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BEGINS IN: FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Discover Alaska by Rail: A Traveling Adventure

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Program #1014RJ

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12 Days | 11 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Participants will travel to 3900 feet during the field trip into Denali National Park.

 Equipment Requirements
Waterproof footwear with ankle support and proper rain gear are both highly recommended.

Itinerary for Jun 30 — Jul 11, 2013

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Type: Campus/Dorm

 Contact info:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
phone: 907-474-7247
web: www.uaf.edu/reslife/residential-facilities/cutler-apartment-complex/

Room amenities: Each apartment is like a small condo with two floors. Downstairs is a living room and kitchen and upstairs are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Up to four people will share a bathroom. ALL of these apartments require using a flight of stairs. SOME REQUIRE USING TWO FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. We have a very limited number of accessible apartments available. If you need an accessible apartment please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can provide one. Meals will be served in the university cafeteria, a 1/3-mile walk from the apartments. This is the main dining hall in use on campus in the summer, so you get to interact with the campus community while you dine. There is a laundry room in the apartment complex. Machines are free, soap may be purchased in the campus bookstore.

Facility amenities: Coffee pots, microwave, phone, free laundry, free 24 hour internet access in nearby dormitory.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: The maximum number of people sharing a bathroom is four.

Additional nights before: $40
To reserve rooms, you must call the UAF Summer Conference Desk at (907) 474-6769. Be sure to tell the person you speak with that you are with the Road Scholar Program.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, June 30 - Independent arrivals 3-5pm. 
Arrive To: Independent arrival to Fairbanks.

Dinner: On campus

Evening: Orientation.

Evening: Introductions.

Lodging: Cutler Student Apartment Complex (SAC)

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Campus/Dorm

 Contact info:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
phone: 907-474-7247
web: www.uaf.edu/reslife/residential-facilities/cutler-apartment-complex/

Room amenities: Each apartment is like a small condo with two floors. Downstairs is a living room and kitchen and upstairs are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Up to four people will share a bathroom. ALL of these apartments require using a flight of stairs. SOME REQUIRE USING TWO FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. We have a very limited number of accessible apartments available. If you need an accessible apartment please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can provide one. Meals will be served in the university cafeteria, a 1/3-mile walk from the apartments. This is the main dining hall in use on campus in the summer, so you get to interact with the campus community while you dine. There is a laundry room in the apartment complex. Machines are free, soap may be purchased in the campus bookstore.

Facility amenities: Coffee pots, microwave, phone, free laundry, free 24 hour internet access in nearby dormitory.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: The maximum number of people sharing a bathroom is four.

Additional nights before: $40
To reserve rooms, you must call the UAF Summer Conference Desk at (907) 474-6769. Be sure to tell the person you speak with that you are with the Road Scholar Program.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, July 01 - Riverboat Discovery 
Breakfast: Breakfast

Morning: Morning class at the University followed by a field trip out on the town.

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: Afternoon field trip aboard the Riverboat Discovery. This three hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and the heart of a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for four generations. You will see a bush float plane taking off alongside a "bush" style runway, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Alaskan Native guides who have worked and lived in Alaska will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Dinner: Dinner

Evening: Experience the Fairbanks summer art scene at one of the season's diverse cultural events.

Lodging: Cutler Student Apartment Complex (SAC)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Campus/Dorm

 Contact info:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
phone: 907-474-7247
web: www.uaf.edu/reslife/residential-facilities/cutler-apartment-complex/

Room amenities: Each apartment is like a small condo with two floors. Downstairs is a living room and kitchen and upstairs are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Up to four people will share a bathroom. ALL of these apartments require using a flight of stairs. SOME REQUIRE USING TWO FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. We have a very limited number of accessible apartments available. If you need an accessible apartment please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can provide one. Meals will be served in the university cafeteria, a 1/3-mile walk from the apartments. This is the main dining hall in use on campus in the summer, so you get to interact with the campus community while you dine. There is a laundry room in the apartment complex. Machines are free, soap may be purchased in the campus bookstore.

Facility amenities: Coffee pots, microwave, phone, free laundry, free 24 hour internet access in nearby dormitory.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: The maximum number of people sharing a bathroom is four.

