Alaska Circle Tour Rail & Car

Arrive in Anchorage on your own and check-in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with the offerings of the city. Explore Anchorage's museums, gardens and parks or explore the restaurant scene, which is surprisingly diverse. Overnight in Anchorage. 

Embark on a journey aboard the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star, traveling on a northerly route from Anchorage to Denali National Park. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass through colorful fields of spruce and fireweed, sparkling salmon streams and towering mountains. In all, the journey takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Transfer to your hotel near the gates of the park upon arrival. Overnight in Denali.

Take in Denali National Park's alpine tundra and snowy mountains on a 3-8 hour bus tour of the park, learning about the land and its history along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that inhabits the park, such as bears and moose, and look on the mountainsides for glimpses at Dall sheep. As you travel further into the park, soak in the sheer majesty of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. In the afternoon, your journey continues by rail, as you board the Denali Star once more for a ride to Fairbanks. Known as "Alaska's Golden Heart City," Fairbanks is beloved for its energy and warmth, as well as its beautiful displays of northern lights during the winter months. Overnight in Fairbanks. 

*Due to a landslide and partial road closure in Denali National Park, the bus tour today will be 3-8 hours instead of the normal 7-8 hours. Duration is dependant on road and weather conditions.

Enjoy a day on your own in Fairbanks, where you can visit the Museum of the North, the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, Pioneer Park or the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. There are many wildlife tours you can embark upon, and Fairbanks has hiking trails that are suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. Perhaps take a boat ride on the Chena River or set out on one of many other outdoor adventures this city has to offer. You may also pick up your rental car today. Overnight in Fairbanks. 

The driving portion of your Alaska adventure begins today, taking the scenic Richardson Highway from Fairbanks to Valdez. Immense glaciers and dramatic mountain ranges come into view as you travel along the picturesque byway. The highway has two 100-mile sections designated as State Scenic Byways, so there are plenty of opportunities to pull over for photos during your drive. Overnight in Valdez. 

Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and home to five glaciers, Valdez is known as "Little Switzerland"; in fact, this town is known to be one of the prettiest places in all of Alaska. You can enjoy the scenery at your own pace today. Perhaps embark on a boat cruise or kayaking tour. Hiking is popular in Valdez, as well, and there are many lovely trails, including one to Bridal Veil Falls. During the colder months when there is snow on the ground, snowboarding and skiing are also popular. This destination is one of Alaska's best places to spot orca whales and harbor seals, as well as brown bears and seabirds. Overnight in Valdez.

Depart Valdez this morning and begin the 300-mile drive to Anchorage. Following the Richardson and Glenn Highways, find yourself surrounded by the tremendous natural beauty of Alaska as you travel west. You will follow along stunning rivers and past waterfalls. Soak in scenes of the towering mountains and verdant rural scapes. As you arrive in Anchorage, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening. Overnight in Anchorage. 

Your rail and drive tour of Alaska concludes this morning. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport independently or via the hotel's shuttle for your return flight home.