10 Days • 9 Nights
Alaska Rail & Wilderness Lodges
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The glass-domed Alaska Railroad
- A remote Denali backcountry wilderness lodge
- Frontier Talkeetna beneath the great mountain
- A Kenai Fjords glacier and whale cruise
- Hiking, wildlife and flightseeing
- The vast silence of the Alaskan wilderness
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met at Anchorage airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner of Alaskan seafood, with the wilderness ahead.
You ride the Alaska Railroad north and transfer deep into Denali's backcountry to a remote, off-grid wilderness lodge, immersed in pristine nature with full board and guided activities.
A full day of guided hiking, wildlife watching and nature at the wilderness lodge, deep in Denali country, searching for grizzlies, moose and caribou in glorious solitude.
You journey to the charming frontier town of Talkeetna, base for Denali climbers, settling into a lodge with views of the great mountain.
A day in Talkeetna with a flightseeing trip around Denali and its glaciers (weather permitting), a jet-boat safari or a riverside hike, soaking up frontier charm.
You travel south to the Kenai Peninsula and a lodge on Resurrection Bay near Seward, amid mountains and sea.
A full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, watching tidewater glaciers calve and spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and puffins.
A free day on the Kenai to kayak, hike a glacier, fish for salmon or simply soak up the wilderness lodge and its views.
You return to Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway, with a farewell dinner in the city.
After breakfast you transfer to Anchorage airport for your onward flight, refreshed by the Alaskan wilderness.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board at the wilderness lodge and a Kenai cruise lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and wildlife activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park entry and cruise fees as per itinerary
- the Alaska Railroad, a Denali backcountry lodge stay, guided hikes and a Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Alaska is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected as elsewhere in the USA, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Best time to visit: The main season runs May to September, with long daylight hours, open roads and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest and busiest, while late August and September add autumn colour and early Northern Lights
- Northern Lights: The aurora is best seen from late August to April on clear, dark nights, especially around Fairbanks; the peak summer months have too much daylight for aurora viewing
- Wildlife: Alaska is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, moose, whales, eagles and more; always keep a safe distance, carry bear awareness in the backcountry and follow your guide's advice
- Weather & layers: Alaskan weather is changeable even in summer, so pack warm and waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and a hat; conditions can shift quickly, especially on glaciers and at sea
- Getting around: Distances are vast and some areas are roadless; itineraries combine scenic rail, small-ship or day cruises, flights and self-drive, all arranged for you. Daylight is very long in summer, so plan for plenty of activity
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly; bring insect repellent for summer mosquitoes. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wilderness lodges like?
They are comfortable, characterful and often off-grid, set deep in nature with full board and guided activities included. They trade some modern conveniences for pristine wilderness and solitude, which is exactly their appeal.
Is a lot of hiking required?
There are wonderful guided hikes for all abilities, but they are optional and can be tailored to your fitness. You can be as active or relaxed as you like, with wildlife watching, flightseeing and scenery for everyone.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or cruise meals. Alaskan seafood, from king crab to wild salmon, is a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The main season is May to September, with long daylight and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest, and late August to September adds autumn colour and the first Northern Lights. Winter trips focus on the aurora and are timed separately.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Alaska is superb for wildlife, with excellent chances of seeing bears, moose, eagles, sea otters and, on the water, whales and sea lions. Our guides and cruises maximise sightings, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Can we see the Northern Lights?
In summer there is too much daylight for the aurora, but our autumn and winter itineraries (late August to April), especially around Fairbanks, offer excellent chances on clear, dark nights.
How do we travel around Alaska?
We combine the best options, the scenic Alaska Railroad, day or small-ship cruises among the glaciers and fjords, flights over roadless areas and comfortable self-drive or coach touring, all arranged and built into your itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of parks, cruises and wildlife, add a Denali stay, an Inside Passage voyage or an aurora extension, and tailor the pace and lodges to your interests.
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