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Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
INTRODUCTION
In Alaska the land is every bit as beautiful as the sea, and this Alaskan rail adventure gives you the chance to enjoy it all.
Combining Alaska Railroad with Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound and Denali National Park, you'll have Freedom of Choice on three separate days to customize your trip in a way that best suits your interests.
Will it be helicopter flight-seeing, dog sledding, a brewery tour or bear viewing?
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 to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Kenai Fjord CruiseBoard 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. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Steller sea lions, seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. You will stop in front of the glacier to hear it moving and possibly see ice fall into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 2 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday 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.
Day 3 Seward to Anchorage | Private Transfer | Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise | Alaska RailroadThis morning set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, we will experience the famous Anton 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. 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. Back in Whittier, we board the Alaskan Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for our final leg of the tour to Anchorage.
Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet 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. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis 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 SafariView 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 TourEnjoy 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.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 5 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadEarly 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 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #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 7 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 ExcursionRanked #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 to Anchorage | 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 for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Kenai Fjord CruiseBoard 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. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Steller sea lions, seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. You will stop in front of the glacier to hear it moving and possibly see ice fall into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 5 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday 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.
Day 6 Seward to Anchorage | Private Transfer | Prince William Glacier Cruise | Alaska RailroadThis morning set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, we will experience the famous Anton 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. 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. Back in Whittier, we board the Alaskan Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for our final leg of the tour to Anchorage.
Day 7 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet 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. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis 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 SafariView 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 TourEnjoy 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.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
After your tour today your incredible Alaskan adventure comes to an end.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 6 nights
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Seward Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Kenai Fjord National Park Cruise with deli-style lunch
- 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
- Private transfer Seward to Whittler
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch onboard the cruise
- Whittier to Anchorage onboard Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train
- Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions
- Anchorage Brew Tour
- Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
- Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & 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 & Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- 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 TrainThe 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!
Schedule a CallDATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily(Tour Code: TRA11)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: TRA12)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
18 May 24 - 31 May 24 01 Jun 24 - 07 Sep 24 08 Sep 24 - 12 Sep 24 | $5,612 $6,048 $5,384 | $8,636 $9,268 $8,180 | $4,670 $5,040 $4,519 | $1,730 $1,808 $1,730 |
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 24 - 31 May 24 01 Jun 24 - 07 Sep 24 08 Sep 24 - 12 Sep 24 | $6,173 $6,411 $5,945 | $9,757 $9,996 $9,301 | $5,050 $5,288 $4,898 | $1,730 $1,808 $1,730 |
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS ALASKA VACATION
Seward Windsong Lodge
Days / Nights
Denali Cabins
Days / Nights
Grande Denali Lodge
Days / Nights
Hotel Captain Cook
Days / Nights
Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Days / Nights
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REVIEWS
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
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
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
Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!
Tina M Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
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