Summary
Short description
Explore the wilderness & historic towns of Alaska as you go in search of the Northern Lights
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Highlights
- Witness the Northern Lights in one of the world's best locations to spot them
- Head on horse-drawn sleigh rides & dog sledding tours
- Relax in hot springs as the aurora circles above
- Walk on the epic Matanuska Glacier
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | History & culture | Natural world | Winter
Located within a ring-shaped region around the North Pole called the auroral oval, less than 200km south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks in Alaska is among the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights. This wonderful winter adventure will see you experience all the region has to offer, starting in Anchorage with an epic glacier tour before you journey to Fairbanks and into the Arctic Circle. There's everything from hot spring soaks to husky sledding and sleigh rides on offer here, alongside several included tours to give you the very best chance of spotting the aurora.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Anchorage
After included VIP airport lounge access, board your flight to Anchorage. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the evening, the Hptel Captain Cook, and sample one of the city's myriad dining options – there's everything from casual bistros serving reindeer to ultra-fresh seafood fine dining.
Stay: Hotel Captain Cook (Superior)
Day
2
Anchorage to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad
Today you’ll have the chance to experience a scenic winter Alaska railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train. You’ll ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining options. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and North America’s highest mountain peak. The train will stop as needed in Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks.
Stay: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks
Day
3
Arctic Circle Northern Lights Tour
How many people can say they’ve crossed the Arctic Circle? Experience the landscapes of a lifetime on this 14 hour expedition along the famous James Dalton Highway, that was featured in the TV series Ice Road Truckers. you will cover a total of 400 miles and view the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline, cross the the Arctic Circle, and Yukon River. You may see moose, lynx, and fox in their natural habitat! On the way back, witness the splendor of Aurora Borealis.
Stay: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks
Day
4
Murphy Dome Aurora Northern Lights
One of the best northern lights viewing areas near Fairbanks and a favourite spot for many aurora photographers. With 2,890 feet altitude, Murphy Dome is one of the highest peaks in the Fairbanks area. This 360 degree horizon sets the stage for a phenomenal northern lights show. Viewing the Aurora Borealis above tree line presents you with a wide horizon and an incredible view of the Alaska night sky. The preferred viewing area is right on top of Murphy Dome and does not have restroom facility. Stay warm in a 12-15 passenger van while waiting for the dancing northern lights. Hot beverages will be served.
Stay: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks
Day
5
Evening Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour
Pair the Aurora with hotel pools and you get a Northern Lights experience like no other! This night trip from Fairbankst akes you to Chena Hot Springs Resort for an exciting but relaxing array of activities. Discover eye-popping sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, then unwind in the resort’s legendary mineral water baths. When the conditions are right, lift your eyes to the sky and watch for the ethereal Northern Lights
Stay: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks
Day
6
Dog Mushing and Sledding
Enjoy Alaska’s winter landscapes with a team of happy hounds speeding you through across snowy fields. On this dog-mushing adventure from Fairbanks, learn about the popular sport and what it takes to lead a team of dogs. Then take the reins of the dog sled and pull! Enjoy an hour-long thrilling ride before you warm up in a cozy cabin.
Stay: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks
Day
7
Fairbanks to Anchorage
Upon check-out of your hotel, it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan Aurora rail adventure.
Stay: Hotel Captain Cook (Superior)
Day
8
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
8-day tailor-made holiday
from £3,375 pp
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636
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