Ultimate “Winter Wonderland” & Iditarod: 8 Days

Upon arrival in Fairbanks, transfer to your hotel on your own or by hotel courtesy shuttle. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Fairbanks.

Please note:  the group hotel in Fairbanks will not be known until 30 days prior to arrival, but please contact us if you would like to book any extra nights for adding optional tours.

Late this morning enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks including a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and a stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This evening, join your guide and fellow guests as you board the motorcoach to go on a Northern Lights viewing tour (depending on weather and solar activity). Overnight Fairbanks. (B)

In the morning board the motor coach to depart Fairbanks for the small community of Healy, the closest year round community to Denali National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Murie Science Learning Center which acts as the Visitor Center in the wintertime. Afterwards possibility to snowshoe. Tonight, you'll have another chance to view the Northern Lights (weather and solar activity depending).  Overnight Healy. (B, BL)

Transfer to the Healy Rail Stop where you will board the Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey to Anchorage. Keep an eye out for views of Denali! Overnight Anchorage. (B)

Today starts with a city tour of Anchorage featuring the historic downtown area, Lake Hood floatplane base, and Earthquake Park. Later, travel along the spectacular Turnagain Arm - an American scenic byway - for a visit to the non-profit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and an in-depth look at Alaskan wildlife along with their rehabilitative and preservation efforts. Tonight enjoy Iditarod festivities including meeting mushers and a dinner at the Mushers' Banquet! Feel the excitement as the mushers draw starting positions for Saturday's official race start. Overnight in Anchorage. (B, D)

Today travel north to meet 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear his personal stories from being on the trail while viewing a glimpse of the grandeur Alaska has to offer while along the Iditarod trail. Before returning to Anchorage a visit will be made to the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. Overnight in Anchorage. (B)

This morning head to 4th Avenue to get a great viewing spot of the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Spend time cheering on mushers from all over the world as they tour through the city. This afternoon visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum. Overnight in Anchorage. (B)

This morning depart for an adventure north to Willow for the official start of the Iditarod. Be sure to dress in layers for warmth as the entire day will be spent outside cheering on your favorite dog teams. A chance to stop along the way at a local grocery store to pick up on-own lunch items, snacks and maybe a portable chair for sitting. The departure time from Willow will depend on weather conditions and guests' comfort level. It is the goal to see as many of the mushers as possible depart while still arriving back into Anchorage by 6:00/6:30pm.

Upon return to Anchorage, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or add an optional post night in Anchorage.