06-Days | Self Drive - Kenai Peninsula

Experiencing Alaska with a Self Drive Tour during the winter months is a truly unforgettable way to visit the state covered with a thick blanket of snow and to enjoy the many outdoor activities such as: Snowmobiling, X-Country or Downhill Skiing, Sled Dog Tours and Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) observation. Travel along Turnagain Arm with the scenic snow capped Kenai Mountain Range in the background, ski and/or relax and rejuvenate at the world-class Alyeska Resort - Alaska's largest Ski Area. The tour continues with the grey whale observation within Kenai Fjords National Park and concludes with outstanding Bald Eagle viewing in Homer on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula.

Arrival in Anchorage. Pick up your 4x4 Jeep, Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer and drive along the Turnagain Arm with sweeping panoramic views of the Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges. Stopover at the Beluga Viewpoint with excellent chances to spot Dall Sheep, Mountain Goats or Moose along the ridges or even along the highway. Upon arrival at the town of Girdwood check in at Alaska's only four Diamond Resort Hotel nestled at the base of the Alyeska Mountain. This true deluxe hotel provides world-class spa facilities, indoor pool, an ice-skating ring, ski equipment rental and eight different restaurants. All rooms with double or king size beds, radio, TV, phone, wireless internet access, private bathroom and a beautiful view. Overnight: Alyeska Resort

The Alyeska Ski Resort - just 40 miles south of Anchorage - features remarkably the lowest base elevation (250 feet) of any major ski resort within the United States. This burgeoning mountain resort features 1,000 acres of terrain, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to double black diamond runs to challenge the experts - all surrounded by the majestic mountains and snow capped glaciers of the Chugach Mountain Range. If you are an avid X-Country Skier you may enjoy the 50 + km of non tracked and/or groomed trails. Other winter activities include Dog Sledding, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating and Sledding. Overnight: Alyeska Resort

The fishing port of Seward is known as the gateway to the 605.000-Acre Kenai Fjords National Park Wilderness and provides outstanding Orca and Grey Whale watching opportunities during the winter months when whales are migrating within the area. Enjoy your 2.5 hour cruise through Resurrection Bay with its scenic alpine and tidewater glaciers, jagged shorelines and towering rocky outcroppings. The vessel provides a heated cabin with large picture windows. (Optional Sightseeing & Activity Tour) Upon return spend some time at the Alaska SeaLife Center – the world's first cold water marine search institute - which is also Alaska's only permanent stranding and rehabilitation facility for marine mammals. Take a stroll through the community and sample typical Alaska Seafood in the evening in one of Seward's many excellent restaurants. Overnight: Seward

Morning: Visit the Seavey Family's Iditarod Racing Kennels. See first hand the preparations to get an Iditarod team to the starting line as you tour the kennel, cuddle the adorable puppies, and then hitch teams of 8-12 dogs for an 7 mile dog sled ride. You can drive the sled or ride in the basket, either way you will be accompanied by one of our guides through the incredible scenery of the Seward Alaska. (Optional Sightseeing & Activity Tour) Continue your journey and drive to Homer along incredible scenic route through the Kenai Mountain Range with breathtaking views of the snow capped Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt, and Mt. Augustine Island mountains. All of these mountains are active volcanoes and have erupted in the past few years. On the way to Homer don't miss to visit the former Russian village of Ninilchik with its small authentic orthodox church. This is the western most point to which you can drive on the North American continent. Homer is located at the southwestern tip of the Kenai Peninsula on the shores of Kachemak Bay. Overnight: Homer.

The community of Homer is blessed with a view to the south that is stunning in its beauty and grandeur. The rugged Kenai Mountains spread across the sparkling waters of Kachemak Bay and soaring snow capped peaks with massive glaciers are crawling towards the sea. You'll enjoy outstanding Bald Eagle photography during the winter months on the Homer Spit - a 6-mile peninsula of sand that extends into Kachemak Bay - because nearly 500 Bald Eagles are gathering here at this time of the year. This is the second largest concentration in Alaska after the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines. The Homer area is also a popular for X-Country Skiing on many groomed and scenic trails. Winter King Salmon trolling is another option and may be an anglers delight. Overnight: Homer

After breakfast spend some more time at leisure in Homer before heading back to Anchorage. Optional tour extensions, custom itineraries or additional hotel overnights in Anchorage are available upon request. End of tour package services.