Alaska in its natural splendor — From the peaks of Denali to the bears of Katmai
Parks & Wild Horizons 16 days

Alaska in its natural splendor — From the peaks of Denali to the bears of Katmai

Offered by Scenic Roads

Fly over the Denali glaciers, navigate among whales and meet brown bears on an unforgettable road trip in the heart of wild Alaska.

FromUS$4,200per person
11 years of local expertise

Duration

16 days

From

US$4,200/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Self-drive tour

Travelers

Couple, Family, Solo, With friends, senior, groupe, Honeymoon

The spirit of travel

Take the road for a 16-day journey to the heart of wild Alaska, between glaciers, snow-capped mountains and preserved wilderness. From the peaks of Denali to the pioneer towns of the gold rush, discover the landscapes of the Last Frontier at your own pace.

Fly over the Denali glaciers on a scenic flight with landing on snow, at the foot of North America's highest peaks. Explore the national parks of Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias, where bears, caribou, moose and wolves roam in the wild.

Reach the glaciers of Valdez and sail in the Prince William Sound, in search of whales, seals and sea otters. Continue your road trip to the fishing ports of the Kenai Peninsula, between fjords, mountains and coastal landscapes. In Homer, board a seaplane to Katmai National Park to observe brown bears in their natural habitat.

The stages of your journey

D1
AnchorageNuit à l'hôtel à à Anchorage
D2
TalkeetnaNuit à l'hôtel à Talkeetna
D3–4
Parc National De DenaliNuit à l'hôtel à l'entrée du parc national de Denali
D5–6
FairbanksNuit à l'hôtel à Fairbanks
D7–8
Parc National De Wrangell-St. EliasNuit à l'hôtel aux portes du parc national de Wrangell-St. Elias
D9–10
ValdezNuit à l'hôtel à Valdez
D11–12
SewardNuit à l'hôtel à Seward
D13–14
HomerNuit à l'hôtel à Homer
D15–16
AnchorageNuit à l'hôtel à Anchorage

Highlights

Denali from the sky — A flight into the heart of Alaska's mountain range and a landing on a glacier, at the foot of North America's highest peak.
Denali National Park Safari — A day by bus on the park road searching for bears, caribous, moose and wolves.
The Mythical Roads of the Far North — The Richardson Highway, Thompson Pass and Sterling Highway, between glaciers, rivers and volcanoes.
Glaciers and marine wildlife — Cruise in Prince William Sound, ferry to Whittier and Kenai Fjords: sea otters, seals, whales and orcas.
Facing Grizzlies in Katmai — An Exceptional Day by Seaplane to Observe Grizzly Bears in Their Natural Habitat.
Alaska's Pioneer Cities — Discover Talkeetna, Fairbanks and Homer, between gold rush heritage, local traditions and fishing ports.

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Alaska

Anchorage

Aéroport D'Anchorage → Anchorage

20min10 km

Upon your arrival in Alaska, pick up your rental vehicle and head to your hotel.

Welcome to the Last Frontier! Discover Anchorage, a city where urban life and wild nature sit side by side, on the ocean's edge and facing the mountains.

Depending on your arrival time, make the most of your first moments by strolling through downtown or walking along the coastal trail.

Nuit à l'hôtel à à Anchorage
Jour 2
D2

Talkeetna and Denali from the Sky

Talkeetna

Anchorage → Talkeetna

2h30185 km

Head north to Talkeetna and start your road trip across Alaska and Hawaii.

Discover Talkeetna, a picturesque village with its wooden houses and cabins. Once a departure point for gold prospectors, it remains today a base for expeditions to Denali, formerly called Mount McKinley.

Take the opportunity to taste the homemade ice cream at Shirley's.

Highlight of the day: board a small plane for a scenic flight of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes around the great peaks of the Alaska Range, Hunter, Foraker and Denali.

A landing on a glacier allows you to walk through the snow in the middle of this magnificent setting: photos, silence and wonder guaranteed.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Talkeetna
Jour 3
D3

At the Gates of Denali National Park

Parc National De Denali

Talkeetna → Parc National De Denali

3h240 km

Continue your journey to the Denali National Park.

