Best of Alaska by Rail & Ferry
Some of the best scenery Alaska has to offer is on display for you in this 14-day tour by land and sea.
Travel on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Whittier. Enjoy breathtaking beauty while looking for caribou, moose, fox and bears in Denali National Park. Cruise the Prince William Sound; teeming with a variety of sea birds, whales, otters and tidewater glaciers before boarding the Alaska Marine Highway for a ferry sailing across the Gulf of Alaska to the Inside Passage.
Itinerary/Details
Day 1 • Fairbanks
Arrive into Fairbanks, the Heart of Alaska. Hotel courtesy transfer provided to the hotel. Overnight Fairbanks.
Day 2 • Fairbanks
Here lies a bustling city that originates from the days of the Gold Rush. Visit the fully restored Gold Dredge No. 8, to learn how it works, pan for gold and enjoy a hearty miner’s lunch. Then enjoy a ride on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler. Overnight in Fairbanks (L)
Day 3 • Fairbanks/Denali
Depart Fairbanks on the famous Alaska Railroad this morning. Enjoy the relaxing trip to Denali National Park. Overnight in Denali.
Day 4 • Denali
Travel deep into Denali National Park and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. This six to eight hour journey is narrated allowing for insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region. Overnight Denali. (S)
Day 5 • Denali/Anchorage
Board the Alaska Railroad once again for a day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. McKinley or a black bear along the banks. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 6 • Anchorage
Today visit the original Anchorage town site, the monument to the great quake of 1964 and the busiest private seaplane base in the world. Cruise through the "red light" district and pass by Star the Reindeer before heading out to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Entrance to the Center is included in your tour, as are the personal experiences and knowledge of your guide who will accompany you through the Center. Overnight in Anchorage. (CB)
Day 7 • Anchorage/Whittier/Juneau
Your final journey on the Alaska railroad is to the town of Whittier. Upon arrival experience an unforgettable cruise to the most spectacular glaciers in Prince William Sound. Look forward to breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as: eagles, harbor seals, otters and bird rookeries. Your tour includes a delicious Alaska salmon and prime rib meal served buffet style. After your day cruise aboard the Alaska Marine Highway for your sailing to the Inside Passage of Alaska. Overnight on the Alaska Marine Highway.(CB, L)
Day 8 • At Sea
Spend the day talking about your Alaska experiences with other passengers on the Alaska Marine Highway or resting and reading a great book about the states pioneers you purchased at one of the gift shops along the tour. Overnight on the Alaska Marine Highway.
Day 9 • Juneau
Arrive at Alaska’s state capital. Depending on your arrival time you may want to walk the quaint streets of the downtown area. Overnight in Juneau.
Day 10 • Juneau
Journey to the spectacular ice wall of the Mendenhall Glacier and Visitors Center. Roam the grounds, take in the interactive exhibits, and talk to park rangers. Then, you’re on your way to a whale watch!. Set out on a search for humpback whales, Orcas, porpoises, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife. In the comfortable heated cabin, surrounded by huge view windows, a naturalist will explain wildlife behavior and point out the sights. Top off your adventure at the world-famous Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Arrive to the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire, in a beautiful setting nestled in the rain forest. After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time! With frequent courtesy bus service, you can return to your hotel at your leisure. Overnight in Juneau. (LS, D)
Day 11 • Juneau/Skagway
Board the Alaska Marine Highway for your sailing to Skagway. Keep a look out you may see more humpback whales which are abundant in this area. Overnight in Skagway.
Day 12 • Skagway
Take an unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" to the White Pass summit. Begin your excursion as you board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater, to the Summit of the White Pass - a 2,865 foot elevation. Relax in old-fashioned parlor cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune. Overnight in Skagway.
Day 13 • Skagway/Juneau
Return to Juneau by air. Depending on your flight time you may choose an optional tour such as flightseeing or gold panning. Overnight in Juneau.
Day 14 • Juneau
Your tour comes to an end today. Spend anytime you have before your flight to purchase those last souvenirs to bring home to family and friends
Departure
Package starts from:
Fairbanks
Package ends in:
Juneau
2012 Validity dates:
May 25 - September 5, 2012
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
$2928 per person, double occupancy
Package Includes
Rate Includes
-Standard category hotel accommodations
-Fairbanks Discover the Gold & Sternwheeler Cruise
-Fairbanks to Denali, Adventure Class Rail
-AM Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
-Denali to Anchorage, Adventure Class Rail
-3-Hour Heritage City Tour of Anchorage
-Anchorage to Whittier, Glacier Discovery Adventure Class Rail
-12:15pm Prince William Sound Surprise Glacier Cruise
-Whittier to Juneau Ferry with 2 Berth Cabin (No Facilities)
-Best of Juneau Day Tour
-Junea to Skagway Ferry
-Skagway White Pass Summit Excursion
-Flight from Skagway to Juneau
