Alaska by Rail

Tour 149CTA

Designed for independent travelers and enthusiasts of rail travel, this tour is a journey through Alaska's rich history and varied native cultures and lifestyles. From the majestic waters of Kenai Fjords National Park to Alaska's great interior region, this tour moves at a relaxed pace and includes many major Alaskan highlights. In just nine days you will travel the entire Alaska Railroad system, cruise Kenai's scenic shoreline, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park, and cruise on a classic sternwheeler in Fairbanks. Local experts and on-board rail staff are your guides.

 

9 Days / 8 Nights

 

Day 1:  Anchorage arrival
Transfer to hotel by courtesy shuttle or taxi. Overnight in Anchorage.

 

Day 2: Anchorage to Seward
Transfer via hotel shuttle or taxi to the Anchorage rail depot where you depart at 6:45am* on the Alaska Railroad for Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier filled Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward (11:00am*), transfer on own to hotel. Rest of day at your leisure in Seward. Admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research facility funded by the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, is included. We also recommend adding a dog sledding tour or visit to Exit Glacier (not included). Overnight Seward. 

 

Day 3: Seward to Anchorage
This morning (8am**) depart on 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 Stellar Sea Lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and even 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. Enjoy a light meal on-board. This evening, transfer to the train station via hotel courtesy shuttle. At approx. 6pm*, depart on the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage. Upon arrival (10:15pm*), transfer to your hotel via the hotel courtesy shuttle or by taxi. Overnight in Anchorage. 

**Note: From May 31 - August 24, a cruise departing at 3pm is also available for Day 2. Please advise on your reservation form if you prefer the 3pm cruise on Day 2.

 

Day 4: Anchorage to Talkeetna
This morning, transfer to the rail station by hotel courtesy shuttle or by taxi. At 8:15am*, depart aboard the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna.  Upon arrival in Talkeetna (10:45am*), transfer to hotel by courtesy shuttle or on own. This afternoon embark on a 2-hour tour jetboat safari aboard the Talkeetna Queen. Cruise to a wilderness site, where you will take a leisurely 1/4 mile nature walk to an authentic trapper's cabin, complete with original furnishings. See how trappers lived in "Bush" Alaska at the turn of the century. Your guide will display raw furs from the local area, demonstrate trapping methods, and acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance here. Along the river you will have the opportunity to view nesting bald eagles, beavers, and possibly even moose and bears. Overnight in Talkeetna.

 

Day 5: Talkeetna to Denali National Park
Late this morning (11am*) you will depart Talkeetna by rail and continue north to Denali National Park. Prior to departure, you have the opportunity for optional tours in Talkeetna, such as flight seeing (not included). Upon arrival in Denali (3:30pm*), transfer to hotel by courtesy shuttle. The afternoon is free for optional tours such as river rafting, hiking and exploring (not included). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

 

Day 6: Denali National Park to Fairbanks
Early this morning (between 5:30am and 7am), depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This 6 to 8 hour tour takes you approximately 53 miles into the Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, your experienced driver / guide will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife. Along the way, stops will be made for viewing wildlife, such as bears and moose, and taking photographs. A snack box and hot beverage are included. Following the tour, you will travel by train to Fairbanks (depart 3:45pm*). Upon arrival in Fairbanks (8:00pm*), transfer to hotel via courtesy shuttle or on own. Overnight in Fairbanks.

 

Day 7: Fairbanks
This morning, enjoy a Fairbanks sightseeing tour and visit the Alaska Pipeline. In the afternoon travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers for 3.5 hours on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area's natural history and the Athabascan Native culture. You will see a trapper's cabin, log homes, bush pilot performance and championship sled dog team. A stop will be made at the historic site of a Chena Indian village to learn about Native Alaskan hunting and fishing techniques. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Fairbanks.

(Note: Depending on availability, the sightseeing tour might also depart in the afternoon and the riverboat tour in the morning!)

Day 8: Fairbanks to Anchorage
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Fairbanks Airport. At about 11am**, depart Fairbanks for Anchorage on a scheduled flight (55 minutes). On arrival in Anchorage, transfer to hotel via courtesy shuttle or by taxi. The remainder of the day is free for optional tours. Overnight in Anchorage.

** If different flight time preferred, please advise preferred departure time such as early/late afternoon!

 

Day 9:  Anchorage departure
Depending on your departure flight you might have some free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Take the hotel courtesy shuttle or a taxi to the airport. Depart or start an additional program.

 

*All rail times are approximate and subject to change.

8 nights hotel accommodation. Train from Anchorage to Seward (round trip), Anchorage to Talkeetna, Talkeetna to Denali National Park, and Denali to Fairbanks. Scheduled flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage. 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise with light meal, admission to the Alaska Sea Life Center, 2 hour jetboat safari in Talkeetna, 6 to 8 hour bus tour into Denali National Park with snack, Fairbanks sightseeing tour and Sternwheeler riverboat cruise. All taxes and fees.

Included for standard programs are transfers in Anchorage by courtesy hotel shuttle (taxi fares are not included).  Included in upgraded programs are taxi transfers in Anchorage.

Taxi transfers in Anchorage for standard program. Optional excursions, gratuities, meals.

May 15 - September 9, 2010:  Daily departures