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Alaska Winter Driving Adventure
Tour 234CTA

Roads are well maintained during the Winter months.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.

 


 

8 Days / 7 Nights

 

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

 

Day 2: Anchorage to Healy / 280 miles

Plan 5 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). Afterwards, continue driving north, through Denali State Park and past Denali National Park. The national 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.

Optional 2 night extension to Caribou Lodge:

Enjoy one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences – living with a family in the Alaska bush! See below for more information.
 

Day 3: Healy to Chena Hot Springs Resort / 173 miles

Plan 3.5 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, enjoy the outdoor hot mineral springs and tour the Aurora Ice Museum, where everything from the chandeliers to the martini glasses are made of ice (included). Or you can add an optional tour, such as a dog sled ride, snow coach tour, cross-country skiing, or massage (not included). Winter gear can be rented at the resort for an additional fee. Overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

 

Chena Hot SpringsDay 4: 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). Overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

 

Day 5: Chena Hot Spring Resort to Fairbanks / 61 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 6: 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. One local highlight is the Museum of the North, where you can see ice age animals, learn about the Aurora, and explore cultural artifacts. 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 7: 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. Overnight in downtown Anchorage.

*If Day 7 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 8: Anchorage departure
Transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the airport. Depart or start an additional program.

 

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

 


 

234CTA-CL with optional excursion to Caribou Lodge -

Available February 28, 2010 to April 25, 2010

10 Days / 9 Nights

 

Day 2: Anchorage to Talkeetna and Caribou Lodge / 113 miles

Plan 2.5 hours driving time, not including stops.

This morning, drive the Glenn and Parks Highways north to the small town of Talkeetna.  From here, you will depart on a scenic ski-plane flight to Caribou Lodge (approx. 30 minutes in duration). Upon arrival, you will be met by your hosts, Mike and Pam, and be shown around the lodge. This evening enjoy a home-cooked meal, relax in the lodge, and watch for the Northern Lights. Overnight at Caribou Lodge in a private cabin.

 

Day 3: Caribou Lodge

After a hearty breakfast, explore the area on snow-shoes, cross country skis, and/or dog sled; all activities and guiding is included in your package. This evening relax next to the fire after dinner.  Again, be on the look-out for the Northern Lights tonight.  Overnight at Caribou Lodge in a private cabin.

 

Day 4: Caribou Lodge to Healy

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing on your ski-plane flight back to Talkeetna. Upon arrival in Talkeetna, Drive 2.5 hours north to Healy. Tour continues as scheduled above from Day 2.

Standard program: 7 days / 1 week SUV rental with unlimited mileage and one-way drop fee from Anchorage to Fairbanks; 7 nights moderate level accommodations; Aurora Ice Museum tour and pool passes at Chena Hot Springs Resort; scheduled flight or rail travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage; All taxes and fees.

 

With extension to Caribou Lodge: standard program inclusions PLUS 1 additional day of SUV rental; roundtrip flights between Talkeetna and Caribou Lodge; 2 nights accommodation at Caribou Lodge; all meals and guide service while at Caribou Lodge; all taxes. Click here for more information, including activities, at Caribou Lodge.

                            

   Optional insurance for rental vehicle, additional driver fees, or gasoline. 

Meals, excursions, or admission fees other than mentioned. 

 

October 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010: Daily Departures

Price Per Person

2009 / 2010 Winter Rates

based on best available moderate accommodation and SUV rental vehicle

 ProgramRoom Type Single Double / Twin Triple Quad* 4 share car/ 2 rooms Child**
 234CTA - 8 day tour

 Oct 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010

$2242

$1224

$913

$763

$1010

$190

 234CTA-CL with Caribou Lodge * - 10 day tour

 February 28 - April 25, 2010

on request

$2229

$1816

$1655

$1985

$912

 * Maximum occupancy at Caribou Lodge is 3 persons per room. Quad rate for Caribou Lodge extension includes 2 double occupancy cabins.

 **Valid for children 11 years and younger, sharing 1 room with 2 full paying adults.

 

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