itsTripEasy logoMy BookingCart
Summer Adventure · Alaska

Alaska Grand Adventure: 10 Days

Scenic trains, a park wildlife tour, a Kenai Fjords glacier cruise and Girdwood, with a Denali glacier landing flight as an optional add-on. No car needed.

  • 10 days / 9 nights
  • Starts at Anchorage (ANC)
  • No car needed
Snow-capped Denali rising above green tundra in Denali National Park, Alaska

Attractions

What you will see as you travel the route, day by day, and how to make the most of each stop.

11sights on the route
4Alaska Railroad train rides
2national parks
1Kenai Fjords glacier cruise
AnchorageTalkeetnaDenaliAnchorageSewardGirdwoodAnchorage
1Day 1

Welcome to Anchorage

A gentle first evening

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

On your own

Why it is worth itA paved trail that follows the shore of Cook Inlet, starting right downtown, with long light on summer evenings.

Insider tipOn a clear evening, look north across the water; Denali can be seen from Anchorage on a clear day.

2Day 2

Train to Talkeetna

Train to a historic town

Denali Star train

Why it is worth itThe Alaska Railroad’s summer train north from Anchorage. Adventure Class gives you big picture windows and an open-air viewing platform.

Insider tipStep out onto the open-air platform for photos, and bring a light jacket; it is breezy out there.

Historic Talkeetna

On your own

Why it is worth itA small, historic town where three rivers meet, and the starting point for climbers heading to Denali.

Insider tipWalk to the river at the end of Main Street for views of the Alaska Range on a clear evening.

Optional add-on

Denali Flight with a Glacier Landing

A small-plane flight from Talkeetna around Denali with a landing on a glacier below the summit. Weather permitting.

$985 per person

Optional. Not included in the trip price.

4Day 4

Denali wildlife day

A full day in the park

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Why it is worth itA full day on the Denali park road with a naturalist driver, looking for grizzlies, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. On a clear day you may see Denali itself.

Insider tipBring binoculars and layers. When you spot an animal, call it out so the driver can stop for everyone.

5Day 5

The train back south

A free morning before the train

Denali sled dog kennels

Optional, on your own

Why it is worth itMeet the park’s working sled dogs, which help patrol Denali in winter, and watch a summer demonstration.

Insider tipTake the free sled dog bus from the visitor center to get there.

6Day 6

Coastal Classic train to Seward

Along Turnagain Arm to Seward

Coastal Classic train

Why it is worth itThe Alaska Railroad’s route along Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Mountains to Seward.

Insider tipWatch the water along Turnagain Arm for beluga whales in summer.

Exit Glacier

Optional, on your own

Why it is worth itThe one part of Kenai Fjords National Park you can reach by road, with trails to viewpoints near the ice.

Insider tipLook for the year signs along the road and trail; they show how far the glacier has retreated.

Optional add-on

Alaska SeaLife Center Tickets

The aquarium and marine rescue center on the Seward waterfront, with puffins, sea lions and harbor seals up close.

$65 per person

Optional. Not included in the trip price.

7Day 7

Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife cruise

Out among the glaciers

Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife cruise

Why it is worth itSix hours into Kenai Fjords National Park to see a tidewater glacier up close, with whales, sea otters, puffins and sea lions along the way. Lunch is on board.

Insider tipDress in warm, waterproof layers and go out on deck when the boat stops at the glacier, so you can hear the ice crack.

8Day 8

Seward to Girdwood

Wildlife on the way to Girdwood

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Why it is worth itA sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals, where you see bears, moose, musk ox and more up close.

Insider tipTake the loop slowly; the bear viewing areas are the highlight.

9Day 9

A slow day in Girdwood

A slow mountain day

Winner Creek trail

Optional, on your own

Why it is worth itA trail through tall spruce and hemlock rainforest, starting near the foot of the mountain.

Insider tipWear shoes that can handle mud; the trail is often wet.

Optional add-on

Alyeska Aerial Tram Ride

The tram climbs about 2,300 feet up Mount Alyeska in Girdwood, with hanging glaciers and Turnagain Arm below.

$100 per person

Optional. Not included in the trip price.

10Day 10

Turnagain Arm and home

On the way to the airport

Beluga Point

When time allows

Why it is worth itA pullout on Turnagain Arm with wide views of the water and mountains, named for the beluga whales sometimes seen here.

Insider tipScan the water for the white backs of belugas; sightings are never guaranteed.

The order of stops can shift with the weather, and access to some sites can change with the season or local conditions. See Day by day for the full plan.

Why this trip

This is Alaska the easy way: big mountains, glaciers and wildlife, with every train, tour and transfer booked for you and no driving at all. You ride the Alaska Railroad past rivers and mountains to Talkeetna, where you can add a flight over Denali with a glacier landing (optional add-on). Two nights at Denali give you a full day on the park road looking for bears, moose and caribou. Then the train takes you to Seward for a glacier and wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, and you finish with two slower days in Girdwood below Mount Alyeska.

  • Train to TalkeetnaA transfer to the depot for the morning Denali Star train to Talkeetna in Adventure Class, with big picture windows and an open-air viewing platform (booked; the GoldStar glass-dome upgrade is available on request).
  • On to DenaliA slow morning in the little town of Talkeetna, then the afternoon train north to Denali National Park (booked).
  • Denali wildlife dayA full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour on the park road with a naturalist driver, looking for grizzlies, moose, caribou and Dall sheep (booked, snack and water included).
  • The train back southA free morning for a short hike or the park sled dog kennels, then the Denali Star train back to Anchorage, arriving in the evening (booked).

