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NLRF05 Alaska Northern Lights Safari - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

  • end: Anchorage
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  • Code: NLRF05

NLRF05 Alaska Northern Lights Safari - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

Experience Alaskas Winter Magic ! A perfect aurora viewing winter package to get you up close and personal with Alaska, this tour takes you on safari to Denali National Park, the Arctic Circle and Chena Hot Springs Resort. Not many guests experience Denali National Park in  winter. Explore the Muriel Science Center and learn about the rugged landscape and famed wildlife such as bears, moose and caribou. The following day, experience the legendary Aurora Borealis while crossing the Arctic Circle. From Fairbanks follow the Dalton Highway, which has also become known to us through the "Ice Road Trucker" series, in the direction of the Arctic Circle. During the trip your guide will introduce you to the history of Alaska and the peculiarities of life in Alaska. Enjoy the impressive landscape of Central Alaska, such as the Yukon River, Finger Mountain or the Trans Alaska Pipeline and look out for moose, lynx and foxes that are at home here. Spend the next two days at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the most developed year round hot springs resort in Alaska. At night you can relax in the soothing outdoor mineral pools and watch the northern lights in a quiet atmosphere - an unforgettable experience. Hot springs right at your resort, authentic log cabins and the largest ice museum in the world will also delight you. Optional winter activities and warm hospitality will make your stay a very special experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or searching for a bit of adventure, don’t miss the charm and beauty of Chena. Travel by train through the snow-covered landscape from Fairbanks to Anchorage aboard the famous Alaska Railroad. In winter Alaska shows its magic side, especially on a journey by train, where you can watch the passing winter world at a leisurely pace. During winter month Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rendezvous, Ice Carving Festivals, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other super natural winter events.

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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 (Denali Day Trip ) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Mid-morning, meet your guide in Fairbanks and begin the drive south along the Parks Highway, visiting the river community of Nenana en route to Denali National Park. At Denali, experience the park’s six million acres of wilderness as few ever have the chance to see it, savoring the quiet beauty and solitude of a winter landscape blanketed in snow. Explore the Murie Science Center and learn about the rugged landscape and famed wildlife such as bears, moose and caribou. After a full day of exploring return to Fairbanks around 6 PM. This night get ready for your Northern Lights viewing tour to a prime aurora viewing lodge, just north of Fairbanks. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge. Return transfer to your hotel around 2 AM.

Fairbanks (Arctic Circle Aurora Van Tour) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Morning at leisure. Your tour to the Arctic Circle departs today at 1:30 PM. Your guide will engage in informative conversation about the Northern Lights as you travel north on the famous Dalton Highway. Departure in daylight allows for the opportunity to enjoy the stunning winter landscape and wildlife of interior Alaska. Moose, lynx and fox are often sighted as we move through their natural habitat. Informative stops at the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the mighty Yukon River Bridge offer perfect opportunities for photographs. When we cross the Arctic Circle your guide will award you a personalized Arctic Circle Certificate. After photographs at the Arctic Circle sign, we begin the return journey and take time to view the amazing Northern Lights! We return to the hotel in Fairbanks at around 4 AM.

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. 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.

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.