Alaska Northern Lights

Alaska Northern Lights

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Alaska Northern Lights

7 Days Starting in Fairbanks, United States and ending in Anchorage, United States

Visiting: Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Anchorage

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DAKWM20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Alaska Northern Lights" tour, where the magic of the Aurora Borealis meets the rich cultural tapestry of Alaska. Begin your adventure in Fairbanks, where you'll chase the iconic Northern Lights and explore the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Travel aboard the scenic Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, where you'll enjoy a unique "Be My Guest" experience with renowned photographer Aurora Dora. Discover the wonders of Denali National Park and immerse yourself in the traditions of Alaska's Indigenous cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. In Anchorage, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre and enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers. With expert guides, cherry-picked accommodations, and a host of cultural experiences, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Alaska's natural beauty and heritage.

Highlights

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    Must-see Highlights

    • Explore Palmer's Musk Ox Farm with a Local Specialist
    • Discover Fairbanks, Anchorage
    • Visit Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Centre, University of Alaska Museum of the North, Murie Science and Learning Centre
    • View the Aurora Borealis (weather dependent)
    • Scenic Train Ride on the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train
    • Scenic Drive along the Scenic Seward Byway
    • Fairbanks: 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.
    • : 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.
    • Fairbanks: 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.
    • Fairbanks: 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.
    • Fairbanks: 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.
    • Denali National Park: 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: Unlock the secrets of Talkeetna, a small Alaska community which, in the summer without the crowds, is a magical winter wonderland. 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.

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    Make Travel Matter®

    Anchorage: 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.

    Anchorage: 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.

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    Be My Guest

    Denali National Park: 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.

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    Trafalgar Difference

    Talkeetna: 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.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Your Adventure In Fairbanks

Location: Fairbanks

Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 2: Fairbanks Sightseeing

Location: Fairbanks

Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3: Travel To Talkeetna

Location: Talkeetna

Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 4: Talkeetna At Leisure

Location: Talkeetna

Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5: On To Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Hilton Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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-tooth 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.

Day 6: Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Hilton Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers, toasting to exciting adventures on your Alaska tour.

Day 7: Depart Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your adventure through Alaska’s winter beauty has come to an end. After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers and depart Anchorage at leisure.

What's Included

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing during the tour.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour itinerary.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.

  • All transport and transfers shown

    All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional tours and activities

    Optional tours and activities not listed in the inclusions are not included.

  • International flights

    International flights to and from the tour starting point are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

Dive Into Culture

  • Anchorage: 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.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Alaska's breathtaking landscapes with a scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train and enjoy comfortable transfers between destinations, ensuring a seamless and picturesque journey.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and warmth at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with stunning views of Denali, and the Hilton Anchorage, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences can I expect during the Alaska Northern Lights tour?

    During the tour, you can expect unique experiences such as exploring the Musk Ox Farm with a Local Specialist, visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Centre to learn about Indigenous cultures, and enjoying a scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to view the Northern Lights from different locations around Fairbanks and participate in a 'Be My Guest' experience with photographer Aurora Dora.

  • Will I have opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights. On the first evening in Fairbanks, you will head out after 10pm to chase the Northern Lights. There is also a second opportunity to view the Northern Lights from a different location around Fairbanks on the second night.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Centre to learn about the history and seasonal flow of local lifestyles, and the University of Alaska Museum of the North to explore Alaska's diverse wildlife, people, and lands. Additionally, you will visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre to learn about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures.

  • What activities are available in Talkeetna during the tour?

    In Talkeetna, you have a day at leisure to explore the town and the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum. Optional activities include a snowshoeing tour, a flightseeing tour for Denali National Park, and a dog sledding tour where you can learn about dog sledding and mushing.

  • What wildlife experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where a Local Specialist will guide you through the wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife. You will also visit the Musk Ox Farm to learn about the Arctic Musk Oxen and their adaptations to harsh arctic conditions.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

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Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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