Spend 6 days exploring some of Alaska's most iconic sights from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Designed for those short on time who want to see all the main Alaska highlights, this tour takes advantage of the Alaska Railway system to visit 'must-sees' Anchorage, Denali National Park and finally Fairbanks. Explore Anchorage before boarding the train to Denali National Park where you can hike, raft the waters of the Nenana River and look for wildlife such as grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves and more. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, learn about the Gold Rush era and take part in an authentic Sternwheeler cruise, if you so choose, to finish up your week of adventure. Opt to add more time and explore Anchorage or Fairbanks further or go deeper into Denali National Park.
This extension is designed to be added on to other Alaska tour services or cruises and not sold as a stand-alone tour.
Highlights
Admire the incredible scenery while on the train from Anchorage to Denali
Search for moose, wolves, caribou, & bears in wildlife-rich Denali National Park
Experience Denali's unique taiga and tundra ecosystems with your naturalist guide
Learn about the local history while trying your hand at panning for gold
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive in Anchorage on the flight of your choice. Transfer independently to your hotel and settle in for the evening. If time allows, explore the city a bit tonight.
*You can add one or more free days in Anchorage. Day tour options abound - biking along the coastal trail with views across Turnagain Arm, visits to heritage museums, flightseeing trips over bear country, or cruise in the Kenai Fjords for the day.
Travel north on the Alaska Railroad today, arriving at Talkeetna - the historic stop which marks mid-way to Denali. Settle into your lodge before setting out on an afternoon guided flight-seeing tour of Denali National Park. Fly completely around Denali, spotting features such as the Kahiltna Glacier, the west buttress, Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge. Then, fly across the divide to spot Denali's Wickersham Wall, a 14,000-foot continuous 'wall' of rock and ice. An optional landing on a glacier, on the flanks of Denali, is included in this tour.
Day 3: Free Morning in Talkeetna, Train to Denali, Rock Creek Hike
This morning is free to explore the town of Talkeetna prior to boarding your train to Denali National Park. This expansive wilderness in the heart of Alaska is one of the region's most popular destinations, notable for its pristine landscapes, incredible flora and fauna, and exciting activities that await. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a guided hike on the Rock Creek Trail. This “front-country” experience offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant hike on an improved trail inside the park boundary. Guests will be picked up by their interpretive guide and shuttled over to the Denali Visitor Center as the guide shares some of the basics about the unique history and attributes of Denali. The participants will take off from there on an invigorating loop hike of approximately four miles on the Rock Creek Trail, returning back to the Visitor Center via the Roadside Trail.
Today it is time for some river adventures! Set out towards Healy to get on the water for a thrilling 11-mile whitewater raft down the Nenana River! This is the best rafting for those seeking a thrill, with Class III rapids and one Class IV rapid. Be prepared to get wet, as you get into real whitewater rafting through exciting rapids such as "Cable Car", "Coffee Grinder", and "Ice Worm". Return to your cabins this afternoon to warm up. Opt to explore on your own this afternoon or book another excursion for your time.
Since most of the park road is closed to private vehicles, one of the better ways to dive deep into the park is on a narrated bus tour. The Tundra Wilderness Tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors - incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. The tour travels along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denali’s wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park!
Day 6: Independent Exploration, Train to Fairbanks or Anchorage
1 Dinner
Today you have your own choice whether you will head to Fairbanks or Anchorage via the train. The Denali to Fairbanks train is included in the package, but can easily be changed to a return ticket to Anchorage. It all depends on where you are headed next!
The morning is free to sleep in, or explore the Denali frontcountry and visitor center one last time. Trains depart between 12PM and 4PM, depending on the direction of travel.
The tour ends upon arrival at the train station in Fairbanks or Anchorage, but further hotel and guided services can easily be added for additional costs.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 35%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to 3% convenience fee and a maximum $20,000 charge
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.
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