European countries have long considered train travel to be among the most efficient and comfortable ways to explore the globe. So much so, in fact, that hospitality companies such as Belmond have elevated the locomotive experience from one of mere convenience to one of over-the-top luxury. European trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express feature lavish décor (made of authentic materials that nod to the history of the train and its destinations), fabulous culinary experiences, and white-glove service that rivals even the finest stationary hotels. But in the United States, few such opportunities even exist—here, most train journeys remain in the "convenience" column, opulence ignored entirely. But one company is disrupting the American locomotive industry in the best way possible.
Related: The Best Luxury Train Routes in America
Vacations by Rail is the North American authority on rail vacations. The company doesn't simply get its passengers from point A to point B—it crafts a full itinerary for each trip, complete with luxurious hotel accommodations, local dining opportunities, and extraordinary excursions. And one of their most elite escorted train tours, Alaska the Greatland, doesn't disappoint.
Related: The 18 Best Train Routes Around the World
'Alaska the Greatland' is a nine-day guided locomotive tour of Alaska's most beautiful destinations. The train travels from Fairbanks to Denali National Park to Talkeetna and beyond, eventually finding its final destination at Prince William Sound. Between days one and nine, though, guests of Vacations by Rail have boundless opportunity to explore the local culture in Alaska through culinary and adventure experiences. Notable excursions during the Alaska the Greatland journey include riverboat tours, dog sledding, and wildlife spotting, and guests are able to ride aboard the Denali Star (in GoldStar Service, no less) and the Glacier Discovery, two legendary trains operated by the Alaska Railroad. This trip is recommended for travelers at activity level three, meaning people who are comfortable with "longer days that are more active, such as multiple sightseeing stops, longer motorcoach journeys and getting on and off ships and trains."
Pricing for Alaska the Greatland starts at $3,995 for nine days, and the summer-only trip books out several months in advance—as of this publishing date, the first available departure is July 21, 2021, and availability runs through August 17, 2022.
