Discover the wild beauty of Alaska, travelling on its iconic railways or cruising its rugged coastline on an Independent tour. Enjoy the support of an expertly crafted itinerary with the freedom of unescorted travel, so you can experience the sights of America's Last Frontier your way.
Travel on scenic railways, cruise glacial passes, see iconic wildlife and witness the showstopping Northern Lights on our curated collection of Alaska vacations. You're free to tailor your vacation, choosing from hand-picked hotels, excursions, tours and add-ons. With travel, transfers and accommodations included, you can explore on your own terms, knowing we've taken care of the rest.
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Our completely flexible tours give you the freedom to choose how you want to travel and how you want to experience your trip. These tours are unescorted, so you have the scope to travel at your own pace and to enjoy your trip independently, while still having a framework to guide you. Get ready to travel your way and delight in the beauty of a journey that's all yours.
(140 reviews)Uncover scenic landscapes and quintessential sights of Alaska on this seven-day independent journey featuring the Denali Star. Travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna, where a jetboat takes you along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, and then embark on a tundra wilderness tour in Denali National Park, with an expert guide revealing the best...
(25 reviews)By land and by sea, discover a land of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery. Begin by boarding the elegant Holland America Ship in Vancouver, and sail north, past forests and glaciers. Cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, and make stops in Alaskan towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Take a thrilling trip along the scenic...
(56 reviews)There is no place quite like the Alaskan wilderness. This corner of North America is a unique place where culture-filled destinations are carved into landscapes that remain virtually untouched otherwise. Gorgeous scenery marked by glaciers, snowy mountain ranges, fjords, pretty coastlines, and wide-open expanses is always within reach, and the...
(20 reviews)By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, and...
(47 reviews)Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan journey...
(22 reviews)Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your cozy,...
(8 reviews)The Empire Builder travels the legendary 2,206-mile route from Chicago, across the northern United States west to Seattle, the Gateway to Alaska. But this picturesque rail journey is only the start of this unforgettable 11-day vacation. Upon arrival in Seattle, transfer on your own to your hotel and enjoy the highlights of Seattle. Then board your...
(10 reviews)Powder-capped mountains and frosty landscapes beckon in America's winter wonderland, Alaska. Here, the days are short, the nights are long, and snow covers the terrain to create storybook scenery during your four-day vacation. Split your time between Anchorage and Talkeetna, venturing between them on the storied rails of the Alaska Railroad. With...
(12 reviews)This 10-day rail-cruise adventure combines some of the most breathtaking scenery on the west coast by land and sea with a relaxed and well-paced itinerary to meet every lifestyle. The Coast Starlight links Los Angeles to Seattle, the Gateway to Alaska. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular U.S. train routes, you will travel more than 100...
(54 reviews)Embark on an 11-day tour featuring some of Alaska's most revered railroads. Discover the natural beauty of Prince William Sound during a cruise, and travel aboard the Glacier Discovery train from Whittier to Anchorage before marveling at scenic Turnagain Arm as the Coastal Classic takes you to Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. ...
(22 reviews)Alaska is a land filled with wild beauty and interesting destinations; enjoy the best of both worlds on this 6-day expedition. Your time here is marked by adventures through two great Alaskan cities and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Your journey begins in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Fairbanks. It is in...
(7 reviews)Set sail on one of Holland America's luxurious cruise ships for a seaside trip from Vancouver, Canada to Skagway, Alaska. Sailing through the Inside Passage takes us to Juneau and Skagway, and from here, the journey continues on land to Whitehorse, Dawson City, Fairbanks and finally, to the crowning jewel of this journey, Denali National Park.
Aug 13, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
If your idea of a memorable trip includes nature’s beauty and majestic wildlife, look no further than Alaska, where wild adventures are easily accessible.
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May 15, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
From the remote expanses of wild Alaska to the stunning islands and fjords of Scandinavia, here are our top destinations for Northern Lights tours in 2026.
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Dec 27, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Ah, Alaska! A land where summer unfolds like a fairy tale, where the sun stretches across the sky, refusing to set, painting landscapes so diverse they seem otherworldly. Here, history whispers tales of resilient cultures against a backdrop of nature's most dramatic scenes. In Alaska, summer is more than a season; it's a grand adventure under endless daylight.
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Sep 25, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Learn how long routes through remote territories and unmatched panoramas over the vast wilderness make the Alaska Railroad the best way to explore Alaska.
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