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Come to Alaska and see our state clothed in winter. Join Adventure
Caravans for this exclusive winter tour program featuring the world
famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race! Witness fi rst hand the excitement
of Iditarod dogs bursting through the start line in Anchorage. Spend
time with Martin Buser, a four-time Iditarod champion at his Happy
Trails Kennel. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about
incredible native culture. Known as the Western Hemisphere’s only
cold-water research facility, meet an expert at the Alaska Sealife Center.
Make your Alaska winter dreams a reality. Choose to partake in a spa
treatment or rent skis, skates, snowboards and snowshoes at the world
famous Hotel Alyeska! Discover how grizzly bears, moose and musk ox
adapt to winter conditions at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Hear tales from real legends and see fi rst- hand how the Alaska winter
season comes alive on this tour escorted by an Alaskan who lives in the
north year-round.
DAY 1: Fly into Fairbanks (fl ights booked on own) and meet your local
guide. Transfer to Chena Hot Springs (approximately 1 ½ hours ride
from Fairbanks). Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.
DAY 2: Today, enjoy a day at Chena. Included is a visit to the Aurora Ice
Museum and enjoy an Appletini* beverage served on ice. *must be 21
years or older. A towel is included in your stay as you enjoy the spring
waters. This evening, enjoy a Snow Coach Tour for Aurora Viewing (not
guaranteed to see the Northern Lights-weather dependent). This tour
is from 10 pm until 2 am. Hot drinks (tea/hot chocolate are provided).
Please note, viewing the Northern Lights is an outdoor venue. There is a Yurt on site, where you can go inside and warm up. Return to Chena for your overnight. Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: This morning is open for time on your own in Chena. Travel
back to Fairbanks and be sure to keep an eye out for views of the Trans-
Alaska Pipeline. Dress warm for an exciting day viewing the Ice Art
sculptures. Enjoy one of the largest annual ice art competitions and
exhibitions in the world. This competition features over 70 teams from
around the world with more than 100 ice artists competing in single and
multi block carving categories. This afternoon enjoy Winter Carnival
activities on-own downtown. Warm up this evening with dinner at The
Pumphouse Restaurant and Saloon. Overnight – Fairbanks. Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: This morning, transfer to the rail depot, where you board the
world famous Alaska Railroad (Adventure Class) for your rail service
south to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Depart around 8:00 am and
arrive into Anchorage approximately 8:00 pm. Transfer to your hotel in
Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage. Meal: Breakfast
DAY 5: Today, is a day at leisure in Anchorage. There is a lot to do see
and do today. You may wish to visit the Anchorage Museum of History
and Art showcasing the past 10,000 years, fl ightsee, ice skate, see
what is happening with the Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, there is
something for everyone. Overnight Anchorage. Meal: Breakfast
DAY 6: Today travel south along the spectacular Turnagain Arm. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see Alaskan wildlife up close. Afternoon at leisure for relaxation in the spa facility, dog sledding, snowmobiling, downhill skiing or snow shoeing (costs are additional). Enjoy an included tram ride offering spectacular views of the valley. Overnight at The Hotel Alyeska, Alaska’s only four-diamond property. Meal: Breakfast, Box Lunch
DAY 7: Today climb aboard your motorcoach for a journey to the coastal community of Seward. Visit the Alaska Sealife Center for an in-depth look above and below the waters. Return to Girdwood for overnight accommodations at The Hotel Alyeska (guests may opt to remain in Girdwood for activities on their own). Meal: Breakfast
DAY 8: Morning departure from Alyeska north to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Enjoy a tour through the historic downtown district, Lake Hood/Lake Spenard and visit the Alaska Zoo for a “behind the scenes” tour. Tonight, enjoy the Iditarod festivities at the Musher’s Banquet (available to guests who reserve prior to January 1, 2011)! Overnight in Anchorage. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Banquet)
DAY 9: Today travel north to the kennels of 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. Returning to Anchorage visit the Iditarod Headquarters and see first hand a replica Iditarod Trail station. Overnight in Anchorage. Meal: Breakfast
DAY 10: This morning head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot at the start of the Iditarod. Spend time cheering on mushers from all over the world. Watch each of them depart or take off early and enjoy other Iditarod festivities in Anchorage. This afternoon, enjoy the cultural opportunities available at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Tonight, reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure at a farewell dinner. Overnight in Anchorage. Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: Transfer to the Anchorage Airport or ask about extending the tour to see the Official Restart in Willow, Alaska.
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