A Colorful Journey from Fairbanks to Kenai
Departures
Duration
7 Days, 6 Nights
Starting Price
$5,099 | Based on Double Occupancy
Experience the Splendor of Autumn in Alaska
Premium photo opportunities abound during this seven-day trip to Alaska. This special tour is offered only once the multitude of colors start to appear during the beginning of Alaska’s short but sweet fall season. Picture spectacular fall colors against white freshly dusted snow-peaked mountains, red carpeted tundra, and golden birch leaves glowing in the sunlight! This journey is a photographer’s dream.
A Breathtaking Display of Natural Beauty
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Itinerary
This unique adventure begins in Fairbanks. The tour then travels southward, following the colors of the changing leaves all the way down to the quaint coastal town of Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula. On this special tour, you may even have a once in a lifetime chance to view our famous northern lights—the aurora borealis!
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Day 01
Fairbanks and Denali National Park
Fall Abundance
Your Alaskan adventure begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. This two-hour drive offers beautiful vistas and chances to spot wildlife.
Enter a Magnificent Wilderness
Denali National Park boasts grandeur in every aspect: in its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and magnificent fauna. While wildlife watching, you may spot moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll board the Denali Park Shuttle at the Wilderness Access Center and take a five-hour round-trip tour deep into the park. Remember your camera and binoculars! The bus stops regularly for up close animal sightings and about once an hour for restroom breaks.
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Day 02
Denali
Upgrade available on this day.
Denali From a New View
Your morning will begin at a leisurely pace allowing you to further explore the Denali area. You will then travel to the charming town of Talkeetna, a local gem where three Alaskan rivers meet. Talkeetna is also home to some of the most photographed views in our state: the majestic peaks of Mt. Denali and the Alaska mountain range. From Talkeetna, enjoy a flightseeing ride where you’ll get within six miles of Denali’s summit, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet!
Denali Flightseeing (1 h activity + travel time)
- Includes window seats for each passenger
- An experienced pilot-guide will highlight points of interest
Available Upgrade
- Ruth Glacier Landing on the Side of Denali | $100/person
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Day 03
Talkeetna
Upgrade available on this day.
Riverboat Adventure
Today’s adventure begins on the river aboard the “Talkeetna Queen,” an enclosed jet boat. This river jet boat is designed to safely navigate small waters that were previously inaccessible. It is glass-domed, providing new views of Denali and the wilderness that surrounds it. You will also visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century.
Irresistibly Cute Puppies
After your riverboat adventure, you will travel south to WIllow to visit with Vern, an experienced dog musher and finisher of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Vern will tell you the history of dog mushing in Alaska and take you on a ride pulled by some of his sled dogs that are training for the winter. Of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without some time spent playing with the most recent sled dog puppy litter!
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Day 04
Palmer & Matanuska Glacier
Upgrade available on this day.
Fall Colors of Hatcher Pass
Soak in the beautiful scenery of Hatcher Pass as you take in the changing colors of the area’s flora and fauna. This is the perfect day to photograph water cascades with beautiful backgrounds. You’ll also have an opportunity to hike on your own and take pictures of the alpine flowers and scenic mountain views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including marmots, that frequent this area!
Visit the Glaciers
After lunch, discover the true beauty of glaciers up close as you walk on the Matanuska Glacier. Ice cramp-ons are provided, and no experience is necessary to join in the fun!
Available Upgrade
Helicopter Glacier Landing | $269/person
- This scenic 45-minute helicopter ride lands at a glacial pool on the Matanuska Glacier, which is only accessible by air
- See wildlife and experience the glacier in a spot few have ever visited
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Day 05
Palmer & Knik Glacier
Arctic Wonders
At the Musk Ox Farm, take advantage of a guided tour where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see one of the Arctic’s oldest living species—including powerful bulls and adorable calves!
Knik Glacier Boat Tour
Next, you’ll head to Lake George, at the base of the Knik Glacier—one of Alaska’s incredible natural attractions. Knik Glacier formed around 600,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Glaciation Period and once covered the Anchorage area and the Cook Inlet completely. While the glacier’s movement is hard to see, it’s still an active and constantly changing natural wonder.
Next, you’ll travel to Anchorage where you’ll have the night to rest up. Early tomorrow morning, you will begin your choreographed two-day railroad Kenai Peninsula adventure.
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Day 06
Kenai Peninsula & Seward
Breathtaking Views
Embark on one of the world’s most incredible rail journeys! Join us for a ride on the renowned Alaska Railroad and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, a truly unique and scenic gem of Alaska. You’ll travel south from Anchorage along the magnificent Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the port city of Seward. Along your rail journey, you’ll go through mountain passes, over gorges, and within a mile of three majestic glaciers: Spencer, Bartlett, and Trail.
Gold Star Rail
- Upper-level glass-dome ceilings and outdoor viewing platforms
- Includes breakfast and drinks
Voyage into the Wild
Upon arrival in Seward, adventure on a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, considered “Alaska’s # 1 Wildlife and Glacier Cruise.” These custom cruising vessels have walk-around viewing decks and inside seating with large picture windows perfect for up-close, clear viewing of glaciers, wildlife, and the rugged coastline. You’ll journey into the heart of the Kenai Fjords National Park and have a chance to see the abundance of marine and land-based wildlife that call the park home: whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and more than eighty different species of birds.
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Day 07
Return to Anchorage
Upgrade available on this day.
