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Prince William Sound Denali Explorer | Alaska Favorites by Rail
INTRODUCTION
Our Prince William Sound Denali Explorer Alaska Rail Tour includes the luxury dome Goldstar Service on Alaska Railroad, a 26 glacier day cruise and your choice of backcountry adventure tours in Denali.
Ride the rails into an exciting world of wildlife viewing, glacier cruising and flight-seeing, plus take your choice of tours from wandering the breweries and natural attractions of Anchorage to watching bears in Redoubt Bay.
This 7 Day vacation has it all!.
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 | Arrival Upon 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 Railroad Depart 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 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 4 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad Depart 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 5 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad This 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 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 National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad This 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 Railroad This 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 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 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | 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 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 The 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 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad Depart Anchorage by rail for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s wildlife. The 26 Glacier Cruise travels over 140 miles into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 named glaciers and many more unnamed. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Lunch is included onboard.
Day 6 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 7 Anchorage | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 6 nights
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + lunch | Alaska Railroad
-
Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
- Anchorage Brew Tour
- Anchorage Eco Nature Tour
- Hatchers Passs Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
- Alaska Railroad – Anchorage to Talkeetna Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Alaska Railroad – Talkeetna to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) -
Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
- Denali Backcountry Full Day Adventure Tour
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Reduced Price
- Tundra Wilderness Tour | Reduced Price
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Guest Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | 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.
Alaska Railroad | Glacier Discovery Train The 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 Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: TRA7)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: TRA8)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Garde | ||||
20 May 22 - 31 May 22 01 Jun 22 - 31 Aug 22 01 Sep 22 - 10 Sep 22 |
$2,581 $2,770 $2,683
| $3,686 $3,977 $3,890
| $2,276 $2,431 $2,344
| $1,018 $1,046 $1,018
|
Superior Grade | ||||
20 May 22 - 31 May 22 01 Jun 22 - 31 Aug 22 01 Sep 22 - 10 Sep 22 |
$2,736 $2,976 $2,889
| $3,994 $4,388 $4,301
| $2,384 $2,573 $2,486
| $1,018 $1,046 $1,018
|
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REVIEWS
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"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
Prince William Sound Denali Explorer | Alaska Favorites by Rail
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