Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Alaska Northern Lights" tour, where the magic of the Aurora Borealis meets the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Begin your adventure in Fairbanks, exploring cultural gems like the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Centre and the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Experience the thrill of the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train, offering breathtaking views of Denali and the Susitna River. Discover the unique charm of Talkeetna, with opportunities for snowshoeing, dog sledding, and flightseeing tours. In Anchorage, delve into the rich heritage of Alaska's Indigenous cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre and witness the majestic Arctic Musk Oxen at the Musk Ox Farm. With expert guidance, cherry-picked accommodations, and flexible sightseeing options, this tour promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Your Adventure In Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks
Accommodation: Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Get ready for Northern Lights, native cultures and astounding natural beauty as you discover the diversity of Alaska. Your winter Alaska tour begins in Fairbanks where you’ll enjoy Dinner with your fellow travellers, raising a glass to adventures to come. Your first evening is off to a big start as you head out after 10pm to chase the iconic Northern Lights.
...more ...less
Day 2: Fairbanks Sightseeing
Location: Fairbanks, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Museum of the North
Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Unlock the best of Fairbanks on the first full day of your Alaska tour. Your Travel Director reveals the must-sees of the city on an orientation tour before a stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Through films and life-sized dioramas, feel the mood of the seasons and see displays featuring artwork, objects and learn information about the cultural and economic history of the state. In the exhibit depicting summer, walk through a display of a rural fish camp at Nuchalawoyya. And in the fall exhibit, see a grizzly bear digging for ground squirrels just outside of a camp. Continue your discovery of Fairbanks' icons stopping at the Museum of the North, the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Rest up, as later tonight you have a second opportunity to take in the Northern Lights.
Day 3: Travel to Talkeetna
Location: Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna
Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The real Alaska springs to life over a one-of-a-kind experience aboard the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Talkeetna. Feel like you’re in a postcard as winter scenery unfolds around you. On a clear day, you’ll get a spectacular view of Denali above the Susitna River. You may even be rewarded by spotting a moose in the wild. Arrive at Murie Science and Learning Centre to unlock the stories and science of Denali. Complete your day at an epic Stays with Stories overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, just south of Denali. The night is young: Over a Be My Guest experience, learn from photographer ‘Aurora Dora’ about how to take the best photos at night and hear Dora’s story. Then test your knowledge with another chance to see the Aurora Borealis from the deck of the lodge.
Day 4: Talkeetna at Leisure
Location: Talkeetna, Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
See how Talkeetna is in a league of its own with a day at leisure on your Alaska tour. Explore the town and the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum or talk to your Travel Director about joining an optional tour. Explore your natural surroundings on a three-hour snowshoeing tour. Or, join a flightseeing tour for Denali National Park, taking in amazing views from your window seat as your pilot narrates your journey. You can even join a dog sledding tour and unlock the secrets of dog sledding and mushing on private trails. You'll have time to take photos with the dogs and replica Burled Arch from the finish line of the Iditarod.
Day 5: On To Anchorage
Location: Musk Ox Farm, Alaska, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Hilton Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Dive into Culture experience on your Alaska tour today at the Musk Ox Farm. View the Artic Musk Oxen, an Ice Age mammal that once roamed alongside sabre-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths, learning how they were able to withstand the harsh arctic extremes. Next up at Alaska Native Heritage Centre on a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. You’ll unlock 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings, films and more.
Day 6: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre
Accommodation Name: Hilton Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Alaska brings new sights, foods and traditions with every leg of your journey. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where a Local Specialist reveals the role of this wildlife rehabilitation centre and the local animals. Complete your day with a dinner with your fellow travellers, toasting to exciting adventures on your Alaska tour.
Day 7: Depart Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure through Alaska’s winter beauty has come to an end. After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers and depart Anchorage at leisure.
What's Included
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing during the tour.
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
-
All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Optional tours and activities
Optional tours and activities not listed in the inclusions are not included.
-
International flights
International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Anchorage: Unlock the world of the Arctic ungulate Musk Oxen at the Musk Ox Farm. Discover how the Musk Ox adapted by shedding their underwool, qiviut, in the spring. You’ll even get the chance to collect qiviut while viewing musk oxen and then create your own nesting ball or ornament to remember your time here. By making the fibre available to birds in the spring where you live, the birds will line their nests creating a cosy, warm, and luxurious environment for little fledglings.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with all transport and transfers included, featuring a scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train and comfortable coach transfers between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge near Denali, and the Hilton Anchorage, offering cherry-picked, tried and trusted accommodations throughout your Alaskan adventure.
Dive into Culture
- Anchorage: Unlock the world of the Arctic ungulate Musk Oxen at the Musk Ox Farm. Discover how the Musk Ox adapted by shedding their underwool, qiviut, in the spring. You’ll even get the chance to collect qiviut while viewing musk oxen and then create your own nesting ball or ornament to remember your time here. By making the fibre available to birds in the spring where you live, the birds will line their nests creating a cosy, warm, and luxurious environment for little fledglings.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the main highlight of the first day of the tour?
The main highlight of the first day is chasing the iconic Northern Lights after 10pm.
-
What unique experience is offered on the Alaska Railroad journey?
The journey on the Alaska Railroad offers a one-of-a-kind experience with winter scenery unfolding around you, and on a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali above the Susitna River.
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Centre, the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, and the Musk Ox Farm, where you can learn about Alaska's Indigenous cultures and the Arctic Musk Oxen.
-
What opportunities are there to see the Northern Lights during the tour?
There are multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights, including on the first evening in Fairbanks and again on the second night.
-
What activities are available during the leisure day in Talkeetna?
During the leisure day in Talkeetna, you can explore the town, visit the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum, or join optional tours such as snowshoeing, flightseeing over Denali National Park, or a dog sledding tour.
-
What is the focus of the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre?
The visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre focuses on learning about the role of the wildlife rehabilitation centre and the local animals.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Alaska Northern Lights
7 Days Starting in Fairbanks, USA and ending in Anchorage, USA
Visiting: Fairbanks, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Museum of the North, Denali, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Musk Ox Farm, Alaska, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DAKWM26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Northern Lights, Polar, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours