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Grand Alaska Rail Tour Cruise Connector
From May 15, 2027 to September 10, 2027
INTRODUCTION
Discover Alaska Beyond the Coast with Anchorage, Denali and Northern Landscapes.
Step beyond your cruise itinerary into Alaska’s mountain country on a five-day land journey. Scenic trains connect Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, while sightseeing choices and land transfers to Seward or Whittier let you pair inland discovery with your sailing.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP
DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Whittier or Seward|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Seward or Whittier to Anchorage | Includes Lunch Option 1. Seward Cruise Ship Terminal to Anchorage | Small Group Tour Disembark in Seward and begin your Alaska land journey with an easy walk for views of Exit Glacier. Continue to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where injured and orphaned wildlife are cared for, then ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping views over Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains before arriving in Anchorage in the late afternoon. (Lunch at a local eatery is included today.) Option 2. Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal to Anchorage | Small Group Tour Disembark in Whittier and travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America. Continue to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see rescued Alaska wildlife, then ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for mountain and inlet views before arriving in Anchorage in the late afternoon. (Lunch at a local eatery is included today.)
Day 2 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions Today, personalize your day by choosing the experience that best matches your travel style. Option 1. Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram Travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors, where the Chugach Mountains rise directly from the water. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping mountain and inlet views, enjoy lunch in Girdwood, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where moose, bears, wolves, musk oxen, reindeer and other Alaska wildlife can be seen in a natural setting. Option 2. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour Join a local guide for an afternoon excursion into the Talkeetna Mountains. Travel along the Knik Arm before climbing into the alpine scenery of Hatcher Pass. Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park, try gold panning, and enjoy an easy interpretive walk along the Mill Loop Trail, where mountain views and mining history come together. Option 3. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari See Anchorage from above on a 30-minute introductory flight from Lake Hood, one of the world’s busiest seaplane bases. Depending on conditions, your route may include views of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm or Cook Inlet, with opportunities to watch for wildlife from the air. Wheeled aircraft may be used early and late in the season. Option 4. Sunset Photo Safari Chase Alaska’s long summer evening light with a guided photography excursion around Anchorage and Chugach State Park. Your route is flexible, allowing time for scenic stops and possible wildlife photography along the way. Your Alaska Photo Treks guide provides creative and technical support to help capture the best images of the day. Option 5. Anchorage Scenic City Tour Explore Anchorage with a guided city tour covering local history, Dena’ina heritage, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. Learn about the city’s origins, watch for salmon at the urban fishery, and enjoy panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside area, where moose and eagles are sometimes seen. Option 6. Anchorage Walking Tour - Downtown Food and History Stroll through downtown Anchorage on a guided food and history tour. Sample local favourites such as fresh seafood, reindeer sausage and handmade desserts while hearing stories from Alaska’s past. This is an ideal choice for travellers who want to combine local flavour with cultural context. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour Fly southwest of Anchorage by floatplane for a guided bear viewing experience. Depending on the season and bear activity, your destination may be Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Watch for Alaska’s brown bears in their natural habitat, with viewing locations selected according to where bears are most active. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Travel by seaplane from Anchorage to remote Alaska fishing waters for a guided salmon or trout fishing adventure. Suitable for both experienced and novice anglers, this full-day wilderness experience combines scenic flying with the chance to fish in a remote backcountry setting. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers, icefields and mountain terrain, with chances to spot wildlife such as moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land high on a glacier snowfield to meet Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers before taking a dogsled ride through real snow. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Proenneke’s Cabin and Lake Clark Tour Fly by floatplane from Anchorage to remote Lake Clark National Park and land on Twin Lakes. Visit the hand-built cabin of Dick Proenneke, the legendary naturalist who lived alone in the Alaska wilderness for nearly 30 years. Along the way, watch for wilderness scenery and possible wildlife from the air.
