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  6. NLRF06 Alaska in a Nutshell Tour - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

NLRF06 Alaska in a Nutshell Tour - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

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NLRF06 Alaska in a Nutshell Tour - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

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The Northern Lights have fascinated onlookers for centuries. Embued with a magical aura, these mesmerizing arrays of dancing colors and shapes are featured in many ancient myths and folktales. Join our “Best of Northern Lights” Railroad tour and start your journey in Fairbanks. Overnight at Bettles Lodge & Chena Hot Springs Resort to experience the Northern Lights, natures most majestic  phenomenon for yourself. Guests travel from all over the world to Alaska to see the Northern Lights and Bettles Lodge as well as Chena Hot Springs Resort are located in the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Combine aurora viewing with wellness treatments and have an auroral experience like no other. The hot thermal springs of Chena, whose waters are known for their healing properties far beyond the borders of Alaska, offer you the perfect opportunity to relax in a historic setting. At night the sky is ready for the big spectacle, which can sometimes last up to the early morning hours. Admire the natural spectacle of the aurora borealis with its colourful shining veils. Travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad offering large panoramic windows and onboard dining. See the untouched snow of the hinterland on this all-day trip. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild. During winter month Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rendezvous, Ice Carving Festivals, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other super natural winter events.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

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Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your first class hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, Fairbanks is tucked into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks offers many winter activities; from the Open North Sled Dog Race Championship to the World Ice Art Championship - Ice Alaska. Relax during your first evening in Fairbanks and get ready for a few days of winter fun and adventure within the Last Frontier. You may watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky and/or enjoy a dinner at the popular Pump House fine dining restaurant.

 

Fairbanks – Flight to Bettles Lodge ( Overnight: Bettles Lodge )

Transfer to the airport and scenic flight across the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge - located just outside of the world renowned Gates of the Arctic National Park. Enjoy your stay 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and within Alaska's magnificent Brooks Range. The lodge is a refurbished building originally set up in 1948 and provides a dining room, lounge and bar. The Historic Lodge and the Aurora Lodge feature cozy guest rooms with all the amenities you need while you stay in our remote location including a sauna! Guests can choose between the Jacuzzi rooms with private bathroom and Jacuzzi bathtub or the standard rooms. The four standard rooms share four bathrooms. A delicious dinner is served in the evening. Enjoy the breathtaking Northern Lights viewing opportunities during the night.

Bettles Lodge ( Overnight: Bettles Lodge )

Bettles Lodge is a designated National Historic Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Day at leisure and for outdoor adventures: Guided Sled Dog Trips, Snowmobile Tours and a variety of flightseeing adventures. Other winter activities (included): x-country skiing and snowshoeing through the pristine wilderness. Enjoy a guided tour of the Bettles area including the Inupiaq Eskimo village of Evansville. Evening dinner followed by another night of exciting and outstanding Northern Lights viewing. Bettles sits under what is called the "Auroral Oval", a ring-shaped region around the North Pole. The location offers a great balance of occurrence, frequency and activity. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best viewing from late evening through the early morning hours.

Bettles Lodge – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Breakfast at the lodge. Return flight to Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel. Rest of this day at leisure. Fairbanks offers a variety of excellent gift shops and galleries such as the "Roseberry Art Gallery" with some tasteful gifts for your friends at home. If you travel during February or March - Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championships, exciting professional Sled Dog Races such as the All American Sled Dog Race Championship and a variety of other winter carnival activities. Optional: Evening transfer from your hotel to a prime Northern Lights viewing lodge in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree Aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of a heated cabin or outside. Return transfer to your hotel.

 

Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Morning on your own: explore the city and check out the winter activities or visit the famous Alaska University Museum with the States largest collection of gold, gold mining history and Alaskan heritage. Afternoon transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort - a prime Northern Lights viewing area in the hills about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks. Tonight join the spectacular snow coach tour to see the aurora up close (included). From the resort you travel 30 minutes to the top of a ridge (2600 ft) where no city lights interfere the aurora. After arriving on top you can step inside the heated Mongolian Yurt to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. For the next few hours you can always step outside and enjoy spectacular 360-degree Aurora displays. Return to the resort at around 2:00 AM.

Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Relax in the large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and in numerous hot tubs – which are providing a great opportunity to soak or swim until the Northern Lights are appearing in the evening again. You have plenty of time to go dog sledding, visit a sled dog kennel tour, try snowmobiling or join a tour of the Ice Museum. Dinner (optional) at the rustic log lodge restaurant and then take a short walk to a heated cabin for another night of outstanding Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The resort is also known for its healthy outdoor opportunities in the pristine wilderness of Alaska´s great Interior - first discovered by gold prospectors at the turn of the century. In 1912, the geothermal area was the premier place to soak - for residents of the booming town Fairbanks.

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

After breakfast spend some time to enjoy Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities. Transfer to your hotel in Fairbanks. Rest of this day at leisure. Fairbanks offers a variety of excellent gift shops and galleries such as the "Roseberry Art Gallery" with some tasteful gifts for your friends at home. If you travel during February or March - Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championships, exciting professional Sled Dog Races and a variety of other winter carnival activities..

