Experience True Nature Alaska Wilderness Adventure Tours beyond Imagination
AE#01 Travel Alaska Exclusive: The Alaska Wilderness Journey
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If you plan to visit Denali National Park, observe Brown Bears at Brooks River Falls inKatmai National Park or from a remote first-class wildlife lodge on Kodiak Island, take one customized Alaska Railroad trip to Fairbanks experience the best and most productive guided salmon fishing activities on the Kenai Peninsula or watch the Northern Lights in winter - you are definitely on the right website. Our exclusive vacation packages are not for everyone but are by far the most exclusive way to travel and experience Alaska - the coolest state with the hottest travel ideas. All individual tour packages may be enhanced or modified through our complimentary trip planning service to meet our clients' high expectation and provide ultimate flexibility during your "Land of the Midnight Sun" tour experience. Taking one of our exclusive custom tours is all about leaving the world of everyday life behind to relax and unwinding in Alaska's unique, natural environment with world-class mountain scenery and unlimited adventure options. Travel the way it was meant to be !Tour Itinerary
Dates | Rates
Options | Extensions
Rail Tour Info
Denali Park Information
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Fairbanks Arrive at Fairbanks Airport and transfer to your hotel. Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, is the gateway to the interior and offers nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer months. You are invited to explore the local gold rush history, vibrant traditional Native cultures as well as its abundant wildlife and fantastic scenery. Nestled into miles of unexplored wilderness just 120 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks offers outstanding year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit the renowned Alaska University Museum featuring Alaska's finest natural history collection, Alaskaland or enjoy a river cruise aboard the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler. See an authentic Alaska fish camp, watch a sled dog demonstration at Susan Butcher's kennel - Iditarod Champion and get a glimpse of an Athabascan Native Village. Relax in the evening and enjoy a delicious meal at a renowned restaurant on the Chena River. |
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Fairbanks - Denali National Park | By Train & Flight Board the Alaska Railroad at 8:15 am. Enjoy the glass-domed compartments ensuring unobstructed views of snow-capped mountain ranges, pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. Arrival in Denali Village at 12:10 pm. Transfer to the Denali Airport where you board the bush plane for a scenic 1-hour flight to Kantishna. We fly right next to the east side of Denali, passing over several glaciers that stretch more than 30 miles and weaving through granite peaks, climbing base camps and mountain walls that can be as high as 14,000 ft above us. The Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier, the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, and the Wickersham Wall - Denali's massive North Face - can all be seen on this flight. Upon arrival in Kantishna, a short transfer to an exclusive wilderness lodge offering guided activities, interpretive programs, gold panning and more... in the heart of Denali National Park near Wonder Lake. Overnight: Camp Denali, Denali Backcountry Lodge or Kantishna Roadhouse |
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Denali National Park Join us on popular daily backcountry walking excursions. These guided hikes - suitable for all ages - are ranging from two to six hours and are excellent opportunities to explore the Kantishna area and learn about the wildlife and flora of the Kantishna Hills from one of our experienced naturalist guides. If mountain biking is on the top of your favorite outdoor activity list take one of our mountain bikes and spend some time exploring the countryside. You may also bike down to Wonder Lake for a view of the "Great One" or investigate the old mining roads within the area. For those with a twinkle in their eye, slip on a pair of rubber boots, grab a gold-pan and head down for the creek or try some fly-fishing for Arctic Grayling in nearby Moose Creek. After a full day of activity enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room. Participate in the evenings in our Denali interpretive programs and slide shows. Overnight: Camp Denali, Denali Backcountry Lodge or Kantishna Roadhouse |
