Destinations: Alaska , North America , United States
If there is a place in your mind's eye that can clearly picture the perfect Alaska - and you yearn for it- then come with us to Alaska. It is all here, exactly as you pictured it: hundreds of square miles of impossible beauty and bounty; a seemingly endless expanse of rolling forests, mountain meadows, hidden lakes, whispering streams, turquoise glaciers - and all of it teeming with rare species of North American wildlife.
The Alaska Railroad stretches 470 miles from Seward on the south-central Kenai Peninsula, to the northern "golden heart" city of Fairbanks. Along the way, the train travels through some of the most scenic and rugged territory in Alaska, including Denali National Park, Denali State Park, and Chugach National Forest.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Anchorage, AlaskaArrive Anchorage Airport and take a taxi to the hotel for check-in and overnight. Anchorage offers visitors an ideal blend of urban delights, outdoor activities and scenic vistas beyond comparison. Anchorage’s newest hotel located in the heart of downtown brings luxury and first-class comfort, which makes it the perfect host for both business and pleasure travelers. With the unveiling of its fresh look in 2008, the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa now boasts the finest lodging in Anchorage. Located with the city’s attractions – businesses, restaurants, and shopping – within walking distance, this prominent landmark is an ideal base for exploring the city. With room to spread out in, the 370 guest rooms have everything for a great night in: room service, 42” flat screen TV, refrigerator, and High Speed Internet Access.
Sheraton Anchorage or similar. Day 2: Anchorage- Seward
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Anchorage train station to board the Alaska Rail to Seward. The train departs at 6:45 am and arrives at 11:05am. Arrive Seward, transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure in Seward. Seward offers a great selection of tours, cruises and activities to choose from. By far the most popular trip is a day-cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Abundant marine wildlife and awesome glaciers make this an Alaska cruise you do not want to miss. Other list toppers include a stop at Exit Glacier, kayaking and a visit to the 52 million dollar Alaska Sea Life Center. Seward is also a great place to do some fishing. Monster halibut weighing over 300 pounds are caught each year in nearby waters, and the town is host to the popular Seward Silver Salmon Derby held each year in mid-August.
Holiday Inn Express or similar Day 3: Kenai Fjords National Park- Anchorage
Morning transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to Small Boat Harbor and embark on a 6-hour wildlife and glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Within the crystal green waters of the Fjords is an abundant array of tidewater and piedmont glaciers. Marine wildlife includes otters, sea lions, harbor seals, humpback and Orca whales, porpoises, puffins and kittiwakes. This is Alaska's most popular wildlife and glacier cruise! Return transfer to Seward train station by taxi to board the Alaska Rail to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Lunch
Sheraton Anchorage or similar Day 4: Anchorage- Talkeetna
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Anchorage train station to board the Alaska Rail to Talkeetna. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Talkeetna. Arrive Talkeetna and transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge features 200 rooms with scenic mountain and forest views, a stunning 'big timber' lobby building complete with a three-story river rock fireplace, and expansive decking offering spectacular panoramic vistas of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. This afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour Jetboat Safari on the Talkeetna River. The safari offers opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, moose and bear in their natural habitat. On the safari you will see how trappers lived at the turn of the century and visit an authentic trappers cabin with its rustic furnishings. Your guide will display raw furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or similar Day 5: Talkeetna- Denali National Park
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Talkeetna train station to board the Alaska Rail to Denali National Park. Arrive Denali and transfer to via hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel for check-in. Denali National Park is home to North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley, towering over 20,300 feet tall. The 6 million acre park will also give you one of your best opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. The Denali Bluffs Hotel is a 112-room mountainside property located one mile north of the Denali Park entrance at mile 238.4 of the Parks Highway. Every room is decorated with an Alaskan theme, and the main lodge features a large stone fireplace surrounded by a relaxing sitting area.
Denali Bluffs Hotel or similar Day 6: Denali National Park- Fairbanks
Enjoy the Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park. The park is inhabited by lots of different animal species. With some luck you may see bears, caribou, moose, mountain sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. Mt. McKinley can be seen if the weather is clear today. In the afternoon, return to the park entrance and transfer to train station via hotel shuttle to board the Alaska Rail to Fairbanks. Arrive Fairbanks and transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel for check-in. The Bridgwater Hotel features scenic view rooms, restaurant, comfortable lounge, and friendly staff awaits you.
Bridgewater Hotel Day 7: Fairbanks
Enjoy a full day tour of Fairbanks. This morning, enjoy a tour of the historical downtown area, Alaska oil pipeline and gold mining dredge. This afternoon, board the authentic sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a fully narrated 3 1/2 hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Alaskan Native guides will take you ashore to an authentic Athabascan Indian village where you'll discover traditional Native lifestyles, enjoy the work of an Athabascan beadwork artist and meet Susan Butcher's famous Iditarod sled dog team. Afterward, enjoy a bush pilot demonstration, watch a fish wheel in operation, and see the 'Wedding of the Rivers' where the Chena and Tanana Rivers converge.
Lunch
Bridgewater Hotel Day 8: Depart Fairbanks
Check out of the hotel and take a taxi to the airport for your flight home.
Departure Dates
Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.Prices
2010May 15 - 26
$2,595 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,295 Solo Traveler May 27 - August 29
$2,825 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,895 Solo Traveler August 30- September 6
$2,595 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,295 Solo Traveler Child (0-11 years): $995 sharing with 2 full paying adults Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of September, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package. Inclusions:
· 7 nights accommodation as indicated in standard rooms with private facilities
· Transportation via hotel courtesy shuttles throughout (except from Small Boat Harbor to Seward Train Station, where transfer is on own)
· Meals as indicated in the itinerary
· Alaska Railroad (standard seating) from Anchorage - Seward - Anchorage - Talkeetna - Denali - Fairbanks
· Sightseeing on a non-exclusive basis:
· 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park National Park cruise including lunch
· 2-hour Jetboat Safari on Talkeetna River
· 6-8 hour bus tour into Denali Nat Park with snack lunch and park fee
· Fairbanks sightseeing tour including visit to Golddredge
· 3.5 hrs Sternwheeler Riverboat Tour
· Comprehensive documentation and information package, all taxes Exclusions:
· Airfare to/from Alaska, airport taxes
· Taxi Transfer from Small Boat Harbor to Seward Train Station
· Any taxi transfers
· Pre/post tour accommodations
· Items of a personal nature
· Meals, unless indicated
· Alcoholic beverages (unless indicated)
· Travel Insurance
· Gratuities
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
