Route AA1T: Classic McKinley by Train

This route is a perfect pre- or post-cruise option for those who only have a few days to visit Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, and prefer not to drive. Experience a rail adventure along the Alaska Railroad.

Route - 6 days/5 nights

Anchorage - Anchorage (1 night) - Talkeetna (1 night) - Denali (2 nights) - Anchorage (1 night) - Anchorage

Dates 2012

• Daily departures from Anchorage.
• Regular Season: June 1 - August 31, 2012

For travel end of May or early September, please contact us! Discounts available but exact route and inclusions may vary.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Anchorage

Arrival at the Anchorage Airport or in Anchorage where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives. It gives you a chance to go over the itinerary and any last minute questions. After check-in at your centrally-located hotel, you may have time for a stroll through the downtown area of Anchorage, economic centre and largest city in Alaska.

Night in Anchorage.

Day 2 Anchorage - Talkeetna

Early departure today as you travel by train north from Anchorage. The journey will take you through the fertile Matanuska Valley, famous for its plentiful crops and giant vegetables. Continuing along the Susitna River valley you will arrive before noon in the adorable, artistic town of Talkeetna. Serving also as a base for expeditions up Mount McKinley, it is often referred to as the flightseeing capital of the world, with various companies offering flights up and around "the big one", some landing on the glaciers themselves. Another option for the late afternoon is a jet boat excursion (optional) through the rivers weaving their way around Talkeetna, with opportunities to spot bears, eagles, and moose, as well as the towering McKinley in the distance if the weather allows.

Night in Talkeetna.

Day 3 Talkeetna - Denali National Park

Last opportunity this morning for a panoramic flight from Talkeetna. You will once again board the train to continue north to Denali National Park, home to Mount McKinley (also known as Denali, "the big one", in the local native tongue). It is the highest mountain in North America. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather as your view of the famous mountain comes closer and closer into view. After check-in at your lodge or cabin, we suggest a rafting excursion on the Nenana River (optional).

Night in Denali area.

Day 4 Denali National Park

Today you will participate in the official, guided Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park. The 6-8 hour tour will give you the chance to observe, with a little luck, a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, caribou, and wolves. The tour will get you extremely close to the mountain you have come all this way to see! Another opportunity for rafting this afternoon as well. This evening some might opt for dinner theatre at the local "Alaskan Cabin Night" (optional).

Night in Denali area.

Day 5 Denali - Anchorage

Today you return to Anchorage by train. The journey southbound offers you a completely different perspective. Arrival in the capital city in the evening for a final night on the town.

Night in Anchorage.

Day 6 Departure Anchorage

Consider adding on an extra day and visiting Katmai National Park from Anchorage for some intense bear viewing. Until next time!

Includes

• 5 nights lodging (tourist/superior or superior/premier)
• Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park (6-8 hours with lunch/snack)
• Train Anchorage - Talkeetna
• Train Talkeetna -Denali
• Train Denali - Anchorage
• Transfers between hotels and train stations
• Reception at the Anchorage Airport or downtown upon arrival
• Reservation service for additional activities & tours
• Taxes and levies

Optional

• Panoramic flightseeing (Talkeetna)
• Jet boat river excursion (Talkeetna)
• Rafting (Denali)
• Dinner theatre "Alaskan Cabin Night" (Denali)