Tour overview
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery on this Alaskan Glaciers and Wildlife vacation as you travel on the Alaska Railroad’s comfortable coach and rail combination through Alaska’s coastal and interior regions. See two of Alaska’s most famous national parks, including Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. These two iconic Alaska destinations offer the best opportunities to view Alaska’s famous wildlife both on land and at sea. Be amazed by whale watching and a marine life cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, then head to Denali for two days to explore this iconic wildlife habitat.
What is included
Accommodation for 7 nights
Train from Anchorage to Seward
Train from Denali to Anchorage
Regular bus service from Seward to Talkethn
Regular bus service from Talketna to Denali National Park
6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise with lunch
4-6 hour bus tour to Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
All taxes and fees
Tour route
DAY 1
Arrival at the anchorage
Arrival in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel on your own. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, located between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides a great start to your vacation. Overnight in Anchorage.
DAY 2
Anchorage to Seward
In the early morning, you will transfer on your own to the Anchorage Rail Depot for your journey on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. This scenic journey along Cook Inlet and through the glacier-filled Kenai Mountains has been voted one of the best train rides in the country! The rest of the day is free to explore in Seward. Take a leisurely stroll to scenic lookouts or get adventurous with a glacier hike on Exit Glacier. If time permits, you can also visit the Alaska Marine Life Center or the Mitch Seavey Dog Kennel. Seward’s Overnight.
DAY 3
Seward
Today we are going on a 6-hour cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts an abundance of wildlife, alpine and tidal glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for stellar sea lions, fur seals, puffins, eagles and whales as you cruise through Resurrection Bay. Pass the Alaska Marine National Wildlife Refuge on your way to Holgate Glacier or Ayalik. Your boat will stop in front of the glacier to witness the deep blue ice breaking into the ocean. After returning to the port at 17:30, the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Seward.
DAY 4
Seward to Talketna
Start your day with a leisurely morning in Seward. At 10:30 leave by bus to Talketna. While enjoying the mountain and coastal scenery, be open to wildlife on your way to Anchorage. You will have 90 minutes in town for lunch before continuing north to Talkeetna. Talketna is known as the starting point for Denali climbing expeditions. When the weather is clear, the mountain views are spectacular. After arriving in Talkeetna at 17:30 the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Talkeetny
DAY 5
Talketna to Denali National Park
Spend a day at leisure in the picturesque and historic town of Talketna. Explore downtown, relax at your hotel, take in the views of Denali, or go hiking. Optional tours include skiplane flights to land on the Denali glacier, fishing and watercraft adventures (see Tour Supplement). At approximately 5:45pm you will depart for Denali by bus, arriving at 9pm. Overnight at the entrance to Denali Park.
DAY 6
Denali National Park
Take a bus tour of Denali National Park today. Look for wildlife such as bears, caribou and moose as you travel through unspoiled wilderness, as well as views of Mt. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary. The tour lasts approximately 4-6 hours and covers approximately 30-43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free for optional tours (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight at the entrance to Denali Park.
DAY 7
Denali National Park to Anchorage
Sleep in this morning or enjoy a short excursion before leaving the national park. Transfer by hotel shuttle to Alaska Railroad Depot for noon departure. Stunning views from the train include the Alaska Range, Summit Lake, Hurricane Gorge and, if the weather is clear, 20,310-foot Denali Peak. Stroll through the train carriages, visit the restaurant car and ask the experienced local guides on board. After arriving in Anchorage around 20:00, self-transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Anchorage.
DAY 8
Departure from the anchorage
Depending on the time of departure, you may have free time for souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Independent transfer to the airport.