Rails and Trails 10 days, 10 nights
Available June 10 - September 1, 2013
Our new package takes you to Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood and Talkeetna, focusing on backcountry adventure. Forget the logistical hassles of planning a trip this great yourself. We've put together a fabulous itinerary that combines hiking, kayaking and rafting in addition to rail travel from point to point throughout the trip.
June 10-August 31, 2013
Adventure Class $3,529, $1829 child
GoldStar $4,059, $2009 child
September 1, 2013
Adventure Class $3,459, $1,789 child
GoldStar Service $3,989, $1,979 child
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
Day one: Arrive in Anchorage and stay the night. Hike on your own. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail near downtown Anchorage runs along Cook Inlet with mountain views and the occasional moose sighting.
Day two: Board the Coastal Classic train to Seward, one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling along Turnagain Arm and through Chugach State Park. In Seward, cruise to Fox Island with an overnight stay at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Check out the guided kayaking tours. (kayak tours may be booked and paid for at Fox Island)
Day three: Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park and its glacier-carved coastline, where puffins, sea lions, porpoise, sea otters, and whales are common sights. In the evening, board the Coastal Classic train for Girdwood. Overnight at Alyeska Resort.
Day four: Go on a guided hike on a glacier or upgrade your tour option to fly by helicopter to a glacier and go dog mushing (add-on), or do both! Overnight at Alyeska Resort.
Day five: Board the Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Glacier, and raft among icebergs and down the Placer River to meet the train for a short trip to Portage and then back to overnight in Anchorage. Guided and unguided hikes are another option at Spencer Glacier.
Day six: Travel by train to Denali National Park. The scenic full-day trip from Anchorage offers views of Mount McKinley, along with wildlife and backcountry beauty. The late-afternoon arrival at the Park, leaves time for exploration.
Day seven: Rise early to take advantage of the best wildlife viewing as you travel 92 miles into the farthest reaches of the park. The road is restricted to tightly regulated tour schedules and mind-blowing wildlife sightings are common, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, foxes, caribou, eagles and much more. Spend the night at Denali Backcountry Lodge.
Day eight: This day is completely dedicated to enjoying the Denali backcountry with options to hike, pan for gold, fish for grayling, mountain bike or just relax.
Day nine: After a hearty breakfast, guests return to the Denali Train depot for the short train trip to Talkeetna. This funky little village is known for its spectacular views of Mt. McKinley. Arriving late in the afternoon, travelers can stretch their legs with a short, guided hike, spot wildlife, and learn about old-growth forest.
Day 10: The next morning, travelers will experience the thrill of a 130-mile roundtrip ride by jetboat through Denali State Park and into the National Wild River Park of Devil’s Gorge. At day’s end, guests will board the Denali Star train for the final leg from Talkeetna back to Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage.
Call Reservations at 800-544-0552 to book this vacation.