Alaska by Rail, Coach & Cruise
10 day Rail & Coach Holiday – from £4990
Embark on an extraordinary rail and coach tour through some of Alaska’s pristine National Parks and waterways.
Highlights:
- Board the Denali Star, on the Alaska Railroad, to Denali National Park
- Enjoy a scenic cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park
- Observe moose, bison, elk and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
- See Alaska from the air on a helicopter ride and experience dog sledding
- Spot Alaska’s wild brown and black bears in their natural habitat
Your Itinerary
Expand AllThis itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.
Welcome to Alaska. On arrival into Fairbanks airport this afternoon, collect your luggage, before transferring independently to your hotel.
You are at leisure this evening to relax in the hotel or explore the commercial centre of Fairbanks. Fairbanks offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to gourmet restaurants, all serving fresh Alaskan cuisine.
Moderate & Superior: Springhill Suites, Fairbanks
Day 2 – Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park
Make your way to the railway station this morning to board the Denali Star train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. The Denali Star offers an unforgettable journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park, traversing some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Travelling in the Goldstar railcar will enhance your travel experience with luxury amenities and panoramic views. You can relax in spacious, upper-level dome seating, offering unparalleled vistas of the Alaskan wilderness. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today)
The train will arrive at the entrance to Denali National Park late morning and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your hotel or enjoy a local activity.
Moderate: Denali Cabins
Superior: Grande Denali Lodge
Day 3 – Explore Denali National Park
It is possible to explore in and around Denali National Park in a number of different ways. You can choose from any of the below options:
Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
Experience the scenic wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway in a 4×4 jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a gravel road that takes you off the beaten track enjoy scenic views of Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.
Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Coach Tour
This half day narrated tour includes highlights such as the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, the wildlife rich Sable Pass and the braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.
Option 3. Denali Summit Flight (additional charge applies)
Get a birds-eye view of Denali National Park from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks.
Option 4. Helicopter Glacier Landing (additional charge applies)
On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep.
Moderate: Denali Cabins
Superior: Grande Denali Lodge
Day 4 – Denali National Park to Talkeetna
This morning you are at leisure to relax and absorb the views or join one of the local activities. At midday, reboard the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali. (Lunch is served onboard the train today)
Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its stunning views of Mount Denali. You may like to take a leisurely stroll along the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers in the Riverfront Park, or immerse yourself in the local arts community. You will find several galleries and shops showcasing local artwork and crafts in downtown Talkeetna.
Moderate & Superior: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Day 5 – The Parks Highway
This morning you will depart Talkeetna aboard a comfortable coach. The driver will provide narration as you travel on the nationally recognized ‘Parks Highway’ through Alaska’s spectacular scenery and small historic towns.
There will be a stop in Anchorage, with enough time for you to purchase lunch, before the coach continues on to Seward situated along the scenic Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm.
Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 6 – Kenai Fjords National Park
Today you can embark on an unforgettable all-day adventure on a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This cruise delves deep into the park, journeying into the awe-inspiring Northwestern Fjord.
Here, encounter the grandeur of three breathtaking tidewater glaciers and an array of alpine glaciers. You can marvel at the rugged beauty of towering cliffs and crystalline waters teeming with marine life, including majestic Stellar sea lions, seals, magnificent humpback whales, elusive orcas, and playful otters.
As you cruise along the protected waters, you can indulge in a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch served onboard.
Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 7 – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Begin your day with a stop at Exit Glacier, where an easy walk enables you to stand beside this spectacular Glacier.
Next, you will visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox.
At Girdwood you can ride the aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of the Cook Inlet, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort. (Lunch is included today)
Moderate & Superior: Alyeska Resort
Day 8 – Helicopter flight & dog sledding
Your adventure begins with a breathtaking helicopter journey over vast glaciers and shimmering icebergs, offering glimpses of Alaska’s diverse wildlife, from majestic moose to elusive black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats.
Spend an exhilarating hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their experienced mushers, soaking in the exhilarating atmosphere of the snowy wilderness. Whether you choose to stand on the runners and guide your own dog team or prefer to sit back and let the mushers lead the way, the experience is bound to leave you awe-inspired.
After your dogsled excursion, take the opportunity to meet the remarkable canine athletes who pulled your sled, hear captivating tales of epic sled dog races spanning over 1,000 miles, cuddle with adorable puppies, and capture unforgettable moments and a selfie with your favourite dogs.
As the adventure comes to a close, your helicopter awaits to whisk you back, treating you to aerial views of lower glaciers adorned with mesmerizing blue melt pools and intricate crevasses.
Your luggage will be waiting for you as you are transferred on to your hotel in anchorage, from where you can join a guided tour of the city.
Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Superior: Hotel Captain Cook
Day 9 – Bear Watching
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat.
Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here, in the company of your expert guides, you will be able to safely view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Superior: Hotel Captain Cook
Day 10 – Farewell from Anchorage
After checking out of your hotel, transfer independently to Anchorage airport in time to check-in for your onward flight and connections.
Your Itinerary
This itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.
Day 1
| Welcome to Fairbanks
Welcome to Alaska. On arrival into Fairbanks airport this afternoon, collect your luggage, before transferring independently to your hotel.
You are at leisure this evening to relax in the hotel or explore the commercial centre of Fairbanks. Fairbanks offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to gourmet restaurants, all serving fresh Alaskan cuisine.
Moderate & Superior: Springhill Suites, Fairbanks
Day 2
| Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park
Make your way to the railway station this morning to board the Denali Star train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. The Denali Star offers an unforgettable journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park, traversing some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Travelling in the Goldstar railcar will enhance your travel experience with luxury amenities and panoramic views. You can relax in spacious, upper-level dome seating, offering unparalleled vistas of the Alaskan wilderness. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today)
The train will arrive at the entrance to Denali National Park late morning and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your hotel or enjoy a local activity.
Moderate: Denali Cabins
Superior: Grande Denali Lodge
Day 3
| Explore Denali National Park
It is possible to explore in and around Denali National Park in a number of different ways. You can choose from any of the below options:
Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
Experience the scenic wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway in a 4×4 jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a gravel road that takes you off the beaten track enjoy scenic views of Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.
Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Coach Tour
This half day narrated tour includes highlights such as the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, the wildlife rich Sable Pass and the braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.
Option 3. Denali Summit Flight (additional charge applies)
Get a birds-eye view of Denali National Park from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks.
Option 4. Helicopter Glacier Landing (additional charge applies)
On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep.
Moderate: Denali Cabins
Superior: Grande Denali Lodge
Day 4
| Denali National Park to Talkeetna
This morning you are at leisure to relax and absorb the views or join one of the local activities. At midday, reboard the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali. (Lunch is served onboard the train today)
Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its stunning views of Mount Denali. You may like to take a leisurely stroll along the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers in the Riverfront Park, or immerse yourself in the local arts community. You will find several galleries and shops showcasing local artwork and crafts in downtown Talkeetna.
Moderate & Superior: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Day 5
| The Parks Highway
This morning you will depart Talkeetna aboard a comfortable coach. The driver will provide narration as you travel on the nationally recognized ‘Parks Highway’ through Alaska’s spectacular scenery and small historic towns.
There will be a stop in Anchorage, with enough time for you to purchase lunch, before the coach continues on to Seward situated along the scenic Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm.
Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 6
| Kenai Fjords National Park
Today you can embark on an unforgettable all-day adventure on a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This cruise delves deep into the park, journeying into the awe-inspiring Northwestern Fjord.
Here, encounter the grandeur of three breathtaking tidewater glaciers and an array of alpine glaciers. You can marvel at the rugged beauty of towering cliffs and crystalline waters teeming with marine life, including majestic Stellar sea lions, seals, magnificent humpback whales, elusive orcas, and playful otters.
As you cruise along the protected waters, you can indulge in a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch served onboard.
Moderate & Superior: Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 7
| Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Begin your day with a stop at Exit Glacier, where an easy walk enables you to stand beside this spectacular Glacier.
Next, you will visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox.
At Girdwood you can ride the aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of the Cook Inlet, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort. (Lunch is included today)
Moderate & Superior: Alyeska Resort
Day 8
| Helicopter flight & dog sledding
Your adventure begins with a breathtaking helicopter journey over vast glaciers and shimmering icebergs, offering glimpses of Alaska’s diverse wildlife, from majestic moose to elusive black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats.
Spend an exhilarating hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their experienced mushers, soaking in the exhilarating atmosphere of the snowy wilderness. Whether you choose to stand on the runners and guide your own dog team or prefer to sit back and let the mushers lead the way, the experience is bound to leave you awe-inspired.
After your dogsled excursion, take the opportunity to meet the remarkable canine athletes who pulled your sled, hear captivating tales of epic sled dog races spanning over 1,000 miles, cuddle with adorable puppies, and capture unforgettable moments and a selfie with your favourite dogs.
As the adventure comes to a close, your helicopter awaits to whisk you back, treating you to aerial views of lower glaciers adorned with mesmerizing blue melt pools and intricate crevasses.
Your luggage will be waiting for you as you are transferred on to your hotel in anchorage, from where you can join a guided tour of the city.
Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Superior: Hotel Captain Cook
Day 9
| Bear Watching
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat.
Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here, in the company of your expert guides, you will be able to safely view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
Moderate: Hilton Anchorage Hotel
Superior: Hotel Captain Cook
Day 10
| Farewell from Anchorage
After checking out of your hotel, transfer independently to Anchorage airport in time to check-in for your onward flight and connections.
Your Holiday Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for.
Next Step
Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Alaska by Rail, Coach & Cruise
10 day Rail & Coach Holiday – from £4990
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