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Greatland Explorer Tour

A great option to add before or after an Alaska cruise with highlights including historical Fairbanks and tour into Denali National Park.

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Tour Code: 159CTA

Tour Overview

This classic rail journey through Alaska’s heartland takes place along one of the most scenic rail routes in the world.  It is a perfect Alaska tour add-on to an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.  Starting in Fairbanks, the route takes you south on the Alaska Railroad to Denali and includes a narrated bus tour of Denali National Park before continuing by train to Anchorage.  You’ll have ample opportunities to search for wildlife viewing and get a close, panoramic view of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain.

What's Included
  • Four nights accommodations
  • Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and Denali to Anchorage
  • 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Transfers in Fairbanks and in Anchorage, meals unless otherwise noted, optional excursions, and gratuities.

 

Tour Itinerary

Visit iconic inland highlights including Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage. This is a perfect program for those with limited time, or before an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.

Day 1
Fairbanks Arrival

Arrive into Fairbanks and transfer from the airport to your hotel on your own. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for some sightseeing and optional activities. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 2
Fairbanks to Denali National Park

Transfer on your own to the Alaska Railroad station. Depart from Fairbanks at 8:15am on the Alaska Railroad to Denali, arriving at 12:10pm.  This afternoon we suggest taking time to see the Denali National Park Visitor Center which offers many exhibits and information about the park.  Or enjoy an optional tour, such as a dinner theater, or seeing Denali by helicopter (see Tour Add-ons).  Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Day 3
Denali National Park

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary.  The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. Rest of day is at leisure.  Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Day 4
Denali National Park to Anchorage

Enjoy a leisurely morning on your own, or choose from several excursions like flightseeing or river rafting (see Tour Add-ons) before departing. Transfer to the rail station is provided by hotel courtesy shuttle where you depart at 12:30pm and journey southward on the Alaska Railroad. Soak up the breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Alaska Range and Matanuska-Susitna Valley en route to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage at 8:00pm, the transfer to your hotel is on your own. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 5
Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure time, you may have time for an optional excursion such as a city tour. The transfer to the Anchorage airport is on your own.

If you depart Alaska by cruise ship we offer optional transfers from Anchorage to Seward and Whittier. Please contact us for details.

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates




Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations.

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible.

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

 

Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the Greatland Explorer Tour:
people sitting at a table eating dinner and enjoying a dinner theatre show

Cabin Nite Dinner Theater

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Length: 2 hours

Starting at: $90 / pp

Enjoy old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Alaska Gold Rush tale of adventure in early 1900s Alaska. This dinner theater fun combines colorful storytelling, spirited music, and... Browse tour

a group of people whitewater rafting in a canyon

Canyon Run Whitewater River Rafting from Denali

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Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $125 / pp

Hang on – there’s Denali National Park whitewater ahead at Canyon Run! Choose to paddle as a river rafting team or let your rafting guide do all the work on this exciting Class III-IV whitewater rafting day trip near Denali National Park in Alaska. Enjoy every minute of your river rafting journey as you head... Browse tour

We had such a good time in August and everything was perfect (just like you all said it would be). We will definitely arrange another tour with Alaska Tours in the coming years. Thanks again.

Norma | Virginia

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