This tour through Alaska focuses on some of the events that make Alaska so unique—the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the Iditarod. In Fairbanks, when conditions are right, one of nature’s most breathtaking shows, the Aurora Borealis, lights up the sky. You’ve heard of it and now you have the opportunity to see it! Spend time in Fairbanks and take the scenic Alaska Railroad to Anchorage. Be sure to watch for views of Mount McKinley and wildlife—as well as other spectacular scenery—along the way.

Your time in Anchorage focuses on the Iditarod, Alaska’s best-known sporting event. Meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his kennels and visit the Iditarod Headquarters. Enjoy the festivities at a Musher’s Banquet, see the musher’s draw for starting position in the race, and perhaps meet them for photos and autographs. You’ll get a chance to be at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and at the official restart of the race in Willow, where you’ll be able to cheer on your favorite mushers as they head off into the Alaska’s wilderness on this 1,131-mile journey to Nome.

You’ll also spend time at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska, located in the ski resort community of Girdwood. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, taking an aerial tram ride for breathtaking views, or simply relaxing at the hotel’s spa. For a chance to see grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, and more, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

This is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure not to missed. You’ve seen photos of the Aurora Borealis and the Iditarod race—now is your chance to see them both!

City Highlights

FAIRBANKSMorris Thompson Cultural Center; Trans-Alaska Pipeline; Alaska Railroad, 2 excursions for chance to see the Northern Lights GIRDWOOD Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center; aerial tram rideANCHORAGE Welcome breakfast; sightseeing; behind-the-scenes visit at Alaska Zoo; [LF] attend the Musher’s Banquet; visit Iditarod Headquarters; see the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Race; visit the Alaska Native Heritage CenterSEWARD Alaska Sealife CenterBIG LAKE [LF] Visit Happy Trails KennelsWILLOW Attend the official “restart” of the Iditarod race

Hotels

FAIRBANKS Springhill Suites (MF)ANCHORAGE Hilton Anchorage (SF) or Anchorage Marriott (MF)GIRDWOOD Hotel Alyeska (SF)

Meals

Breakfast (B) daily, 1 lunch (L), 1 box lunch (L), 2 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in Anchorage

Notes

NOTE:The aurora is most active late at night or early in the morning when the sky is clear and the air chilly. Viewings are scheduled from 10 pm-2 am. While the aurora is frequently seen in February and March, it is up to Mother Nature to create the special conditions in order to witness this phenomenon. Purchasing a pre-night in Fairbanks is recommended due to the late-night/early morning viewing hours required to see the aurora borealis.

PRODUCT_LINE: GLOBUS-AIQ-2014