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 purchased your airline tickets from YMT, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Approximately 40 percent of Alaska’s population lives in Anchorage, a place known as the “Big Apple of the North” where you can find great food and a killer cup of coffee virtually anywhere. We suggest giving fresh-caught salmon or even reindeer sausage a try, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wild moose, who have been known to wander through downtown. Relax this afternoon and tonight, 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, on your way to 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 Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and deep into the Chugach Mountains. This afternoon visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary in Portage where you can see 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 gorgeous drive north to Denali National Park. Stop for lunch on your own in the quaint community of 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 including Nagley's General Store and the Talkeetna Roadhouse.
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. Afterward you’re invited to join us for a warm nonalcoholic beverage to end the night. (B)

Denali Aurora Lodge or similar

OPTION: ALASKA RAILROAD UPGRADE:

Upgrade to a scenic 4–hour train ride along the famous Alaska Rail-road from Talkeetna to Denali Park. $189 p/p. Alaska Railroad upgrade must be prebooked. Please add this option at time of booking.

Day 4

Denali

Enjoy a morning at leisure to catch up on your sleep. Then head to the Denali Visitor Center. 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, where along with awe-inspiring mountain views, it’s not rare to see some combination of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, and wolves, along with other animals such as wolverines and countless beautiful songbirds. 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 the downtown area and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon will be at your leisure for optional tours such as Arctic Circle Flightseeing, as well as many others to choose from. This evening, board your deluxe motor coach for a night of Aurora Borealis Viewing and a warm nonalcoholic nightcap. The city is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, which appears on average 243 nights of the year. (B)

Springhill Suites Fairbanks or similar

Day 6

Fairbanks

Spend your final full day in Alaska chilling out in one of the coolest places in the state...literally! You have the chance to explore Ice Alaska, a one-of-a-kind museum and 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 ice harvested from O’Grady Pond next to the park. 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 Frontier State and fly home. (B)

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.