Iditarod time in Alaska is all about festive fun in the midst of some pretty spectacular winter scenery. On this fully escorted group tour, guests travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage via deluxe motorcoach and the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train. Overnights in Fairbanks and the Denali Park area provide prime opportunities to see the northern lights. In Anchorage, mingle with local people and pups at the start of the Iditarod, the "last great race on earth." This eight-day package includes lodging, transportation, day tours, and meals where indicated. The trip starts in Fairbanks and ends in Anchorage.
If the thought of traveling to Alaska in the winter is both exciting and a little intimidating, this trip soothes the intimidating part. Logistics, lodging, transportation, and even some day tours are taken care of so that guests can savor the serene beauty of Alaska in the winter and the excitement of its annual Iditarod sled dog race with ease.
Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.
Fly into Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Fairbanks.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning, then head off with the group for a city tour of Fairbanks. Favorite stops include the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The afternoon is free for optional tours. Go on a sled dog tour, travel even farther north on an Arctic Circle flightseeing excursion, or choose another option nearby. Your guide is available to help coordinate. This full first day concludes with a chance to see the northern lights on a nighttime aurora tour.
Breakfast included. Overnight Fairbanks.
The day begins with a ruggedly scenic morning drive through a windswept tundral landscape to Denali National Park. On the way, the group stops in the town of Nenana, home of the Nenana Ice Classic. The ice classic is a favorite Alaskan tradition where residents place bets on when the iced-over Nenana River will "break up" in the spring.
After arriving in snowy Denali, the tour includes a stop at the Murie Science and Learning Center and an optional side trip to explore the area by snowshoe. Tonight layer up for another chance at seeing the northern lights.
Breakfast and a box lunch included. Overnight Healy.
Experience the serene wintertime views of Alaska, from frosty glacial valleys to quiet spruce forests, on today's trip to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad. Settle in with a warm drink and that camera, it's a beautiful ride.
Breakfast included. Overnight Anchorage.
After breakfast enjoy an Anchorage city tour, then a trip down the Turnagain Arm to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Tonight dive into the world of dog mushing at the annual Iditarod Musher's Banquet.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Anchorage.
Today learn all about dog mushing in Alaska from one of the sport's renowned mushers, Martin Buser. At his Happy Trails Kennel north of Anchorage, visit with sled dogs, hear wild stories from the trail, and check out the route that Iditarod teams travel. The day wraps up with a stop at the Iditarod Headquarters on the way back to Anchorage.
Breakfast included. Overnight Anchorage.
Head to downtown Anchorage this morning for the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The city streets come to life with the enthusiastic sled dogs, Iditarod mushers, their support crews, and fans. Every two minutes another sled dog team runs off the starting line. After the last team has departed, the afternoon is spent exploring the Anchorage Museum.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Anchorage.
Bring your layers and grab those hand warmers, today it's off to the official Iditarod start in Willow. From here teams start their 1,000-mile journey to Nome. Their sleds are packed, teams harnessed just so, and musher dressed in full arctic gear. It's a sight to see. When it's time to warm up, grab snacks or drinks and shop for souvenirs from local artists in the Willow Community Center. The tour concludes with a return trip to Anchorage in the evening.
Breakfast and snacks included.
The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date and any additions you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party or give us a call at 800-208-0200.
This tour runs February 26-March 5, 2023. Please contact us for current availability.
| Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Price | Single: $2,525 | Double: $1,975 | Triple: $1,875 | Quad: $1,800 |
| Taxes & Fees | Single: $0 | Double: $0 | Triple: $0 | Quad: $0 |
| Total | Single: $2,525 | Double: $1,975 | Triple: $1,875 | Quad: $1,800 |
| The columns above represent room occupancy. For example, "Double" means two adults sharing one room. | ||||
| Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Price | Single: $2,525 | Double: $1,975 | Triple: $1,875 | Quad: $1,800 |
| Taxes & Fees | Single: $0 | Double: $0 | Triple: $0 | Quad: $0 |
| Total | Single: $2,525 | Double: $1,975 | Triple: $1,875 | Quad: $1,800 |
| The columns above represent room occupancy. For example, "Double" means two adults sharing one room. | ||||
Select an option to book or get more details. Questions? Give us a CALL or CONTACT US online.