Transportation Options
This morning, you’ll return via motorcoach to Anchorage at 10:30 a.m. You can also choose to take a 6 p.m. motorcoach so you can enjoy more time in Seward hiking, exploring the town, or visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Available Upgrade
Gold Star Rail Return | $175/person
- 6 p.m. departure arriving in Anchorage at 10:30 p.m.
- Dinner is included
Get All the Details
Download the full itinerary here.
Rates & Inclusions
Denali Fall Colors Package
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with our Denali Fall Colors Package, which includes all listed activities, transportation, lodging, and some meals.
2025 Rates:
- $5099 Per Person (Double Occupancy)
- $4799 Per Person (Triple/Quad Occupancy)
- $5899 Per Person (Single Occupancy)
- $290 Per Person Tax
- *Adult tour only except for custom group tours.
What’s Included in Your tour
- Accommodations for Six Nights
- Some Meals
- Executive 14-Seat Mini-Coach
- Private Alaskan Guide
- Denali Wildlife Tour
- Time in Fairbanks
- Mt. Denali Flightseeing or Talkeetna River Jet Boat Ride
- Dog Sled Ride
- Knik Glacier Boat Tour
- Musk Ox Farm
- Hatcher Pass Scenic Tour
- Matanuska Glacier Ice Trek
- Kenai Fjords NP Cruise
- Gold Star First Class Rail
Available Activity Upgrades
Want to make your Alaskan adventure even more magical? We have activity upgrades on select days, allowing you to enjoy the Alaskan tour of your dreams. Check out the tour itinerary for available upgrades.
Tour Add-Ons
Looking to make the trip of a lifetime even more memorable? We have some experiences to recommend! Our preferred add-on experience for this tour is at the beginning of your trip in Fairbanks.
Bear Viewing
Anchorage Add-On
Lake Clark Bear Viewing (6–8 hrs)
$1,250/person + park fee
After a scenic ride on a float plane that passes three active volcanoes, numerous salmon streams, and towering glaciers, you’ll arrive at this ideal oceanfront bear viewing habitat to watch brown bears interacting with each other in the wild. Observe them as they frolic in the grass with their cubs, dig for clams, and take afternoon naps.
Anchorage Add-On
Katmai Bear Viewing (8–10 hrs)
$1,495/person + park fee
The federally protected Katmai National Park and Preserve is world famous for having the largest population of Alaska brown bears. Accessible only by air, this is Alaska wilderness in its rawest form. At Brooks Falls, where numerous bears congregate to catch salmon, three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed, extraordinary bear viewing.
Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodations
Fairbanks Add-On
Pre-Tour Hotel Stay
$395 / night
Anchorage Add-On
Post-Tour Hotel Stay
$395 – One-Night Stay + Private transfer from Rail Depot
***Additional nights subject to availability & accommodation rate
FAQ
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When and how do I make my reservations?
You should make your reservations as soon as you know your desired dates of travel. Prime dates sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended!
If you’re in the United States, please call 800.580.3494 to speak with one of our Tour Coordinators. Outside the United States? Please call 866.343.5618.
We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska time, which is four hours earlier than East Coast time. -
When and how should I arrive in Alaska, and is there transportation from the airport to other locations?
As you will be buying your flights independently, you’ll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to ensure you don’t miss parts of the tour or your flight home.
You will be arriving and departing from Anchorage International Airport. Transportation between the airport and/or cruise piers (if you are leaving Alaska by ship) are not included in the price of your tour package. You may add private transportation to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability).
Your flight must arrive prior to 11 a.m. on Day 1 of your tour. If you cannot arrive by this time, your Tour Coordinator can book a pre-tour hotel in Anchorage for you. Similarly, if you need a post-tour hotel, we can arrange that upon request. Your tour typically arrives back into Anchorage at 1:30 p.m. via motorcoach on Day 7 of your tour itinerary, but could vary depending on choices.
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How long is our travel day?
Because Alaska sits near the top of the globe, the sun can shine for as many as 20 hours a day during peak season! Your travel day will usually begin at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. However, you will generally only be in the tour vehicle for no longer than 1.5 hours while driving to each destination. Stops are provided for restrooms, meals, photo opportunities, and for the daily excursions. Evening hours with sunlight are free for photos and leisure time.
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What additional costs may not be included in my tour package?
Gratuities: In addition to standard tipping practices (ex: waiters and waitresses, housekeeping staff, taxi/shuttle drivers, and baggage handlers), in Alaska it’s common to tip those who provide personalized services.
Drivers/guides who offer a particularly informative trip generally receive a tip from passengers at the end of the tour. The industry standard is $20 per person, per day. Fishing and rafting guides are commonly tipped by their clients. Gratuities may also be given to pilots following a particularly good flightseeing or bear-viewing trip. Tips are appreciated, but never expected; please use your discretion.Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not included on tour. Open containers are not allowed in our vehicles at any time.
Upgrades and Add-Ons: Any additional activities, tours, or hotel nights are not included in the tour package price.
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Are your tours accessible for all ability levels?
Our vehicles are not wheelchair or handicap accessible. Our “soft adventures” require easy to moderate levels of activity. If you have any questions about specific activities and abilities, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to determine the right tour for you.
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Do you accept reservations for just one passenger?
Yes, we do. The only cost difference is that the full cost of accommodations is reflected in the price rather than split between a couple. We offer numerous guaranteed departure dates.
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Can I customize my tour?
Yes! We have set itineraries but can customize add-ons and activities around a tour framework. We can assist in booking anything in the state of Alaska in conjunction with a tour, from a remote lodge experience to an Inside Passage cruise. Call one of our Tour Coordinators for details!