Be adventurous and visit Alaska in the Winter season! This 5-day winter journey by bus from Anchorage allows you to get up close to Alaska’s wildlife in the winter including moose and bison during a visit of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn about the Iditarod Sled Dog race from an Iditarod musher during a special kennel visit prior to 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. The professional guides and drivers are experts on Alaska and live here year round.
Witness the excitement of the beginning of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race! A guided group tour highlighting activities around the race including the Musher's Banquet, a visit to Martin Buser's kennel, and touring southcentral Alaska.
Anchorage Arrival (March 2)
Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer to your downtown hotel on your own. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. Overnight Anchorage.
Important note: the Anchorage hotel will be determined 30 days prior to arrival, however please contact us if you would like to book any additional night for extending your Alaska winter vacation and adding optional activities.
Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (March 3)
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 4)
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 5)
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 6)
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.
Post-nights in Anchorage may be available. Please contact us for details.
If you're going to be in Anchorage this winter, a photography day tour is a fun experience for amateur to avid photographers alike to learn about Anchorage's many attractions! This 4-hour sightseeing tour with your camera is a great way to discover and explore Anchorage...
Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
Book the ""Winter Wonderland" & Iditarod: 5-Days", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
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