Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure

Welcomed at the Anchorage airport and escorted to your hotel, meet your guide and fellow travelers at an evening wine and cheese reception. Overnight at Hilton Anchorage (or similar).

Hop the rails in a deluxe dome railcar to Talkeetna, while your guide narrates sights and points of interest along the way. Take a break for lunch and exploring at this “Denali adventure hub,” followed by a guided, meandering hike on the Talkeetna Lakes trail—the perfect introduction to the northern Alaskan forest. Later, check into the lodge. A local naturalist meets you after dinner for a presentation on tomorrow’s activities as well as the region’s natural history—flora, geology, fauna. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or similar).

Expert backcountry hiking and kayak guides take you on a day of adventure. Denali State Park trails uncover the plants, birds, and animals of these mountains. You have two options today: tighten your hiking boots and take a steady climb as far as 1,500 feet with staggering views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range when the clouds part, or soak in the scenery on a lower elevation nature walk. After an included lunch, gear up and get out on Byers Lake with a kayak and local residents (trumpeter swans, loons, beavers). Keep your eyes peeled. Grab dinner in the charming recreation hub of Talkeetna or at the hotel on your own. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (or similar).

Delve further into the Alaskan Range aboard a deluxe dome railcar for an eye-popping view on your way to Denali National Park. Optional tours for purchase include river rafting and Denali flightseeing, or take advantage of no-cost options like hikes and interpretive programs at the park headquarters. Overnight at Denali Bluffs Hotel (or similar).

All Denali, all day long. It’s a Tundra Wilderness Tour on a full-day excursion into the heart of the park. Your narrated tour with a certified driver-naturalist digs deep into Denali’s history while staying on the lookout for hawks, wolves, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Relax from a big day with an overnight at Denali Bluffs Hotel (or similar).

Your morning motor coach ride is bound for Anchorage. Make a special stop for lunch and to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Discover Native traditions and legends about Alaska's Native tribes through presentations, exhibits, and demonstrations. After your cultural exploration, it’s a short ride into the city to check in and freshen up before your final dinner with your travel mates. Overnight at Hilton Anchorage (or similar).

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to join your UnCruise adventure.