You might try Alaska without a formal tour. I have been there three times since 1997. I studied the "Milepost" extensively before my first trip. I did not want to be chained to a tour that may have different priorties than mine. Anyway, in those three trips I have photographed the brown bears at Katmai NP, spent a week camping at Denali's Wonder Lake. Hiked several glaciers, flew with a bush pilot over the heavily glaciated Wrangell-St Elias NP, & kayaked in Kenai Fjords NP & also went on a whale watching trip. For each trip I spent from 2 days to a week at Denali. The wildlife & scenery is there but you must have time to wait it out due to weather conditions. Along with a grizzly on the road with me I also encountered mosquitoes & got wonderful photos of Dall sheep at a spot known as Marmot Rock.
If you need the security of a group than go that way. But if you need to watch a budget as I do than pick your way.
The trip is what you plan for and the adventure is what happens! Good Luck to you.