Alaska’s Iditarod with Fairbanks ( AIQ)

11 Day Tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage

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Come gee! Come haw! Come out for Alaska’s best known sporting event. “Alaska’s Last Great Race” takes place every March as mushers bark commands to teams of sled dogs in hopes of being the first to cross 1,000 treacherous miles of frozen, rugged terrain. On this thrill-filled Alaska vacation, you’ll stop by the Iditarod headquarters, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, and attend the annual Mushers Banquet where you can meet, mingle, and even witness the draw for starting positions. Cheer on your favorite mushers at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and again at the official restart in the quaint community of Willow. Of course, the K9 athletes are not the only animals you’ll see on this tour of Alaska. Have your camera ready for moose, musk ox, and more as you enjoy visits to Anchorage’s renowned wildlife centers and the Girdwood ski resort where you can put your own paws in the snow. Complement “Alaska’s Great Race” with “The Greatest Light Show on Earth” when you add Fairbanks & the Northern Lights to your Alaska tour. Two opportunities to witness the ethereal green glow of the amazing aurora borealis, a ride on the world-famous Alaska Railroad, and leisure time in outdoorsy Anchorage present the perfect kick start to your Iditarod vacation.

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Notes:

The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. Schedule arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the next evening’s lights.

In the event the Iditarod Official Start is relocated (beyond Willow) due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Welcome to Fairbanks! You’ve arrived in the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and gateway to Denali National Park. Later this evening, join your Local Guide and travel companions and get your first glimpse of one of nature’s most magnificent shows—the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

TOUR HIGHIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Witness the stunning spectacle in the sky known as the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) with a Local Guide. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of light dancing across the night sky in a dramatic display of celestial waves and brilliant beams. When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky with such beauty, even Alaska’s tough ole’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed.


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Day 2

FAIRBANKS Fairbanks Fun Enjoy a morning at leisure before this afternoon’s city tour of Fairbanks that includes a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Afterward, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most challenging and remarkable engineering feats of modern time. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing aurora borealis light up the northern skies.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center welcomes visitors year-round with world-class exhibits of Alaska’s four seasons. Experience Alaskan Native art, music, stories & dance, and local experts who share stories. Take a moment to walk around the grounds to see the iconic antler arch and seasonal displays of flower gardens and ice sculptures.


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Day 3

FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA–ANCHORAGE Riding the Rails Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna today on the world-famous Alaska Railroad. Continue to Anchorage and your hotel.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through its panoramic windows designed for soaking in the stunning scenery on this full-day journey that showcases America’s 49th state. Keep an eye out for views of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley)—as well as wildlife along the way!


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Day 4

ANCHORAGE Exploring Anchorage Enjoy a full day at leisure in Anchorage. You may want to explore the historic downtown area or join in some of the festivities happening throughout the city, including a winter carnival, ice-sculpting contest, a melodrama, dog mushing, and more. Check at your hotel’s front desk for an up-to-date list of activities.
Breakfast Breakfast

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Anchorage with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do!


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Day 5

ANCHORAGE–SEWARD–GIRDWOOD Wild & Wooly in Alaska This morning, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at a welcome breakfast. Then, board your motorcoach and make one of the world’s great drives as you travel along dramatically scenic Turnagain Arm. Marvel at the dramatic views, and keep your eyes open for Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife. In coastal Seward, visit the Alaska Sealife Center. Later, arrive in the ski resort community of Girdwood, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Alaska Sealife Center in coastal Seward to witness the wonderful work of conservationists who help to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea life. Get an in-depth look above and below the waters of Alaska.


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Day 6

GIRDWOOD Alaskan Adventure Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or just relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle into your basecamp for adventure at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood- Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, ski mountain along with the new Nordic Spa. Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation.


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Day 7

GIRDWOOD–ANCHORAGE A Dog’s Life Return to Anchorage and join an included tour through the historic downtown district and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Next, visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour. This afternoon, there is time to explore Anchorage on your own. You may want to visit the Anchorage Museum. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the LF Mushers Banquet. Enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and meet them for photos and autographs.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Experience Alaska’s legendary sled-dog race traditions at the annual Mushers Banquet and Iditarod Festivities. Break bread with the stouthearted mushers who brave Alaska’s harshest elements through a frozen gauntlet from Willow to Nome on the Iditarod Trail.


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Day 8

ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO BIG LAKE Heart & Soul on the Trail Travel north to Big Lake and visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his LF Happy Trails Kennels. Hear his fascinating personal stories amid the grandeur of Alaska. Then, visit the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters to view pictures, videos, and other mementos of the Last Great Race. This evening is at leisure back in Anchorage. Maybe shop for souvenirs, try some fresh seafood, or sample a locally made brew.
Breakfast Breakfast

LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Here, Happy Trails Kennel was established in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod race ever.


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Day 9

ANCHORAGE. CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD Making Tracks This morning, head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Later, visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum. After time exploring the museum, enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite. A chance to reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure with your fellow adventurers.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the start of the Iditarod race and cheer on the amazing sled dogs and mushers. Before the race starts, you may have the opportunity for photos and autographs with some of the mushers. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.


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Day 10

ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO WILLOW Gold Rush & Racing Stars Travel north today to the quaint community of Willow, which started as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1897. Here, you’ll view the Official Restart of the Iditarod.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS OF THE TRAILS Cheer-on your favorite musher as they head off into the Alaska wilderness on the second leg of this 1,049-mile journey to Nome and the final finish line. Be sure to have your camera ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.


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Day 11

ANCHORAGE Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
Breakfast Breakfast

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TODD ALASKA

" Born and raised in Anchorage, I love Alaska and cannot imagine living anywhere else. I grew up camping, fishing, and hiking and still enjoy spending time outdoors. I have led tours in Alaska for over 20 years and still enjoy sharing the history, culture, and economics of my home state. I am a teacher during the school year and apply similar lesson plans and organization to each tour. My goal is to share Alaska with every guest as I would share it with a relative. Above all else I want my guests to have fun, but that does not mean that they won't learn a lot about Alaska and being an Alaskan while they are enjoying The Land of the Midnight Sun!"

Tour Director -  TODD ALASKA

 Accommodations

FAIRBANKS

PIKE\'S WATERFRONT LODGE

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

ANCHORAGE

SHERATON ANCHORAGE HOTEL & SPA

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

GIRDWOOD

ALYESKA RESORT HOTEL

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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