3-Week Alaska Tour Packages
4.6 stars on(8,893 reviews)- Choose from 5 Alaska tours
- 750+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Alaska tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaAlaska travel expert at TourRadar
17 Days in Alaska, incl. Anchorage and Denali National Park
A 17-day Alaskan tour winds through Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Prince William Sound, and Inside Passage. The itinerary combines Alaska Railroad's scenic route, glacier encounters, and cultural experiences, earning a 4.7/5 rating from travelers.
- Days 1-2
Anchorage & Valdez
Start your Alaska adventure in downtown Anchorage. You'll find plenty of local restaurants serving fresh wild-caught salmon for about $30-40 per plate. Head out early the next morning for Valdez through the Matanuska Valley. "The schedule and locales were excellent. Watching massive cabbages grow in 24-hour daylight was fascinating," one traveler shared. Make time for Bridal Veil Falls on your way. The full journey takes 6-7 hours with photo stops.
- Days 3-4
Prince William Sound & Fairbanks
Take a cruise through Prince William Sound to see the impressive 3-mile face of Columbia Glacier. Watch for seals, sea otters and whales along the way. The next day brings a longer drive to Fairbanks (about 8 hours) on the Richardson Highway. Stop at the historic Delta Junction Roadhouse to stretch your legs.
- Days 5-7
Fairbanks & Denali
Start at Gold Dredge #8 to try your luck panning for gold. Take the Sternwheeler Discovery river cruise to learn about Athabascan culture. Next day, take the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. "The upgraded dome car experience was worth every penny for the panoramic views," according to one guest. Spend a full day in Denali with a naturalist guide. Early morning offers the best wildlife viewing.
- Days 8-9
Anchorage & Seward
Visit Happy Trails Kennels to meet Iditarod sled dogs before going back to Anchorage. Take a day trip to Seward the next day for a Kenai Fjords cruise. One traveler suggests: "Dress in layers and bring motion sickness pills - the waters can get choppy but the glacier calving is incredible."
- Days 10-13
Cruise Embarkation & Glacier Bay
Start your cruise from Whittier after driving from Anchorage. Spend two days on the Gulf of Alaska before reaching Glacier Bay National Park. "The sounds of creaking glaciers and calls of soaring eagles made this the highlight of our trip," say recent reviews. You'll stop in either Skagway or Haines.
- Days 14-17
Inside Passage to Vancouver
Visit Juneau, Alaska's capital, then explore Ketchikan. Your final full day takes you through the Inside Passage before arriving in Vancouver. Book late afternoon flights to allow time for immigration.
20 Day Alaska Itinerary, incl. Denali and Seward
The 20-day Alaska adventure covers 6 key destinations with extended stays in Seward and Denali National Park. Highlights include Maclaren River Lodge's Glacier Camp, Columbia Glacier excursions, and in-depth visits to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
- Days 1-2
Anchorage & Seward
Begin in Anchorage with views of four mountain ranges: Chugach, Alaskan, Kenai, and Talkeetna. The 2.5-hour drive to Seward along Turnagain Arm offers chances to spot Beluga whales. "The scenic drive alone was worth it - we saw Dall sheep on the cliffs and even caught glimpses of beluga whales in the inlet," shared one traveler.
- Days 3-4
Kenai Fjords National Park
Join a wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords to spot calving glaciers and marine life. The Exit Glacier trail offers two options: a challenging 8.2-mile Harding Icefield trail or an easier 2-mile lower loop. Start by 8am to avoid typical afternoon storms in summer.
- Days 5-7
Homer & Kachemak Bay
Take the 4-hour drive to Homer and stop at Russian River Falls to watch salmon running in July-August. A water taxi to Kasitsna Bay opens up wilderness camping and kayaking opportunities. "The half-day sea kayaking was incredible - we paddled right next to curious sea otters and saw bald eagles diving for fish," one visitor reported.
- Days 8-12
Denali National Park
The 6-hour drive north to Denali rewards you with spectacular scenery. Spend 3 full days exploring and wildlife watching. Take the park shuttle bus into the park's interior. Early morning departures between 6-7am offer the best wildlife sightings. "Bring layers and rain gear even on sunny days. Weather changes fast and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer," advised a traveler.
- Days 13-14
Maclaren River Lodge
Follow the remote Denali Highway to Maclaren River Lodge. Take a jet boat to Glacier Camp for wilderness camping without cell service. Canoe downstream the next day. The riverside camping spots offer excellent northern lights viewing in late August.
- Days 15-17
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Allow 3 hours for the historic 60-mile McCarthy Road into America's largest national park. Try ice climbing on Root Glacier if you're reasonably fit. No experience needed but bring extra socks. Glacier hiking will get your feet wet despite waterproof boots.
- Days 18-20
Valdez & Return to Anchorage
Visit Valdez via Thompson Pass. Stop at the salmon hatchery to spot feeding bears. Book a Columbia Glacier kayak trip in the morning when waters are calmest. Return to Anchorage on a 6-hour drive past Matanuska Glacier.
18 Days in Alaska Inside Passage, incl. Sitka and Dutch Harbor
Your 18-day Alaskan voyage spans Nome, Katmai National Park, and Sitka aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen. Brown bear viewing, Dutch Harbor's fishing community, and St. Matthew Island's rare wildlife precede sailing through the Inside Passage with expert naturalist guides.
- Days 1-2
Seattle to Nome
Start in Seattle and check out Pike Place Market. Visit between 10-11am to catch the fish-throwing action without fighting huge crowds. The next day you'll fly to Nome. Pack a good mix of clothing since Nome's weather tends to switch quickly.
- Days 3-5
Bering Sea to St. Paul Island
The Bering Sea crossing is perfect for whale watching. Bring binoculars (at least 7x magnification) to spot wildlife. You'll need sturdy waterproof boots for St. Paul Island's wet landings and some trekking poles for the slippery ground. A recent visitor said, "Seeing dozens of puffins nesting on the cliffs was incredible. But the wind is fierce - definitely pack a windproof jacket."
- Days 6-7
Dutch Harbor
Dutch Harbor's weather likes to keep you guessing. Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities each day. Visit the WWII museum right when it opens at 10am to beat the crowds. Remember to cover your shoulders at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The local bald eagles love hanging out near the fishing boats, so keep your camera ready.
- Days 8-10
Alaska Peninsula & Katmai
The expedition boats take you right to the best bear-viewing spots in Katmai National Park. Listen to your guides about bear safety. Head out early (around 6am) for the best light and most active wildlife. Bring something to protect your camera from the coastal mist.
- Days 11-13
Kodiak Island to Icy Bay
Kodiak Island is great for bear watching if you're patient. One visitor shared, "We waited quietly for 45 minutes before seeing a mother and cubs. Worth every minute!" Bundle up for glacier viewing in Icy Bay. The small boat trips get cold but give you amazing views of the glaciers.
- Days 14-16
Sitka to Misty Fjords
All the historic sites in Sitka are an easy walk from the dock. Get to Sitka National Historical Park at 8am to see the totem poles in peace. For Misty Fjords kayaking watch the weather. The morning mist usually clears by afternoon.
- Days 17-18
Inside Passage to Vancouver
You'll see great scenery the whole way through the Inside Passage. Book a port side cabin for better views of coastal towns. Gastown in Vancouver looks best at dusk when they turn on the old-style lamps. Think about staying an extra day in Vancouver. It's worth more than a quick stop.
