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Alaska Train Vacation Kenai Road Trip Combo
INTRODUCTION
Experience the best of what Southcentral Alaska has to offer on this 11-day combination road trip and rail vacation.
Beginning in Anchorage, drive to Seward for a Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise plus your choice of activities from kayaking or canoeing to dog sledding or glacier hiking.
Hit the road once again to Homer and Girdwood, then trade your car for the train and continue to Talkeetna.
Travel in Alaska Railroad's GoldStar class soaking up perks like glass-dome railcars, gourmet dining, expert tour guides and a second-story outdoor viewing platform, making sure to keep an eye for wildlife at Denali National Park.
Drive your own Jeep on a scenic highway near the park or take a Tundra Wilderness Tour, then finish your itinerary in Fairbanks.
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 | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise This morning travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway. From Porterage travel through mountain tunnels to the port town of 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). Lunch is included onboard. Following your cruise it is an approximate 2 hour drive to Seward.
Day 3 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these 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.Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife CruiseTreat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 31/2 hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.
Day 4 Seward to Homer | 270 km/168 miles Continue your self-drive journey and follow the Sterling Highway, a designated scenic highway covering miles of spectacular landscape. Along the way view snowcapped mountains, active volcanoes including Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Augustine, deep ocean bluffs, excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River, and a magnificent coastline.
Day 5 Homer | Day at LeisureHomer “Halibut Capital of the World” provides you with truly incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Spit. Use the day to explore the area - kayak to a remote cove, take a scenic cruise and spot wildlife including whales, seals, sea otters and many shorebirds. If you prefer to observe Grizzly bears up close, take an optional scenic flightseeing tour to the Katmai Coast.
Day 6 Homer to Girdwood | 297 km/185 miThis morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, 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. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort.
Day 7 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 miDriving north towards Anchorage you’ll have a chance to view the magnificent scenery back to the Kenai Peninsula across Turnagain Arm. If you like, there is a great walking area in Potter Point Park along the ocean. Keep an eye out for beluga whales making their way towards the Cook Inlet or for Dall sheep combing the mountainsides.
Day 8 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska RailroadDepart 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. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today)
Day 9 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadThis morning take the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar to Denali National 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 10 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 11 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 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 RailroadThe morning is at leisure. 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 to Girdwood (Alyeska Resort) | 62 km/38miToday travel along the Seward Highway towards Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway as you travel through Chugach State Park, one of the most scenic coastal drives in Alaska.This resort has activities available for all, from the Roundhouse Museum at the peak to mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
Day 6 Girdwood to Seward | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise This morning continue to Whittier along the Porterage Glacier Hwy from Porterage; the gateway into the Porterage Glacier If time permits, travel down Porterage Valley for views of several Alpine glaciers! Finally, drive 2.5 miles through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America! 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). Lunch is included onboard. Following your cruise it is an approximate 2 hour drive to Seward.
Day 7 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these 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.Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife CruiseTreat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 31/2 hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.
Day 8 Seward to Homer | 270 km/168 miles Continue your self-drive journey and follow the Sterling Highway, a designated scenic highway covering miles of spectacular landscape. Along the way view snowcapped mountains, active volcanoes including Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Augustine, deep ocean bluffs, excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River, and a magnificent coastline.
Day 9 Homer | Day at LeisureHomer “Halibut Capital of the World” provides you with truly incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Spit. Use the day to explore the area - kayak to a remote cove, take a scenic cruise and spot wildlife including whales, seals, sea otters and many shorebirds. If you prefer to observe Grizzly bears up close, take an optional scenic flightseeing tour to the Katmai Coast.
Day 10 Homer to Anchorage | 355 km/221 miThis morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Anchorage. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox.
Day 11 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 10 nights
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch onboard the cruise
- Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
- Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
- Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip
- Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
- Exit Glacier Hike
- Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
- Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Alyeska Scenic Tram Ride
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Talkeetna Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating & private outdoor viewing deck with meals included onboard train) - 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) - Meals as per itinerary
Hotel Information | Moderate Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Homer - Land’s End Resort | Midship Bay Room
- Girdwood - Alyeska Resort | Deluxe Room
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Main Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
Hotel Information | Superior Grade
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- Homer - Land’s End Resort | Staterooms
- Girdwood - Alyeska Resort | Deluxe Room
- 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
- Portage fees
- Rental car
- Road and tunnel tolls
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: SDA6)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: SDA7)
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 | $3,906 $4,642 $3,589 | $6,136 $7,356 $5,501 | $3,254 $3,829 $3,042 | $1,199 $1,227 $1,199 |
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $4,575 $5,144 $4,257 | $7,473 $8,360 $6,838 | $3,705 $4,169 $3,494 | $1,199 $1,227 $1,199 |
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REVIEWS
1 of 7
"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 7
"Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients."
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
3 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 By Design was great in helping to make adjustments to the clients reservations. The clients were thrilled with there trip.
Jemma L New York
4 of 7
"Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen 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 by Design to our friends.
Anne Mathews Australia
5 of 7
"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
6 of 7
"I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design Absolute Experts "
I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design, 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
7 of 7
"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"
Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!
Tina M Los Angeles, CA
Alaska Train Vacation Kenai Road Trip Combo
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