Alaska Winter Adventure

Welcome to Alaska! Today you can arrive in Anchorage any time that suits you to check in to your accommodation. If you have some free time, you might like to head out for a stroll in the crisp, Alaskan air and get acquainted with the town.

This morning your Welcome Meeting will take place at 9 am where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, you’ll hop into your private van and travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm of the Seward Highway. It is one of only 13 highways in the US with the distinction of ‘All American Road’, meaning it is considered a tourist attraction unto itself. Along the way, you will have great opportunities to view and photograph some of the most scenic vistas that you pass, before arriving at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing spacious enclosures and quality animal care. This morning you’ll have the chance to learn more about some of Alaska's iconic animals and how they are nursed to recovery. Head back to Anchorage in the late afternoon and enjoy some down time for your own discoveries. Tonight, providing the weather permits, you will be given the opportunity to join a local guide – at the most strategic location within driving distance of your accommodation – for the chance to see the Northern Lights. (B/L)

Get ready for another special day. This morning you’ll head to out to the Matanuska Valley to visit a local musk oxen or reindeer farm (depending on availability) to learn about these iconic animals of the north. Then continue your adventure north to a remote lodge in Sheep Mountain – this area has very few tourists so there is no light pollution, meaning it’s the perfect place to see the Northern Lights if weather permits. After an included dinner, you'll have a chance to spot the Northern Lights from the lodge grounds (B/D)

Today after breakfast you’ll drive up to The Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most famous destinations. At 27 miles (43 kilometres) long and 4 miles (6 kilometres) wide, it is Alaska's largest glacier that can be accessed by road. It is also one of the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. Spend some time soaking up the views of the ice that formed thousands of years ago high in the Chugach Mountains. Depending on weather conditions, each day is unique due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Hop back in your vehicle for a short drive right up to the toe of the glacier, where you’ll spend the next few hours, including enjoying lunch at a local eatery before your return to Sheep Mountain. (B/L/D)

Hit the road this morning for the quirky town of Talkeetna. This small village is famous for its big views of Denali and the Alaska Range to the north. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. You may like to take a scenic flight to capture views of North America's tallest mountain, Denali, or maybe you'd prefer to stay grounded and try a beer tasting at the local brewery, take a walk along the river, or hang with the locals in a cozy pub. No matter how you decide to spend your day, there’s always the option of meeting up with the group for dinner to swap stories at the end. (B/L)

This morning is free to explore Talkeetna, or you may wish to try your hand at Alaska's official state sport, dog sledding. Known to the locals as ‘dog mushing’, you’ll meet racing dogs. Each ride consists of up to three riders hooked up to a dog sled team, led by a local Alaskan musher as your guide. Enjoy the serenity of the Alaskan winter landscape in a way that only a dog sled ride can provide. In the afternoon, we head to Denali National Park for to experience the picturesque local trails by snowshoe on a two-hour guided walk with a break to stop and enjoy your packed lunch. We explore what's considered the "front country" of Denali. The snowshoeing is considered easy to moderate. If there's not enough snow today, then you'll embark on a scenic hike instead. Tonight, celebrate your adventures during an included dinner in Healy. (B/D)

This morning you're northbound again as we head to Fairbanks. We'll drop our luggage at the hotel before heading to Chena Hot Springs Resort for some well-deserved relaxation in the natural hot springs. The resort was officially formed back during the gold rush, when weary gold miners discovered that soaking in the warm waters helped their aching bodies after a day of digging. Chena is also home to the world's largest year-round ice museum where you'll discover a frigid wonderland of ice sculptures, an ice chapel, and even an ice bar. Perhaps treat yourself to a drink from an ice glass (at own expense). Tonight, you'll have the chance to search for the Northern Lights again if weather permits. (B)

Today your Alaskan adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities planned and no accommodation provided for the night, so say goodbye to your fellow travellers and local leader. You’ll either need to arrange additional post-trip accommodation or make your way home from here. (B)