Day 3 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad This morning, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for a full-day rail journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park. From your glass-dome seat or the private outdoor viewing deck, watch the route leave the city and open toward Knik Arm, forests, wetlands and river country. Cross the Eklutna, Knik and Matanuska river areas, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north, then continue through the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear days, look for Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, and possible views of Denali near the Susitna River before the train travels beyond Talkeetna into wilder backcountry and toward the Alaska Range. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance this afternoon, with the rest of the day free to enjoy the mountain setting. (Breakfast and lunch are included onboard the train today.)
Day 4 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.
Day 5 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad Enjoy a relaxed morning near Denali before boarding Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the final rail journey north to Fairbanks. The scenery changes again as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels into Interior through river country, small communities and remote forest before arriving in Fairbanks this evening. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali National Park | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in Fairbanks and travel south into the changing landscapes of Interior Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, the route moves through river valleys, boreal forest, broad northern sky and small Interior communities as the Alaska Range begins to draw closer. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance later this morning, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the mountain setting or choose an optional activity. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.)
Day 2 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.
Day 3 Denali National Park to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional Denali-area activities before you board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for the southbound journey to Anchorage. Travel from the Alaska Range into remote backcountry, river corridors and forested valleys, passing through the Talkeetna area and the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear days, watch for views of Denali near the Susitna River, then continue past braided waterways, wetlands, Knik Arm and mountain backdrops as the train approaches Anchorage. It is a long and scenic rail day, with changing Alaska landscapes visible from the dome car and outdoor viewing platform. (Lunch and dinner are included onboard the train today.)
Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions Today, personalize your day by choosing the experience that best matches your travel style. Option 1. Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram Travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors, where the Chugach Mountains rise directly from the water. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping mountain and inlet views, enjoy lunch in Girdwood, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where moose, bears, wolves, musk oxen, reindeer and other Alaska wildlife can be seen in a natural setting. Option 2. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour Join a local guide for an afternoon excursion into the Talkeetna Mountains. Travel along the Knik Arm before climbing into the alpine scenery of Hatcher Pass. Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park, try gold panning, and enjoy an easy interpretive walk along the Mill Loop Trail, where mountain views and mining history come together. Option 3. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari See Anchorage from above on a 30-minute introductory flight from Lake Hood, one of the world’s busiest seaplane bases. Depending on conditions, your route may include views of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm or Cook Inlet, with opportunities to watch for wildlife from the air. Wheeled aircraft may be used early and late in the season. Option 4. Sunset Photo Safari Chase Alaska’s long summer evening light with a guided photography excursion around Anchorage and Chugach State Park. Your route is flexible, allowing time for scenic stops and possible wildlife photography along the way. Your Alaska Photo Treks guide provides creative and technical support to help capture the best images of the day. Option 5. Anchorage Scenic City Tour Explore Anchorage with a guided city tour covering local history, Dena’ina heritage, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. Learn about the city’s origins, watch for salmon at the urban fishery, and enjoy panoramic views from Anchorage’s Hillside area, where moose and eagles are sometimes seen. Option 6. Anchorage Walking Tour - Downtown Food and History Stroll through downtown Anchorage on a guided food and history tour. Sample local favourites such as fresh seafood, reindeer sausage and handmade desserts while hearing stories from Alaska’s past. This is an ideal choice for travellers who want to combine local flavour with cultural context. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour Fly southwest of Anchorage by floatplane for a guided bear viewing experience. Depending on the season and bear activity, your destination may be Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Watch for Alaska’s brown bears in their natural habitat, with viewing locations selected according to where bears are most active. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Travel by seaplane from Anchorage to remote Alaska fishing waters for a guided salmon or trout fishing adventure. Suitable for both experienced and novice anglers, this full-day wilderness experience combines scenic flying with the chance to fish in a remote backcountry setting. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers, icefields and mountain terrain, with chances to spot wildlife such as moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land high on a glacier snowfield to meet Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers before taking a dogsled ride through real snow. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Proenneke’s Cabin and Lake Clark Tour Fly by floatplane from Anchorage to remote Lake Clark National Park and land on Twin Lakes. Visit the hand-built cabin of Dick Proenneke, the legendary naturalist who lived alone in the Alaska wilderness for nearly 30 years. Along the way, watch for wilderness scenery and possible wildlife from the air.