Discover Denali National Park, dominated by North America's highest peak, which reaches 6,190 meters.

Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976, it is also Alaska's most visited national park.

Since automobile traffic is limited within the park, take advantage of the afternoon to hike the trails located at its entrance.

Nuit à l'hôtel à l'entrée du parc national de Denali
Jour 4
D4

Safari in the Heart of Denali

Parc National De Denali

Embark on an approximately 8-hour bus excursion into the heart of Denali National Park. This mode of transportation helps preserve the park's fragile ecosystem while discovering its wild landscapes.

As you travel along the route, keep your eyes open to try to spot the animals that inhabit these territories:

  • Bears

  • Caribou

  • Moose

  • Dall sheep

  • Wolves

The park is home to remarkable birdlife. Several viewpoints allow you to admire Denali, weather permitting.

Lunch included during the excursion

Nuit à l'hôtel à l'entrée du parc national de DenaliLunch
Jour 5
D5

Fairbanks, the Pioneer Spirit

Fairbanks

Parc National De Denali → Fairbanks

2h30200 km

Continue your journey north through the landscapes of Alaska. Make a stop in Healy, a small mining town, before reaching Fairbanks.

Discover Fairbanks, Alaska's second city, built on the banks of the Chena River.

Born during the gold rush era, the city has retained its pioneering character and still bears witness to this period in Alaska's history.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Fairbanks
Jour 6
D6

Fairbanks at your own pace

Fairbanks

Free day to enjoy the multiple facets of Fairbanks.

Outdoor enthusiasts will try their hand at salmon fishing or kayaking, while the curious will discover indigenous cultures and gold rush history in the city's museums.

For a relaxing break, head to the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs.

Optional : Two experiences are offered :

  • A gold panning session in an old gold mine.

  • A swim in the hot springs of Chena Hot Springs.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Fairbanks
Jour 7
D7

The Richardson Highway

Parc National De Wrangell-St. Elias

Fairbanks → Parc National De Wrangell-St. Elias

5h400 km

Take the Richardson Highway south, a scenic road that crosses Alaska's mountains.

Make a first stop at North Pole, a town where Christmas is celebrated year-round.

Near Delta Junction, you will drive along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a true technical feat that marked the history of the state.

The road continues through the mountains to the gates of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Nuit à l'hôtel aux portes du parc national de Wrangell-St. Elias
Jour 8
D8

Wrangell-St. Elias, the Overlooked Giant

Parc National De Wrangell-St. Elias

Discover Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest national park in the United States, characterized by its mountains, glaciers and wild rivers.

Depending on your preferences, take advantage of this day to:

  • Go hiking.

  • Take a photography tour.

  • Observe wildlife.

Stop at the park's visitor center to discover the region's history and traditions.

Optional: scenic flight over the park and visit to the historic Kennecott copper mine

Nuit à l'hôtel aux portes du parc national de Wrangell-St. Elias
Jour 9
D9

Thompson Pass and Valdez

Valdez

Parc National De Wrangell-St. Elias → Valdez

2h30200 km

Take to the scenic road: 34 rivers and 3 mountain ranges mark the journey.

At Thompson Pass, stop to admire the Worthington Glacier before heading down to Valdez. Surrounded by glaciers and peaks, this fishing port offers a breathtaking setting.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Valdez
Jour 10
D10

Cruise in Prince William Sound

Valdez

Embark on a cruise in Prince William Sound, to the front of Meares Glacier.

As you navigate, admire the landscapes of the bay and try to observe the many species that frequent its waters:

  • Sea otters

  • Seals and sea lions

  • Humpback whales

  • Orcas and porpoises

  • Eagles, puffins and cormorants

Optional: sea kayaking or rafting departing from Valdez.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Valdez
Jour 11
D11

Ferry to Whittier and Seward Road

Seward

Valdez → Whittier

6h145 km

Embark with your vehicle on board the ferry to Whittier.

During the crossing, admire the fjord landscapes and keep an eye out for marine animals. You may spot sea lions, seals and, with a bit of luck, a few whales.

Whittier → Seward

2h145 km

Then take the road towards Seward, a charming fishing port and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Seward
Jour 12
D12

Seward and the Kenai Fjords

Seward

Free day to explore Seward and its surroundings.

Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and its aquarium, embark on a cruise to the Kenai fjords to meet glaciers and marine wildlife, or try your hand at kayaking and salmon fishing.

In the evening, head to the port for a seafood dinner.

Optional : cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park ; kayaking excursion.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Seward
Jour 13
D13

La Sterling Highway et Homer

Homer

Seward → Homer

3h30280 km

Follow the Sterling Highway through the snow-capped mountains of the Kenai Peninsula, facing ever-active volcanoes. Fishing enthusiasts will stop along the Kenai River.

The first glimpse of Homer, overlooking Kachemak Bay, is striking. Art galleries, museums, cafés and
restaurants make this small town the cultural capital of south-central Alaska.

Stroll among the colorful shops on stilts of the Homer Spit.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Homer
Jour 14
D14

Meeting the Bears of Katmai

Homer

Homer → Parc National De Katmai

1h30200 km

Embark on a seaplane to reach Katmai National Park.

Enjoy a spectacular flight over the region aboard your seaplane, with panoramic views of Alaska's wild landscapes.

Binoculars and camera in hand, join a supervised observation point to get close to brown bears, iconic Alaskan animals, in their natural environment.

Parc National De Katmai → Homer

1h30200 km

Return to Homer.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Homer
Jour 15
D15

Return to Anchorage via the Turnagain Arm

Anchorage

Homer → Anchorage

5h360 km

Head back to Anchorage via the scenic route that runs along the Turnagain Arm, between mountains and sea inlets.

In the city, enjoy the parks and green spaces, or visit the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center to discover indigenous cultures, including those of the Tlingits, the Aleuts, the Yupiks and the Inupiat.

The craft shops await you for your last souvenirs.

Nuit à l'hôtel à Anchorage
Jour 16
D16

Last Moments in Alaska

Anchorage

Anchorage → Aéroport D'Anchorage

10min20 km

Depending on your flight schedule, make the most of your last moments in Anchorage before returning your vehicle and heading to the airport, your head full of glaciers, wide open spaces and wild encounters.

Price per person

1 pers.US$4,200/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International flights
  • ESTA Authorization
  • GPS
  • Annual Pass for the "America the Beautiful" national parks (approximately $90)

Included

  • 15 nights in accommodation.
  • A scenic flight over the Alaska Range departing from Talkeetna, with a glacier landing.
  • A full-day bus excursion in Denali National Park, lunch included.
  • A cruise in Prince William Sound to Meares Glacier.
  • The ferry crossing from Valdez to Whittier with your vehicle.
  • A seaplane excursion for bear watching in Katmai National Park.
  • Vehicle rental from Day 1 to Day 16.

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Emmanuelle Vaugeois, Exploratrice des routes américaines
11years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Alaska

Exploratrice des routes américaines, based in Miami

Bretonne expatriée aux USA depuis plusieurs années. Globe trotteuse, amoureuse des voyages et des Etats Unis , elle à créé Scenic Roads dans le but de faire vivre à chacun son american dream !

En permanence sur le terrain elle arrive toujours à nous dégoter des supers spots photos, des randonnées inoubliables, des restos atypiques, bref vous l' aurez compris c est la référence pour vous proposer les petit bijoux aux USA

Ses coups de coeurs aux USA :

L'ouest Américain, l'Alaska , la Louisiane ainsi que le Wyoming et le Texas pour les cowboys !!

Ses expériences préférées :

Faire du chien de traineaux en Alaska

De la plongée à Hanauma bay à Hawaii

Manger des gumbos à la Nouvelle Orléans

Monter au Summit de New york

Rouler pendant des heures sur les routes des USA, cette sensation de liberté est unique

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