Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail (Tour code: 15227)

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 one of its kind in the world - offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos.

Board Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train in GoldStar Service for one of Alaska’s most spectacular rail journeys. Leaving Anchorage, the route follows the edge of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise sharply from the water and the railway curves through a dramatic corridor of tidewater, cliffs, forest and glacier-carved valleys. Continue into the wild mountain scenery of the Kenai Peninsula before arriving in Seward, a harbour town set between Resurrection Bay and snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Cruise through Resurrection Bay and into a landscape of rugged coastline, alpine glaciers, tidewater ice and rich marine habitat. Watch for Steller sea lions, harbour seals, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters and whales as your vessel passes the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on the way toward Holgate or Aialik Glacier. Pause near the glacier face to listen for the movement of the ice and, conditions permitting, watch for pieces of ice falling into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard before returning to Seward. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Overnight in Seward at Seward Windsong Lodge

Enjoy a full day in Seward, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal towns, set between Resurrection Bay, forested mountains and the glacier country of Kenai Fjords National Park. Today, choose the experience that best matches your travel style.

Overnight in Seward at Seward Windsong Lodge

Freedom of Choice Options

• Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure:

  Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point.

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• Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip:

  Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting.

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• Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour:

  Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled.

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• Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise:

  Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience.

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• Exit Glacier Hike:

  Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape.

This morning, set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, experience the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America, which is shared with the Alaska Railroad. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and cruise deep into Prince William Sound, where you will see 26 named glaciers and many more unnamed ones. Cruise close to these towering masses of ice, so close that you can “hear” the glaciers move, and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Back in Whittier, board the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. Lunch is included onboard today.

Overnight in Anchorage at Hilton Anchorage Hotel

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of these excursions.

Overnight in Anchorage at Hilton Anchorage Hotel

Freedom of Choice Options

• Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram:

  Travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors, where the Chugach Mountains rise directly from the water. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping mountain and inlet views, enjoy lunch in Girdwood, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where moose, bears, wolves, musk oxen, reindeer and other Alaska wildlife can be seen in a natural setting.

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• Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour:

  Join a local guide for an afternoon excursion into the Talkeetna Mountains. Travel along the Knik Arm before climbing into the alpine scenery of Hatcher Pass. Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park, try gold panning, and enjoy an easy interpretive walk along the Mill Loop Trail, where mountain views and mining history come together.

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• Anchorage Flightseeing Safari:

  See Anchorage from above on a 30-minute introductory flight from Lake Hood, one of the world’s busiest seaplane bases. Depending on conditions, your route may include views of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm or Cook Inlet, with opportunities to watch for wildlife from the air. Wheeled aircraft may be used early and late in the season.

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• Sunset Photo Safari:

  Chase Alaska’s long summer evening light with a guided photography excursion around Anchorage and Chugach State Park. Your route is flexible, allowing time for scenic stops and possible wildlife photography along the way. Your Alaska Photo Treks guide provides creative and technical support to help capture the best images of the day.

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• Anchorage Scenic City Tour:

  Explore Anchorage with a guided city tour covering local history, Dena’ina heritage, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. Learn about the city’s origins, watch for salmon at the urban fishery, and enjoy panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside area, where moose and eagles are sometimes seen.

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• Anchorage Walking Tour - Downtown Food & History:

  Stroll through downtown Anchorage on a guided food and history tour. Sample local favourites such as fresh seafood, reindeer sausage and handmade desserts while hearing stories from Alaska’s past. This is an ideal choice for travellers who want to combine local flavour with cultural context.

This morning, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for a full-day rail journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park. From your glass-dome seat or the private outdoor viewing deck, watch the route leave the city and open toward Knik Arm, forests, wetlands and river country. Cross the Eklutna, Knik and Matanuska river areas, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north, then continue through the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear days, look for Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, and possible views of Denali near the Susitna River before the train travels beyond Talkeetna into wilder backcountry and toward the Alaska Range. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance this afternoon, with the rest of the day free to enjoy the mountain setting. Breakfast and lunch are included onboard the train today.

Overnight in Denali at Denali Cabins

Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway or journey into Denali National Park by coach.

Overnight in Denali at Denali Cabins

Freedom of Choice Options

• Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion:

  Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife.

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• Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour:

  Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character.

Enjoy a relaxed morning near Denali before boarding Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the final rail journey north to Fairbanks. The scenery changes again as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels into Interior Alaska, where broad river valleys, boreal forest, open sky and northern light give the landscape a quieter, more expansive feel. Settle into the GoldStar dome car, step onto the outdoor viewing deck and watch the route unfold through river country, small communities and remote forest before arriving in Fairbanks, where your Alaska journey comes to an end. Dinner is included onboard the train today.