Alaska Self Drive

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Alaska’s wildest landscapes, combining scenic rail journeys, rugged road trips, and breath-taking coastal adventures.

Begin with a short stay in Seattle, the vibrant Pacific Northwest city, before continuing north into the Last Frontier. From Alaska’s charming coastal towns to the untamed wilderness of Denali and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, this 16-day itinerary immerses you in towering mountains, vast glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

Travel aboard the legendary Denali Star Train, gliding past rivers, forests, and the majestic Alaska Range, and stay in charming cabins and lodges that bring you closer to the natural beauty of the Last Frontier.

Experience the wonders of Alaska’s national parks, encounter iconic wildlife in their natural habitats, and glide through pristine waters to sparkling glaciers for truly unforgettable views. Along the way, enjoy the unique culture, cuisine, and small-town charm of Alaska, from Talkeetna’s quirky streets to Homer’s famous Spit.

This adventure offers the perfect balance of active exploration and serene relaxation, with opportunities for floatplane flights, helicopter tours, wildlife cruises, scenic hikes, and self-driving segments that let you choose your own pace and adventure. Whether spotting bears and moose, kayaking amid fjords, or simply savouring the view from a cosy cabin, every day is a memorable encounter with the majesty and grandeur of Alaska.

This Alaska holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect Alaska holiday.

What should I expect from the Denali Star?

When you travel on the Denali Star, Alaska’s flagship train, every journey offers a truly unforgettable way to experience the heart of the Last Frontier. Running daily between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park, the Denali Star invites you to relax and take in sweeping views of towering mountains, rushing rivers, and untamed wilderness—all from the comfort of your seat.

Your onboard experience depends on your chosen level of service, with both options offering exceptional comfort and Alaskan hospitality.

Adventure Class provides a comfortable and relaxed travel experience, featuring large picture windows, access to the shared Vista Dome car for panoramic viewing, and onboard dining and bar service available for purchase. Friendly onboard hosts share stories of Alaska’s history, wildlife, and people, bringing the landscape to life as you travel through it.

For those seeking an elevated experience, GoldStar Service offers the highest level of comfort and luxury on the Alaska Railroad. Enjoy reserved seating in a bi-level glass-dome car with unobstructed 360-degree views, exclusive access to the upper-level outdoor viewing platform, and all-inclusive meals served in the private dining area. Complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, are also included, along with personalised service from dedicated attendants throughout your journey.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

What’s the best pass for visiting multiple U.S. National Parks?

If you plan to visit three or more parks on your trip, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is usually the best value. It provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all 63 U.S. national parks. The pass is available to international visitors and can be purchased easily at the entrance station of the first park you visit. It covers entrance fees for the pass holder and all passengers in a private vehicle, or the pass holder plus up to three adults if entering on foot, by motorcycle, or bicycle.

Do note that some of the most popular national parks now require advance reservations in peak season or weekends to manage visitor numbers – ask us for more details.

Seattle, Washington

Perched between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a vibrant city that blends natural beauty with cutting-edge culture. Visitors can take in panoramic views from the iconic Space Needle, explore the bustling Pike Place Market, or stroll along the waterfront while enjoying fresh seafood.

Seattle is also a haven for arts, music, and coffee lovers, with its thriving theatre scene, legendary live music venues, and world-famous cafés. Surrounded by mountains and water, the city offers easy access to outdoor adventures, from kayaking and sailing to hiking and biking, making it a dynamic city that truly has something for everyone.

Anchorage

As the largest city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage offers a compelling combination of metropolitan luxuries and unrivalled natural beauty.

Covering a vast area of 1900 square miles, much of this remarkable port city remains uninhabited and mountainous.

The greater Anchorage area is home to a population of over 300,000 inhabitants as well as an astonishing range of wildlife such as moose, brown and black bears, dall sheep, and many migratory bird species.

With the glistening waters of the exquisite Cook Inlet and the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains right on the city's doorstep, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of activities including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and even sea kayaking among some majestic tidewater glaciers in nearby Blackstone Bay.

Talkeetna

A charming small town at the gateway to Denali National Park, Talkeetna exudes rustic Alaskan charm. Visitors can take flightseeing tours over Denali, go fishing in the nearby rivers, or explore the quirky local shops and cafés in its historic downtown.

Talkeetna’s friendly atmosphere and stunning mountain views make it a perfect base for adventure seekers, whether they’re aiming to climb, hike, or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery of Alaska’s interior.

Denali

In the spectacularly scenic state of Alaska, 386 kilometres north of Anchorage, Denali National Park is home to Mount Denali, North America's highest mountain.

This astonishingly vast wilderness area provides a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife, from Toklat grizzly bears, packs of wild wolves and herds of moose with antlers the size of coffee tables.

The breathtakingly beautiful Wonder Lake rests at the base of the imposing KcKinley, a narrow kettle pond which formed during Alaska's ice ages.

The park boasts a wide range of activities. Spend your days white water rafting on the Nenana River or exploring the multicolor volcanic rocks at Cathedral Mountain and Polychrome Pass, and see a myriad of animals along the way.

With forest-clad glaciers and magnificent golden eagles soaring above, it is little wonder that Dewali National Park is Alaska's most treasured tourist destination.

Fairbanks

In the summer with the sun shining nearly 24 hours a day, Fairbanks is simply bursting with energy. Strike it rich panning for gold, float the Chena River, mingle with reindeer and musk oxen, cool off in an ice museum, take a refreshing hike, or be inspired by brilliant art galleries, museums, and historic sites.

From late August to April you have a great chance to see the shimmering light of the aurora borealis and the town unveils a host of activities and events during the winter.

Once a gold rush boomtown, Fairbanks is now Alaska’s second largest metropolis known as the “Golden Heart City”.

The Alaska Highway, trans-Alaska oil pipeline, military bases, mining and the University of Alaska are all integral to Fairbanks’ past and future. Fairbanks is one of the last frontiers - inviting, invigorating and awe-inspiring.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.