Visit Alaska to discover the beauty and magic of winter on an 8 day “Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland” vacation including experiencing the Northern Lights and Alaska’s famous sled dog race – the Iditarod!
This unique journey from Fairbanks includes Northern Lights viewing in Alaska’s Interior region and riding the Alaska Railroad south from Healy/Denali to Anchorage. Scenic touring along Turnagain Arm by bus and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will get you up close to Alaska’s wildlife in the winter including moose, bison and more. Learn about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race from an Iditarod musher during a special kennel visit prior to witnessing the start of the “Last Great Race” where you will be surrounded by fabulous four-legged athletes known as sled dogs before they hit the trail to Nome.
A group tour highlighting Alaska's winter season and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Enjoy stunning winter scenery as you travel in a deluxe motorcoach from Fairbanks to Denali and on the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage. The professional guides and drivers are experts on Alaska; traveling with them is like traveling with a friend. This tour is a truly enjoyable way to experience all Alaska has to offer in winter.
Fairbanks Arrival (March 1)
Upon arrival to Fairbanks, no later than 3pm, transfer to your hotel on your own. This evening meet your guide and fellow guests as you board the motorcoach to go on a Northern Lights viewing tour. 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.
Fairbanks (March 2)
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. Depart in the evening for another chance to view the Northern Lights depending on weather and solar activity. Overnight Fairbanks. (B)
Fairbanks to Healy/Denali (March 3)
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. Overnight Healy. (B, BL)
Healy/Denali to Anchorage (March 4)
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)
Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (March 5)
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)
Anchorage - Kennel Visit (March 6)
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)
Anchorage - Ceremonial Iditarod Start (March 7)
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)
Anchorage - Official Iditarod Start - Departure* (March 8)
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.
*This day includes walking on snow and ice (and a few hills) to get to the official start of the Iditarod, where mushers take off from a lake. Guests are encouraged to take their time to get to the venue, as there is not a rush.
Looking to visit Alaska for the Iditarod? This tour might be a good alternative Iditarod Official Start Tour.
Post-nights in Anchorage may be available. Please contact us for details.
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Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
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