Deluxe Iditarod & Aurora Adventure

Welcome to Alaska! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the luxury Hotel Captain Cook, your accommodations for the next three evenings. The remainder of the day is open for a complimentary visit to the Anchorage Museum or exploring the Fur Rendezvous festivities happening around town.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Begin the day with a Welcome Breakfast and a chance to meet fellow travel companions before heading out on the first “Pick Your Adventure Day” – offering options such as glacier flightseeing, skiing or snowboarding, a winter waterfall nature walk, fat tire biking, or a relaxing spa treatment. Later this afternoon, attend the annual kick off to The Iditarod with the Musher’s Banquet, giving guests a chance to meet and greet with several Iditarod mushers. Watch as participants draw their bib numbers for The Iditarod race and determine race order. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Today, take in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in downtown Anchorage. Witness the unmatched excitement of the athletes (dogs) for the mushing experience before the start.  After the start and a warm lunch, travel to Talkeetna for the next two evenings. Join a professional aurora borealis photographer for an exclusive John Hall’s Alaska opportunity, a photography presentation with tips on how to properly capture the northern lights. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Following breakfast, travel to Willow to witness the exciting official restart of The Iditarod.  After an exhilarating once in a lifetime day, return to Talkeetna for a delicious dinner. Spend the evening relaxing while catching a glimpse of the alpenglow on the Alaska Range mountains before watching (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Depart Talkeetna and head north to Fairbanks via the spectacular Parks Highway. After settling into Sophie Station Suites for a three-night stay, take an evening trip to the World Ice Art Championships. Enjoy a magical stroll through over 100 colorfully lit ice sculptures masterfully crafted by some of the finest sculptors from around the world.(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Today is the day which sets the John Hall’s Alaska Iditarod experience apart from all others. Begin with a breathtaking morning flight aboard a small aircraft to fly over The Iditarod trail route, catching glimpses from above of the mushing teams. Touch down in a rural Alaska community and official Iditarod checkpoint to spend time watching the mushers arrive, provide a brief rest and prepare dog teams for the next push towards Nome. After a thrilling day and once in a lifetime experience, reboard the aircraft for a scenic return flight to Fairbanks. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

After an exciting day yesterday, a relaxing morning is due. Enjoy lunch at a local Fairbanks favorite before joining the fun of the Fairbanks Curling Club with a private demonstration in this Olympic sport and Alaska pastime. This evening, catch up on sleep or join the tour managers for some local aurora borealis sightings, venturing out for a chance to see this phenomenon.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Relax this morning before visiting Trail Breaker Kennel – home of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher. Enjoy an exclusive presentation and an exhilarating dog sled ride! After lunch and time with the pups, travel to Borealis Basecamp, a unique winter stay for the last two nights and the perfect location for the ultimate aurora borealis experience. Sleep in an Alaska-style private igloo with glass-domed ceilings while viewing the aurora borealis from the comfort of a climate-controlled room.  Let’s just say Iceland, Finland and so many more have nothing on Alaska! (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Today is all about winter adventure. Surrounded by miles of pristine boreal forest in the Alaska wilderness, enjoy an Alaska style day on snow machines, dog sleds, and other optional winter activities. Spend one more evening in the tranquil wilderness while experiencing the magic of Alaska’s northern lights, colorful skies and incredible winter environment. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Late this morning, following breakfast, board the motorcoach to transfer to the Fairbanks International Airport. Guests with flights departing after 3pm will visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, home to a world-class collection of historic automobiles and fashions. (Breakfast Included)