlife and get up close to its amazing ecosystem is to board the bus chartered by park authorities.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Denali.

The route between Denali National Park and Palmer, a small town near Anchorage.

Located on the banks of the Matanuska River and near the Matanuska Glacier, the town and its surroundings offer a magnificent playground for outdoor activities: hiking, glacier walking, fishing, kayaking…

Overnight stay at a hotel in Palmer.

A Day of Exploration in the Wasilla/Palmer/Hatcher Pass Area.

There are many wonderful things to do in this area—here’s a glimpse. We’ll then provide more specific recommendations based on your interests.

• Head up to Hatcher Pass along the magnificent scenic mountain road with its panoramic views of the Chugach Range.
• Hike on the Matanuska Glacier. This glacier once extended all the way to the town of Palmer.
• Kayak on the Matanuska River.
• Go salmon fishing. This is a very traditional activity in Alaska. You’ll set out to explore the rivers around Wasilla to learn all about king salmon, silver salmon, and chum salmon.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Palmer.

The road between Palmer and Glennallen.

The road follows the Matanuska River Valley and offers magnificent panoramic views. Along the Glenn Highway, you’ll pass through farmland, ranches, and farms, never losing sight of the Chugach mountain range. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier, recognizable by its brilliant blue ice, visible from the road.

Overnight stay at a roadside hotel.

The road between Glennallen and Chitina.

Take a journey back in time to explore the former Kennecott copper mine, located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and accessible by light aircraft.

You’ll begin this fabulous journey with a short flight from Chitina, on the border of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, to the village of McCarthy, home to 28 residents. The village retains the charm of yesteryear, from the era of the adjacent Kennecott copper mines, with its saloons and shops catering to miners. First, you’ll visit the village’s historical museum, located in the old train depot. You’ll then take the shuttle to the Kennecott mines.

Lunch break.

In the afternoon, you’ll join a guided tour of the mines, the copper plant, and the buildings that made it possible to extract some of the purest copper ore in the world until 1938.

Return to Chitina aboard a small plane. Drive from Chitina to Tonsina.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tonsina.

The road between Tonsina and Valdez. You’ll arrive right in the heart of Prince William Sound, the jewel of Alaska.

The drive is spectacular, winding through mountains and glaciers. We highly recommend stopping to see the Wothington Glacier or Bridal Veil Falls. Prince William Sound is located on the eastern coast of the Kenai Peninsula and features numerous islands, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing. Valdez is the main town; it is a fishing port and also the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Valdez.

A day exploring Valdez and the surrounding area.

Take advantage of this day to explore the magnificent Prince William Sound.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Valdez.

Explore the wildlife of Prince William Sound aboard a cruise ship.

The bay is one of the wildest and most pristine in the world. Its coastline is dotted with islands, fjords, and glaciers, offering numerous opportunities to observe nature and wildlife. We invite you to set sail aboard a family-friendly ship with a twofold objective: to get up close to the 51-km-long Columbia Glacier and to observe the local wildlife.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Valdez.

Ferry crossing between Valdez and Whittier.

Embark on a great crossing aboard one of the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. This day-long cruise will be a highlight of your trip to Alaska.

Enjoy the observation decks and lounges with large picture windows to admire the islands of Prince William Sound and the majestic Kenai Peninsula. It’s not uncommon to spot seals, as well as whales and other marine mammals.

This trip is a true adventure, and the Alaska Marine Highway’s aging fleet adds to the charm of the journey.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Seward.

Head to the port of Seward to board a boat that will take you to your lodge, located on a private island. Nestled in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula on the shores of Resurrection Bay, this lodge is accessible only by boat or kayak and offers a truly immersive experience in nature. Each yurt has been designed in complete harmony with nature, featuring a balcony with a stunning view of the sea. Orcas sometimes swim close to the lodge. The setting is charming and perfect for rest and relaxation.

The owners will give you the best tips for fishing or wildlife viewing. Don’t miss the sunset from your yurt, with a glass of wine in hand!

Overnight stay in a yurt at Orca Island Cabins in the heart of Resurrection Bay.

A free day at your lodge, nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.

While you’re there, in addition to enjoying the natural scenery from your private deck, you’ll have the option to participate in a variety of activities on your own: kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife and bird watching.

Overnight stay in a yurt at Orca Island Cabins in the heart of Resurrection Bay.

Spend the morning at your lodge, balancing relaxation and adventure. After a night lulled by the sound of the lapping waves, you’ll admire the turquoise-hued bay with a cup of coffee in hand. You may spot some marine mammals, such as sea lions or, if you’re lucky, orcas. Numerous species of birds soar overhead, including eagles searching for salmon scraps, which are plentiful in the area.

In the morning, return to Seward by boat. Drive from Seward to Homer.

Some of the scenic viewpoints are fascinating; various stops will allow you to admire the beauty of nature, from fjords to glaciers.

Overnight at a hotel in Anchorage.

A free day to explore Homer at your own pace.

As the terminus of theSterling Highway, which runs along the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is well worth exploring to immerse yourself in its history and natural beauty. The “town” area is a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful wooden houses, small cafes, and great spots to sample the famousking crab claws. The fishing port alone speaks to the importance ofhalibut fishing. And for photographers, the colorful mosaics of the buoys will delight your lenses.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Homer.

Set off on a day of adventure—by light aircraft and on foot—with the goal of observing Alaska’s brown bears.

Depending on the day’s weather conditions, you’ll fly by light aircraft to one of the following areas:

• Katmai National Park and Preserve. More than 2,000 brown bears (grizzlies and Kodiak bears) live there, feeding mainly on salmon and seafood. This park also features more than 14 active volcanoes, and you’ll fly over several of them. The colorful panorama during the flight will take your breath away.
• Lake Clark National Park and National Preserve, accessible only by small plane, features some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes. Nestled among mountains, the sea, and glaciers, the park is a prime destination for wildlife viewing.

Wearing waterproof wetsuits, you’ll set out with your pilot-guide—an expert on brown bears —to get as close as possible to these animals, while maintaining a distance that doesn’t disturb them. Depending on where they are that day, you’ll watch them along the riverbank catching salmon or on the shoreline hunting for clams.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Homer.

Guided deep-sea fishing trip.

Departing from Homer, immerse yourself inthe world of big-game fishing in Alaska and meet fellow enthusiasts who will share their experiences with you. Depending on the season and fish migrations, you’ll have the chance to catch one or more species, including halibut, salmon, and redfish.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Homer.

Return to Anchorage.

Board your return flight. Connect to your international flight.