Itinerary Details
Alaska's Northern Lights With Iditarod
Day 1: ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Welcome to Fairbanks! You’ve arrived in the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and the gateway to Denali National Park. Later this evening, join your [LF] Local Guide and travel companions for your first glimpse of one of nature’s most magnificent shows—the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).
LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Witness the stunning Northern Lights spectacle in the sky with a Local Guide. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of light dancing across the night sky in a dramatic display of celestial waves and brilliant beams. When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky with such beauty, even Alaska’s tough ol’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed. (weather permitting)
Day 2: FAIRBANKS Fairbanks Fun Enjoy a leisure start to the day. This afternoon, explore Fairbanks on a city tour. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most challenging and remarkable engineering feats of modern times. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing Aurora Borealis light up the northern skies. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore Alaska Native heritage, natural wonders, diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs at Alaska’s cultural landmark, the Museum of the North. Discover breathtaking architecture designed to convey a sense of Alaska, inspired by the lines and shapes found in Alaska’s coastlines, mountains, and glaciers.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Fairbanks with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Ask your Tour Director for the best bites, brews, and things to do!
Day 3: FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNARiding the Rails Travel from Fairbanks to Denali National Park to visit the Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali’s winter visitor center. Then board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey south on the [LF] Aurora Winter Train to the charming town of Talkeetna. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Take in spectacular scenery through panoramic windows on your Alaska Railroad train as you journey through America’s 49th state. Watch for views of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) and local wildlife along the way.
Day 4: TALKEETNA–BIG LAKE–ANCHORAGE–GIRDWOODHeart & Soul on the Trail Continue south today to meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his [LF] Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while viewing a glimpse of the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. This afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch on your own and explore Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, before arriving in the town of Girdwood to stay at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska for a 2-night stay. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Happy Trails Kennel was established in Big Lake in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin’s commitment to raising and training exceptional sled dogs is reflected in his success on the trail, including multiple Iditarod victories and a race record that stood for nine years.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Settle into your base camp for adventure and relaxation at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood - Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, a scenic ski mountain with incredible terrain, and a Nordic Spa.
Day 5: GIRDWOOD Alaskan Adventure Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, fat-tire biking, snowmachine tours, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, a trip to the local brewery, ride on the aerial tram, or just relax at the Nordic Spa. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Girdwood, a scenic mountain town originally built as a supply camp for gold miners, with outdoor activities for all levels.
Day 6: GIRDWOOD–ANCHORAGE. CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD Making Tracks Return to Anchorage for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Meet the mushers and dogs, enjoy local food vendors, and join the celebration of Alaskan culture before their journey begins. Later, discover the highlights of Alaska’s largest city on a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Anchorage at your own pace. Join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the start of the Iditarod race and cheer on the amazing sled dogs and mushers. See mushers from around the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Anchorage, one of the northernmost urban cities on Earth. Ask your Tour Director for recommendations on things to do!
Day 7: ANCHORAGE. WILLOWOfficial Start Depart Anchorage for the adventure north to the Official Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visit Wasilla en route to Willow, and cheer on the teams at the starting line in Willow, at the true start of the race. Mushers take off across Willow Lake on the approximately 1,000-mile (1,609 km) journey by dog sled to Nome. Return to Anchorage for free time this evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Iditarod race honors the emergency vaccine delivery in 1925, when mushers and dog teams delivered life-saving serum over 674 miles in under 6 days during a diphtheria outbreak. The current race highlights the Iditarod National Historic Trail and honors Alaska Native heritage.
Day 8: ANCHORAGE Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
