6-Day Anchorage to Whittier, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna, Fairbanks and Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train Tour
Tour Code: GOL-AK-008A
Duration: 6 Day(s) / 5 Night(s)
Tour Guide: Chinese, English
Quality: Budget
2%
Departure City
Destination
Return City
Overview
Experience: UNESCO, Family
Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...
Tour Guide:Chinese, English
Explore the old naval port town of Whittier and have the opportunity to take a Glacier Cruise and observe close-up the magnificent sight of pieces of a glacier falling into the ocean.
Alaskan locals hide a nice summer resort, natural oxygen bar Hatcher Pass, visit the vintage gold mine heritage park, taste local fresh beer.
Visit a gold rush town, view the huge mountain Denali, and have the opportunity to see Denali and the majestic Alaska Range close up from a flightseeing plane.
Take a glass-domed train offering 180° views (ticket included), immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, and maybe even see some wildlife.
Stay in Denali National Park area and have the opportunity to see the highest mountain in North America.
Stay in a quality international chain hotel in Anchorage, with breakfast and free wi-fi included.
- Hotel breakfasts and meals listed as included in the itinerary.
- Attraction entrance fees noted in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Today you will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. This is the economic center and transportation hub of “The Last Frontier.” After arriving, check into your hotel to rest (check-in is available after 3pm at all local hotels).
Notes on Transportation from Airport:
※ 24-hour free hotel shuttle:
The Information Center next to the baggage claim area in the Anchorage airport provides free calls to hotels. After you arrive, please contact your hotel to arrange to be picked up by the shuttle. The hotels only accept shuttle bookings from guests that have already arrived at the airport. There is no way to make an advance reservation.
When you book the hotel shuttle, please provide the hotel with your personal information: full name (in pinyin), number of people, etc.
After you make the booking, the hotel shuttle will take around 30 minutes to arrive at the airport
Hotel shuttle pick-up location: Anchorage International Airport, outside the arrivals area, designated hotel shuttle pick-up area.
T-Mobile cell service cannot be used in some part of Alaska. If your cell service provider is T-Mobile, please contact T-Mobile customer service in advance, or provide an alternate contact number.
※ Anchorage taxi information:
Taxi pick-up location: Anchorage International Airport, outside the arrivals area, designated taxi pick-up area.
From the airport to most Anchorage hotels, the cost is about $15-30 per taxi.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Anchorage/ Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage Airport OR similar.
Details:
Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning, and travel to the old naval port town of Whittier. On the way you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of lofty mountains, icy glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and the twisting ocean shoreline of Turnagain Arm. Just before arriving in Whittier, you’ll pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest double-use highway and railroad tunnel in the U.S. at 4.05 km. Once in Whittier, visit the famous Begich Towers residential building (outside only) and take in the naval port town scenery (about 20 min. total). While in Whittier you have the opportunity to go on a Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (at additional expense, it is suggested that you book in advance). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 8:00-8:30pm.
Whittier:
One of the most interesting towns in Alaska, Whittier was a naval port during the Cold War. After the naval facilities were abandoned, they were converted into Begich Towers, the most unique residential building in America. Most of the 200-some residents of the town live in the building, and there is also a school, post office, and supermarket inside. Whittier is also the gateway to access many famous glaciers, and is surrounded by 3,500 ft. (1,067 m) tall mountains. It was first chosen as the site for a military base in World War 2, and today has evolved into a world-class cruise ship port, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Clothing suggestions: Outdoor sports shoes and a lightweight warm coat.
Optional Activity: Glacier & Marine Life Cruise* (about 5 hours total, includes western-style box lunch, narration in English)
Board the boat around noon, and start soaking up the magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Prince William Sound. The glaciers end in steep cliffs of ice, and when sunlight hits the ice, it seems to glow from within. When you hear a glacier let out a deep rumble, you may witness pieces of the glacier falling off into the water. You’ll be able to observe up-close floating icebergs and where the glaciers meet the sea, and have the opportunity to see all types of marine animals (such as sea lions, sea otters, and seals) as well as birds. It is suggested that you bring a warm jacket, hat, etc.
Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Anchorage/ Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage Airport OR similar.
Details:
Leave from the hotel around 9:30 in the morning , and travel to the scenic Hatcher Pass, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, the Hatcher Pass area is extremely rich in plant resources, and is a paradise for locals and self-driving enthusiasts, with alpine glacial lakes and beautiful wildflowers dotted between the mountains, without losing the grandeur of Alaska. Along the way, head to Independence Mine State Historical Park, the abandoned gold mine is no longer the grand event of the past, and now it welcomes tourists with its unique retro style. Then we'll visit a small local brewery, and in the American beer industry, Alaska is a place that can't be ignored, the local brewery brands have their own characteristics. Not only can we learn a little about Alaska's local beer making, but we can also sample fresh craft beers (tasting is at your own expense, only 21 years old can drink alcohol, please show ID at that time). Estimated return to Anchorage is between 17:00-17:30.
Clothing advice: Outdoor sneakers and a lightweight warm coat.
Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Anchorage/ Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage Airport OR similar.
Leave from the hotel at around 9:00 in the morning, and travel to the gold rush town of Talkeetna, at the foot of Denali. Once you’ve arrived, head to the Denali National Park Talkeetna Ranger Station to get your official park stamp (about 15 min.), then get a look at Denali from a viewing platform (about 15 min.). You’ll also have time to freely explore the unique restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and antique-themed shops. If you want to get a close look at Denali, you can choose to do an optional Denali Flightseeing Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance) or Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (at additional expense, can be booked in advance). Due to time constraints, it is only possible to choose one of these two activities. Estimated return to Anchorage is between 7:00-7:30pm.
Talkeetna:
This town was once an extremely lively center of gold rush activity, and today continues to showcase the spirit and style of pioneer Alaska. The main street is lined with small log cabins and antique storefronts. Talkeetna is not only the gateway to Denali and the setting-out point for mountaineers, it’s also a nature lover’s paradise.
Optional activities:
1. Denali Flightseeing Tour* (About 1 to 1.5 hours roundtrip, English narration)
Ride in a small flightseeing plane, and get a bird’s-eye view of snow-covered Denali and the majestic Alaska Range. If weather conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to land on a glacier and personally experience being surrounded by the snowy mountains.
2. Talkeetna Speedboat Tour* (About 2 hours roundtrip, English narration)
Your boat captain will take you on a river-based tour, with views of the wilderness scenery on each bank. Here you are less than 100 km (about 60 miles) from Denali, the highest peak in North America. As you travel through the forests surrounding the Susitna River, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and gaze at the high peak reaching into the sky. When the weather is clear, you’ll be blown away by the view. The tour includes a visit to an Alaska Native hunting camp.
Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Anchorage/ Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage Airport OR similar.
Details:
Leave from the hotel around 7:30 in the morning, and head to the Anchorage Train Station to check in for your train for your journey to Denali on the Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train* (ticket included). You’ll arrive at the Denali Train Station around 3:40pm. You’ll be picked up from the train station and taken to your hotel, after which you can enjoy some free time.
Alaska Glass Dome Sightseeing Train:
This is one of the most popular summer tourist activities in Alaska, especially the portion of the route between Anchorage and Denali, with its stunning scenery. The train is equipped with comfortable seats and a glass dome ceiling that allows for 180° views. On this moving observation platform, as you head toward Denali, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to photograph the beautiful scenery you pass. You’ll personally experience the scenic Alaska rail route first established during the gold rush era over a hundred years ago, and the thrill of seeing the highest peak in North America.
Notes:
1. The summer glass dome train is a sightseeing train with limited ticket availability. The specific route and seating are subject to change.
2. Your guide will drop you off and pick you up at the train station, but will not accompany you on the train.
Meals: Breakfast: at hotel; Lunch & Dinner: on your own
Hotel: Denali Totem Inn OR Similar.
