Alaska by Rail

Itinerary :

Day 1: Anchorage: Arrival in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Overnight stay in Anchorage.

Day 2: Anchorage – Seward: Very early in the morning, transfer on your own to the Anchorage train station, where you depart on the Alaska Railroad for Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier filled Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer to hotel on your own. Rest of afternoon is at your leisure. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center (not included) or take part in other excursions offered. Overnight stay in Seward.

Day 3: Seward – Anchorage: In the morning, depart on a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. Upon return, transfer back to train station on your own. Later, depart Seward by rail for Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer to hotel on your own. Overnight stay in Anchorage.

Day 4: Anchorage – Talkeetna: In the morning, transfer to Anchorage train station on own. Depart aboard the Alaska Railroad in the morning for a scenic train ride through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Talkeetna, where you arrive at approx. 11:05 am. In the afternoon you will embark on a 02-hr Wilderness Jetboat Tour from Talkeetna. Cruise to a wilderness site, where you will take a leisurely 1/4 mile nature walk to an authentic trapper’s cabin, complete with original furnishings. See how trappers lived in “Bush” Alaska at the turn of the century. Your guide will display raw furs from the local area, demonstrate trapping methods, and acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance here. Along the river, you will have the opportunity to view nesting bald eagles, beavers, and possibly even moose and bears. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Explore the old gold mining community, famous for its charm and as the main departure point for Denali mountain climbing expeditions. Overnight stay in Talkeetna.

Day 5: Talkeetna – Denali: Late this morning, you will depart Talkeetna by rail and continue north to Denali National Park. Prior to departure, you have the opportunity for optional tours in Talkeetna, such as flightseeing (not included). Upon arrival in Denali, transfer to hotel by courtesy shuttle. The afternoon is free for optional tours such as river rafting, hiking and exploring (not included). Overnight stay in the Denali park entrance area.

Day 6: Denali National Park – Fairbanks: Early this morning, depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This approx. 04-06 hours takes you approximately 53 miles into the Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, your experienced driver/guide will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife. Following the tour, you will travel by train to Fairbanks. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, transfer to hotel via courtesy shuttle or on own. Overnight stay in Fairbanks.

Day 7: Fairbanks: Start your day with a tour of historic Fairbanks. Your tour includes a visit to the Museum of the North, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, and Pioneer Park. In the afternoon, travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers for 3 hours on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area’s natural history and the Athabascan Native culture. You will see a trapper’s cabin, log homes, a bush pilot performance and championship sled dog team. A stop will be made at the historic site of a Chena Indian village to learn about Native Alaskan hunting and fishing techniques. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Fairbanks.

Day 8: Fairbanks – Anchorage: Today, transfer to the Fairbanks International Airport on your own for your midday flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer to your Anchorage hotel on your own. The afternoon will be free for you to explore a variety of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of our hotel. Overnight stay in Anchorage.

Day 9: Anchorage: Depending on your departure flight, you might have some free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Take the hotel courtesy shuttle or a taxi to the airport. Depart or start an additional program.