Alaska Northern Lights

Alaska Northern Lights

Tours Starts: Anchorage, Alaska

Tours Ends: Fairbanks, Alaska

Day 1

Arrive in Anchorage

Today your adventure begins upon arrival in Anchorage. If you booked your flight with YMT, a representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This picturesque city sandwiched between 5,000-foot peaks and the Cook Inlet is home to one of the world’s only urban beluga whale pods. As for humans, nearly half of Alaska’s population lives in Anchorage. You can always find great food like fresh-caught local salmon or reindeer sausage, and a killer cup of coffee. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for wild moose, who have been known to wander through downtown. Relax this evening, because tomorrow the fun really starts!

Sheraton Anchorage or similar

Day 2

Anchorage

This morning you will take a deluxe motor coach tour of Alaska’s largest city. Learn more about life in Anchorage from its turbulent past all the way up to the present. Your day continues as you enjoy a gorgeous drive along the Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic roads in America. Stop in the resort town of Girdwood. Board the Alyeska Tram for a breathtaking ride from the Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Sit down for a delicious included lunch while enjoying panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and deep into the Chugach Mountains. This afternoon, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This sanctuary in Portage is home to wolves, bears, moose, lynx, bald eagles and more— including porcupines, the world’s third largest rodent. Spend the evening enjoying Anchorage at your leisure. (B, L)

Sheraton Anchorage or similar

Day 3

Denali via Talkeetna

After an included breakfast, take a drive north to Denali National Park. Stop for lunch on your own in Talkeetna. There’s plenty to see and do here. Along with excellent dining, great shopping, and a charming museum, the Talkeetna Historic District is on the register of National Historic Places. Some of its buildings are from the early 1900s.
Your afternoon will be in Denali, and this evening will include an unforgettable Aurora Borealis viewing. The bright dancing lights of the aurora are collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. Auroral displays appear in many colors, although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms, from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow. Enjoy a warm nonalcoholic beverage as you take in the lights of the northern sky. (B)

Denali Aurora Lodge or similar

Note:Northern Lights pursuit may be moved to another day, if conditions are better for optimal viewing. Seeing this natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed. The bus will depart after 8:00 PM and return after midnight.

Day 4

Denali

Enjoy a morning at leisure to catch up on your sleep. Then head to the Murie Science and Learning Center which serves as the Denali Visitor Center during Winter. Enjoy a short film, then hear from a local ranger about the 6-million acre park—questions are encouraged! This afternoon you will have free time to spend in the park. Along with awe-inspiring mountain views, it’s not rare to see some combination of caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, wolves and Arctic Foxes. You may also see other animals such as wolverines, lynxes and owls among many other beautiful creatures. Enjoy an optional tour or easy hike, borrow a pair of snowshoes, or just sit by the fire and chat with the rangers. (B)

Denali Aurora Lodge or similar

Day 5

Fairbanks

First thing today, you will board your deluxe motor coach for a scenic transfer north to Alaska’s “Golden Heart City,” Fairbanks. Alaska’s second-largest city was born of gold rush fever, thanks to a eureka! moment in 1902 on the banks of the Chena River. Upon arrival, enjoy a City Tour of Fairbanks including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon will be at your leisure. Spend the evening in hot pursuit of the Aurora Borealis, which appears in the skies above Fairbanks 243 nights a year. Enjoy a warm nonalcoholic beverage during while you take in the lights of the night sky. (B)

Springhill Suites Fairbanks or similar

Day 6

Fairbanks

This morning you’ll have time to relax by sleeping in as you recover from your nights adventure. This afternoon you’ll join your fellow travelers for an included stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center where you’ll have a chance to learn about the Alaskan Natives that call the interior their home. Spend the rest of the afternoon chilling out in one of the coolest places in the state… literally! Explore Ice Alaska, a one-of-a-kind adventure park that celebrates Fairbanks’ status as the “Ice Sculpting Capital of the World.” The Ice Park is nothing short of magical, with art and numerous attractions all sculpted from massive blocks of crystal clear ice harvested from nearby O'Grady Pond. You won’t believe what the world’s most talented ice sculptors are able to create—just to have them melt at the season’s first thaw. Concessions and food vendors are available for when you want a snack or a warm beverage, and the evening is yours to enjoy. (B)

Springhill Suites Fairbanks or similar

Day 7

Depart for Home

After a final delicious included breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to return to warmer climes. Say goodbye to your new friends and the Last Frontier, then depart for home. (B)

Note: Most flights from Fairbanks are non-direct with at least one or two connections. Departure flights from Fairbanks to most cities are overnight and arrive the following day; some flights depart Fairbanks after midnight.

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.