Fairbanks - Anchorage | By Alaska Railroad ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Transfer to the Fairbanks rail station for your 8:30 AM departure on a scenic, full-day rail journey to Anchorage. Settle into your pre-reserved, comfortable train seat and relax as you enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered Alaska Range, with the majestic Mt. Denali towering at 20,320 feet. As the train winds through vast wilderness, you'll witness untouched landscapes of alpine meadows, sparkling rivers, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. The journey includes brief stops at Denali National Park and the quaint town of Talkeetna. Arrive in Anchorage at 8:00 PM, check into your downtown hotel, and cap off your day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of the city's top restaurants.

Anchorage

The remainder of your day in Anchorage is free to explore at your own pace. Take advantage of the many outdoor activities Alaska's largest city offers during the winter months. Enjoy a stroll along the scenic Coastal Trail, which follows Cook Inlet to Earthquake Park, providing stunning views of the snow-capped Alaska Range in the distance. If you're visiting in February or March, don't miss the vibrant Fur Rendezvous, impressive Ice Carving Festivals, the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and other extraordinary winter events. You can schedule your flight home for any time today, or consider extending your stay with additional tours or sightseeing options.
Rates in US $ / per Person
  Room Category (Bettles) Single Double Triple
October 01 - April 15 Standard Room $3535 $2580 $2460
October 01 - April 15 Jacuzzi Room $4320 $3060 $2690
Additional Night at Bettles Lodge - $350 $200 $200

 

What’s included

8 Nights Comfort or First Class Accommodation

Local Taxes 

Round Trip Flight Fairbanks - Bettles Lodge

Guided tour to a rural village

Arctic Circle Certificate

Bettles: Arctic Gear Rental

Round Trip Transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Daily Hot Springs Pool Pass (Admission to the outdoor natural hot springs rock lake (ages 18+), hot tub, interior pool and hot tubs)

Geothermal Energy Tour

Deluxe Continental Breakfast in Fairbanks (First Class only)

3 Meals/Day at Bettles Lodge

Fairbanks Railroad Station and Airport Transfers

Detailed Tour & Travel Documentation

Tour Departures

From  August 21  – September 16  |   Tour Start : Daily

From September 17 – April 21 | Tour Start : Every Sunday
* Additional Departures on request

Fairbanks: Northern Lights Viewing Tour

You will be picked up at 10 PM for your northern lights viewing tour. Enjoy the transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Once the lights are out, you want to step outside onto the large deck to soak in the view. And if you get cold, just go back in and help yourself to a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, available self-serve. Return to your hotel at 2:30 AM.

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Fairbanks: Ice Fishing

Your Ice Fishing day trip begins with the pick up from your hotel. While catching fish in a warm hut on a beautiful lake you can still safely enjoy the brisk, clear air and peaceful environment of Interior Alaska, the home to some of the best ice fishing this state has to offer. Learn the old native skill of ice fishing from our experienced ice fishing guides. Hot drinks and grilled fish for a late lunch are served while fishing. Warm arctic gear is available and our heated van is always close by. Please provide each participant’s height, weight, and shoe size for the arctic gear. The tour price includes: hotel transfer, arctic gear, fishing license, tackle, hot beverages and lunch.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Sled Dog Ride

The Chena Sled Dog Kennel offers guests an exciting Alaskan adventure. During the snowy winter months, guests get a truly authentic taste of dog mushing. Our friendly, experienced guides take you gliding along our serene two mile trail, in one of our locally hand built traditional freight sleds which holds up to four persons. Sharing the sled with other guests may be necessary. After the ride, you’ll have a chance to take a photo with these amazing dogs or warm up in our visitor’s center.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Snowmobile Tour

Take a Guided Snow Machine Tour around the resort! Experienced Tour Guides show you the resort from trails and areas of the resort you haven't seen before. No experience necessary. Tours generally operate during hours of daylight only. Tour times will vary based on sunlight availability. 45 minute tour.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Aurora Snow Coach Tour

Hop on a snow coach to drive out in search of the aurora borealis. Far from the light pollution of the city, you’re in a prime location for seeing these colorful curtains of light as they color the star-studded sky. Seek out remote locations where you can watch the luminous spectacle over snowy fields and the evergreen treeline before your early morning return to Fairbanks.

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Ella, VA: Thank you again for organizing a dream holiday for us. We went first to Bettles Lodge with friends and had one of the best experiences ever. Flew on Warbelows to Bettles which was also amazing for the scenery and spent 2 days at Bettles. Eric, the owner, who runs a terrific lodge, gave us a great tour of the small town. Our rooms were cozy and warm and the staff was wonderful. Our thanks to the staff all of whom were gracious and welcoming. We went on a 2 hour dogsled ride that was terrific. We had a wonderful time and saw the Northern Lights every night!!! Afterwards we spent some time at Chena Resort where we enjoyed the hot springs during cold days. We took the train to Anchorage which was incredibly scenic - saw Mt. Denali very clearly as well as other beautiful mountains and amazing animals.