Iconic Alaska: Glaciers, Fjords & Denali by Rail

Your Alaskan journey begins today in the state's largest city, Anchorage. Tucked between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, this city offers an enticing mixture of vibrant culture and natural adventures. As you arrive, make your own way to your hotel and check in for the first of two nights.

Afterward, your day here is at leisure to explore either the natural or the urban side - or both. You may wish to join an Anchorage trolley tour or wander through downtown's shops, breweries and pretty parks. Historic 4th Avenue is the pinnacle of downtown's charm. Alternatively, you could venture to Chugach State Park. The restaurant scene is brimming with options that cater to every taste, from American restaurants to eateries serving ramen and fresh Alaskan seafood. Overnight Anchorage.

Boarding a motorcoach this morning, you travel from Anchorage to Whittier. Enjoy a background framed by the Chugach Mountains as you pass through Girdwood at the foot of Mount Alyeska, then continue through the wilderness to Whittier. Here, you join the 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound.

This unforgettable expedition navigates 150 miles of water, presenting glacier-carved shorelines, stunning fjords and picture-perfect wilderness views. The boat ventures near massive glaciers, so close that you can hear the towering masses of ice crack as they calve and the thunderous sound of them falling into the ocean below. Spot migratory birds soaring overhead and marine life, including sea otters, harbor seals and many species of whales, playing in the water. Keep your eyes on the shores, as bears, mountain goats, moose and other large animals frequently appear. Lunch is served as you cruise, with options including wild Alaskan smoked salmon chowder and vegetable chili.

Return to Whittier following the 5 1/2-hour expedition to board the Glacier Discovery Train on its journey to Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage.

• Lunch

One of North America's most spectacular train rides lies ahead today as you board the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train. Depart Anchorage early this morning with views of the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Range. The train passes through Girdwood and Grandview before entering the scenic Kenai backcountry. Look over sights otherwise hidden from travelers before Resurrection Bay comes into view as the train arrives in Seward.

The day's adventure continues with a 5.5-hour cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay. In addition to the exceptional natural scenery, which includes several types of glaciers and coastal rainforests, this region is home to orcas, whales, seals and porpoises, as well as puffins and seabirds. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while your captain navigates through the park's most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. Lunch is included as you explore, and because the cruise is fully narrated, you will not miss any of the most impressive sights.

Following the tour, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can relax or find dinner locally. Overnight Seward.

• Lunch

The day is yours to spend at leisure in the peaceful harbor town of Seward. This seaside destination puts adventure at your fingertips.

Set out on one of the local hiking trails to see glaciers, forests and pristine wilderness expanses. Experienced hikers can even hike onto the Harding Icefield. Staying in town, Seward has a charming Main Street district lined with historical buildings. Explore local art installations or shop the stores for souvenirs. The waterfront trail that connects downtown and the harbor provides an idyllic perspective on boats approaching and departing Seward and the surrounding mountainscapes.

For a more structured day, consider booking an optional excursion, such as kayaking at Bear Glacier Iceberg, a helicopter tour, or a scenic flightseeing excursion with an incredible glacier landing. Overnight Seward.

Experience the best of Seward on this morning's sightseeing excursion. Your guide delves into the fascinating history and breathtaking beauty of the "Gateway to Alaska," and after touring the city, the excursion heads to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. The Exit Glacier region is the only part of the park accessible by land, and a short walk along a nature trail takes you to the face of the glacier. As you meander along the well-kept path, you may spot bears, mountain goats or moose, and in the streams, salmon.

Enjoy lunch with a view at Resurrection Roadhouse, and after, the day continues to the Seavey Homestead, home to three-time Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey. Learn about dogsledding and its cultural significance while meeting the dogs at the kennels, then set out on the IdidaRide's Wilderness Dog Sled Ride and Tour, a two-mile wheeled sled ride to Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek.

Wrap up your day on the rails, joining the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train to Anchorage, where you stay for the night. Overnight Anchorage.

• Lunch

This morning's travels take you inland aboard the Alaska Railroad's flagship route, the Denali Star. Your destination is Talkeetna in the picturesque Mat-Su Valley. Soft morning sunlight makes for beautiful views over the Knik Arm as the journey begins. Look over the Chugach Mountains, and as the train nears Talkeetna, mighty Denali breaks on the horizon. Jump right back into the action on arrival with a jetboat ride aboard the McKinley Queen.

Your cruise explores the Talkeetna, Chulitna and Susitna Rivers and the Chulitna River Gorge, weaving through the wilderness with chances to spot eagles overhead and bears along the shore at every turn. Your boat allows you to explore an Alaskan braided river - a series of channels separated by temporary islands.

Following the tour, an included transfer takes you to your hotel for a night in Talkeetna. Overnight Talkeetna.

Relax with a free morning in Talkeetna, a town whose wild surroundings, boomtown roots and artsy undertones make it a destination like none other. You can explore the downtown region, where original buildings line the streets and shops and art galleries abound. There are plenty of places to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Continue down to the Talkeetna Riverfront Park to walk on the sandbar and soak in the glorious scenery. Optional flightseeing excursions, including over Denali National Park, are also available at a supplement.

Later this morning, join the Denali Star in traveling to Denali National Park. This route is a stunning presentation of the Alaskan wilderness, with views of the Indian River, Hurricane Gulch's dramatic landscapes and Healy Canyon. And all of this is in addition to the mountainous backdrop the Alaska Range provides. Arrive in the park this afternoon with plenty of time to begin your explorations independently. Perhaps dip your toes into Denali's history and offerings at the Visitor's Center or take a gentle hike amidst the scenery. 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.

With more than 6 million acres of protected land, Denali National Park has no shortage of scenery to captivate you during your free day in the park. Add as much or as little adventure to your day as you would like. The park has incredible hiking trails that you can explore alone or with a ranger. Choose a scenic river float or Denali helicopter tour with glacier landing for a more thrilling way to spend your time (payable locally).

This afternoon, return to the railway station to join the final leg of the Denali Star route to Fairbanks, located in Alaska's Golden Heart. Views of the vast inland tundra punctuate the path to this unique city. A complimentary transfer takes you to your hotel on arrival this evening. 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.

By land, sea and the iconic Alaska Railroad, the best of Alaska was revealed on this wilderness exploration. Beginning in Anchorage, you saw the massive glaciers and stunning fjords of Prince William Sound, and then in Seward, scenes of Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay left a lasting impression. Heading deeper into Alaska, cruising along Talkeetna's rivers, exploring Denali National Park and discovering the beauty of Fairbanks offered a memorable conclusion to this journey.

Upon checking out of your hotel this morning, your expedition through Alaska's cities and wilderness concludes. If you are not ready to head home just yet, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Fairbanks with additional nights or activities.