Additional nights before: $40
To reserve rooms, you must call the UAF Summer Conference Desk at (907) 474-6769. Be sure to tell the person you speak with that you are with the Road Scholar Program.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, July 02 - Museum of the North 
Breakfast: Breakfast

Morning: Discover the pioneer history of Fairbanks, Alaska's WWII history, and the spectacle of the northern lights at the newly renovated University of Alaska Museum of the North.

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: Learn why Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of the North." Mingle with the locals on an afternoon field trip to catch the best of seasonal celebrations in this famously friendly little city.

Dinner: Dinner

Evening: Evening program TBA.

Lodging: Cutler Student Apartment Complex (SAC)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: The Denali Education Center campus was built in 1990 along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, on the banks of the Nenana River. This quiet wooded campus, consisting of 12 cabins and Riverside Hall, was the first in the U.S. built exclusively for Road Scholar programs. All facilities are on the ground floor with four steps leading into each cabin. The longest walk from your cabin to Riverside Hall is about 200 yards on a gravel walkway, and the shortest is about 15 yards.

Contact info:
Milepost 231 George Parks Highway
Denali Park, AK 99755 USA
phone: 907-683-2597
web: www.denali.org

Room amenities: Our location is idyllic, rooms and services are simple. Each cabin at the Denali Education Center has one bathroom that may be shared by up to four people. There is no housekeeping during the week, though fresh towels are available mid-week. Rooms do not have clocks, radios, TV’s, microwaves, or hair dryers. All rooms are non-smoking. There are no phones in the rooms, though cell phone reception is fine. Emergency calls may be received in the office, as needed. An answering machine will receive calls after hours or when staff is in the field.

Facility amenities: Laundry facilities are available for $2 per wash and $2 per dry, laundry detergent included. Internet access is available nearby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Each cabin has two rooms with one shared bath.

Day Four: Wednesday, July 03 - Train to Denali 
Breakfast: Breakfast

Morning: Board the Alaska Railroad for a journey through the wide open spaces of Interior Alaska towards the heart of the Alaska Range and Denali National Park.

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: Orientation to Denali Education Center campus.

Dinner: Riverside Hall

Evening: Learn about the sometimes surprising, always extreme, conditions that shape life in Denali and define a subarctic ecosystem in “Welcome to the Subarctic.”

Lodging: Denali Education Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: The Denali Education Center campus was built in 1990 along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, on the banks of the Nenana River. This quiet wooded campus, consisting of 12 cabins and Riverside Hall, was the first in the U.S. built exclusively for Road Scholar programs. All facilities are on the ground floor with four steps leading into each cabin. The longest walk from your cabin to Riverside Hall is about 200 yards on a gravel walkway, and the shortest is about 15 yards.

Contact info:
Milepost 231 George Parks Highway
Denali Park, AK 99755 USA
phone: 907-683-2597
web: www.denali.org

Room amenities: Our location is idyllic, rooms and services are simple. Each cabin at the Denali Education Center has one bathroom that may be shared by up to four people. There is no housekeeping during the week, though fresh towels are available mid-week. Rooms do not have clocks, radios, TV’s, microwaves, or hair dryers. All rooms are non-smoking. There are no phones in the rooms, though cell phone reception is fine. Emergency calls may be received in the office, as needed. An answering machine will receive calls after hours or when staff is in the field.

Facility amenities: Laundry facilities are available for $2 per wash and $2 per dry, laundry detergent included. Internet access is available nearby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Each cabin has two rooms with one shared bath.

Day Five: Thursday, July 04 - Journey to the Heart of the Park 
Breakfast: Riverside Hall

Morning: Enjoy stunning scenery and wildlife watching opportunities on a day-long journey into Denali National Park by shuttle bus to Eielson Visitor Center.

Lunch: In the field

Afternoon: Want to hike independently in this pristine wilderness? We invite you to leave the bus behind and travel cross-country... at any time throughout the day.

Dinner: Riverside Hall

Evening: Free time.

Lodging: Denali Education Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: The Denali Education Center campus was built in 1990 along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, on the banks of the Nenana River. This quiet wooded campus, consisting of 12 cabins and Riverside Hall, was the first in the U.S. built exclusively for Road Scholar programs. All facilities are on the ground floor with four steps leading into each cabin. The longest walk from your cabin to Riverside Hall is about 200 yards on a gravel walkway, and the shortest is about 15 yards.

