Alaska & Yukon Highlights
A spectacular self-drive through Alaska and the Yukon
Discover some of the most extraordinary landscapes in North America on this unforgettable Alaska and Yukon self-drive holiday. From glacier-lined coastlines and gold rush towns to soaring mountains, remote wilderness and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this itinerary combines iconic scenic highways with frontier history and classic northern adventure.
Travel from Anchorage through the Kenai Peninsula, across the Top of the World Highway into the Yukon, and back through Denali and Talkeetna, enjoying dramatic coastal views, national parks, charming towns and wide-open wilderness along the way. This is the kind of road trip that feels truly wild, beautifully remote and full of once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
20 night self drive holiday from £4,699pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise
Drive the legendary Top of the World Highway
Explore gold rush history in Dawson City
Explore Denali National Park and Alaska’s wild interior
Your itinerary
Want to see even more?
Add an Inside Passage cruise before or after your Alaska & Yukon adventure
For those who want to see even more of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, why not add a scenic cruise along the Inside Passage either before or after your self-drive adventure? This legendary waterway is one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, weaving past misty fjords, tidewater glaciers, and remote fishing villages that are only accessible by sea.
Glide past towering glaciers as they calve dramatically into the ocean, watch for humpback whales and orcas in the icy waters, and explore ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, each rich with Gold Rush history and Native Alaskan culture.
We can easily adapt your Alaska & Yukon Highlights itinerary to fit the cruise schedule, giving you the best of both worlds: the freedom of the open road and the breathtaking views of Alaska’s wild coastline.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE
Begin your journey in Alaska’s great wilderness gateway
Arrive in Anchorage and collect your vehicle, ready for an epic northern adventure. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, Alaska’s largest city offers a striking introduction to the state. Spend time exploring downtown, visiting local museums or simply soaking up the atmosphere before setting off into the wild landscapes ahead.
1 Night in
Anchorage, AK
Arrival
Day
DAYs 2-3: ANCHORAGE TO HOMER
Coastal beauty at the edge of the Kenai
Drive south through magnificent mountain and coastal scenery to Homer, a charming town on Kachemak Bay known for its artistic spirit and incredible natural setting. With glaciers, beaches, fishing boats and wildlife all around, Homer is a wonderful place to slow down. You may choose to hike, kayak, take a boat trip or enjoy a memorable bear viewing excursion.
2 Nights in
Homer, AK
220 miles
DAYs 4-5: HOMER TO SEWARD
Fjords, glaciers and unforgettable marine wildlife
Cross the Kenai Peninsula to Seward, beautifully set between mountains and Resurrection Bay. This appealing harbour town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and one of Alaska’s great wildlife destinations. During your stay, enjoy an included cruise among dramatic fjords and glaciers, with chances to spot whales, sea lions, puffins, otters and more.
2 Nights in
Seward, AK
185 miles
DAY 6: SEWARD TO glacier view
Journey north to the quirky riverside town with views of mighty Denali.
Today’s drive takes you north via Anchorage and then east along the glorious Glenn Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic routes. Following the Matanuska River and framed by rugged mountains, this stretch offers wonderful opportunities for photos and short stops. Glacier View is a peaceful overnight base, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and fresh mountain air.
1 Night in
Glacier View, AK
230 miles
DAY 7: glacier view to tok
Frontier spirit on Alaska’s legendary highways
Continue through wide-open country towards Tok, a classic Alaskan roadside town and an important stop on the Alaska Highway. The scenery is big, untamed and deeply memorable, with good chances of spotting wildlife along the way. In Tok, enjoy a slice of frontier character, perhaps with a little gold panning or a visit to the local visitor centre.
1 night in
Tok, AK
210 miles
DAYs 8-9: TOK To dawson city
Gold rush legends in a timeless frontier town
Travel the famous Top of the World Highway, a wonderfully remote route through sweeping backcountry, high ridges and old mining country. Crossing the Yukon River by ferry, arrive in Dawson City, one of the most characterful towns in the north. Boardwalk streets, gold rush history and lively old-time charm make this a true highlight of the journey.
2 Nights in
Dawson City, YK
185 miles
DAYs 10-12: dawson to whitehorse
Yukon’s capital wrapped in wilderness and history
Follow the Klondike Highway south to Whitehorse, pausing at scenic viewpoints such as Five Finger Rapids en route. Set on the Yukon River, Whitehorse combines a laid-back atmosphere with fascinating history and easy access to nature. Explore riverside trails, visit museums and heritage attractions, or head out to nearby viewpoints and wildlife areas.
3 Nights in
Whitehorse, YK
340 miles
DAYs 13-14: whitehorse to haines junction
Mountain grandeur beside Kluane’s wild beauty
A short but stunning drive brings you to Haines Junction, gateway to Kluane National Park. Backed by mighty peaks and immense icefields, this is one of the most awe-inspiring regions in the Yukon. Spend time exploring the area, enjoying trails and viewpoints, and perhaps treat yourself to a flightseeing trip over glaciers and mountains.
2 Nights in
Haines Junction, YK
95 miles
DAY 15: haines junction to tok
Return to Alaska through epic northern landscapes
Drive back towards Alaska along the Alaska Highway, skirting the shores of beautiful Kluane Lake and passing through remote communities such as Burwash Landing. This is a wonderfully scenic day filled with big skies and mountain views. Re-enter Alaska and overnight once more in Tok, a practical and atmospheric stop in the far north.
1 Night in
Tok, AK
290 miles
DAY 16: tok to fairbanks
Discover Alaska’s interior and its golden heart
Continue through Alaska’s interior to Fairbanks, passing scenic recreation areas and stretches of classic highway scenery along the way. Known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks offers a different feel to coastal Alaska, with long summer daylight and a rich pioneer heritage. Consider visiting local museums or venturing out towards Chena Hot Springs.
1 Night in
Fairbanks, AK
200 miles
DAYs 17-18: fairbanks to denali national park
Wild landscapes beneath North America’s highest peak
Drive south along the George Parks Highway to Denali National Park, one of Alaska’s true icons. This vast wilderness is home to tundra, forest, braided rivers and abundant wildlife, all watched over by mighty Denali. During your stay, travel into the park by shuttle bus for unforgettable scenery and excellent chances of spotting bears, moose and caribou.
2 Nights at
Denali NP, AK
120 miles
DAY 19: denali national park to talkeetna
A quirky small town with Denali views
Continue south to Talkeetna, a charming and characterful town set near the confluence of three rivers. Known as a base for Denali climbers, Talkeetna has a lively local feel with art galleries, cafés and historic buildings. On a clear day, the views towards Denali are superb, making this a memorable and relaxed overnight stop.
1 Night in
Talkeetna, AK
125 miles
day 20: return to anchorage & fly home
Scenic return and journey home from Alaska
Enjoy a relaxed drive back to Anchorage, with time to pause in the Mat-Su Valley or around Wasilla for final views of Alaska’s vast landscapes. Back in the city, savour your last evening—perhaps with fresh local seafood or a stroll along Cook Inlet. Tomorrow, return your vehicle and begin your journey home.
1 Night in
Anchorage, AK
115 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortable, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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