Situated approximately 386 km north of Anchorage, Denali National Park was declared an international biosphere reserve in 1976 and home to the towering magnificence of Mount McKinley, this renowned refuge covers some 6 million acres. Offering a sanctuary to grizzlies, wolves, caribou and Dall sheep it presents the visitor with a panorama of glaciated valleys and blanketed slopes that lie amidst a sub-arctic landscape. The best time to visit the park is between mid-May and mid-September.

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Some 10,000 years after the final retreat of the last great Ice Age, Alaska still finds itself locked in the steely embrace of ice giants, with more than 100,000 glaciers still carving and surging their way across its vast wilderness. Amongst the towering peaks of the Alaska Range there are immense mountain glaciers, including the Kahiltna Glacier in Denali National Park and the magnificent Ruth Glacier, considered one of the most impressive in the country, whilst the south east coast presents the remarkable spectacle of tidewater glaciers, constantly releasing giant monoliths of shimmering blue ice into the cold waters. Many of Alaska’s stunning glaciers can be accessed by plane, boat and even on foot, presenting a vast array of one of nature’s most dazzling creations.

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Alaska Self-Drive 17 days from £3599

Vancouver (1 night), Anchorage (1 night), Seward (2 nights), Valdez (1 night), Kennicott (2 nights), Black Rapids (1 night), Fairbanks (1 night), Denali (2 nights), Anchorage (2 nights) and Vancouver (2 nights)

ITINERARY INFORMATION

Included •Vehicle hire with taxes and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) insurance based on one named driver •Welcome/Travel Assistance package and roadside assistance kit •Room only basis. Lunch included on days 4 and 11 •Ferry from Whittier to Valdez on day 5 •Light aircraft return transfers to/from McCarthy on days 6 and 8

Not included •Airport transfers •Any parking fees levied by the hotels, lodges or inns •Excess kilometre charges •Any National Park fees

Requirements •Drivers must present a full driving licence (both paper and plastic parts) •The hire is based on one driver. For any further drivers a supplement may be payable locally •Drivers must be 21 years old or over •Drivers must present a valid credit card as security for the vehicle, on collection

ITINERARY Departures daily from May to September 2008

Day 1 Afternoon departure with Air Canada from London Heathrow to Vancouver (9 hours 55 minutes). On arrival in the evening transfer independently to the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 In the morning transfer independently to the airport for the Air Canada flight to Anchorage (3 hours 25 minutes), Alaska’s largest city. Upon arrival you will be met by our local agents who will assist you with your baggage and car rental arrangements (please see the important note below). Transfer to the Anchorage Millennium Hotel.

Day 3 - ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD (205 km) Travel along the scenic Kenai Peninsula to Seward (approximately 3 hours), the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park and stay at the Hotel Edgewater. This is a fantastic area for hiking, glacier and wildlife viewing.

Day 4 Today take a morning wildlife cruise (lunch included) in the national park. (L)

Day 5 - SEWARD TO VALDEZ (146 km) Travel by ferry across the stunning Prince William Sound (approximately 3 to 6 hours depending on the vessel), with its spectacular coastline and glaciers to Valdez (the duration of driving on this day is approximately 2 hours). Stay at the Valdez Aspen Hotel. The city boasts an excellent choice of restaurants and you may wish to visit one of these during your overnight stay.

Day 6 - VALDEZ TO McCARTHY AND KENNICOTT (195 km) Travel along the Richardson Highway to the heart of Wrangell St-Elias Park; the country’s largest national park, home to over half of the 16 highest peaks in North America. Continue through the park to the town of Chitina where a light aircraft flight (30 minutes) will be taken to the town of McCarthy. Continue to the historic mining town of Kennicott and stay at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge where optional guided wilderness activities are available in the evening. Please note: whilst there is a road into McCarthy, it is gravel and not recommended for those hiring vehicles. You will be met at the airstrip in McCarthy and transferred the few kilometres to the bridge at McCarthy where you must walk to get into the town. Hoteliers will be on hand to assist with your luggage. Luggage restrictions apply to the light aircraft flight.

Day 7 - Today you may wish to tour the historic mining buildings or alternatively, in the national park itself there is plenty to experience such as glacier hiking, flight seeing or wildlife viewing.

Day 8 - KENNICOTT TO RICHARDSON HIGHWAY (284 km) Return light aircraft flight to Chitina. Back travelling on the Richardson Highway, drive through the Native villages of Gakona and Gulkana (approximately 3 hours). Stay at the historic Lodge at Black Rapids.

Day 9 - RICHARDSON HIGHWAY TO FAIRBANKS (217 km) Drive approximately 2 hours to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city for a stay at the Pikes Waterfront Lodge. During your stay a visit to the University of Alaska Museum or Creamers Field for views of migrating birds such as sandhill cranes (in season) is recommended.

Day 10 - FAIRBANKS TO DENALI (203 km) Travel to the gem of the US parks, Denali (approximately 2 hours) which is home to North Americas tallest peak Mount Denali (Mount McKinley) at 6,194 metres. Stay at the Grande Denali Lodge (Mountain view room category).

Day 11 Enjoy a wildlife tour into the heart of the national park in search for wildlife. Views of Mount Denali are possible in good weather. (L)

Day 12 - DENALI TO ANCHORAGE (386 km) Return to Anchorage along the Parks Highway (approximately 5 hours) and stay at the Anchorage Millennium Hotel. Visit the small community of Talkeetna followed by a visit to Wasilla, located midway between the Matanuska Valley and the Susitna Valley, on the George Parks Highway. Wasilla is home to the famous Iditarod sled dog race, a race over kilometres of extreme and beautiful terrain.

Day 13 Day at leisure in Anchorage to further explore the city.

Day 14 Transfer independently back to the airport for the midday departure by Air Canada to Vancouver (3 hours 25 minutes). On arrival transfer independently to the Pacific Palisades Hotel.

Day 15 Explore Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some suggestions to see in this thriving coastal city are the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park.

Day 16 Transfer independently to the airport for the evening departure by Air Canada to London Heathrow. Please note late check out at the Pacific Palisades Hotel is not included.

Day 17 Arrive London Heathrow in the morning.



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