Tour 149

Designed for independent travelers and enthusiasts of journeys by rail, this tour utilizes the convenient daily schedule of the Alaska Railroad and well located hotels. Local experts and on board rail staff are your guides. This is a journey through Alaska's rich history and varied native cultures and lifestyles.  From the majestic waters of Kenai Fjords National Park to Alaska's great interior region, this tour moves at a relaxed pace and includes many major Alaskan highlights. In just eight days you will travel the entire Alaska Railroad system, cruise Kenai's scenic shoreline, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park, and cruise on a classic sternwheeler in Fairbanks.

Eight Days/Eight Nights

Day 1:  Welcome to Anchorage. Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle or on own. Overnight Anchorage.

 

Day 2:  Transfer to the rail station by hotel courtesy shuttle or on own.. Travel aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward Journey past Beluga Point and along Cook Inlet. The spectacular scenery is a highlight and represents all that Alaska is famous for. On arrival in Seward, you will be met and transferred to the small boat harbor where you will embark on a cruise into the Kenai Fjords National Park. Lunch is included on board the vessel. The evening is at your leisure in Seward. Overnight Seward. 

 

Day 3:  Enjoy a day in scenic Seward to explore on your own. Admission to the Alaska Sea Life Center, a world-class marine research facility funded by the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, is included. Return to Anchorage this evening aboard the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage. Transfer to hotel by courtesy shuttle or on own. Overnight Anchorage.

 

Day 4:  This morning travel by rail to Talkeetna.  Afternoon tour aboard the 51-passenger "Talkeetna Queen" embarking on a 2-hour Riverboat  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 Alaskan river systems.  Overnight Talkeetna.

 

Day 5:  Talkeetna is the main flight departure point for Mt. McKinley and offers excellent aerial tours to the mountain (flightseeing is optional and not included). Early this afternoon you will depart Talkeetna by rail and continue north to Denali National Park. The afternoon is free for optional tours: river rafting, hiking and exploring. Overnight at Denali.

Day 6:  Today's adventure includes traveling by bus into Denali National Park on an early morning Tundra Wildlife Tour. Later this afternoon travel by train to Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 7:  This morning you will travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers for 3.5 hours on a classic sternwheeler riverboat. The river tour includes interpretation of the natural history of the area as well as an introduction into the Athabascan Native culture. The remainder of today is at your leisure. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 8:  This morning you depart Fairbanks for Anchorage via scheduled flight (55 minutes). On arrival in Anchorage transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle or on own to your hotel. Remainder of the day is free for optional tours. Overnight Anchorage.

Eight nights hotel accommodation, including taxes. Rail transportation from Anchorage to Seward (round trip), Anchorage to Talkeetna, Talkeetna to Denali National Park, and Denali to Fairbanks. Scheduled air from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Kenai Fjords National Park marine cruise (includes lunch), admission to the Alaska Sea Life Center, Talkeetna jet-boat tour, Denali National Park Wildlife Tour with snack lunch, and Sternwheeler riverboat cruise in Fairbanks.

2004 Rates	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
May 15 - June 10	$2059	$1418	$1247	$1175	$514
June 11 - September 3	$2397	$1612	$1400	$1292	$534
September 4 - 9	$2059	$1418	$1247	$1175	$514