Contact info:
Milepost 231 George Parks Highway
Denali Park, AK 99755 USA
phone: 907-683-2597
web: www.denali.org

Room amenities: Our location is idyllic, rooms and services are simple. Each cabin at the Denali Education Center has one bathroom that may be shared by up to four people. There is no housekeeping during the week, though fresh towels are available mid-week. Rooms do not have clocks, radios, TV’s, microwaves, or hair dryers. All rooms are non-smoking. There are no phones in the rooms, though cell phone reception is fine. Emergency calls may be received in the office, as needed. An answering machine will receive calls after hours or when staff is in the field.

Facility amenities: Laundry facilities are available for $2 per wash and $2 per dry, laundry detergent included. Internet access is available nearby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Each cabin has two rooms with one shared bath.

Day Six: Friday, July 05 - Wildlife of Denali 
Breakfast: Riverside Hall

Morning: Discover the extraordinary animals that call Denali home and learn about their marvelous adaptations to life at high latitudes in “Wildlife of Denali.”

Lunch: Riverside Hall

Afternoon: Explore the rich habitat of Horseshoe Lake. Join an expert naturalist for a 1.5 mile round-trip walk with 250 feet elevation change. Or, take off on your own for free time or optional activities including rafting, flightseeing, flyfishing, or visiting sled dog kennels.

Dinner: Riverside Hall

Evening: Guest speaker TBA. Schedule for expert local evening presenters in Denali will be announced on first day of program.

Lodging: Denali Education Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: Just south of downtown Anchorage near: The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts The Egan Convention Center The Anchorage Museum The Dena'ina Convention and Civic Center Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Contact info:
1200 L Street Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99501 USA
phone: 907-276-0110
web: www.inlettower.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary high-speed Internet access Free local calls Speaker phone with voice mail 25-inch color television with premium channels HBO Refrigerator, microwave & wet bar Coffeemaker with Alaskan gourmet coffee Hairdryer Iron/Ironing board Rollaway beds and cribs (upon request) Safe deposit box available at front desk Air conditioning

Facility amenities: Free High-Speed Wireless Internet, all guest rooms & public space Free 24-Hour Shuttle Service, to airport, railroad station and downtown Fitness center, open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mixx Grill Food & Spirits

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Saturday, July 06 - Ride the rails to Anchorage 
Breakfast: Riverside Hall

Morning: Learn about the pioneer community of McKinley Station, the beginnings of what is now the gateway to Denali National Park. This is an optional walk that travels 1.6 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain.

Lunch: Bag lunch for the train.

Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic journey on the Alaska Railroad through Broad Pass, over the Alaska Range to Anchorage. Hope for a glimpses of Mt. McKinley and wildlife as you pass through Denali State Park.

Dinner: Dine onboard the Alaska Railroad.

Evening: Check-in to Inlet Tower in downtown Anchorage.

Lodging: Inlet Tower Hotel and Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: Just south of downtown Anchorage near: The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts The Egan Convention Center The Anchorage Museum The Dena'ina Convention and Civic Center Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Contact info:
1200 L Street Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99501 USA
phone: 907-276-0110
web: www.inlettower.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary high-speed Internet access Free local calls Speaker phone with voice mail 25-inch color television with premium channels HBO Refrigerator, microwave & wet bar Coffeemaker with Alaskan gourmet coffee Hairdryer Iron/Ironing board Rollaway beds and cribs (upon request) Safe deposit box available at front desk Air conditioning

Facility amenities: Free High-Speed Wireless Internet, all guest rooms & public space Free 24-Hour Shuttle Service, to airport, railroad station and downtown Fitness center, open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mixx Grill Food & Spirits

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eight: Sunday, July 07 - Alaska Native Heritage Center and The Anchorage Museum 
Breakfast: Continental buffet at the Inlet Tower

Morning: The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native culture, language, heritage and tradition. Explore the exhibits and take in one-of-a-kind demonstrations by Alaska Native artists, dancers, musicians, and story tellers of all ages.

Lunch: Lunch at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Afternoon: Join a docent for a tour of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. After learning some Alaskan history, continue on to explore the awe inspiring collection of Alaskan art.

Dinner: In downtown Anchorage

Lodging: Inlet Tower Hotel and Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Motel

 Description: The Kenai Peninsula Learning Center is a full-service lodge located on the shore of upper Trail Lodge. A restaurant and bar are available. Rooms are double occupancy with either two twin beds, or one double bed. All rooms have private baths. There is a possibility of triple or quad rooming, by advance request only.

