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Deluxe Alaska Highlights

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
202420252026
8 days From $3,837 $3,737 per person
4.5 stars(36 reviews)
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Experience the unrestrained beauty of wild Alaska on this journey featuring travel aboard the iconic Alaska Railroad, visits to two national parks, and riveting experiences that speak to the state’s culture and heritage.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Offer ends March 28th: Save $200 per booking on independent Alaska Vacations.

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2024 Tour code: WC-DAHR-24

About the tour

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 iconic Alaska Railroad puts it at your fingertips on this eight-day rail vacation. Dip your toes into Alaska's urban offerings in Anchorage before heading into nature to experience the majesty of Spencer Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Denali National Park. Enjoy sightseeing in a quintessential harbor town, Seward, and unique excursions that present America's Last Frontier by boat, train, tour bus, and even dog sled! Complete with a stay at the scenic Alyeska Resort and travel on three Alaska Railroad lines - Glacier Discovery, Coastal Classic Train, and Denali Star - this journey is truly exceptional.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Anchorage

A hub for indigenous culture, a gateway to endless wilderness, and Alaska's largest city, Anchorage is the starting point for your deluxe journey through America's Last Frontier. As you arrive today, feel free to get acquainted with your new surroundings however you see fit. You may wish to ride a sightseeing trolley through the city for an overview of its popular sights or to visit one of the local museums, such as the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Downtown is brimming with shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore, and natural adventures abound just outside the city limits. Take to one of the local hiking trails or venture atop a glacier. The possibilities are endless. Overnight Anchorage.

Opt to add additional nights and activities like a helicopter or flightseeing to get up close to mountains, glaciers, or even bears! Speak to your rail specialist for details.

Day 2 - Spencer Glacier

This morning sees you on your first route aboard the Alaska Railroad. Board the Glacier Discovery Train with views of the Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains guiding the way south to Portage. Arrive in Portage and take a guided shuttle to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals. Enjoy a chance to see the Alaskan wildlife, including black and brown bears, moose, caribou, porcupines, bald eagles, wolves, and wood bison, who call this facility home. Hop back on the shuttle to the station and reboard the Glacier Discovery Train for a quick ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where you join a float trip on the Placer River to Spencer Glacier.

Grab your life jacket and settle into your raft for the seven-mile journey down the scenic Placer River. This gentle braided waterway is surrounded by magnificent scenery, with forested mountains framing the shore and breathtaking glacial ice formations floating in the water. The pièce de résistance of the float comes as you approach the Spencer Glacier. Following the two-hour excursion, return to the shore for a transfer to Girdwood's picturesque Alyeska Resort. Overnight Girdwood.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 3 - Kenai Fjords National Park

Enjoy incredible mountain scenery as you make your way to the train station this morning to board the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train to Seward. This train's route is one of the most scenic in North America and will leave you in awe as you weave along the Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Once past Grandview, a world of Alaskan backcountry punctuated by rugged mountainscapes, waterfalls, and glaciers opens up before your eyes. Arrive in Seward with stunning views of Resurrection Bay - the host for the day's excursion.

A six-hour cruise through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay and beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park introduces you to some of the best views in south-central Alaska. A park ranger joins the group for the cruise, providing entertainment and invaluable insight as you cruise past several types of glaciers and coastal rainforests and through marine life-rich waters. Keep your eyes on the water to see orcas, seals, whales, otters, and porpoises. Bald eagles perch alongside the water, and you may spot seabirds and adorable puffins. Lunch is served aboard the ship, so you can continue watching the fantastic views unfold without missing a beat. You are transferred to Seward following the cruise, with the remainder of the evening at leisure in the port town. Overnight Seward.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 4 - Seward

Enjoy a leisurely morning to grab coffee or breakfast with a view or wander along the colorful harbor in Seward. Later, join the Real Alaska Tour to experience the Seward region at its best. The tour begins in Seward, with a guide pointing out interesting and significant sites in the "Gateway to Alaska." Learn about its history, connection to nature, and the Iditarod Competition before continuing to Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier, the only part of the park accessible by land. A short nature walk takes you to the glacier's face, and the well-kept trail is awash in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You may even be lucky enough to spot bears, moose, or mountain goats during the trek.

