We are considering visiting Alaska this summer, by rail, Anchorage to Denali - not including a cruise - land only. I'm looking for any recommendations on a tour company, as we don't want to handle the logistics ourselves. Any suggestions are appreciated. TIA.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12195 posts
Have you seen this?
https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/packages/denali-getaways
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15100 posts
I've been fairly happy with Road Scholar and they do have an Alaska Rail trip that includes Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage and Seward. I have not done this one.
Be really cautious about the travel agent company "Vacations by Rail" which present themselves as an Amtrak company but actually are just a 3rd party agency that has bought (I assume) the right to use the Amtrak name.
Posted by
OP
The Heartland USA
9113 posts
Thanks folks. Joe32F, I had not found that site. Looks interesting, thanks. Pam, that is in fact the first site I pulled up in doing some research.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15100 posts
Trip Advisor is littered with complaints about Vacations by Rail, not specifically AK (if they do any there) but other locations.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2710 posts
I'll second Pam's endorsement of Road Scholar. I like them and I like their itineraries. They list their chosen hotels - look them up and make sure you're okay with them - they trend a little spartan on some tours, but not all.
Here's another company idea. It's higher end and just a bit of train, mixed with a bus.
https://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/tours/north-america/alaskas-untamed-wilderness/
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2775 posts
I did the Odysseys Unlimited tour mentioned above a few years ago.
I didn't want to do a cruise, this tour suited me and I really enjoyed it.
Especially loved Wrangell St Elias NP, which we reached by small planes.
Posted by
OP
The Heartland USA
9113 posts
Thanks everyone. My quick look at Road Scholar and Odyssey and I was dismayed by the approx. $8k (incl. air) per person costs for their tours by rail in Alaska. I might have to rethink this idea versus another RS tour.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3622 posts
Alaska Tour & Travel might be what you are looking for. They have been around for a long time and are a local company. I have lived in this state for 24 years and have done almost everything. Let me know if you have any questions! It absolutely should not cost $8.000 to visit.
FYI, there was a big landslide at Denali a couple years ago and they are still working on fixing the road that goes through the park. You will not be able to get all the way back in the park at this time.
https://www.alaskatravel.com/vacations/train-tours/