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Deluxe Alaska Highlights

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4.5 stars(32 reviews)
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Riding the Alaska Railroad, you see all the best of Alaska including Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
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8 days From $3,550 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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2023 Tour code: WC-DAHR-23

About the tour

Begin your Alaskan adventure in the state's largest city of Anchorage with a day to explore this grand city on your own. Next, you'll enjoy a train ride to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Here you'll see glaciers up close and personal on a float tour down the Placer River.

The next train journey takes you alongside Turnagain Arm with beautiful views on your way to Seward. Here you'll cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with stunning views of glaciers-and hopefully spot whales and sea lions too. In Seward, you'll experience true Alaskan culture with a dog sled ride and a roadhouse lunch.

An evening train ride takes you to Anchorage before you head to Denali. You'll have plenty of time to visit the beautiful Denali National Park, with a full-day bus tour followed by a free morning to explore the area on your own. Wrap up this excursion through Alaska's greatest spots as you loop back to Anchorage.

Space is limited in Denali National Park this summer. Please act fast to secure your spot on this trip.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Anchorage, Alaska

Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Explore shops, take a sightseeing trolley, visit the Anchorage Museum, or learn about the history of the first people here at the Alaska Native Heritage Center at your leisure. Overnight in Anchorage.

There's so much to see and do from Alaska's largest city. Opt to add additional nights and activities like a helicopter or flightseeing to get up close to mountains, glaciers, or even bears! If you want an activity with your bird's-eye view, opt for the dog mushing or fishing heli/flightseeing options. Or stay on the ground with a brewery tour or break a sweat with a glacier hike. The possibilities are pretty endless! Speak to your rail specialist for details.

Day 2 - Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop

Travel via the Glacier Discovery Train to Portage and take a guided shuttle to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Get close to the orphaned wildlife who call this rehabilitation facility home. Hop back on the shuttle to board the Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. On arrival, grab the provided life jacket and enjoy the Spencer Iceberg & Placer River Float Tour! Relax as professional guides row up to floating icebergs with stunning panoramic views of Spencer Glacier and surrounding mountain ranges. Transfer to Girdwood to enjoy the picturesque Alyeska Resort. Overnight Girdwood.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 3 - Kenai Fjords National Park

Board the Coastal Classic Train for a breathtaking ride along Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Upon arrival in Seward, embark on a 6 hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park in search of glaciers, whales, sea lions and more. The onboard Park Ranger ensures you'll stay informed and entertained. Enjoy a free evening exploring on your own. Overnight in Seward.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 4 - Seward, Alaska

Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore the charming port community of Seward, Alaska. Then join the Real Alaska Tour to learn the history of Seward, the "Gateway to Alaska," which promises authentic adventures, including a dog sled ride, lunch at an Alaska roadhouse and a tour to massive Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that call this place home. Later, depart on the Coastal Classic Train for another stunning look at the beauty of this region. Overnight Anchorage.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 5 - Denali Star Train, Alaska Railroad

Begin the half-day journey to Denali National Park aboard the Denali Star Train. Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, cross the Knik River and enjoy views of the Chugach Mountains. North of Talkeetna, the train heads into backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the Indian River and the expansive Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions. Arrive in Denali mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight in Denali.

Day 6 - Denali

Embark on a narrated bus tour through the National Park to Murie Cabin near the East Fork River. Travel through the wilderness with an experienced driver and naturalist guide to learn the history of the area and its wildlife. Keep your camera handy for stops at scenic overlooks and wildlife sightings. Spend the rest the day enjoying the park at leisure. Overnight in Denali.

Day 7 - Denali National Park

Enjoy a free morning in Denali, or opt to add an excursion. Choose between a scenic river float or Denali helicopter tour with glacier landing to be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. Keep an eye out for caribou, moose, bear and Dall sheep. This afternoon, board the Denali Star Train to return to Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage.

Or if you'd prefer, speak to your rail specialist to continue north on the train to the town of Fairbanks.

Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

Your tour concludes today. But if you're not ready for your adventure to end, speak to your rail specialist about extension options.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate
Hotels include the Anchorage Marriott, Anchorage; Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood; Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward; and Denali Bluffs Hotel, Denali. Service level on board Alaska Railroad is in Adventure Class.

Superior
Hotels include the Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage; Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood; Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward; and Grand Denali Lodge, Denali. Service level on board Alaska Railroad is in GoldStar Class (where available).

Please note

In general, Alaska hotels tend to be more dated and rustic than hotels found in the continental US. Due to the remote nature of the state, and destinations visited on this tour, access to select food items may be challenging or expensive. We recommend packing personal essentials and snacks to bring with you.

Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live; however are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Hotels & Accommodations are subject to change based on availability.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Anchorage Marriott Downtown

Anchorage Marriott Downtown, Anchorage

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Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage

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Denali Bluffs Hotel

Denali Bluffs Hotel

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Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park

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Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

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Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

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Train

Alaska Railroad

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 32 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (19)
  2. 4 stars
    (12)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

DANIEL WIERENGA

1 stars

Submitted 14 Sep 2022

This Tour is highly overpriced for what you get!! You’re MUCH better off traveling by car, avoiding the many transfers to and from very short term stays at expensive hotels and train stations, scheduling excursions on your own. 3 of the 4 excursions we attended were negatively impacted by the very rainy and foggy weather, one of which involving 7+ hours riding a school bus on a very bumpy road in the rain, the windows covered with dew making it impossible to see outside.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jack

4 stars

Submitted 21 Sep 2021

Great trip. Will be better after Covid.

Collected by Trustpilot

Brad T, St Paul, MN

4 stars

Submitted 07 Sep 2021

Everything was well coordinated and ran on time and according to plan. The accommodations were as advertised and the experiences in Alaska entertained the entire family. The dog sled experience was very unique and the entire family loved the experience, especially our kids (ages 11, 9).

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Brad T, St Paul, MN

4 stars

Submitted 07 Sep 2021

Everything was well coordinated and ran on time and according to plan. The accommodations were as advertised and the experiences in Alaska entertained the entire family. The dog sled experience was very unique and the entire family loved the experience, especially our kids (ages 11, 9).

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Heidi C, Waukesha, WI

4 stars

Submitted 03 Sep 2021

Alaska is more beautiful than pictures and postcards can allow.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Heidi C, Waukesha, WI

4 stars

Submitted 03 Sep 2021

Alaska is more beautiful than pictures and postcards can allow.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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