Trip at a glance

Length
10 days / 9 nights
Starts / ends
Anchorage (ANC)
Getting around
No car needed (trains, tours and transfers booked)
Pace
Active: two long train days, a park bus day and a glacier cruise
Best time to go
Late May to early September
Great for
Couples, families and friends
Accommodations
Comfort Plus
Flights
Not included. You book; timing tips in your pre-trip guide

Day by day

Day 1 and day 10 are travel days. The order of the days in between is flexible and can shift with the weather.

Day 1Welcome to Anchorage
Land at Anchorage and take a private transfer to your hotel downtown. Stretch your legs on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and enjoy the long summer evening light.
Stay: Westmark Anchorage (night 1 of 9).
Day 2Train to Talkeetna
A transfer to the depot for the morning Denali Star train to Talkeetna in Adventure Class, with big picture windows and an open-air viewing platform (booked; the GoldStar glass-dome upgrade is available on request). In the afternoon, you can add a small-plane flight around Denali with a glacier landing, weather permitting (optional add-on). Evening stroll through historic Talkeetna, with views of the Alaska Range on a clear night.
Stay: Swiss Alaska Inn, Talkeetna (night 2 of 9).
Day 3On to Denali
A slow morning in the little town of Talkeetna, then the afternoon train north to Denali National Park (booked). Settle in by the Nenana River.
Stay: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge (night 3 of 9).
Day 4Denali wildlife day
A full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour on the park road with a naturalist driver, looking for grizzlies, moose, caribou and Dall sheep (booked, snack and water included). On a clear day you may see Denali itself.
Stay: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge (night 4 of 9).
Day 5The train back south
A free morning for a short hike or the park sled dog kennels, then the Denali Star train back to Anchorage, arriving in the evening (booked).
Stay: Westmark Anchorage (night 5 of 9).
Day 6Coastal Classic train to Seward
The morning Coastal Classic train along Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Mountains to Seward (booked). In the afternoon, walk up to Exit Glacier, or add the Alaska SeaLife Center (optional add-on).
Stay: Hotel Seward (night 6 of 9).
Day 7Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife cruise
A 6-hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park to see a tidewater glacier, with whales, sea otters, puffins and sea lions along the way (booked, lunch on board).
Stay: Hotel Seward (night 7 of 9).
Day 8Seward to Girdwood
A private transfer to Girdwood, with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, moose and musk ox up close (booked). Check in at the foot of Mount Alyeska.
Stay: a log cabin at Alyeska Hideaway, Girdwood (night 8 of 9).
Day 9A slow day in Girdwood
Hike the Winner Creek trail through the rainforest or relax at the Alyeska Nordic Spa (optional). Or add the Alyeska Aerial Tram for glacier and Turnagain Arm views (optional add-on).
Stay: a log cabin at Alyeska Hideaway, Girdwood (night 9 of 9).
Day 10Turnagain Arm and home
A private transfer along Turnagain Arm to Anchorage airport, with photo stops at Beluga Point when time allows (booked).

What’s included

Included

  • 9 nights in 4 hotels and lodges and a log cabin, with taxes
  • Alaska Railroad Adventure Class seats: Anchorage to Talkeetna, Talkeetna to Denali, Denali to Anchorage, Anchorage to Seward (GoldStar glass-dome upgrade available on request, extra cost)
  • A Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, with the park entrance fee
  • A 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise, with lunch
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center tickets
  • All transfers: airport, train depots, Seward to Girdwood, and Girdwood to the airport
  • A day-by-day plan, and one point of contact from booking to landing

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals and drinks (including on the trains), except lunch on the cruise
  • Tips for your drivers and guides, and for a pilot if you add the flight
  • Optional activities (spa, extra tours)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending

Optional add-ons: Denali Flight with a Glacier Landing ($985 per person), Alaska SeaLife Center Tickets ($65 per person), Alyeska Aerial Tram Ride ($100 per person). Add them in the booking box or in Attractions.

Your hotels, experiences, transfers and guides are booked for you. Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips.

Questions

What if I need to cancel?
Plans change. If you need to cancel, you'll receive trip credit toward another itsTripEasy trip: within 24 hours of payment, 100% trip credit, so you can swap to a different destination; 90 or more days before your trip start date, 100% trip credit; less than 90 days before, no trip credit, unless you added Flexible Cancellation: with it, you get 100% trip credit if you cancel at least 10 days before your trip start date, for a trip you take within 12 months. Other trip credits never expire. To cancel or change your dates, use the cancellation request form. For a date change, choose the reason "I'd like to change my dates".
How many people can share a room?
Up to 4 people share one room with 2 queen beds, and the price per person drops as more people share: 2 sharing saves a little, 3 sharing more, 4 sharing the most. For a larger group, use Plan My Trip.
Do I need a car?
No. You travel by Alaska Railroad (Adventure Class, big picture windows; GoldStar dome upgrade on request), the Denali park bus, a glacier cruise and private transfers, all booked.
Are flights included?
Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, right in the booking box: add up to 3 extra nights at the start or end of your trip and choose how many travelers share each room. You can also add optional extras like the Denali Flight with a Glacier Landing, Alaska SeaLife Center Tickets or the Alyeska Aerial Tram Ride.

Good to know

  • Weather and nature. Weather, road and natural conditions are outside anyone’s control and can change quickly. They may change the plan, close roads, or delay, shorten or cancel tours and activities, and the order of days may shift.
  • Your choices. You are responsible for your own decisions, safety and choices while traveling, including which activities you take part in, and following local guidance, posted warnings and your guides’ instructions.
  • Photos. Photos on this page are for inspiration. They may not show the exact location, hotel, season or conditions of your trip.
  • Not included. Flights aren’t included; you book those yourself.
$13,138
2 travelers · 10 days / 9 nights
Book this trip