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Alaska by Rail and Car Tour

Great flexibility at a leisurely pace combining independent travel by train and car.

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Tour Code: 152CTA

Tour Overview

Experience one of the world’s most incredible train rides aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks, including a stop at Denali National Park. The included bus tour into Denali National Park brings opportunities for wildlife viewing. From Fairbanks, explore the vast landscapes of the remote Richardson and Glenn Highways by car. Ample time for photographic stops and exploration of roadside glaciers, waterfalls, and state recreation areas, with additional chances to see wildlife along the entire route.

What's Included
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Train from Anchorage to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks
  • 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
  • 5 days midsize car rental from Fairbanks to Anchorage, including a one-way fee and unlimited mileage
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Transfers in Anchorage, meals, gratuities. Car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, gas, and GPS rental.

 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Anchorage Arrival

Arrive into Anchorage and transfer to your hotel by shuttle or on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Overnight in the Anchorage downtown area.

Day 2
Anchorage to Denali National Park

This morning transfer to the Anchorage train station by hotel courtesy shuttle or on your own. At 8:15am, you will travel from Anchorage to Denali National Park aboard the Alaska Railroad. Upon arrival in Denali at 3:45pm transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle. With a size of over 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s greatest wild animal preserves. Here, protected from hunting, the animals roam freely in a region dominated by the continent’s tallest mountain. Most visitor facilities are grouped near the park entrance. Your evening is free for optional activities or you can relax and enjoy some leisure time. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Day 3
Denali National Park to Fairbanks

This morning, 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 approx. 4-6 hours long and takes you approx. 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. In the afternoon, travel by train to Fairbanks. Upon arrival in Fairbanks at 8:00pm, transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 4
Fairbanks

This morning you will pick up your rental car in Fairbanks and tour the area on your own. Attractions in Fairbanks include the Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, the Ice Museum, and the Santa Claus House in the nearby town of North Pole. You may also choose to add one of the many tours available in Fairbanks, such as a tour over the Arctic Circle or a Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 5
Fairbanks to Valdez

Today you will drive the Richardson and Alaska Highways southeast from Fairbanks to Valdez. As you depart Fairbanks you will drive past the town of North Pole, the home of the Santa Claus House. During your drive you will have many opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Denali (on clear days) and the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. Before reaching Valdez you will drive past Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its numerous waterfalls, including the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. Valdez is the gateway to Prince William Sound, with wonderful glacier cruises and kayaking tours. Overnight in Valdez.

Day 6
Valdez

Valdez was almost destroyed by a tsunami in 1964, but is now rebuilt and is a busy port city at the end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Your day is free to explore the small town of Valdez. Local attractions include the Valdez Museum, the Solomon Gulch salmon hatchery, and the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. You may wish to go on an optional glacier cruise to see part of Prince William Sound and its natural wonders (see Tour Add-Ons). For the more active, kayaking tours are also available.  Overnight in Valdez.

Day 7
Valdez to Anchorage

Today you will drive north through Thompson Pass to Glennallen. There are good photo opportunities of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline on this route. Glennallen is located on the western edge of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. Views of the mountains are incredible when the weather is clear. From Glennallen you will  head southwest; this route has wonderful views of the Matanuska Glacier and numerous hiking trails. Pass through the Matanuska Valley as you continue to Anchorage. You may wish to stop at the Alaska Native village of Eklutna along the way. Overnight in Anchorage. You will stay in the mid-town area of Anchorage or near the Anchorage airport.

Day 8
Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Return your car to the airport rental station and depart Anchorage.

Tour Map

 
 

1Choose Departure Date

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Tour prices are based on double occupancy
Standard Program
Upgraded Program
Date Standard Rate Upgraded Rate


2Choose Tour Program

This Tour has Two Program Levels

Standard Program Offers:

  • Hotels: moderate to standard tourist class hotels (2 and 3 star).
  • Train seating: standard rail car seating / adventure class. You have the option to upgrade your seating to dome rail car seating on selected train routes when you book the tour.
  • Rental car: a midsize rental car is included, you can upgrade to a larger vehicle when you book the tour.

Upgraded Program Offers:

  • Hotels: good moderate to first class hotels (3 and 4 star), wherever possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns.
  • Train seating: deluxe dome rail car seating wherever possible.
  • Rental car: a midsize rental car is included, you can upgrade to a larger vehicle when you book the tour.


3Room & Traveler Selection

*Child prices are valid for children 11 years and younger, sharing a room with at least 2 full paying adults with the existing bedding. Maximum of 4 people per room.

Number of Rooms

- 1 +

Guests per Room

Maximum 4 people per room

Children ( 0 - 11 years )



Good to Know

To complete this reservation we will need for each person: Full name including middle name(s), gender and date of birth.

After you click "See More Details & Book”, you will see tour availability. "To Be Requested" indicates that the service cannot be immediately confirmed online. This status requires us to check space with the hotel or service supplier and the service may or may not be available.


Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the Alaska by Rail and Car Tour:

Columbia Glacier Cruise

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $170 / pp

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn about mining, […]... Browse itinerary

Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez

Length: 7.5 hours

Starting at: $190 / pp

This Valdez day tour takes you on a 110-mile glacier cruise through the majestic waters of Prince William Sound to Meares Glacier. On board, you can spot and photograph Prince William Sound wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, […]... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $106 / pp

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic sternwheeler riverboat. […]... Browse itinerary

My favorite part was the ferry ride from Whittier to Valdez — breathtaking. Thank you all for making it the trip of a lifetime!

Sue | Facebook

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