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Denali National Park Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Mt. Denali. Many visitors never see “The Great One,” during their vacation but 9/10 of our guests catch more than a glimpse of North America’s highest mountain from one of Alaska's most extraordinary lodging location. Living there makes all the difference! The lodges are in the center of the park - near Wonder Lake. 99-miles of mountainous, unpaved road isolate the lodges from the commercially developed park entrance. Nature shapes your experience here. If you are looking for more than a brief introduction to Denali National Park, we aim to exceed your expectations. Birdwatch, botanize, and observe wildlife e.g.: grizzly bears, moose, wolf, fax, lynx and caribou with our naturalist-guides, who know Denali’s trail-less terrain and are students of its flora, fauna, geology, and cultural heritage. We also help you plan independent adventures. Overnight: Camp Denali, Denali Backcountry Lodge or Kantishna Roadhouse |
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Denali National Park - Anchorage | Railroad Tour Early departure to the park entrance. Watch out for wildlife along the 90-mile long park road on the way back to the Denali Village. Railroad departure at 12:30 PM. Enjoy sweeping views of the magnificent three: Mt. Denali 20.320 ft, Mt. Foraker 17.400 ft and Mt. Hunter 14.573 ft. while traveling along the snowcapped Alaska Mountain Range in exclusive dome car compartments towards Talkeetna. These first-class rail cars are providing reclining seats and large picture windows. Relax in your comfortable reclining seats, enjoy a delicious lunch in the onboard restaurant or listen to the local tour guide giving commentaries. Get the camera ready when the train approaches the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, 300 feet above the creek. Continue your journey and arrive in Anchorage around 8:00 PM. Hotel transfer and remaining evening at leisure. Try some of Anchorage interesting micro breweries or sample some seafood at a local favorite with magnificent Cook Inlet views: the Simon & Seafords Bar and Grill. |
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Anchorage - Prince William Sound Cruise - Alyeska Resort Board the Alaska Railroad at 6.45 AM to Whittier. The tour offers incomparable vistas of fjords, glaciers and mountains as you follow the Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Arrive in Whittier in time for your 26-Glacier Cruise. Enclosed by mountains and glaciers, and protected from the high seas by barrier islands, Prince William Sound is one of Alaska's premier destinations for day cruises. Fjords, bays, coves, lakes, glaciers, mountains and hundreds of islands provide incredibly scenic settings. Travel for over 140 miles into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 “named” glaciers and many more unnamed. We get very close to towering masses of ice so you can listen to the moves of the glaciers and see the brilliant blues in the ice. Glacier calving are normally seen on each cruise. You may also spot sea otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions, whales, bears, bald eagles and over 200 species of birds inhabiting this area. Return train transfer to Girdwood. Overnight: Alyeska Resort |
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Alyeska Resort Spend your day at leisure and enjoy the 5-star resort. Tucked in a glacier valley between the mountains and the sea is Alyeska Resort. Experience a luxury interior design with modern touches and rich Native heritage surrounded by unspoiled Alaskan wilderness. The results highlight warm, organic elements to the hotel interiors bringing the natural beauty of the great outdoors inside. Summertime recreation includes hiking in Girdwood's alpine rain forests, mountain climbing and biking on Girdwood's bike path or the many trails in the valley. Take the Alyeska Tramway to the top of Mt. Alyeska with it's famous "7-Glacier Restaurant". Hotel amenities include: luxurious spa and wellness area, saltwater pool, whirlpool, massage, bars, restaurants (Japanese and International Cuisine). The 304 guest rooms provide plush carpets, Serta Pillow Top Mattresses and luxurious interior décor. Overnight: Alyeska Resort |
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Girdwood - Anchorage Morning at leisure. Private transfer to the Anchorage Airport, a city hotel of your choice - or to the Seward Cruiseship Terminal - if you are scheduled to board an Inside Passage cruise. Optional Anchorage city sightseeing tour (if time allows): Visit some of Anchorage's historical points of interest in this sprawling city of over 250,000 full-time residents. Watch for attractions like the Log Cabin Visitor Center and its Crossroads of the World Signpost, Ship Creek Viewpoint overlooking Cook Inlet and the Alaska Railroad Depot, Resolution Park with its Captain Cook Monument, and the Museum of History & Art. The highlight of the 3.5 hour tour will be a visit to the world renowned 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center displaying several interactive exhibits developed in recognition and tribute to the distinct culture of the Alaskan people. Contact us for optional tour extensions |
