Overview
Explore Denali National Park in its winter splendor, where crisp air and clear conditions often provide spectacular views of North America’s highest peak. Travel aboard the historic Alaska Railroad through dramatic mountain scenery, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser read more for an inside look at the world of sled dog racing, and enjoy a stay at the renowned Alyeska resort in Girdwood, surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Chugach Mountains.
As darkness falls, venture into the Alaskan wilderness in search of the Aurora Borealis. Far from city lights, watch as ribbons of green, purple, and gold dance across the night sky, creating one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.
With expert guidance and carefully selected experiences, discover Alaska's winter landscapes, traditions, and natural wonders in a way that's both seamless and unforgettable.
Itinerary
Welcome to Fairbanks!
You've arrived in the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and gateway to Denali National Park. Later this evening, join your Local Guide and travel companions for your first glimpse of one of nature's most magnificent shows—the aurora borealis (Northern Lights)
LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: Witness the stunning Northern Lights spectacle in the sky with a Local Guide. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of light dancing across the night sky in a dramatic display of celestial waves and brilliant beams. When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky with such beauty, even Alaska's tough ol' “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed. (weather permitting)
Fairbanks Fun
Enjoy a leisure start to the day. This afternoon, explore Fairbanks on a city tour. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most challenging and remarkable engineering feats of modern time. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing aurora borealis light up the northern skies.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NORTHERN LANDSCAPE: Explore Alaska Native heritage, natural wonders, diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs at Alaska's cultural landmark, the Museum of the North. Discover breathtaking architecture designed to convey a sense of Alaska, inspired by the lines and shapes found in Alaska's coastlines, mountains, and glaciers.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Fairbanks with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do!
Riding the Rails
Travel from Fairbanks to Denali National Park to visit the Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali's winter visitor center. Next, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey south on the Aurora Winter Train to the quaint community of Talkeetna. Upon arrival in Talkeetna, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.
LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through panoramic windows designed for soaking in the stunning scenery on this journey that showcases America's 49th state. Keep an eye out for views of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley)—as well as wildlife along the way!
Heart & Soul on the Trail
Continue south today to meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while viewing a glimpse of the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. This afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch on your own and to explore Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, before arriving at the town of Girdwood to overnight at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska for a 2-night stay.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LEGENDARY LIVES: Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Happy Trails Kennel was established in Big Lake in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod race ever.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Settle into your basecamp for adventure at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood - Alaska's premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, ski mountain along with the Nordic Spa. Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation.
Alaskan Adventure
Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, fat-tire biking, snowmachine tours, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, a trip to the local brewery, ride on the aerial tram, or just relax at the Nordic Spa.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Girdwood, a scenic mountain town originally built as a supply camp for gold miners, features outdoor activities for all levels. Ask your Tour Director or tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the highlights and recommendations for things to do!
Return to Anchorage and discover the highlights of Alaska's largest city on a guided sightseeing tour including the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaska Zoo, and the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum. Visit the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport, the world's busiest seaplane base, open year-round to reach remote Alaskan communities. Enjoy free time this afternoon before joining your Tour Director for a special farewell dinner tonight.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - URBAN LIFE: Alaska's largest city is a unique combination of modern city life and wilderness. Discover the rich history, cultural influences, and iconic landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour of Anchorage. Visit the vibrant downtown, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood Seaplane Base. Enjoy sweeping views of Cook Inlet and a statue of its namesake, British explorer Captain James Cook.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
Trip Inclusions
- Venture into the Fairbanks wilderness with a Local Guide on two evenings to search for the spectacular [LF] Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights (weather permitting)
- Explore Fairbanks on a guided sightseeing tour featuring the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the engineering marvel of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
- Discover Denali National Park and visit the Murie Science and Learning Center, gateway to Alaska's 6-million-acre wilderness preserve
- Travel aboard the legendary Alaska Railroad on the [LF] Aurora Winter Train enjoying spectacular winter scenery from Fairbanks to Talkeetna
- Visit to [LF] Happy Trails Kennel, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, an experience a firsthand mushing demonstration from expert sled dog trainers
- Explore Anchorage including the Anchorage Museum, Lake Hood Seaplane Base and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Enjoy a two-night stay at the renowned Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of Alaska's Chugach Mountains
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner
- Fairbanks: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (Moderate First-Class):
Along the banks of the impressive Chena River sits Pike's Waterfront Lodge. You'll rest easily in comfortable rooms, all with Aveda aromatherapy room amenities and many featuring scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, and a cozy lounge. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. It's a convenient and stunning spot for your time in Fairbanks. - Talkeetna: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (First-Class):
At the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, it's all about the view. Built atop a high bluff, the lodge overlooks the Susitna River Valley and surveys the entire Alaska Range, with Mt. McKinley right in the middle. On a clear day, all of the common rooms (and 72 of the guest rooms) offer this same stunning panorama of river valleys and rugged peaks. Accommodations are comfortable with plush bedding and all the amenities you'll need to feel right at home. - Girdwood: Alyeska Resort Hotel (Superior First-Class):
Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and water views, The Hotel Alyeska offers guests convenient access into the Alaskan wilderness. The hotel is situated on the Turnagain Arm only 40 miles from Anchorage International Airport. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, health club, jogging trails, gift shops, business center, concierge service, restaurant, café, and sushi bar. - Anchorage: Marriott Downtown Anchorage (Moderate First-Class):
This full service, luxury hotel is situated downtown near businesses, museums & historic buildings. The hotel features one restaurant (open breakfast, lunch & dinner), a full service fitness center, indoor pool, gift shop and more. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and public areas.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Aurora viewing is not guaranteed, as it is dependent on weather and solar activity.
- The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. We recommend arriving by 3 pm on Day 1 to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the Aurora Borealis evening outing on Day 1.
- All activities are dependent on the temperature, weather and solar activity/sky conditions. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
- For maximum enjoyment, guests should be able to walk with ease and over uneven pathways in wintry conditions.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Trip Reviews (7)
Our guide, Craig was bursting with information and knew so much about California past and present. No question was left unanswered. He was so likeable and had a great sense of humour. Loved his choices of music too. Markus, the driver was also very lovely and our safety was his priority at all times.They would detour to make sure we didn't miss anything. No complaints from us and would definitely recommend.
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Globus Worldwide (2026-27)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
