Deluxe Alaska Highlights

A hub for indigenous culture, a gateway to endless wilderness, and Alaska's largest city, Anchorage is the starting point for your deluxe journey through America's Last Frontier. As you arrive today, feel free to get acquainted with your new surroundings however you see fit. You may wish to ride a sightseeing trolley through the city for an overview of its popular sights or to visit one of the local museums, such as the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Downtown is brimming with shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore, and natural adventures abound just outside the city limits. Take to one of the local hiking trails or venture atop a glacier. The possibilities are endless. Overnight Anchorage.

Opt to add additional nights and activities like a helicopter or flightseeing to get up close to mountains, glaciers, or even bears! Speak to your rail specialist for details.

This morning sees you on your first route aboard the Alaska Railroad. Board the Glacier Discovery Train with views of the Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains guiding the way south to Portage. Arrive in Portage and take a guided shuttle to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals. Enjoy a chance to see the Alaskan wildlife, including black and brown bears, moose, caribou, porcupines, bald eagles, wolves, and wood bison, who call this facility home. Hop back on the shuttle to the station and reboard the Glacier Discovery Train for a quick ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where you join a float trip on the Placer River to Spencer Glacier.

Grab your life jacket and settle into your raft for the seven-mile journey down the scenic Placer River. This gentle braided waterway is surrounded by magnificent scenery, with forested mountains framing the shore and breathtaking glacial ice formations floating in the water. The pièce de résistance of the float comes as you approach the Spencer Glacier. Following the two-hour excursion, return to the shore for a transfer to Girdwood's picturesque Alyeska Resort. Overnight Girdwood.

• Lunch

Enjoy incredible mountain scenery as you make your way to the train station this morning to board the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train to Seward. This train's route is one of the most scenic in North America and will leave you in awe as you weave along the Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Once past Grandview, a world of Alaskan backcountry punctuated by rugged mountainscapes, waterfalls, and glaciers opens up before your eyes. Arrive in Seward with stunning views of Resurrection Bay - the host for the day's excursion.

A six-hour cruise through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay and beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park introduces you to some of the best views in south-central Alaska. A park ranger joins the group for the cruise, providing entertainment and invaluable insight as you cruise past several types of glaciers and coastal rainforests and through marine life-rich waters. Keep your eyes on the water to see orcas, seals, whales, otters, and porpoises. Bald eagles perch alongside the water, and you may spot seabirds and adorable puffins. Lunch is served aboard the ship, so you can continue watching the fantastic views unfold without missing a beat. You are transferred to Seward following the cruise, with the remainder of the evening at leisure in the port town. Overnight Seward.

• Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning to grab coffee or breakfast with a view or wander along the colorful harbor in Seward. Later, join the Real Alaska Tour to experience the Seward region at its best. The tour begins in Seward, with a guide pointing out interesting and significant sites in the "Gateway to Alaska." Learn about its history, connection to nature, and the Iditarod Competition before continuing to Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier, the only part of the park accessible by land. A short nature walk takes you to the glacier's face, and the well-kept trail is awash in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You may even be lucky enough to spot bears, moose, or mountain goats during the trek.

The day continues with lunch at Resurrection Roadhouse and a visit to the Seavey Homestead, where three-time Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey raises and trains his crew of sled dogs. Learn about the sport's place in Alaskan culture, hold puppies, and set out on a two-mile wheeled sled ride alongside Box Canyon Creek and to the base of Resurrection Mountain. It is undoubtedly a memorable experience. Even more scenery beckons as you are returned to the train station this evening to board the Coastal Classic for a journey rife with pictorial water and mountain views as the train heads to Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage.

• Lunch

Hundreds of miles of wild scenery and a full day of adventure lie ahead as you board the Denali Star to travel from the icy waters of the south-central coast to the dramatic peaks and lush valleys of the interior in Denali National Park. The Chugach Mountains and Knik River set a lovely backdrop for the first stretch of the course; then, as the train approaches Talkeetna, keep watch for views of Mt. Denali in the distance. And somehow, the views only get more impressive from here. As the train navigates the Hurricane backcountry and crosses an expansive 296-foot bridge, look over the Indian River and the dramatic vistas provided by Hurricane Gulch. Wrap up the route with panoramic views of the Alaska Range, Healy Canyon, and the Nenana River. The Denali Star arrives at the park late this afternoon, allowing ample time to hike, sightsee, or photograph your way through the park before turning in for the night. Overnight Denali National Park.

Denali National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and remarkable scenery, all of which is yours to behold today as you set out on a guided sightseeing excursion. The park's incredible diversity is displayed as your tour bus travels along the park's road corridor, traversing 43 miles to Murie Cabin near the East Fork River. Look upon serene landscapes composed of glacial lakes and picturesque valleys sweeping down from rugged mountain peaks. Keep watch for the large animals, including Alaska's "Big Five," that roam freely. You never know where a roaming moose, a mountainside Dall sheep or goat, or a bear searching for a meal might appear. Of course, your guide points out all the best sights and ensures your time in the remote wilderness is as informative as it is inspiring. This tour is truly the best way to experience Denali. Overnight Denali National Park. 

One million acres of glaciers, six million acres of untamed wilderness, and infinite possibilities greet you during your free morning in Denali National Park. Whether you crave thrilling experiences or low-key sightseeing, there are plenty of ways to fill your day. Hike one of the scenic trails - either alone or on a ranger-guided experience - or add an excursion, such as a scenic river float, a flightseeing tour, or a Denali helicopter adventure that includes a glacier landing. You could also head to a well-known wildlife corridor or scenic outlook with a camera to see what you can capture. You have until late this morning to explore as you board the Denali Star for the return journey to Anchorage this afternoon. Enjoy an encore presentation of the mountain scenery and backcountry grandeur while you sit back and relax. Overnight Anchorage.

If you are not ready to return to Anchorage, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Denali or continuing your journey north to Fairbanks on the Denali Star.

With a new-found respect for Alaskan culture and memories of vivid landscapes fresh in your heart, your journey concludes this morning. You are welcome to return home at leisure, or you may speak to a Rail Specialist about extension options.