AE#01 Alaska Wilderness Journey | First Class Hotel & Wilderness Lodging
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad |
| June 01 - September 10 | $5665.00 | $4495.00 | $4070.00 | $3960.00 |
Departure Days
| Daily Departures from June 01- September 10 |
Services included
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Flexible Tour Options | Upgrades & Sightseeing
| Rates in US $ | per Person | Adult |
| Anchorage City Sightseeing Tour | $90.00 |
Additional Nights - Denali
| Rates in US $ | per Person | Hotel Category | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| May 15 - June 07 | First Class Hotel | $180.00 | $90.00 | $67.00 | $55.00 | $10.00 |
| June 08 - September 12 | First Class Hotel | $330.00 | $165.00 | $120.00 | $90.00 | $10.00 |
| September 13 - September 15 | First Class Hotel | $180.00 | $90.00 | $67.00 | $55.00 | $10.00 |
Additional Nights - Anchorage
| Rates in US $ | per Person | Hotel Category | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| May 15 - May 14 | First Class Hotel | $170.00 | $85.00 | $65.00 | $55.00 | $10.00 |
| May 15 - September 14 | First Class Hotel | $290.00 | $145.00 | $105.00 | $85.00 | $10.00 |
| September 14 - September 17 | First Class Hotel | $170.00 | $85.00 | $65.00 | $55.00 | $10.00 |
| Alaska Sightseeing Destinations | |||||||
 Anchorage |
Fairbanks |
Juneau |
McCarthy |
Homer |
Seward |
Cooper Landing |
Talkeetna |
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| Alaska Rail Tour Services Regular Seating and Private Dome Car Choices Our Alaska Rail Tours are available with the following classes of service: Denali Star & Coastal Classic Regular Service | Many people prefer the standard class for its single level stability, generous seating and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. Gold Star Dome Cars | Are the newest first-class rail cars in Alaska with large picture windows and fine dining options. Upper level dome car 360-degree viewing seating, priority check in, outdoor viewing deck. The lower level provides a restaurant, bar and gift shop. Midnight Sun Express Dome Cars | These 2-story dome cars with large multiple outside viewing platforms are operated by a private company. Enjoy the full-time 360-degree view dome seating with plenty of leg – and storage room. Additional features are: GPS assisted monitors, restaurant, bar and gift shop. The 1950’s Vintage Cars | The 1950's-era vintage railcars built by the well known Budd Company were some of the last reminders of the Golden Age of rail. A private company began acquiring Budd dome cars for passenger service on the McKinley Explorer train in Alaska. The seven cars the: Matanuska 508, Chena 509, Chulitna 510, Tanana 512, Talkeetna 513, Kashwitna 553 and Eklutna 554 were purchased and completely refurbished. These railcars were to become the most historic and elegant way to travel through America's Last Frontier. Mc.Kinley Explorer Dome Cars | Are the largest domed cars ever build with plenty of legroom, wide isles and additional luggage storage space. The seats are on the upper level – with restaurant, gift shop and bar downstairs - providing a 360-degree view through the glass windows around and the glass dome above you. All seats are wired so you may listen to music and recorded narration. GPS assisted monitors in each car are tracking the exact location. The covered outside viewing platform is a great feature for a breath of fresh air. All Alaska Rail Tours are including a pre-confirmed and assigned seat as well as on-board narration services. MAP – Modified American Plan (Breakfast & Dinner) is available upon request. |
| Children Rate We provide a reduced tour rate for children up to 11 years. Please refer to each individual tour for more information. Children will be accommodated in parents room. |
| Dining The Midnight Sun Express, the McKinley Explorer and the Alaska Railroad Gold Star Dome Cars are offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner options (all custom made to order) at the on-board restaurants. You will have the opportunity to visit the dining room and order freshly prepared food from the menu. Since all of our dishes are prepared to order we will do our best to accommodate all dietary concerns. Please notify us of any special dietary requirements at the time of reservation. |
| Gratuities Recommended gratuities to the on-board train staff and host guides are $3.00 to $5.00 per person and day. Gratuities for meal and bar service are entirely discretionary, but 15% is customary in most Alaskan restaurants. All tipping is a matter of your individual preference and is of course - always voluntary. |
