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Alaska Land Tour with Denali, Glaciers and the Arctic
INTRODUCTION
See all of the Alaskan first-time favorites on this Alaska Rail Tour and combine it with the beauty of Alaska's Arctic.
On this 8 day trip, you'll watch tidewater glaciers shed huge chunks of ice into Prince William Sound, have a chance to see bears in Redoubt Bay and explore Denali National Park.
Once in the Arctic, 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.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Anchorage|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Anchorage | ArrivalUpon 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 RailroadDepart 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 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet 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. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis 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 SafariView 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 TourEnjoy 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.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 4 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadEarly 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 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #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 & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This 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 in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 6 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadThis 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 TourAn 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 | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel, it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan adventure.
Day 1 Fairbanks | ArrivalUpon 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 TourAn 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 RailroadThis 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 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #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 & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This 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 in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 5 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska RailroadThis 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 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet 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. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis 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 SafariView 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 TourEnjoy 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.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 7 Prince William Sound | Glacier Cruise | Alaska RailroadDepart 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 | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 7 nights
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch | Alaska Railroad
- Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions
- Anchorage Brew Tour
- Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
- Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
- Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Arctic Circle Air Adventure Tour
- Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade:
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins
- Fairbanks - Rivers Edge Resort | Garden Cottage
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade:
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
- Fairbanks - Rivers Edge Resort | River Cottage
Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large, curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower-level dining room.
Alaska Railroad | Glacier Discovery TrainThe Glacier Discovery train between Anchorage to Whittier (Prince William Sound) only offers the Adventure Class. These single level railcars with a shared vista dome have high ceilings, large windows, as well as a truly surprising amount of leg room. Most seats recline and have foot rests. Meals can be purchased on-board.
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Rail Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: TRA17)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: TRA18)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $3,722 $4,130 $3,722 | $5,143 $5,717 $5,143 | $3,316 $3,668 $3,316 | $2,105 $2,143 $2,105 |
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $4,303 $4,545 $4,303 | $6,305 $6,547 $6,305 | $3,709 $3,950 $3,709
| $2,105 $2,143 $2,105 |
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REVIEWS
1 of 9
"We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. "
We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way.
Nick Florida, United States
2 of 9
"Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. "
We had a fantastic time. Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. We cannot thank everyone enough for their professionalism and organisational skills. To top everything off we saw the most amazing display of the Northern Lights, something I will never forget.......we certainly will be back.
Hazel Scotland
3 of 9
"Excellent Trip and loved Alaska Railroad"
Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.
Paul Williams Canada
4 of 9
"Nothing was too much trouble for Mandy or Kris when we were planning our holiday."
Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday. They were able to tailor our trip to what we wanted. We have recommended Alaska Rail Vacations to our friends and they also had an amazing experience.
Anne Mathews Australia
5 of 9
"Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes."
Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes. All my clients have enjoyed their trips thanks to the arrangements made by there amazing team
Tracey Los Angeles, CA
6 of 9
"Excellent services!"
Excellent services!Our clients were extremely satisfied with the itinerary, hotels and tours you have offered.We will contact you again for our next clients.Thanks again for all!
Polona Australia
7 of 9
"It was good that you do Nome as many do not"
It was good that you do Nome as many do not. I have been there and love it. I feel more knowledge and speed of service needs to be given to your staff.
Wendy A Australia
8 of 9
"I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail vacations"
I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail Vacations, I was introduced to them by Debra Roberts and Karen did a great job for me with a couple of my reservations
Haleh M California, USA
9 of 9
"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"
The team at Alaska Rail Vacations never fail to off excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience! Our go to company for Alaska
Tina M Los Angeles, CA
Alaska Land Tour with Denali, Glaciers and the Arctic
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