Glaciers, Fjords Denali & Alaska Train Vacation

Day 1 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Kenai Fjords Cruise Board Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train in GoldStar Service for one of Alaska’s most spectacular rail journeys. Leaving Anchorage, the route follows the edge of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise sharply from the water and the railway curves through a dramatic corridor of tidewater, cliffs, forest and glacier-carved valleys. Continue into the wild mountain scenery of the Kenai Peninsula before arriving in Seward, a harbour town set between Resurrection Bay and snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Cruise through Resurrection Bay and into a landscape of rugged coastline, alpine glaciers, tidewater ice and rich marine habitat. Watch for Steller sea lions, harbour seals, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters and whales as your vessel passes the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on the way toward Holgate or Aialik Glacier. Pause near the glacier face to listen for the movement of the ice and, conditions permitting, watch for pieces of ice falling into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard before returning to Seward. (Breakfast and lunch are included today.)

Day 2 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 11 Excursions Enjoy a full day in Seward, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal towns, set between Resurrection Bay, forested mountains and the glacier country of Kenai Fjords National Park. Today, choose the experience that best matches your travel style, from kayaking and wildlife cruising to Exit Glacier, dog sledding, fishing or premium helicopter and glacier adventures. Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 4. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 5. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 3 Seward to Anchorage | Private Transfer | Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad This morning set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, we will experience the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America which is shared with Alaska Railroad. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and cruise deep into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 named glaciers and many more unnamed. Cruise close to these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Lunch is included onboard. Back in Whittier, we board the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for our final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions Today, personalize your day by choosing the experience that best matches your travel style. Option 1. Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram Travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors, where the Chugach Mountains rise directly from the water. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping mountain and inlet views, enjoy lunch in Girdwood, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where moose, bears, wolves, musk oxen, reindeer and other Alaska wildlife can be seen in a natural setting. Option 2. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour Join a local guide for an afternoon excursion into the Talkeetna Mountains. Travel along the Knik Arm before climbing into the alpine scenery of Hatcher Pass. Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park, try gold panning, and enjoy an easy interpretive walk along the Mill Loop Trail, where mountain views and mining history come together. Option 3. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari See Anchorage from above on a 30-minute introductory flight from Lake Hood, one of the world’s busiest seaplane bases. Depending on conditions, your route may include views of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm or Cook Inlet, with opportunities to watch for wildlife from the air. Wheeled aircraft may be used early and late in the season. Option 4. Sunset Photo Safari Chase Alaska’s long summer evening light with a guided photography excursion around Anchorage and Chugach State Park. Your route is flexible, allowing time for scenic stops and possible wildlife photography along the way. Your Alaska Photo Treks guide provides creative and technical support to help capture the best images of the day. Option 5. Anchorage Scenic City Tour Explore Anchorage with a guided city tour covering local history, Dena’ina heritage, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. Learn about the city’s origins, watch for salmon at the urban fishery, and enjoy panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside area, where moose and eagles are sometimes seen. Option 6. Anchorage Walking Tour - Downtown Food and History Stroll through downtown Anchorage on a guided food and history tour. Sample local favourites such as fresh seafood, reindeer sausage and handmade desserts while hearing stories from Alaska’s past. This is an ideal choice for travellers who want to combine local flavour with cultural context. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour Fly southwest of Anchorage by floatplane for a guided bear viewing experience. Depending on the season and bear activity, your destination may be Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Watch for Alaska’s brown bears in their natural habitat, with viewing locations selected according to where bears are most active. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Travel by seaplane from Anchorage to remote Alaska fishing waters for a guided salmon or trout fishing adventure. Suitable for both experienced and novice anglers, this full-day wilderness experience combines scenic flying with the chance to fish in a remote backcountry setting. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers, icefields and mountain terrain, with chances to spot wildlife such as moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land high on a glacier snowfield to meet Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers before taking a dogsled ride through real snow. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Proenneke’s Cabin and Lake Clark Tour Fly by floatplane from Anchorage to remote Lake Clark National Park and land on Twin Lakes. Visit the hand-built cabin of Dick Proenneke, the legendary naturalist who lived alone in the Alaska wilderness for nearly 30 years. Along the way, watch for wilderness scenery and possible wildlife from the air.

Day 5 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad This morning, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for a full-day rail journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park. From your glass-dome seat or the private outdoor viewing deck, watch the route leave the city and open toward Knik Arm, forests, wetlands and river country. Cross the Eklutna, Knik and Matanuska river areas, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north, then continue through the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear days, look for Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, and possible views of Denali near the Susitna River before the train travels beyond Talkeetna into wilder backcountry and toward the Alaska Range. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance this afternoon, with the rest of the day free to enjoy the mountain setting. (Breakfast and lunch are included onboard the train today.)

Day 6 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 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 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 7 Denali to Anchorage | Choose 1 of 2 Options Option 1. Denali to Anchorage | Coach | Included Depart Denali early this morning by comfortable motorcoach and travel south along the Parks Highway through broad river valleys, boreal forest and small Alaska communities. Watch for views of the Alaska Range before continuing through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, where mountain scenery, braided rivers and wide northern landscapes unfold along the route. Arrive in Anchorage this afternoon, where your Alaska vacation comes to an end. Option 2. Denali National Park to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad | Upgrade Option Enjoy a relaxed morning near Denali, with time for optional activities such as rafting, hiking or flightseeing before boarding Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for the journey south to Anchorage. Travel past rivers, forests and broad valley scenery, with chances to watch for wildlife along the way before arriving in Anchorage this evening, where your Alaska vacation comes to an end. (Lunch and dinner are included onboard the train today.)