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Alaska Train Vacation | Best of Alaska by Train
INTRODUCTION
One of our best selling Alaska Rail tours, this itinerary is packed with adventures to create one extraordinary Alaskan experience.
The great wilderness of Alaska beckons on this exciting week-long tour of glaciers, fjords and Denali.
Beginning in Anchorage, choose to sample breweries, wander through nature or go bear viewing in Redoubt Bay, then continue to Seward on Alaska Railroad for a cruise in Kenai Fjords.
You'll wrap up the trip with a choice of tours once again in Denali.
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 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excur-sions Board the Coastal Classic Train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. (Breakfast is includ-ed onboard the train today). This afternoon choose one of these included excursionsOption 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking AdventureResurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore!Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Sew-ard, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventureOption 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride TourVisit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.Option 4. Exit Glacier HikeThis moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.
Day 3 Seward | Northwestern Fjord CruiseToday we have arranged for you to take an all-day Kenai Fjords Cruise. Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than with any other cruise and visit the magnificent Northwestern Fjord, home to three amazing tidewater glaciers, numerous alpine glaciers and marine wildlife like Stellar sea lions, seals, humpbacks, orcas and otters. (A continental breakfast & deli-style lunch is included onboard)
Day 4 Seward to Anchorage | Alaska Wildlife Conservation CentreBegin your adventure with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range, then continue to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. (Lunch is included today)
Day 5 Anchorage | Prince William Sound Cruise with RailDepart 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 6 Anchorage | Floatplane to Redoubt Bay or Chinita Bear ViewingEnjoy 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 south-west of Anchorage by float plane to either Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close
Day 7 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad | Denali Flightseeing with Glacier LandingDepart early on the Denali Star Train by Goldstar Railcar to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali and for the stunning views of this famous mountain. Take a stroll down the main street for river views, local brews and great eats. This afternoon view Denali from the air on this small-group flight over the Alaskan wilderness. Soar over rivers, valleys, and glaciers, and experience landing and walking on a glacier. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today)
Day 8 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadThis morning take the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar to Denali Na-tional Park. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier or hiking. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 9 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. 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 & 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 Glac-ier, 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 10 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadThis morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana Riv-er, 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 where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 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 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. 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 & 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 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | 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 to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali. The evening is at your leisure. Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its stunning views of Mount Denali. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Talkeetna to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad | Denali Flightseeing with Glacier LandingTake a stroll down the main street for river views, local brews and great eats. Then view Denali from the air on this small-group flight over the Alaskan wilderness. Soar over rivers, valleys, and glaciers, and experience landing and walking on a glacier. . Late afternoon, board the Denali Star train and continue your rail journey to Anchorage. Enjoy the evening scenery as you travel south to Anchorage. (Dinner is included onboard the train today)
Day 5 Anchorage | Prince William Sound Cruise with RailDepart 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 6 Anchorage | Floatplane to Redoubt Bay or Chinita Bear ViewingEnjoy 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 Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close
Day 7 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad |Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Board the Coastal Classic Train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today). This afternoon choose one of these included excursionsOption 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking AdventureResurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore!Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventureOption 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride TourVisit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest.Option 4. Exit Glacier HikeThis moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.
Day 8 Seward| Northwestern Fjord CruiseToday we have arranged for you to take an all-day Kenai Fjords Cruise. Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than with any other cruise and visit the magnificent Northwestern Fjord, home to three amazing tidewater glaciers, numerous alpine glaciers and marine wildlife like Stellar sea lions, seals, humpbacks, orcas and otters. (A continental breakfast & deli-style lunch is included onboard)
Day 9 Seward to Anchorage | Alaska Wildlife Conservation CentreBegin your adventure with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range, then continue to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. (Lunch is included today)
Day 10 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 9 nights
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Seward Goldstar Service
Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck with meals included onboard train) - Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
- Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip
- Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
- Exit Glacier Hike
- Northwestern Fjord Cruise with breakfast & lunch
- Shuttle to/from small boat harbour to accommodation
- Day tour Seward to Anchorage with lunch & the following inclusions:
- Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Aerial tram ride to the peak of Alyeska
- Prince William Sound Cruise with Rail
- Fly-in Bear Viewing Safari with lunch
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Talkeetna Goldstar Service
Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck with meals included onboard train) - Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing
- Alaska Railroad - Talkeetna to Denali Goldstar Service
Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck with 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 with meals included onboard train)
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade:
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Main Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade:
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Girdwood - Alyeska Resort | Deluxe Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Mountainside Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
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.
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Train Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: TRA23)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: TRA24)
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 | $6,647 $7,127 $6,269 | $8,566 $9,213 $7,870 | $6,107 $6,532 $5,835 | $3,854 $3,916 $3,671 |
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $7,398 $7,711 $7,020 | $10,068 $10,382 $9,372 | $6,613 $6,927 $6,341 | $3,854 $3,916 $3,671 |
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REVIEWS
1 of 7
"Awesome scenery at every curve"
We are so grateful for the careful planning and ideal itinerary for our vacation. We loved every hotel or mountain cabin we stayed in, the boat ride through the Seward fjords, Alaska Railroad, the bush ride into Denali Park for a close enough encounter with a mama grizzly and her 2 cubs....and awesome scenery at every curve.
Wayne Michigan, United States
2 of 7
"Excellent Trip"
Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.
Paul Williams Canada
3 of 7
"Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. "
Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. Thank you for organising this so quickly for us to fill in the extra 5 days after the cruise was terminated.Everything went so smoothly, and we were on everyone's' 'list' on all the transfers. The best part was the small plane flight back from Denali- it was brilliant.The cruises on the Fiords were also a highlight. So, thanks again. We are thinking of coming back to view the Northern Lights at Fairbanks and also the start of the Iditarod.
Lynne Sydney, Australia
4 of 7
"So Knowledgeable and amazing service"
Not being able to travel Internationally we decided on Alaska for our summer vacation, We worked with Samantha who has been to Alaska many times and recommended the perfect itinerary for us. This trip has made us want to go back to Alaska to experience more - next time will be another luxury remote lodge.
Jeff Los Angeles, CA
5 of 7
"They were professional and pleasant to work with."
They were professional and pleasant to work with. When the fires starts in various areas that they would be touring Alaska Train Trips were great in helping to make adjustments to the clients reservations. The clients were thrilled with there trip.
Jemma L New York
6 of 7
"Amazing Service ! I use this company all the time for my clients"
Alaska Train Trips is part of Alaska by Design and i use this company for all my Alaska Business, they are so knowledgeable and i usually work with Samantha or Jasmine.
Janie P Austin, TX
7 of 7
"Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients."
Alaska Train Trips which is part of Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients. They returned with great memories and were extremely pleased with all aspects of their trip.
Michael Figueriedo Spain
Alaska Train Vacation | Best of Alaska by Train
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