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Unlock a winter wonderland on this seven-day guided winter Alaska tour. Traverse Denali National Park's tundra and delve into Alaska’s people at cultural centres and museums. With multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights and with night photography tips from a professional photographer, this is an incredible tour through Alaska's magical winter landscape.
Locations Visited
Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage
Countries Visited
United States
Travel Style
Regional Explorer
Accommodations
6
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Start Your Adventure In Fairbanks
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.
Accommodation
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Meals
Dinner
Highlights
Aurora Borealis Viewing
Discover one of Alaska’s must-sees, the Northern Lights. Due to the combination of location directly beneath the Auroral Oval and unique geography that encourages stable, clear weather, Alaska’s Arctic is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis. With everything taken care of, your location offers indoor heating and warm beverages, along with the option to step outside and be enchanted as the lights put on a show.
Day 2
Fairbanks Sightseeing
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.
Accommodation
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Morris Thompson Cultural Centre
Explore the Interior and Arctic Alaska, celebrating Alaska residents and how they live at The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Centre. Made possible by a cross-organizational, multi-cultural partnership built on the values lived by the late Morris Thompson, a business leader who worked as a bridge between the local and Indigenous cultures. You’ll learn all about the history and seasonal flow of local lifestyles through world-class exhibits. It’s an immersive way to unlock the land, where the natural world changes with the change of the seasons and the life of the land.
Museum of the North
Unlock Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders and the state’s diverse wildlife at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Explore 2,000 years of Alaska art through the museum's exhibits introducing you to Alaska’s diverse wildlife, people and lands. You can even view original installations about Alaska's dinosaurs and soak in views of the Alaska Range.
Another chance at Aurora Borealis
Once isn’t enough – get ready for your second opportunity at a different location around Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights. You’ll love the chance to take in this must-see sight in Alaska from another vantage point. With a different location and day, you never know what spectacle may stretch across the sky.
Day 3
Travel to Talkeetna
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.
Accommodation
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Highlights
Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train
Get ready for picture-perfect winter scenery aboard the Aurora Car on your journey south to Denali National Park. While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, this time of year you’re treated to the pristine snow in the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry. From the comfort of a warm railcar, relax as large picture windows and onboard dining give you the opportunity to enjoy every second of your epic surroundings.
Murie Science and Learning Centre
Visit the Murie Science and Learning Centre, which acts as the Denali Visitor’s Centre in the wintertime. Discover the science and stewardship in Denali and other Alaskan national parks, watch the National Park Film, “Heartbeats of Denali” and unlock the local secrets of the park from a local ranger. You can even learn about the local trail conditions that are popular for skiers and snowshoers.
Talkeetna Alasksan Lodge
Perched on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge presents you with majestic views of Denali – the tallest peak in North America. You’ll love experiencing the best of Alaska, outside and in. Just outside, high-energy outdoor adventures in Talkeetna and beyond await. Inside, cosy up to a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, browse the carefully curated selection of Native art in the gift shop, dine on award-winning cuisine and sip from the best wine selection in the area.
Meet Aurora Dora
At Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, join a Be My Guest experience with photographer Aurora Dora. Learn how she relocated from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Alaska in 2001 and has been chasing the Aurora Borealis and photographing ever since. She has been published multiple times from NASA to local magazines and has a gallery in downtown Talkeetna. You’ll love hearing the local secrets about how to photograph the night sky from an expert.
Day 4
Talkeetna at Leisure
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.
Accommodation
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Talkeetna
Unlock the secrets of Talkeetna, a small Alaska community full of unique charm. Get out and explore on your own, learning how Talkeetna is also home to the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction in which 100% of the proceeds go towards their mission of donating to and raising awareness for the community’s women and children in need.
Day 5
On To Anchorage
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-toothed 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.
Accommodation
Hilton Anchorage
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Musk Ox Farm
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.
Alaska Native Heritage Centre
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre to learn about the culture and heritage of the Indigenous people of Alaska. This renowned cultural centre and museum promotes active observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions and is the only state-wide cultural and education centre dedicated to celebrating all cultures and heritages. Expand your understanding of Alaska's indigenous people through permanent collections, life-sized village sites and immersive educational programs that engage you with Alaska Native culture. Enjoy a presentation of the Native Alaska Games showcasing the mental and physical challenges endured in subsistence living in Alaska. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Day 6
Anchorage
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.
Accommodation
Hilton Anchorage
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Venture along the Scenic Seward Byway to Portage to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Team up with a Local Specialist who will guide you through this non-profit, wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Unlock the information about the resident wildlife from moose, elk, deer, reindeer and black and brown bears to lynx, foxes and the great-horned owl. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Day 7
Depart Anchorage
Your adventure through Alaska’s winter beauty has come to an end. After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers and depart Anchorage at leisure.
Explore Palmer's Musk Ox Farm with a Local Specialist
Discover Fairbanks, Anchorage
Visit The University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Centre in Fairbanks, the Murie Science and Learning Centre in Denali, Alaska Native Heritage Center
View the Aurora Borealis (weather dependent)
Scenic Train Ride on the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train
Scenic Drive along the Scenic Seward Byway
What's Included
Hotels
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Audio
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Optionals
Optional Experiences and free time
Transport
All transport and transfers shown
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Trip Notes
A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.
Terms & Conditions
Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
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For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
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