Contact info:
PO Box 5
Moose Pass, AK 99631 USA
phone: 907-288-3101
web: www.traillakelodge.com

Room amenities: A TV with limited channels is available in each room.

Facility amenities: Internet access is available, but no laundry facilities at Moose Pass.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: $109
Rooms are available before and after the program. Rates depend upon the time of year. Call 907-288-3101 for rates and to make a reservation.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Nine: Monday, July 08 - Behind-the-Scenes tour at Alaska SeaLife Center 
Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the Inlet Tower

Morning: Early morning departure to travel the final stretch of the Alaska Railroad... one of the most spectacular railroad journeys on the continent.

Lunch: On train

Afternoon: Bus transfer to Moose Pass followed by an orientation to the Kenai Peninsula Learning Center campus.

Afternoon: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Learn about the Center’s marine wildlife research, rehabilitation projects, and life support systems. Discover what is takes to care for seals, sea lions, octopus, seabirds, and 154 species of fish.

Dinner: Trail Lake Lodge

Evening: Glaciers & Glaciology

Lodging: Kenai Peninsula Learning Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Motel

 Description: The Kenai Peninsula Learning Center is a full-service lodge located on the shore of upper Trail Lodge. A restaurant and bar are available. Rooms are double occupancy with either two twin beds, or one double bed. All rooms have private baths. There is a possibility of triple or quad rooming, by advance request only.

Contact info:
PO Box 5
Moose Pass, AK 99631 USA
phone: 907-288-3101
web: www.traillakelodge.com

Room amenities: A TV with limited channels is available in each room.

Facility amenities: Internet access is available, but no laundry facilities at Moose Pass.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: $109
Rooms are available before and after the program. Rates depend upon the time of year. Call 907-288-3101 for rates and to make a reservation.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Ten: Tuesday, July 09 - Exit Glacier 
Breakfast: Trail Lake Lodge

Morning: Choose your own adventure. Recommended exhibits and presentations include: Qutekcak Native Tribe Culture Center; Native Alaskan Presentations & Stories from the Elders, Seward Museum for “The History of Seward,” and Two Lakes Trail nature hike with Carol Griswold.

Lunch: At the SeaLife Center

Afternoon: Enjoy a Ranger-led interpretive walk to the toe of Exit Glacier. Up to 1 mile and 50 ft of elevation gain.

Dinner: Trail Lake Lodge

Evening: Evening presentation: “My Alaska Experience” with Rosella Ikerd

Lodging: Kenai Peninsula Learning Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Motel

 Description: The Kenai Peninsula Learning Center is a full-service lodge located on the shore of upper Trail Lodge. A restaurant and bar are available. Rooms are double occupancy with either two twin beds, or one double bed. All rooms have private baths. There is a possibility of triple or quad rooming, by advance request only.

Contact info:
PO Box 5
Moose Pass, AK 99631 USA
phone: 907-288-3101
web: www.traillakelodge.com

Room amenities: A TV with limited channels is available in each room.

Facility amenities: Internet access is available, but no laundry facilities at Moose Pass.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: $109
Rooms are available before and after the program. Rates depend upon the time of year. Call 907-288-3101 for rates and to make a reservation.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Eleven: Wednesday, July 10 - Kenai Fjords National Park Marine Wildlife Cruise 
Breakfast: Trail Lake Lodge

Morning: Small boat tour to Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy extraordinary sightings of glaciers, marine mammals, shorebirds, and pelagic birds. Soak in the unparalleled beauty of Kenai Fjord's wild and rugged coastline.

Morning: A bit of free time at Seward's small boat harbor.

Lunch: Onboard boat

Afternoon: Continue glacier-spotting and wildlife watching on Kenai Fjords cruise.

Dinner: Trail Lake Lodge

Evening: Program wrap-up.

Lodging: Kenai Peninsula Learning Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Twelve: Thursday, July 11 - Independent departures. 
Breakfast: Trail Lake Lodge

Morning: Independent departures. 10 am check-out time.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
Currently selected:Prices Starting At:
Jun 30 — Jul 11, 2013 waitlist only  

Our Value Promise To You

You won't find a better value.

Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•11 nights of accommodations
•32 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
•6 Expert-led lectures
•15 Field trips
•2 Performances
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