| Hotel Accommodation For additional information and addresses on hotels, lodges and resorts included in your railroad tour package, please check our „Info Center“ area. |
| Luggage Transfer & Access Passengers are limited to two pieces of checked baggage, not to exceed 50 pounds, that must be checked with the Alaska Railroad without charge. Each passenger may also take one carry on, not to exceed 2 ” by 14” by 17 ”, which will stored under your seat on the viewing level. Please pack any medications, cameras, binoculars or valuables in your carry-on. |
| Pets Are not allowed onboard (except assistance dogs) |
| Smoking Is not permitted on-board the trains. Smoking is allowed outside on the platforms. Ashtrays are available on the outside viewing platform. |
| Sightseeing Tours Most of our tours are including scheduled sightseeing trips. For more information please refer to each individual tour package. In addition to these scheduled tours we also provide a variety of exciting optional sightseeing trips with a great value. Please Note: Optional sightseeing tours are only available in connection with a confirmed rail tour package reservation. |
| Tickets & Travel Documents You’ll receive your boarding passes, travel documents and additional tour information on the departure day at the rail station. Ticketless travel options are available upon request. |
| Transfers Most scheduled transfers indicated within the itinerary are included in our rail tour packages. Optional pre/post hotel tour accommodation are including transfers from/to the airport. Private limousine and/or group coach transfers are available for an additional charge. |
| Wheelchair Access Each train has at least one rail car that this fully accessible to wheelchairs. A specially designed lift makes getting on and off the train easy and safe. There are also accessible restrooms on each of the accessible rail cars. |
| Alaska Rail Tour Travel Destinations Anchorage to Talkeetna | Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Fairbanks begins here. Several miles into the trip, the heavy birch forests of Eagle River and Chugiak lead to the Knik and Matanuska Rivers.The expansive watershed harbors wildlife like moose, bear, the occasional wolf and abundant waterfowl. About 40 miles from Anchorage comes the Matanuska Valley, Alaska's agricultural center and home to the towns of Palmer and Wasilla. Just south of Talkeetna, 70 miles further, the first view emerges of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak. The train takes its first stop in Talkeetna, a small town with a mining history and now, a popular takeoff point for climbers to Mt. McKinley. Talkeetna to Denali | From Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. Black and brown bear frequent the sandbars and scuttle into the brush as the train approaches. Next, the Indian River Canyon is home to many beavers and beaver lodges can be seen in the ponds along the way. The track climbs toward tree line, first crossing Hurricane Gulch, the longest bridge on the railroad just over 914 feet and 296 feet above Hurricane Creek. The train moves into Broad Pass, at 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travelers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and bear, and, of course, Mt. McKinley. Denali to Fairbanks | The coal-mining town of Healy follows after a 10-mile jaunt through Healy canyon, where the surging waters of the Nenana River cuts through the steep-sided cliffs. As the track levels out, Nenana comes into view. It is home to one of the remaining original Alaska Railroad Depots, now a museum and gift shop. The track cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska. Birch, aspen and willow fill this landscape where gold miners first came to seek their fortunes. Fifty-eight miles from Nenana, Fairbanks, the "Golden Heart City" signals the end of the line - but just the beginning for more adventure, culture and history in the Last Frontier. Seward to Anchorage | Your journey starts in Seward, the southern terminus of the railroad. It quickly begins its climb through primeval forests of Sitka spruce. After crossing Snowy River, Kenai Lake comes into view, set off with its stunning aqua color and surrounded by soaring mountains. Moose Pass - Thirty miles into the trip, the track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away. Placer River Valley - After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage. Chugach National Forest - The Chugach National Forest borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall Sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Anchorage is the final stop, 114 miles out of Seward. |
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Denali National Park - FAQ
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