Get acquainted with the culture and character of Alaska—and its magnificent landscapes—on a journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad that includes three days in Denali National Park and Preserve.
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Alaska: A Tailor-Made Journey along the Alaska Railroad
8 days from $4,375
Get acquainted with the culture and character of Alaska—and its magnificent landscapes—on a journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad that includes three days in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Overview
When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:
- A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
- Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
- Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
- 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
- Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
- A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
- Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.
*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Fairbanks
Fly to Fairbanks, in the heart of Alaska’s interior, and transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the town and its surroundings. You might delve into the gold mining history of the region at one of the nearby gold dredges, or visit the SS Nenana National Historical Landmark, a sternwheeler ship built in the 1930s that allowed access to the Alaskan wilderness before roads were built.
Day 2 — Fairbanks
Board a sternwheeler riverboat for a shared cruise on the rivers surrounding Fairbanks. Step into history as you learn about the gold rush days at the start of the 20th century, and get acquainted with local life and the native cultures of the region. (B)
Day 3 — Denali National Park and Preserve
Set off on a scenic train journey aboard the Alaska Railroad, wending through magnificent landscapes on your way to Denali National Park and Preserve. This enormous park— about the same size as New Hampshire—contains North America's highest mountain, Mount Denali. A guide meets you for the transfer to your lodge, deep within the park’s wilderness. Along the way, keep your eye out for Dall sheep, bears, wolves, and moose. Settle into your cozy wooden cabin and explore the lovely grounds of your lodge. (B, D)
Days 4–5 — Denali National Park and Preserve
Spend two full days exploring the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve. Your lodge offers a range of naturalist programs to choose from, including guided hikes, a visit to Wonder Lake, cultural presentations by native Alaskans, mountain biking, fly-fishing, gold panning, and wildlife viewing. You can also opt to take a light aircraft flight over the Denali for incredible aerial views of the park’s peaks and expansive wilderness. (B, L, D daily)
Day 6 — Anchorage
Watch for wildlife as you drive with your guide out of the park, and board the Alaska Railroad for the second leg of your train journey. Read a book or admire ever-changing views of the Alaska wilderness as you travel south to Anchorage. (B)
Day 7 — Anchorage
Enjoy a free day to explore Alaska's largest city as you wish. Set on the Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a hub of Alaskan culture and a gateway to numerous wilderness areas. Visit one of the city’s museums, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, rent a bike for a ride along the shores of the Cook Inlet, or meander among cafés and shops that sell local art and handicrafts.
Day 8 – Anchorage / Return Home
Make your way from your hotel to Anchorage Airport in time for your onward flight.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
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