The day continues with lunch at Resurrection Roadhouse and a visit to the Seavey Homestead, where three-time Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey raises and trains his crew of sled dogs. Learn about the sport's place in Alaskan culture, hold puppies, and set out on a two-mile wheeled sled ride alongside Box Canyon Creek and to the base of Resurrection Mountain. It is undoubtedly a memorable experience. Even more scenery beckons as you are returned to the train station this evening to board the Coastal Classic for a journey rife with pictorial water and mountain views as the train heads to Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 5 - The Denali Star to Denali National Park

Hundreds of miles of wild scenery and a full day of adventure lie ahead as you board the Denali Star to travel from the icy waters of the south-central coast to the dramatic peaks and lush valleys of the interior in Denali National Park. The Chugach Mountains and Knik River set a lovely backdrop for the first stretch of the course; then, as the train approaches Talkeetna, keep watch for views of Mt. Denali in the distance. And somehow, the views only get more impressive from here. As the train navigates the Hurricane backcountry and crosses an expansive 296-foot bridge, look over the Indian River and the dramatic vistas provided by Hurricane Gulch. Wrap up the route with panoramic views of the Alaska Range, Healy Canyon, and the Nenana River. The Denali Star arrives at the park late this afternoon, allowing ample time to hike, sightsee, or photograph your way through the park before turning in for the night. Overnight Denali National Park.

Day 6 - Denali National Park Sightseeing

Denali National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and remarkable scenery, all of which is yours to behold today as you set out on a guided sightseeing excursion. The park's incredible diversity is displayed as your tour bus travels along the park's road corridor, traversing 43 miles to Murie Cabin near the East Fork River. Look upon serene landscapes composed of glacial lakes and picturesque valleys sweeping down from rugged mountain peaks. Keep watch for the large animals, including Alaska's "Big Five," that roam freely. You never know where a roaming moose, a mountainside Dall sheep or goat, or a bear searching for a meal might appear. Of course, your guide points out all the best sights and ensures your time in the remote wilderness is as informative as it is inspiring. This tour is truly the best way to experience Denali. Overnight Denali National Park. 

Day 7 - At Leisure in Denali

One million acres of glaciers, six million acres of untamed wilderness, and infinite possibilities greet you during your free morning in Denali National Park. Whether you crave thrilling experiences or low-key sightseeing, there are plenty of ways to fill your day. Hike one of the scenic trails - either alone or on a ranger-guided experience - or add an excursion, such as a scenic river float, a flightseeing tour, or a Denali helicopter adventure that includes a glacier landing. You could also head to a well-known wildlife corridor or scenic outlook with a camera to see what you can capture. You have until late this morning to explore as you board the Denali Star for the return journey to Anchorage this afternoon. Enjoy an encore presentation of the mountain scenery and backcountry grandeur while you sit back and relax. Overnight Anchorage.

If you are not ready to return to Anchorage, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Denali or continuing your journey north to Fairbanks on the Denali Star.

Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

With a new-found respect for Alaskan culture and memories of vivid landscapes fresh in your heart, your journey concludes this morning. You are welcome to return home at leisure, or you may speak to a 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

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage

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Denali Bluffs Hotel

Denali Bluffs Hotel

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Grande Denali Lodge, Denali National Park

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 · 36 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (22)
  2. 4 stars
    (12)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

RAMONA C

5 stars

Submitted 20 Aug 2023

Fast paced, Educational, and Fun. Highly recommended! Great food on the train, yum.

Collected by Trustpilot

CASEY FISCHER

3 stars

Submitted 13 Aug 2023

We had a few problems with transportation like when or if we were being picked up.

Collected by Trustpilot

customer

5 stars

Submitted 02 Jul 2023

The train portions of the trip, and the tours associated with them, were all well planned and executed.

Collected by Trustpilot

CHRISTINE MILLER

5 stars

Submitted 12 Jun 2023

Great time, sights. Kept us going. Needed a few days rest, but well worth the trip. Thank you

Collected by Trustpilot

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

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