Details:
Today you can choose what you want to do. You can sleep in at the hotel, or at additional expense you can experience the nature of the Denali National Park area close-up through a choice of different outdoor activities.
Leaving from the hotel around 2:00pm in the afternoon, drive to the Fairbanks airport, arriving there around 5:00pm. Today your tour ends, and it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Alaska.
Denali National Park:
Denali National Park was founded in 1917 and is one of the longest continuously protected nature reserves in the world. Inside the park can be found many different species of wildlife, as well as exceptional unblemished natural scenery, including the Alaska Range mountains and huge areas of tundra. The incredible natural beauty here attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The beautiful scenery, along with the fun of looking for wildlife, guarantees that visitors here, whether they come to take in the view, climb mountains, or hike, all go home full of happy memories.
Optional Activities:
1. Denali Natural History Tour* (Must be booked in advance, about 4-5hours roundtrip, English narration)
Travel 30 miles (about 50 km) into Denali National Park.This will be a classic and relaxing journey where you will have the opportunity to observe the wildlife within the reserve, when the weather is nice you can also see Denali Peak in the distance.
2. Denali ATV Adventure* (Suggested to be booked in advanced, about 2.5 hours total, including about 1.5 hours of ATV riding, English guide)
Ride on an amphibious all-terrain vehicle, and speed over the surface of a lake or race across the wilderness. Travel down dirt roads, rocky riverbeds, and twisting forest paths. On the way you can observe unique Alaskan wildlife and breathtaking terrain.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner: on your own
Hotel: None
Departure notes:
1. At most local hotels check-out time is 10:00am - 12:00pm. Please confirm the check-out time with your hotel.
2. On the last day of your itinerary, please check out of your hotel before your tour that day begins.
3. If you are leaving on the last day of your itinerary, please book a flight leaving after 7pm, in order to ensure ample time to complete your tour that day.
4. If you wish to remain in Fairbanks after your tour ends, you can book an extended hotel stay in advance.
The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.
The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.
Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.
You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.
Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.
Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.
These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.
Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.
Pricing
What's Included
Passengers will be picked up and dropped off at their chosen locations. (Please take notice of locations and times of pick up)
All tours are carried out in air conditioned bus. We may also use a minivan depending on the number of people booking the tour.
Tour package price includes all the taxes.
Attraction entrance fees noted in the itinerary.
Depending on group size it can be either a driver and Guide or a driver guide.
Hotel breakfasts and meals listed as included in the itinerary.
Attraction entrance fees noted in the itinerary.
What's Excluded
Fares for air travel and transport from home to and from the location chosen for pick-up.
Expenditure for personal purposes.
Fee for all Optional Activities and entrance paid in cash to the tour guide. He will arrange tickets for the whole group. Some attractions might be closed on public holidays. Seasonal attractions will be closed after a certain time and itinerary will be changed based on it. Optional activities price may change or can be different as displayed on the website.
A minimum of $12 service fee per passenger per day is not included in the price of the tour package. You can pay it in cash to Tour guide and bus driver. This service fees collected from passengers complement the incomes of driver and the tour guide.
Travel insurance.
Though the meals are excluded,but the guides will arrange them for you.
Room fees of personal nature, such as, laundry fees, telephone, service fees of valets, expenses on alcoholic drinks and what you buy from the mini bar. However, specified fees may be included.
Important Notice: Passengers are discouraged from purchasing admission packages from sources outside and trying to use them for this tour provided at a discounted price. In case they want to do so, they must arrange transport for the same day.
Attraction Prices
| Attractions | Adult | Child(2-11 yrs) | Senior(65+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denali ATV Adventure, AK | $240.00 | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| Denali Flightseeing Tour including glacier landing, AK | $388.00 | $272.00 | $388.00 |
| Denali Flightseeing Tour not including glacier landing, AK | $270.00 | $189.00 | $270.00 |
| Denali Highway, AK | $150.00 | $90.00 | $150.00 |
| Glacier & Marine Life Cruise, AK | $215.00 | $150.00 | $215.00 |
| Natural History Tour, Ak | $150.00 | $90.00 | $150.00 |
| Talkeetna Speedboat Tour, AK | $98.00 | $72.00 | $98.00 |
All the prices are listed in USD.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.
