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Alaska | Tour Code: 12348
Embark on a quintessential Alaskan journey, where you'll traverse the state's most coveted destinations via coach and rail, with leisurely stops in each location.
Highlights
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Enjoy Alaska’s spectacular scenery while traveling aboard the Alaska Railroad
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Take the a scenic hike up to the Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska
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Discover Denali National Park, one of the world's greatest wildlife preserves.
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Cruise through the wildlife-rich and glacier-filled waters of Kenai Fjords National Park
Entire Bonus
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This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination.
Overview
Embark on a quintessential Alaskan journey with this thoughtfully designed itinerary, allowing you to experience the state's top destinations at a relaxed and unhurried pace. Combining scenic bus routes and the renowned Alaska Railroad, you'll travel in comfort as you explore the iconic landscapes of Anchorage, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. Each leg of the journey showcases the grandeur of Alaska’s wilderness, with opportunities to immerse yourself in its rich history and wildlife.
Start your adventure in Anchorage, the gateway to Alaska, before heading south along the coast to Seward, nestled on the edge of Resurrection Bay. Here, you’ll explore Exit Glacier, a stunning natural landmark where you can walk close to the ancient ice fields, followed by a breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Marvel at towering glaciers and the diverse marine life, including playful sea otters, majestic whales, and puffins, as you glide through the icy waters.
Your journey then continues by the scenic Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, known for its charming small-town atmosphere and its proximity to Denali. Take part in an exhilarating riverboat tour along remote rivers, offering the chance to spot wildlife and soak in the surrounding beauty of Alaska's wilderness. The panoramic vistas of Denali, North America’s tallest peak, will leave you awestruck as you traverse through this untamed landscape.
Next, experience the wonders of Denali National Park, where you’ll embark on a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour, venturing deep into the park’s rugged terrain. Keep your camera ready, as this area is prime habitat for spotting grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and other Alaskan wildlife. The slow pace of this tour ensures ample time to take in Denali’s natural splendour and capture those perfect photos.
After your time in Denali, the Alaska Railroad whisks you north to Fairbanks, a city steeped in Gold Rush history. Here, you’ll step back in time with a classic sternwheeler river cruise along the Chena River, giving you a taste of Alaska’s historic frontier spirit while surrounded by scenic beauty.
Throughout the journey, you'll have plenty of time to explore each destination, enjoying guided city tours and scenic excursions without feeling rushed. Whether you're marveling at glaciers, cruising through fjords, or learning about Alaska’s rich cultural heritage, this well-paced itinerary lets you fully appreciate the raw beauty of the Last Frontier. Perfect for travellers who want to experience Alaska’s iconic sights without the hustle, this itinerary offers the best of Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in Anchorage at Hilton Hotel
- 2 nights in Seward at Harbor 360 Hotel
- 1 night in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
- 2 nights in Denali at Grande Denali Lodge
- 2 nights in Fairbanks at Pike's Waterfront Lodge
- Alaska Airlines Economy Class Flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage
- Alaska Railroad GoldStar from Anchorage to Seward
- Alaska Railroad GoldStar from Denali National Park to Fairbanks
- Alaska Railroad GoldStar from Talkeetna to Denali National Park
- Guided Exit Glacier Nature Walk/Hike in Seward
- Kenai Fjords National Park cruise
- Jetboat Tour in Talkeetna
- Scenic City Tour of Anchorage
- Denali National Park Bus Tour
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks
- Scheduled motorcoach transfer from Seward to Talkeetna
- Sternwheeler Riverboat Tour
Itinerary
The Alaska Railroad’s premium class of service offers passengers an exceptional way to travel across Alaska. Glass-dome ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform -- the only of its kind in the world -- offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos.