Day 5 Anchorage to Seward or Whittier Cruise Terminal Option 1. Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal | Small Group Tour Travel south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, with the Chugach Mountains rising beside the coast. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals, where you can safely view and photograph wildlife such as brown bears, moose, elk and musk oxen. Continue toward Seward with views of the Kenai Mountains and, time permitting, Exit Glacier before arriving at the cruise ship terminal. (Lunch at a local eatery is included today.) Option 2. Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal | Small Group Tour Follow the scenic Turnagain Arm, framed by mountains, glaciers and coastal views, then stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see some of Alaska’s most iconic land mammals. Continue through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, before arriving in Whittier for your cruise ship transfer. (Lunch at a local eatery is included today.)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- 2 nights accommodation in Anchorage
- 2 nights accommodation in Denali National Park
- Anchorage to/from Seward | Whittier Tour with the following inclusions:
- Lunch at a local eatery
- Alyeska Tram Whittier or Seward to Anchorage direction only
- Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at cruise ship terminal
- Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 10 Excursions
- Turnagain Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
- Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Sunset Photo Safari
- Anchorage Scenic City Tour
- Anchorage Walking Tour - Downtown Food and History
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Alaska Bear Viewing Tour
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Proenneke’s Cabin and Lake Clark Tour
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali | GoldStar Service
- Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
- Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks | GoldStar Service
- Meals as per itinerary
Hotel Information | Moderate Grade:
- Anchorage
- Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Deluxe Room
- The Wildbirch Hotel | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance
- Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins
- Denali Bluffs Hotel | Hillside Room
- Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Cabins
- Denali Park Village | Standard Room
Hotel Information | Superior Grade:
- Anchorage
- Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- The Wildbirch Hotel | Portside Room
- Denali Park Entrance
- Denali Bluffs Hotel | Deluxe Room
- Grande Denali Lodge | Standard View Cabins
- Denali Park Village | River View Room
Alaska Railroad | GoldStar Service All of our itineraries, except those featuring the Glacier Discovery Train, include Alaska Railroad GoldStar Service. These bi-level glass-domed railcars offer excellent panoramic viewing, with large curved windows and access to an upper-level outdoor viewing platform. GoldStar Service also includes meals served in the lower-level dining room.
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Discover Holidays Travel Designer
Schedule a CallDATES & PRICING
Departs from Seward or Whittier: 15 May - 10 Sep | Daily(Tour Code: TRA52)Departs from Fairbanks: 15 May - 10 Sep | Daily(Tour Code: TRA53)
| Date | Double | Single | Triple | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Grade | ||||
15 May 27 - 31 May 27 01 Jun 27 - 05 Sep 27 06 Sep 27 - 10 Sep 27 |
$3,188 $3,419 $3,188 | $4,480 $4,711 $4,480 | $2,811 $3,042 $2,811 | $1,399 $1,438 $1,399 |
| Superior Grade | ||||
15 May 27 - 31 May 27 01 Jun 27 - 05 Sep 27 06 Sep 27 - 10 Sep 27 |
$3,427 $3,658 $3,427 | $4,927 $5,158 $4,927 | $2,989 $3,220 $2,989 | $1,399 $1,438 $1,399 |
| Freedom of Choice Upgrade & Optional Excursions | ||||
Anchorage Freedom of Choice Upgrade Option Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Alaska Fly-in Bear Viewing Tour Fly-In Dick Proenneke’s Cabin & Lake Clark Denali Freedom of Choice Upgrade Option Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter |
$743 $877 $1,632 $1,360 $159 $441 | |||
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