Alaska Railroad - Alaska By Rail Tour

Tour 152

Combine a classic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali and Fairbanks with the independence of touring by car on Alaska's oldest, and arguably most scenic roadway. The easy pace of this tour allows ample time to enjoy the experience of Denali National Park with a wildlife tour and to explore Fairbanks and Valdez.

Eight days/seven nights

Day 01: Arrival Anchorage; Anchorage; transfer to hotel on your own. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 02: Anchorage to Denali National Park; Today you will depart Anchorage aboard the Alaska Denali.

Day 03: Denali National Park Tour / Fairbanks; Early morning Tundra Wildlife Tour. This afternoon depart Denali via the Alaska Railroad for travel to Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 04: Fairbanks; Pickup your rental car in Fairbanks and tour the Fairbanks area on your own. Review optional Fairbanks Excursions. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 5: Fairbanks to Paxson/Glennallen Area / 178 miles / Plan 4 hrs driving time, not including stops. Follow the Richardson & Alaska Highways east towards Tok until Delta Junction. Just outside of Fairbanks you drive by North Pole, the home of North America's Santa Claus. In Delta Junction take the Richardson Highway and drive south towards Paxson/Valdez. Overnight Glennallen/Copper Center.

Day 6: Paxson/Glennallen to Valdez / 186 miles / Plan 5 hrs driving time, not including stops
Drive the spectacular Richardson Highway further south. Part of the route parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Weather permitting incredible views of the St Elias Mountains. Drive by Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its waterfalls. Overnight Valdez.
Valdez Excursions

Day 7: Valdez to Anchorage / 6.5 hours aboard the ferry from Valdez to Whittier Drive Whittier to Seward 85 miles / Plan 1 hour drive time, not including tunnel waiting period or stops.
Leave Valdez in the early morning on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry and travel through beautiful Prince William Sound. Upon arrival in Whittier drive through the new Whittier-Portage Tunnel (one-lane tunnel, open to traffic during certain hours only). Possible stop at the Portage Glacier and Visitor Center. Then drive the Seward Highway to Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage. Optional Anchorage Excursions

Day 8: Anchorage departure
Return car to Anchorage airport car rental station. Depart or start additional program.

7 nights accommodation and taxes. Passage on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali and from Denali to Fairbanks. Denali wildlife tour. Four days car rental including one way fee and unlimited mileage. Ferry passage for passengers and vehicle from Valdez to Whittier and toll fee from Whittier to Portage.