Prices may change without any notice.
Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.
Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.
Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.
Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.
There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.
Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.
Departure Location
Departure Location
Return Location
Important Notes
Arrive at departure location 10 to 15 minutes before the mentioned time to make sure you catch the bus on time. If in case you are late, the bus will not wait for you at the location and ultimately you will miss the entire tour (no refund in this case).
Return time on the website is just an estimation. Expect some variation always. Time may change depending on traffic and weather situations
There is a possibility that tour operator may use a shuttle to drop you off at the return location. It usually happens in the case of multiple return locations.
You can leave the tour at any place only after signing a Tour Departure Form for leaving the tour early.
Please note that price will stay the same even if you leave the tour early.
If you have booked a pre-tour hotel stay, then you will have to arrange your own transport from hotel to departure location.
If you have booked extra night hotel after the tour, then you will arrange transport from drop off point to hotel.
On West Coast tours some bus operators have a lot of departure locations. A slow start is expected on these tours.
Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Determination of the time of cancellation will be done when the notice is received and confirmed by our office. You must make any notice of cancellation directly to GoldenBusTours by email or webmail at the Contact Us section.
Cancellation charges
⇒ 37 days or more prior to departure, 10% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ 27 to 36 days prior to departure, 30% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ 16 to 26 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ Within 16 days prior to departure, 100% tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.
An add-on fee of 6% for handling fees is charged in addition to the above penalties. No matter what the reason for cancellation is, the processing fee will be deducted on each refund.
In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained. We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirements or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour if the future travel plan suits you. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements like separate purchase of air tickets, visa cost, taxi fare etc. We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations.
Note: More than 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection, COVID or any other serious issue. If you reschedule a tour and later decide to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.
Reservation, Booking & Redemption
Terms & Conditions
Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.
You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.
Tour Confirmation
You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.
E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)
Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.
Changes in Booking
You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.
Changes in Tour Itinerary
We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.
Reschedule
If you want to reschedule your tour (change the departure date or choose a different tour) then a reschedule fees may be applied. No reschedule request will be entertained within 15 days before the departure date.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.
Pricing
1. One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.
2. If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.
3. Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.
4. Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.
5. Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.
6. Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.
7. All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.
8. In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.
9. Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.
10. Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.
11. Final hotels booked may not be same as the one mentioned on the website.
Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.
Buy 2 Get 1 Free: Get 3rd Ticket free on the purchase of 2 tickets. Free hotel and bus transportation for the guests. Free traveler still needs to pay fuel surcharge, admission tickets, tips and other cost mentioned in price excludes section.Responsibility
3. Before booking any tour make sure to go through every detail like tour itinerary, tour price, cancellation policy, reschedule and refund policies. Tour Guide will be Chinese and English or it can only be chinese based on the group size.
4. You should either bring a printed copy of your E-Ticket or bring it in your smartphone on the day of tour departure. You should also bring a valid photo ID along with your E-Ticket. In the case of any issues for not carrying E-Ticket or Photo ID GoldenBusTour will not be responsible.
5.Make sure to provide a valid phone number so we can reach you in the case of any emergency.
6. Please read all important notes, inclusion, exclusion section, terms and conditions, policies and below notes.
6a. Tour Operator holds the right to cancel the tour at any time depending on poor weather condition or some other unforeseen circumstances. However, GoldenBusTour will update its customers about the cancellation and shall not be held accountable for charges other than tour fees.
6b. Change in tour price will not affect any confirmed booking.
6c. Tour Operator can change the order of itinerary at any time without any notice.
8.Reach Departure location about 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Unfortunately, no one will wait for you in case you get in late. The bus mostly has Bus Operator name and logo on it. Even if you are five minutes late and miss the bus then GoldenBusTours or Tour Operator will not be responsible. There will be no refund in this case. You will be charged 100% tour fee.
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