Overview & Highlights
Experience the Ultimate Alaskan Winter Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska’s wild beauty. Feel the excitement and emotion of the Iditarod’s dramatic start—“The Last Great Race on Earth”—as determined mushers and their loyal sled dog teams begin their epic 1,000-mile quest to Nome. Then unwind in soothing natural hot springs beneath the shimmering glow of the northern lights, where the magic of Alaska surrounds you in every direction.
1st Class Accommodations
All sightseeing and transfers
Northern Lights Viewing
Iditarod Race
Ceremonial and Official Start
Admission to Mushers’ Banquet Dinner
Every Vacation Can Be Customized
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Day 1 - Arrive Fairbanks
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
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Day 2 - Tour and transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort
Morning free to explore
This afternoon travel the picturesque Chena Hot Springs Road, following the Chena River for most of the 60 scenic miles to the historic Chena Hot Springs Resort, the most accessible and developed hot spring resort in Alaska’s Interior. This will be your home for two nights
Tonight enjoy nature and see the Aurora Borealis up close, an Aurora Viewing Snow Coach Tour is included with your vacation package. This late-night trip departs the Chena Activity Center and takes you to the top of a hill to a heated Mongolian Yurt tent and views of the amazing Northern Lights, the natural light displays in the sky.
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Day 3 – Full day at the resort
The area is noted as one of the best areas in North America to view the northern lights. In addition to the Aurora Viewing Tour, your stay will include unlimited use of the natural hot springs’ pools both indoor and outdoor and will include a visit to the Ice Museum and a Geothermal Tour.
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Day 4 - Return to Fairbanks
After breakfast this morning you have time to enjoy some optional activities or the beautiful hot springs. At midday you will transfer back to Fairbanks for the night
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Day 5 - Fly to Anchorage, City Tour and Mushers’ Banquet
This morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Anchorage. On arrival transfer to your hotel for four nights.
This evening you will attend the Musher’s Banquet. The Iditarod Musher’s Banquet is the first major celebration of this great race. Meet all the Iditarod dog musher’s and more. During the fun filled evening, you will enjoy the camaraderie and good times before the mushers head out on the grueling 1,100-mile journey to Nome.
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Day 6 – Local Sightseeing
Today enjoy all full day tour from Anchorage highlights the Turnagain Arm, an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway. Watch alpine scenery, hanging glaciers, and potential wildlife sightings along the Seward Highway. Enjoy a local guided transfer, aerial tram up Mt. Alyeska, a tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the 1-hr Portage Glacier Cruise, and scenic photo stops along the way!
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Day 7 - Ceremonial Race Start and leisure time
Today after breakfast you head to 4th Avenue for the ceremonial Iditarod Race start, where thousands of fans and worldwide media will assemble to cheer on the mushers. The main street is blocked off and transformed into a sled dog track. Hundreds of cheering spectators line the street this morning of the race to watch the preparation and start of the Iditarod and you are in the heart of it.
The balance of the day and evening are yours to enjoy Anchorage.
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Day 8 – Official Race start and Farewell Dinner
This morning enjoy breakfast. You then depart for the town of Willow. Today the race to Nome begins for real, with the official re-start at Willow. Mushers will hook up their dogs and race across more than 1,000 miles of Alaska’s wilderness. You will have a far better, closer look at the teams and mushers.
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Day 9 - Homeward bound
Transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound journey with many wonderful memories.
Northern Lights and Iditarod Indpendent
Departure Dates (2026) | Double | 3rd/4th | Single |
March 1 | $2,049 | $1,269 | $3,299 |
TAXES | $169 | $109 | $249 |
Next Steps
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