Alaska Wilderness Tour

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and a gorgeous destination at the cusp of the Knik and Turnagain Arms, welcomes you to America's Last Frontier. As you arrive, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel, and then take the day to get accustomed to your new surroundings.

If you arrive early, you may wish to take a sightseeing trolley around the city or visit the Anchorage Museum, the state's largest museum. With natural surroundings that include the Chugach Mountains, glaciers and beautiful waterways, there are also many ways to explore Anchorage's backcountry, including flightseeing or a helicopter tour.

If one night is not enough time to accomplish all your travel goals in this bustling city wrapped in wilderness, you can speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay. Overnight Anchorage.

Make your way to Anchorage's rail station this morning to board the Denali Star to Talkeetna in the beautiful Mat-Su Valley. Picturesque views of the Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains surround the tracks as you begin your journey, and as the train nears Talkeetna, you may even catch a glimpse of Denali in the distance. The Denali Star arrives in Talkeetna after a three-hour route through remote Alaska.

Drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then this afternoon, enjoy a thrilling jetboat excursion on two of the three local rivers. Look upon mountain scenes framed by lush evergreen forests as you wind along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. Continue your day in Talkeetna at leisure, perhaps on an optional flightseeing excursion highlighting Denali and the surrounding glaciers. Overnight Talkeetna.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to soak in the splendors of this wilderness town. Much of Talkeetna's original charm remains from its days as a mining boomtown in the late 1800s. Venture downtown to see its wooden buildings, grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, shop at the local galleries and stores, or head into nature for a hike before reboarding the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star.

Take in the views of Denali and the Susitna River as the train sets underway for the next leg of your journey to Denali National Park. This stretch of the track is markedly wild, weaving into the deep Alaskan wilderness after departing Talkeetna. Enjoy glimpses at the Indian River, Hurricane Gulch, and the Alaska Range as the route unfolds. Majestic views of Healy Canyon and the Nenana River below offer a glorious conclusion to your day's travels. The train arrives at Denali National Park late this afternoon with profound scenery at every angle, leaving you with a free evening to soak it all in. Overnight Denali.

A day of marvelous untouched panoramas, majestic wildlife and outback adventures lies ahead as you set out into Denali National Park on a narrated bus tour. Your Tundra Wilderness Tour takes to the park's singular road, built atop a rock glacier. Breathtaking views of Denali, the Alaska Range, lakes, and expansive valleys mark the byway with beauty. Enjoy included photo stops at scenic overlooks throughout the route and plenty of animal-spotting opportunities. Alaska's "Big 5" - bear, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep - call these protected lands home and roam freely, so keep your camera ready.

Following the excursion, you are free to continue your day at leisure. You might like to find dinner locally before watching the sun sink down. Summertime departures are lucky enough to witness the amazing phenomena of the Midnight Sun, during which the sun does not fully set, and even during the wee hours of the night, the remarkable landscapes remain bathed in golden light. Overnight Denali.

See what makes Denali National Park such an incredible destination as you explore the park independently today. You may wish to set out on foot, hiking the park's trails alone or alongside a park ranger, or see the peaks and valleys from above on a flightseeing experience. Denali offers year-round dogsledding and thrilling seasonal adventures, such as off-roading and whitewater rafting on the Nenana River. Of course, you could always keep your adventures low-key, exploring the park's Visitors Center, picnicking or choosing a location to post up and spot wildlife.

Late this afternoon, head to the train station once more to board the Denali Star to Fairbanks. The short train ride takes you deeper into the heart of the state, crossing through tundra and remote stretches en route. On arrival, transfer independently to your hotel, checking in for two nights with the evening at leisure in your new location. Overnight Fairbanks.

Enjoy a memorable introduction to Fairbanks this morning as you board the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery to cruise the Chena and Tanana Rivers*. This excursion unveils fantastic scenery at a leisurely pace, allowing you to spot wildlife along the shores and admire the rugged mountain scenery. Expert narration provides insight into Alaska's history, landmarks and ecology during the cruise.

Watch floatplanes land and take off from the water, and enjoy the opportunity to visit a recreation of a traditional Athabascan village to learn about their native heritage and connection to the Alaskan wilderness. Before the cruise concludes, you will also stop at a dog-sledding facility to meet the sled dogs.

The day is then yours to continue exploring Fairbanks independently. Perhaps take a photo underneath the city's iconic antler arch before visiting the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center or the Museum of the North. You could also venture outside the city to Chena Hot Springs. Overnight Fairbanks.

*Please note: Departures after September 2nd instead spend the day on a Fairbanks City Highlights tour by coach.

A wild state filled with adventurous spirit and phenomenal sights, Alaska has set a beautiful backdrop for your explorations over the last week. You saw the contrasts of beloved cities, including Anchorage and Fairbanks, and dove into the untamed scenery of Denali National Park on a full-day tour. Having followed the scenic route of the Denali Star and spent time uncovering Alaska on guided tours and at your own pace, your journey concludes this morning.

Upon checking out of your hotel, you are welcome to depart for home at leisure. If you are not ready for your journey to end, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Fairbanks with additional nights or activities.