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Itinerary
Rail Onboard Alaska Railroad - GoldStar Service
The Alaska Railroad’s premium class of service offers passengers an exceptional way to travel across Alaska. Glass-dome ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform -- the only of its kind in the world -- offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos.
Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your hotel on own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Anchorage provides an excellent start to your Alaskan package and offers an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and a great selection of restaurants.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel.
Day 2 Anchorage Seward
Early this morning, transfer on your own to the Anchorage rail depot to board the Alaska Railroad to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward, the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research facility funded by the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, is recommended for a visit.
Overnight in Seward at the Harbor 360 Hotel.
Day 3 Seward Anchorage
This morning you will 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 whales. You will also cruise along the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. Spend some time in front of the glacier for a chance to watch ice calve off into the ocean with a thunderous splash! A lunch is served on-board. Following your cruise meet the Alaska Railroad for the return to Anchorage.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel.
Day 4 Anchorage Talkeetna
This morning transfer to the rail station to board the Alaska Railroad bound for Talkeetna. On clear days the Talkeetna area has awe-inspiring views of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. This afternoon you will embark on a 2-hour jet boat adventure 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 look for bald eagles, beavers, and possibly even moose and bears.
Overnight in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
Day 5 Talkeetna Denali
This morning, relax or take an optional excursion. Mid-morning, depart Talkeetna and travel aboard the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. The afternoon is free in Denali, you may try to do activities such as river rafting, hiking, and exploring on your own.
Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge.
Day 6 Denali Fairbanks
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 or guide will provide commentary. The tour is approximately 4 to 6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 to 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. In the afternoon, depart Denali on the Alaska Railroad for Fairbanks.
Overnight in Fairbanks at the River’s Edge Resort.
Day 7 Fairbanks
Today, enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour, bringing you to the highlights of Fairbanks. During the tour, you will visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center where you will find great exhibits about Interior Alaska. Then stop at the Trans Alaska Pipeline where your guide will explain the astonishing engineering of the pipeline, the oil field in Prudhoe Bay, and the Alaska oil industry. From there, continue to the Museum of the North with its dramatic architecture and new exhibit galleries (closed on Sundays in September; then the tour will go to the Antique Auto Museum instead). And finally, you will visit Santa Claus at his home at the North Pole, and buy some Alaska souvenirs and Christmas decorations.
Additionally, enjoy a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River aboard the Riverboat Discovery. Along the route, you will see a bush plane take off, see a champion line of Alaskan husky sled dogs, and gain insight into the ancient Athabaskan Indian culture during a stop at Chena Village.
Overnight in Fairbanks at the River’s Edge Resort.
Day 8 Fairbanks Anchorage
You will transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Fairbanks Airport for a scheduled flight to Anchorage. The flight is in the afternoon/evening. Flight time is approximately 55 minutes. Transfer to Anchorage hotel on your own.
Overnight in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel.
Day 9 Anchorage
Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport.
Accommodation
Grande Denali Lodge
Denali National Park
The Grande Denali Lodge on Sugarloaf Mountain is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. The interior design highlights the Alaska Native Heritage of its owners while it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River canyon. You'll find the lodge is a very special place where you can truly relax, meet friends, share a meal, or simply take in the beauty all around you. Grande Denali Lodge offers spacious guest rooms with canyon or hillside views and a selection of Alaskan-style cabins with a range of creature comforts. Our Alpenglow Restaurant features New American cuisine with a focus on fresh Alaskan seafood and tender, all-natural meats combined with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Harbor 360 Hotel
Seward
This 3-story hotel is located just 1 block from the Seward train station and at the bustling Seward Small Boat Harbor. This hotel offers comfortable hotel rooms, indoor pool and hot tub, safety deposit box at front desk, and on-site guest self-laundry facilities. There are 94 guest rooms all with private bath, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffee maker, TV, free wireless internet access, air conditioning, telephone, refrigerator and alarm clock. Microwave available on request.
Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Anchorage
Located in the heart of downtown, within three blocks of the Egan and Dena'ina convention centers, 5th Avenue Mall, and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The hotel lobby features an extensive collection of Alaskan art. Visit the fitness center and relax in the indoor pool and steam room. Enjoy American favorites and local specialties, such as wild Alaskan salmon caponata and seared Alaskan halibut in the restaurant.
River's Edge Resort
Fairbanks
This unique resort property offers a full range of accommodations, dining, and RV Park sites and campgrounds. Enjoy the beauty of authentic Alaska in your own private cottage setting situated along the banks of the Chena River. Relax in a river front cottage, where the sounds of the Chena River flowing joins with the rustling of birch leaves.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Talkeetna
Set on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America. It’s the best of Alaska, outside and in. Outside, we’re at the doorstep for high-energy outdoor adventures in Denali and beyond. Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, and a carefully-curated selection of Native art in the boutique. Award-winning cuisine, the best wine selection in the area, friendly service—and a great night’s sleep! All rooms feature a full private bath, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, satellite television, telephone, and wireless internet.
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