Day 1 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 excursions
Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
Resurrection 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 adventure
Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
Visit 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 Hike
This 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 2 Seward | Northwestern Fjord Cruise
Today 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 3 Seward to Anchorage | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Begin your adventure from Seward to Anchorage with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier, then 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 black bears along the banks of the river. Arrive in Anchorage late this evening where your incredible Denali adventure comes to an end. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)