Glaciers & grizzlies of Alaska: rail & road trip

You have a full day at leisure to get to know Fairbanks. We recommend visiting Pioneer Park to see the SS Nenana, a traditional sternwheeler that once paddled along the mighty Yukon River. You can also take a trip on an operational sternwheeler up Chena and Tanana rivers yourself. There are plenty of museums to explore to learn more about this historic town, including the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, and the University of Alaska Museum of the North. You can also take day trips to Chena Hot Springs, said to possess healing qualities, and to the Arctic Circle.

Make your own way to Fairbanks' railway station today for your journey on the Alaska Railroad. This historic route brings the surrounding land to life with narratives told by Alaskan conductors and tour guides and panoramic windows. We've included Goldstar service, which offers complimentary meals and drinks, an outdoor viewing deck, and double-decker cars with glass-domed ceilings. Today's journey will offer views of Alaska's wilderness, and as you approach your destination, the Denali Park Entrance, you'll see the towering peaks of the eponymous Mount Denali. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Begin your day with a gentle journey on well-maintained trails into Denali's wilderness, led by a naturalist guide. You'll listen to the twittering birds, smell delicate wildflowers, and even taste fresh berries on this small group, three-hour tour. The rest of the day is then at your leisure. For something even more adventurous, you can speed down the river on a white-water rafting trip. Alternatively, we can recommend the bus tours into the park from the entrance, which lets you look for wildlife and see the key highlights.

Today, you can catch a shuttle from your hotel to the railway station, ready to board for the next section of your journey. You'll be in the Goldstar carriage again with views from its domed interior showcasing the mountains of Denali National Park, Knik Arm, and the Chugach Mountains as you approach Anchorage. On arrival in Anchorage, make your way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax.

Your grizzly bear experience awaits today, starting with a 90-minute flight over seemingly endless mountain ranges and two active volcanoes. You land on the beach at Chinitna Bay and make your way to the beach where Alaska’s brown bears (also known as grizzly bears) are known to roam. Your Alaskan guide provides insight into their behaviour as you watch them munching on fish, playing together or having a nap. After the flight back to Anchorage, the afternoon is yours to relax.

Collect your car this morning from near the airport. The rental includes LDW (loss damage waiver), unlimited mileage, and an additional driver if they're a spouse. You'll then drive south to Seward, best known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, home to thriving marine life and tidewater glaciers. The journey provides an experience in itself, as you skirt the edge of Turnagain Arm with the Chugach Mountains on the other side. On arrival, the afternoon is yours to explore the city.

Make your way down to the waterfront this morning to embark on a full-day cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you can appreciate the beauty of the coastal scenery, including icebergs and glaciers, whilst keeping an eye out for abundant wildlife. An onboard National Park ranger provides commentary on the region’s unique features as you glide through the fjords. Listen to the creaks and groans of Aialik Glacier as you move closer, perhaps watching one of the vast chunks of ice calving into the water below. Lunch is included.

Today, you retrace your steps north toward Anchorage. On the way, you might like to call in at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you get the chance to see moose, caribou, musk oxen, buffalo, eagles and other native animals. Your destination today is Girdwood. Nestled at the foot of Mount Alyeska, this is an active woodland community and, in winter, Alaska’s premier downhill ski resort. During the summer months, the slopes offer excellent hiking. On arrival at the resort, the rest of the day is yours to relax.

You have the whole day at leisure to explore. We recommend taking one of the hiking trails, particularly the Lower Winner Creek Trail, for an easier experience through lush forest. We've included admission to the Alyeska Tram, to take you to the very top of the mountain. We recommend using this in the afternoon and then staying at the top to enjoy dinner with some of the best views in the state. After a day out exploring, you can then unwind in the health spa or swimming pool.

Enjoy any last-minute sightseeing and relaxing in Girdwood today, before making the short, one-hour journey back to Anchorage Airport. Return your car to the airport before continuing your inward journey. Your return flight will arrive the same day.