Winter Driving Adventure
Tour 234CTA

This special winter safari is for adventurous travelers who prefer to take on the challenges and rewards of an SUV self-drive safari in the winter. In winter, the land is a realm of its own: outstanding scenery, challenging conditions, warm hospitality and virtually no traffic! With a reliable four-wheel drive SUV, pre-booked accommodations and a detailed travel kit, you are set to explore!

Activities abound in the winter, such as flight seeing to Mt. McKinley, relaxing in an outdoor hot spring, skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, crossing the Arctic Circle and viewing the amazing Aurora Borealis. During the winter, the main highways are open and well-maintained and driving conditions are reasonably good.

 

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9 Days / 8 Nights

 

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Upon arrival in Anchorage, pick up your SUV and drive to your hotel. Overnight in downtown Anchorage.

 

Day 2: Anchorage to Talkeetna / 112 miles

Plan 2 hours driving time, not including stops.
Begin your driving adventure today heading north on the Parks Highway to Talkeetna. This small but unique gold mining community is famous for its special charm and as the expedition base for mountaineers seeking to summit Mt. McKinley. You'll have time this afternoon for an optional flight seeing tour to Denali National park and Mt. McKinley (not included in tour price). Overnight in Talkeetna.

 

Day 3: Talkeetna to Healy / 155 miles

Plan 3 hours driving time, not including stops.
Today you will continue driving north, through Denali State Park and past Denali National Park. The park is closed to traffic but is staffed by rangers in the winter. You can drive about 5 miles into the park and visit the ranger station. Just a short distance past the park, you will reach Healy. This town of approx. 900 people is home to Alaska’s only commercial coal mine. Overnight in Healy.

 

Day 4: Healy to Chena Hot Springs Resort / 170 miles

Plan 3 hours driving time, not including stops.
Your journey continues northward today through Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This comfortable resort is famous for its mineral hot springs and as an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis. This afternoon, tour the Ice Palace, where everything from the chandeliers to the martini glasses are made of ice (included). Or if you prefer, enjoy the outdoor hot mineral springs, a dog sled ride, snow coach tour, cross country skiing, or massage (not included in tour price). Winter gear can be rented at the resort for a fee. Overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

 

Day 5: Chena Hot Spring Resort
Today is free to enjoy the amenities of the resort. This evening, you may want to add a Snow Coach Aurora Viewing tour (not included in tour price). Overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

 

Day 6: Chena Hot Spring Resort to Fairbanks / 60 miles

Plan 1 hour driving time, not including stops.
Today is at your leisure to drive to Fairbanks. On your way back, you may want to explore the Chena River State Recreation Area. Overnight in downtown Fairbanks.

 

Day 7: Fairbanks

The day is at your leisure to explore the city of Fairbanks. Take a drive to North Pole, located just outside Fairbanks, and visit the Santa Claus House. Or enjoy an optional activity, such as dog sledding, a guided city tour, or Northern Lights viewing tour (not included). Overnight in downtown Fairbanks.

 

Day 8: Fairbanks to Anchorage

Today, drive to the Fairbanks airport where you will return your rental car and depart on a scheduled flight back to Anchorage*. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer to your hotel via hotel courtesy shuttle or taxi (not included). Overnight in downtown Anchorage.

*If day 8 is a Sunday, you may take the train to Anchorage in place of the flight. The train departs at 8:15am and arrives in Anchorage at approx. 7:45pm. If you would like this option, please make a note of it on your reservation.

 

Day 9: Anchorage departure
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle or taxi (not included) to the airport. Depart of start an additional program.

 

Please note:  Driving times during the winter may take longer due to weather and road conditions.

8 day SUV rental with unlimited mileage and one-way drop fee from Anchorage to Fairbanks; 8 nights accommodation; Ice Palace and Stoli Ice Bar tour and pool passes at Chena Hot Springs Resort, scheduled flight or rail travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage, and all taxes and fees.

                               Any insurance for rental vehicle, additional driver fees, or gas.                               Meals, excursions, or admission fees other than mentioned. 

 

October 1, 2007 to April 20, 2008: Daily Departures

2007 / 2008 Winter Rates - Tour 234CTA based on an SUV rental vehicle
	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	4 share car/ 2 rooms
October 1 - 31, 07	$2243	$1224	$918	$764	$1009
Nov 1, 07 - Feb 29, 08	$2184	$1195	$899	$749	$995
March 1 - April 20, 08	$2527	$1366	$1013	$835	$1080
Child Rate: $200, valid for children age 11 years and younger, sharing 1 room with 2 full paying adults.