Alaska Highlights

Spectacular mountains, crystal clear lakes, vast glaciers, and pioneer towns, this incredible journey also includes travel on board America’s famous Alaska Railroad! The spotlight here is on incredible wildlife and mesmerising scenery, including a unique cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park - abundant in alpine and amazing glaciers, plus a stay at Denali National Park, home to Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America, and the chance to glimpse bear and moose along the way. This is a land of wildlife, scenery and solitude that will take your breath away. With daily departures this tour can easily be combined with an Alaska cruise.

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR

Alaska Highlights is escorted by a local guide on sightseeing excursions only.

MEAL PLAN
No meals are included apart from lunch on Day 2 and a snack lunch on Day 5.

ACCOMMODATION
Is in 3 star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries and are subject to change due to local conditions.

TOUR INCLUDES
Prices include travel by train from Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna to Denali National Park and Denali National Park to Fairbanks in Standard service (upgrades to Gold Star service are available on request. The Gold Star service includes two new level dome cars with an upper level open air platform complete with glass roof for maximum viewing). Sightseeing as outlined. Scheduled Alaska Airlines flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage (Economy class). Comfortable motorcoach service from Seward to Talkeetna.

TRAVEL TIPS
Dress for comfort and warmth. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended.

DAY 1
On arrival in Anchorage, transfer to your hotel via complimentary shuttle bus. Stay overnight in Anchorage.

DAY 2
Transfer via courtesy hotel shuttle bus to Anchorage train station for your early departure on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier filled Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward depart on a magnificent six hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Return in the evening via complimentary shuttle to Seward for an overnight stay.

DAY 3
This morning depart for your coach transfer from Seward to Talkeetna. This evening enjoy a two hour jet-boat safari to a wilderness site, where you will take a quarter mile nature walk to an authentic trapper's cabin, complete with original furnishings. See how trappers lived in ‘Bush’ Alaska at the turn of the century. You will also have the opportunity to view nesting bald eagles, beavers and possibly even moose and bears. Overnight stay.

DAY 4
Depart late morning by rail to Denali National Park arriving mid afternoon. The afternoon is free for optional tours such as river rafting and hiking (local charge). Overnight is spent near the park entrance.

DAY 5
Early this morning, depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This full day tour takes you approx. 53 miles into the park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, your experienced driver guide will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife. Along the way, stops will be made to hopefully view wildlife, such as bears and moose and for taking photographs. Following the tour, late afternoon you will travel by train to Fairbanks arriving at approx. 8pm for a two night stay.

DAY 6
Enjoy a Fairbanks sightseeing tour and visit the Alaska Pipeline and a gold mining dredge. Later sail the Chena and Tanana Rivers for 3½ hours, on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area's natural history and the Athabascan Native culture.

NB - Depending on availability, the sightseeing tour might also depart in the afternoon and the riverboat tour in the morning.

DAY 7
Transfer by complimentary shuttle bus to the airport to catch your short flight to Anchorage. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 8
Depart from Anchorage and make your way to the airport or choose to extend your stay.