Alaska Northern Lights
Alaska Northern Lights
Alaska Northern Lights
7 Days Starting in Fairbanks, United States and ending in Anchorage, United States
Visiting: Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Anchorage
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DAKWM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Northern Lights, Photography, Polar, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
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
Itinerary
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
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing during the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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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.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour itinerary.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional tours and activities
Optional tours and activities not listed in the inclusions are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.