Experience the essence of Alaska on this vacation featuring a journey on the Alaska Railroad and two nights at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and a gorgeous destination at the cusp of the Knik and Turnagain Arms, welcomes you to America's Last Frontier. As you arrive today, transfer independently to your hotel, and then take the day to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

If you arrive early, you may wish to take a sightseeing trolley around the city or visit the Anchorage Museum, the state's largest museum. Downtown is awash with shops, art galleries and restaurants, and there are plenty of microbreweries to explore, as well. Of course, with the surrounding Chugach Mountains and distant Alaska Range, beautiful views are within reach however you choose to explore.

If one night is not enough time to accomplish all your travel goals in Anchorage, you can speak to a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights. Overnight Anchorage.

This morning, make your way to Anchorage's railway station to board the Alaska Railroad. August and September departures utilize the railway's flagship train, the Denali Star, while those departing later in the fall and in the winter months travel aboard the Aurora Winter Train. Your destination is Fairbanks, and the full-day journey unveils some of the most incredible scenery Alaska has to offer.

The route takes you through the backcountry, past snow-capped mountain ranges and into the heart of Alaska. Expect to see all of this and more from your seat's picture window; however, you also have access to the train's Vista Dome Car. Stops along the way include Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali before you arrive in Fairbanks. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a free evening to find dinner locally or unwind at the hotel. Overnight Fairbanks.

Your day begins with a leisurely morning in Fairbanks, during which you sightsee downtown or maybe get a picture under the antler arch at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center. Your transfer will arrive mid-day for the journey to Chena Hot Springs Resort.

The resort is located approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks, and the journey there is incredibly scenic. On arrival, check in at the resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot springs or simply admiring the scenery. The resort is rustic and historic, with simple accommodations surrounded by surreal natural beauty.

This evening, board the Aurora Viewing Snow Coach, a tracked, military-style Small Unit Support Vehicle*, to chase the Northern Lights until the wee hours of the morning. Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

*Please note: During the tour, you will be sitting in a small, confined space with other resort guests.

With the entire day at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you are welcome to relax or explore as you please. You might like to venture to the hot springs, where you can soak in the rock lake, which stays at a temperature of around 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you could take a dip in the indoor heated pool or the indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

For a more adventurous day, you could book admission to the Ice Museum, a structure built entirely of ice, with admission payable on site. The resort also features numerous optional tours, including dog sledding and guided snowmachine sightseeing, all of which are bookable at a supplement.

As the sun sinks over the horizon, this is the perfect time to head outdoors and explore the resort grounds to find your perfect Northern Lights viewing spot for the evening. Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Departing Chena Hot Springs Resort this morning, you are transferred back to Fairbanks with the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Spend some time soaking in the eclectic environment of downtown, moving between the shops and restaurants, meandering through art galleries and museums, and observing the unique art throughout the city.

Tonight, you will be picked up from your hotel for the final Northern Lights viewing experience of your vacation. Your evening will be spent as a dinner guest in an Alaskan yurt, enjoying a local meal away from the city lights. As you wait for the dancing colors to emerge, enjoy your hosts' stories of dog mushing and the lifestyle of the North. As the lights make their appearance, your yurt allows for optimal viewing, both indoors and outdoors, before you are returned to your hotel late this evening. Overnight Fairbanks.

Please note: The Aurora Viewing Dinner experience does not operate until November 1st. Earlier departures will instead have a free evening in Fairbanks with no included dinner.

The beauty of Alaska has been the star of the show on this vacation. You got your first glimpses while traveling inland on the Alaska Railroad, journeying from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and then were immersed in it while staying outside Fairbanks at Chena Hot Springs Resort. With opportunities to see the Northern Lights under backcountry skies and days to relax amidst the wilderness, this self-paced vacation has been a wonderful way to experience Alaska.

Checking out of your Fairbanks hotel this morning, your journey comes to a close. You are free to transfer to the airport to begin your travels home independently, or if you want to extend your stay, you can speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional days in Fairbanks.

Traversing 656 miles of Alaskan wilderness and connecting destinations that would otherwise remain unreachable, the Alaska Railroad is as essential as it is scenic. The railway was completed in 1923 and today offers five rail lines that follow varying courses between the cities of Seward and Fairbanks. In addition to presenting expanses of wide-open wilderness and rugged mountain peaks during its routes, passengers can soak in vistas of Alaska's most scenic delights, including Resurrection Bay and Denali, from the train's window-lined carriages.

Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska's Hotel Captain Cook is a perfect basecamp for adventure, offering the best cultural, retail and natural highlights just steps from your door. In the mood to stay in? Indulge in one of our four distinctive restaurants, shop for gifts or unique souvenirs in our 12 shops or take in the views of neighboring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from any one of our 546 rooms and suites.

We are best known for our natural hot springs, awesome Ice museum, great aurora viewing and our geothermal powered facilities. We are the most accessible and developed hot spring resort in Alaska's Interior. This amazing place was discovered in August 1905 and became famous for curing crippled prospectors of their aches and pains. Fairbanks residents would take the near day trip each way to enjoy the healing waters and soak. 

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Select from a variety of exciting excursions and sightseeing opportunities to enhance your rail vacation.