Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival
Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad
Depart Anchorage on Alaska Railroad for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)
Day 3 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour
Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.
Option 2. Eco Nature Tour
Anchorage is home to ecological treasures that mirror Alaska’s wild beauty. On this tour, walk through boreal forest, peer into the statewide ecosystem at a fish hatchery and visit a coastal wildlife refuge.
Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.
Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.
Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour | Additional Cost
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.)
Day 4 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad
Early this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 5 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour
Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included)
Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion
Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included)
Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour
This shorter half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 6 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad
This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 7 Fairbanks | Arctic Circle Air Adventure Tour
An Alaska travel experience would not be complete without an opportunity to experience firsthand the vast wilderness expanses and Alaska’s Arctic.
Fly over the expansive Yukon River Valley, home of traditional peoples that sustain their lifestyle and culture as they have for thousands of years. Thrill at the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range as the flight route passes just south of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonious Arctic Circle landing at a wilderness community on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Then bask in the long daylight hours of the Midnight Sun on the return flight to Fairbanks.
Day 8 Fairbanks | Departure
Upon check-out of your hotel, it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan adventure.
Day 1 Fairbanks | Arrival
Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights
Day 2 Fairbanks | Arctic Circle Air Adventure Tour
An Alaska travel experience would not be complete without an opportunity to experience firsthand the vast wilderness expanses and Alaska’s Arctic.
Fly over the expansive Yukon River Valley, home of traditional peoples that sustain their lifestyle and culture as they have for thousands of years. Thrill at the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range as the flight route passes just south of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonious Arctic Circle landing at a wilderness community on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Then bask in the long daylight hours of the Midnight Sun on the return flight to Fairbanks.
Day 3 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska Railroad
This morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour
Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included)
Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion
Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included)
Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour
This shorter half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 5 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad
This morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 6 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour
Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.
Option 2. Eco Nature Tour
Anchorage is home to ecological treasures that mirror Alaska’s wild beauty. On this tour, walk through boreal forest, peer into the statewide ecosystem at a fish hatchery and visit a coastal wildlife refuge.
Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.
Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.
Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour | Additional Cost
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.)
Day 7 Prince William Sound | Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad
Depart Anchorage on Alaska Railroad for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)
Day 8 Anchorage | Departure
Upon check-out of your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.