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is 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 in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel
Located in Southcentral Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage stands as a sophisticated metropolis in the midst of the rugged wilderness. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is where half of the state’s residents live. Moose can often be seen in Anchorage’s urban parks and the city is home to North America’s largest floatplane base, Lake Hood. Today’s 2.5-hour sightseeing tour of the city takes you around Anchorage. Stops during the tour include the Port of Anchorage or the Ship Creek area, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood. The afternoon is free to explore a variety of shops and restaurants.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel
Very early in the morning, board the Alaska Railroad to Seward. Sit back and relax as the 4-hour journey takes you along scenic Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Kenai Mountains. In the afternoon, visit Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.
During the 2.5-hour guided tour, you will take a scenic hike up to the glacier. Wear your hiking shoes and don’t forget your camera! The rest of the day is yours to explore Seward. Consider the Alaska SeaLife Center, a research and rehabilitation facility that focuses on marine mammals, seabirds, and fish species of the North Pacific. Other options include a visit to a sled-dog kennel.
Overnight in Seward at the Harbor 360 Hotel
Today, board a sightseeing vessel to cruise through the wildlife-rich and glacier-filled waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Common wildlife encounters include sea otters, sea lions, harbour seals, and many marine birds such as puffins and cormorants. With some luck, you may even see orcas or humpback whales. This 6-hour journey will also take you to the face of a tidewater glacier where you may see large chunks of ice ‘calving’ into the sea below. Keep your eyes and ears open – the sound of the ice cracking and falling is as incredible as watching it fall. Lunch is included. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Seward at the Harbor 360 Hotel
Enjoy a transfer by scheduled motorcoach to Talkeetna. The Seward Highway showcases the natural beauty of south-central Alaska. Relax and enjoy the scenery. Stop can be made in Anchorage before you travel to Talkeetna on the Parks Highway.
The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. This small distinctive community of less than 500 is often said to be the inspiration behind the television series “Northern Exposure”. The town is also the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Mt. Denali ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view "The Mountain”.
Overnight in Talkeetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
In the morning, take a 2-hour Jetboat Adventure Tour from Talkeetna. As you travel 20 miles upriver, your naturalist guide will provide information on the rivers in the area as well as Denali. You may have opportunities to view the mountain of Denali, nest bald eagles, and beaver activities.
Upon arriving at an adventure site you will take a 1/4 mile leisurely nature walk where you will see a replicated Dena’ina Athabascan encampment. After your jet boat tour, you will travel aboard the Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Denali National Park. With a size of over 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s greatest wild animal preserves. The park is protected from hunting and the animals roam freely in a region dominated by North America’s tallest mountain. Most visitor facilities are grouped near the park entrance. This afternoon you have a chance for optional activities or you may relax and enjoy some leisure time.
Overnight at Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge
Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver or guide will provide commentary. The tour is approximately 4 to 6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 to 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge
This morning you have time to participate in optional tours before a courtesy shuttle takes you to the Denali rail depot. You will board the Alaska Railroad for the journey to Fairbanks. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Fairbanks is located in the heart of Alaska’s Interior and serves as a transportation hub for the North Slope oil fields and Arctic villages. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle.
Overnight in Fairbanks at Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Today, enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour, bringing you to the highlights of Fairbanks. Immerse yourself in life-sized exhibits of traditional Alaska Native culture at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Then stop at a viewpoint for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline where your guide will explain the astonishing engineering of the 800-mile pipeline and Alaska’s oil industry. Next, explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North with exhibit galleries on Alaska’s wildlife, art and natural history (on days when the museum is closed you will visit the Antique Auto Museum instead). It’s Christmas year-round in the nearby town of North Pole where you will visit the Santa Claus House and may even get to meet Santa and his reindeer. Additionally, you will embark on a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. Along the route you will watch a bush plane take off, see a champion line of sled dogs, and learn about Native Athabascan culture at Chena Village.
Overnight in Fairbanks at the Pike's Waterfront Lodge
You will transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Fairbanks Airport for a scheduled flight to Anchorage. The flight is in the afternoon/evening. Flight time is approximately 55 minutes. Transfer to Anchorage on your own.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel
Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport.
Additional Information
FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.
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