Best of Alaska By Train and Car

Tour length: 14 days

Price per person (based on double occupancy): starting at $3,696

Valid: June 1 to August 31, 2023

Explore Denali National Park and Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula on this combined rail and self-drive itinerary.

Day 1 – Anchorage
Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer by hotel shuttle to your Anchorage hotel for overnight.

Day 2 – Anchorage
This morning enjoy a city tour of Anchorage for an introduction to Alaska’s largest city with a long-time resident. Admission to the Alaska Native Heritage Center is included. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy optional activities or shopping. Overnight at your downtown Anchorage hotel.

Day 3 – Anchorage/Denali
It is an early start when you board the Alaska Railroad for your rail journey to Denali. Upon arrival, transfer to your overnight accommodations near the entrance to Denali National Park. Encompassing an amazing six million acres, the Park is home to Mt. Denali, North America’s highest peak and an array of wildlife. Overnight near the Park Entrance.

Day 4 – Denali
Today you will embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a 5–5.5 hour excursion into the park with a certified driver-naturalist. This tour will guide you 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 (Mile 43) to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! This afternoon choose from a variety of optional tours – flightseeing, river rafting, and heli-hiking to name a few. Overnight once more near the Park entrance.

Day 5 – Denali/Fairbanks
The rest of the morning is yours free to explore the Denali area. This afternoon board the Alaska Railroad as you continue your journey north to Fairbanks. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 6 – Fairbanks
Take part in a guided city tour of Fairbanks including stops at the Morris Thompson Cultural Visitor Center, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the impressive Museum of the North. End your tour with a stop at Santa’s House in North Pole. After that wonderful journey into the Fairbanks way of life, return to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 7 – Fairbanks/Anchorage/Girdwood
Choose from a variety of optional activities this morning from flightseeing to a museum visit. This afternoon, board your flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and begin your journey to Girdwood. Your drive travels the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway known for wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking views. Overnight in Girdwood at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska.

Day 8 – Girdwood
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the resort area or optional tours. Choose to soak in the hot tub, go on a nature walk, flightseeing, or curl up with a good book by the fireplace. Overnight at the Hotel Alyeska. 

Day 9 – Girdwood/Seward
You may want to start your day with an optional visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage for an opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife, many of which are orphaned, in an up close environment. Continue your scenic drive south to Seward. Upon arrival in this seaside community, enjoy an included visit the Alaska Sea Life Center, a marine research facility. Overnight in Seward.

Day 10 – Seward
Embark on the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise. This 6-hour wildlife and natural history cruise, includes a deli lunch. Watch for wildlife playing and feeding in their natural habitat, possibly sea otters, whales, sea lions and more! Overnight in Seward.

Day 11 – Seward/Homer
This morning say goodbye to Seward and travel to Homer, the southern-most point of the Sterling Highway. Homer is known for world-class fishing and is home to some of the best artists in Alaska. The Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile long bar of gravel, extends from the Homer shoreline. Choose from a variety of optional tours this afternoon from fishing to opportunities to visit other communities across Kachemak Bay. Overnight in Homer.

Day 12 – Homer
Enjoy the rest of the day experiencing Homer. Perhaps visit the Pratt Museum for an opportunity to learn more about Alaska and this quaint community or go on a guided bear viewing tour to Katmai National Park. Overnight in Homer.

Day 13 – Homer/Anchorage
Make your way back to Anchorage this morning, enjoying any final sightseeing stops along the Seward Highway. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 14 – Departure
Return your rental car this evening.
End of tour.

– Train transfers are based on Adventure Class.
– Rental car is not included in total price.
– Accommodations are standard 3-star and upscale 4-star hotels.
– Meals are not included unless noted above.