Rail Adventure - Denali Adventure with Alaska Railroad - Round Trip from Anchorage - 7 Days

Alaska is packed with staggering mountains, massive glaciers, big game wildlife, towering icebergs, and a ton of history

Enjoy the best Alaska has to offer on your 7-day journey to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. After exploring Anchorage, board the Alaska Railroad for a trip to Talkeetna, the gateway to Denali. Then continue to the crown jewel of Alaska, Denali National Park. There, explore North America’s tallest peak and the vast wilderness as you travel deep into the park.

If the northern lights are on your bucket list, September through April would be the best time to travel to Alaska. However, if you want to get up close and personal with the Spencer Glacier, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop train only operates from late May to early September.

Travel Tip: Arrive a day early and do a day trip to Spencer Glacier. Take the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop train from Anchorage. Once you arrive at Spencer Whistle Stop, it's an easy hike to Spencer Glacier (9:45 a.m. departure, arrives at 1:45 p.m.; return trip 4:40 p.m., arriving in Anchorage at 9:15 p.m.)

Day 1: Your Journey begins in Anchorage

Check into your hotel and drop off your luggage so that you can begin to explore.

You have a few accommodation options:

The Lakefront Anchorage The Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage offers well-appointed accommodations on the shore of Lake Spenard. Just a mile from the airport and a ten-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring Alaska. Guest rooms are spacious, clean and airy, with a range of amenities provided. Visitors can choose from standard, superior, and club level hotel rooms as well as four luxury suites. On-site amenities include a fitness center, high speed wireless internet and room service. In addition, Club Rooms are equipped with premium amenities such as complimentary breakfast, free internet and cozy bathrobes. Dining options at the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage provide stunning views of Lake Spenard, the world's busiest floatplane base. You can treat yourself to casual, all-day fare at the Fancy Moose Lounge, or savor fresh Alaskan seafood at the Flying Machine Restaurant. The seasonal outdoor patio is popular for its stunning views of the Alaskan sunset.

Hilton Anchorage Hilton Anchorage is in the heart of downtown, within three blocks of the Egan and Dena'ina convention centers, 5th Avenue Mall, and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The unique lobby features an extensive collection of Alaskan art. The hotel also has a fitness center so guests can relax in the indoor pool and steam room. Dining allows you to enjoy American favorites and local specialties, such as wild Alaskan salmon caponata and seared Alaskan halibut in their restaurant.

Day 2: Enjoy a guided 15-mile Scenic tour of Anchorage

Today, enjoy a guided 15-mile scenic tour through Anchorage and learn about its history and the culture. Highlights of your tour include breathtaking vistas of Alaska’s mountain ranges and the Westchester Lagoon where wildlife is often spotted.

Day 3: Your rail journey begins - Talkeetna, Alaska

Today, enjoy a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad as you travel to Talkeetna. This small charming town is known as the gateway to Denali.

Accommodations:

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge Set on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America. It’s the best of Alaska, outside and in. Outside, we’re at the doorstep for high-energy outdoor adventures in Denali and beyond. Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, and a carefully-curated selection of Native art in the boutique. Award-winning cuisine, the best wine selection in the area, friendly service—and a great night’s sleep!

Day 4: From Talkeetna, Alaska head north to Denali

Take a stroll around Talkeetna and see the three rivers that converge in the town including the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. This afternoon, board the train and head north to Denali.

You have a few accommodation options:

Denali Park Village, located seven miles south of Denali National Park Preserve entrance, is nestled along the banks of the Nenana River. Denali Park Village offers a first-class lodge set at the entrance of the Park and serves as your gateway to experiencing the best of Denali National Park Preserve. Both the lodge rooms and cozy cabins offer all the comforts and amenities to make your stay memorable and relaxing. The Lodge offers outstanding views, fine dining, and superior guest hotel rooms. Relax by the indoor fireplace, enjoy dinner on the outdoor deck, or take a walk by the glacial-fed river - just outside your door.

Denali Cabins are a classic tradition in Alaska. The Denali Cabins are made up of 46 individual cedar cabins that are comfortably heated and appointed with private baths and blackout curtains for a peaceful night's sleep. All cabins come well-appointed with Wi-Fi, telephones, televisions, and private baths. Enjoy Prey Pub Eatery, the onsite restaurant that's serving up classic pub favorites with an Alaskan twist. The quiet location outside the National Park entrance grants peaceful solitude. Outdoor hot tubs are the perfect way to relax after a day enjoying the ample activities and adventures waiting on your doorstep.

Day 5: Denali National Park

Venture 92 miles into Denali National Park today on a guided tour. One of your stops include Wonder Lake, one of the most beautiful in Denali National Park as you look out at it and see the Alaska Range and Denali as a back drop.

Day 6: In the Afternoon, Board Alaska Rail back to Anchorage

Once in Anchorage, you'll check into your hotel for your final nights stay.

Accommodations:

Day 7: Your rail journey ends

Tack this journey on to a small-ship expedition cruise to continue your immersive Alaskan vacation.

For more information on what you can see and do in Alaska, click here.