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Fireweed blooms before majestic Denali

Denali and Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure

Example 7 Day Tour
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Extend your journey before or after your Alaska cruise with a 7-day adventure from Anchorage to Denali. Ride the Deluxe Dome Railcar through breathtaking landscapes, hike Denali’s rugged trails, and paddle across the serene waters of Byers Lake. Explore the charming town of Talkeetna, where towering peaks dominate the horizon. Search for wildlife on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and gain insight into Alaska’s Indigenous cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Expert guides lead the way as you travel through vast mountain ranges, glacial lakes, and untouched wilderness.
Fishing along the Happy RiverLook out for moose, the largest members of the deer familyHiking through the mountainsA ride through Denali National ParkReindeer looking for the herdA bear explores the tundra surrounding DenaliBald eagles restingFireweed blooms before majestic Denali
Highlights
  • Embark on a scenic train ride from Anchorage to Talkeetna
  • Guided hikes and kayak excursions provide outdoor thrills and exploration
  • Witness moose, caribou, and grizzlies in their natural habitat
  • Discover the historic mining town of Talkeetna
  • Travel past Broad Pass peaks and across Denali’s striking valleys
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage and meet a guide who escorts you to comfortable accommodations in the city's downtown. In the evening, attend an orientation session with the Tour Director to learn about the journey ahead. Join fellow travelers for a welcome reception with light appetizers and drinks, celebrating the adventures to come. Settle in for the night and prepare for an unforgettable journey. The overnight stay will be at the Hilton Anchorage (or a similar hotel)

Day 2: Anchorage to Talkeetna

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, board the Deluxe Dome Railcar for a scenic ride north to Talkeetna. Watch for views of forests, rivers, and the Alaska Range, including Denali, North America’s highest peak. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the route. After lunch, join a guided hike around Talkeetna’s lakes, where moose, loons, and kingfishers are often spotted. End the day with dinner at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and a presentation by local naturalists on the region’s wildlife, geology, and the plans for tomorrow. The overnight stay will be at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or a similar hotel)

Day 3: Denali Wilderness Hike | Byers Lake Paddle Trip

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Begin the day with an exhilarating hike through the Denali wilderness, where every step reveals the grandeur of Alaska’s untamed beauty. Weather permitting, climb above the tree line for spectacular views of Denali’s snow-capped peaks and sweeping glaciers. After a hearty lunch, head to Byers Lake for an unforgettable paddle across its tranquil waters. Glide through the pristine lake in a kayak, watching for trumpeter swans, loons, and spawning salmon, while the breathtaking views of Denali provide a magnificent backdrop. Explore the town of Talkeetna on your own and try one of our favorite local restaurants. Return to the lodge for a restful evening after a day filled with adventure and discovery. The overnight stay will be at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or a similar hotel)

Day 4: Denali National Park

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Board the Deluxe Dome Railcar once again for a journey into the heart of Denali National Park. This scenic train ride offers unparalleled views of the Alaskan wilderness as you travel north. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard while soaking in the beauty of the towering mountains and vast valleys. Upon arrival, visit the Denali Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife through interactive exhibits and ranger presentations. Settle in for the night at the Denali Bluffs Hotel, surrounded by the park’s stunning landscapes. The overnight stay will be at the Denali Bluffs Hotel (or a similar hotel)

Day 5: Tundra Wilderness Tour

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, venture deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a narrated excursion through some of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes. Keep your camera ready as you look for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep in their natural habitats. As the tour winds through the park, marvel at the towering Alaska Range and, weather permitting, the awe-inspiring sight of Denali itself. A delicious box lunch is provided for you to enjoy during this extraordinary journey. Return to your accommodations for a relaxing evening after a day filled with breathtaking sights and thrilling wildlife encounters. The overnight stay will be at the Denali Bluffs Hotel (or a similar hotel)

Day 6: Denali to Anchorage

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Broad Pass and alongside the majestic Alaska Range. Along the way, enjoy several photo stops and opportunities to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Alaska’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Discover how Alaska’s Indigenous people lived in harmony with the land through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and authentic village sites. Cap off the day with a farewell dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients before settling in for the night at the Hilton Anchorage. The overnight stay will be at the Hilton Anchorage (or a similar hotel)

Day 7: Depart Anchorage

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while reflecting on the experiences of the past week. A transfer will be arranged to the Anchorage airport for departure. Leave with lasting memories of Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and adventures.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 31, 2025from $5,750
  • Jun 7, 2025from $5,750
  • Jun 14, 2025from $5,750
  • Jun 21, 2025from $5,750
  • Jun 28, 2025from $5,750
  • Jul 5, 2025from $5,750
  • Jul 12, 2025from $5,750
  • Jul 19, 2025from $5,750
  • Jul 26, 2025from $5,750
  • Aug 2, 2025from $5,750
  • Aug 9, 2025from $5,750
  • Aug 16, 2025from $5,750
  • Aug 23, 2025from $5,750
  • Aug 30, 2025from $5,750
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Per person starting at
$5,750

Notes

Available only as an extension to certain Alaska cruises. Price and itinerary subject to change based on cruise.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Baggage Handling
  • Rail transportation as noted in itinerary
  • Hotel taxes and fees
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Flights to/from Juneau/Ketchikan/Sitka and Fairbanks/Anchorage

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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