There are some places that seem to exist on a different scale.

Alaska is one of them.

The roads stretch through vast wilderness. Wildlife still outnumbers people in many places. Mountains dominate the horizon and every day feels like an invitation to explore a little further.

It’s a destination that rewards curiosity. One day might be spent hiking through wild landscapes, the next paddling a canoe on a quiet lake or scanning the shoreline for bears and moose. The distances are big, the scenery is bigger, and the sense of adventure is hard to match.

For travellers who love the freedom of a road trip but want the benefit of experienced local guides and a small group of like-minded adventurers, Alaska offers an experience unlike anywhere else in North America.

Late August is also a fascinating time to be there. The landscapes begin to shift towards autumn, with golden forests and crimson tundra adding a new dimension to an already spectacular setting. Wildlife remains active and the first opportunities to spot the Northern Lights begin to return as the nights grow longer.

This year we have a handful of places remaining on two small-group Alaska overland adventures, both limited to just 12 travellers.

The first is a 13-day Highlights Tour departing on 18 August, combining comfortable accommodation with wildlife encounters and some of Alaska’s most memorable landscapes. The second is a 12-day Denali Expedition departing on 30 August, featuring hiking, canoeing and time exploring Alaska’s backcountry.

If Alaska has been on your list for a while, this could be the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones you’ve spent years planning. They’re the ones you decide to say yes to before the opportunity passes by.

Part of what makes these journeys special is the way they’re run.

Designed for small groups of just 12 travellers, they capture the spirit of an old-fashioned road trip, where the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.

Travel is aboard a characterful converted American school bus, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere as the landscapes unfold outside the window. With plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and connect with the places you’re travelling through, it feels less like following an itinerary and more like sharing an adventure with a group of fellow explorers.

Check out the trips and make an enquiry on any that catch your eye so we can send full details!