Spectacular Alaska :Save up to 23%

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details. Credit amount may vary based on stateroom category booked. Credit may not be offered in all categories.

Exclusive Shore Event: Skagway | White Pass Rail & Yukon Route by Exclusive Train Car

White Pass and Yukon Route. The railroad of dreams. Constructed for the gold rush and spanning 117 years, this line has carried passengers through time to experience nature and history in an environment of challenge and beauty.  Relax in your exclusive train car as you step back in time to learn about the colorful characters, engineering marvels, and the immense challenges of the thousands who dared to face the golden north; all the while being immersed in the natural wonder of the "Scenic Railway of the World".

Exclusively for Virtuoso Voyages, a private car awaits at the pier. A private host will greet you with a beverage as you take your seat. As the trip begins we travel north, the train pulling out of Skagway, passing the train shops where you can witness the mighty rail fleet including 80 passenger cars, 20 diesel electric engines and our two vintage steam engines. Keep an eye out for busy train crews that may be readying a steam engine for the next day's excursion. Just past the train shops, you will catch a glimpse of the Gold Rush Cemetery where Skagway legends have found rest.

As you ascend to White Pass, an offering of fresh baked goods and regional appetizers along with a full beverage service are available as your host regales you with the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, pointing out the scenic highlights along the way. As the train continues to climb, you will travel through a narrow portion of track named Rocky Point.

As the views unfold, there will be cascading waterfalls, wide spanning train trestles, and perhaps a fellow train on the tracks from above or below. Soon you will approach Tunnel Mountain, as we pass through our first of two tunnels, climbing to reach Inspiration Point, your second chance to view down the valley to the deep water port of Skagway.  Watch for the steel cantilever bridge to coming into view. Built in 1901, it was the tallest structure of its kind in the world. A second, longer tunnel will be traveled through just prior to approaching White Pass, elevation 2,888 feet, the turnaround point in the excursion.

Following the repositioning of engines from the north to the south of the train, it will be time to start the trip down the mountain. Your train host will make sure that you are comfortable and be available to answer any questions. Sit back and enjoy the plush surroundings as you hear stories of the challenges overcome and the triumphs it took to cut the railroad out of solid granite cliffs. Living the history of this storied line, you will witness the harsh environment that was overcome and know that through the reinventions of this railroad from stampede train to freight hauler to world famous excursion line.

Approximate Length: Three hours, 15 minutes.

Suggested Attire: Casual attire and light walking. There are 5-6 steep steps to get onto the train.