Alaska Northern Lights

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 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!

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 with a gorgeous drive along the Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic roads in America. Stop in the resort town of Girdwood, and board the Alyeska Tram for a breathtaking ride from the Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Sit down for a delicious lunch (included), 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 and moose, as well as lynx, bald eagles and porcupines. Spend the evening enjoying Anchorage at your leisure. (B, L)

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, and 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 uncommon to see some combination of caribou, moose, or wolves. You may also see wolverines, lynxes and owls, along with arctic foxes and many other beautiful creatures. (B)

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 while you take in the lights of the night sky. (B)

This morning you’ll have time to relax as you recover from your evening adventure. In the afternoon, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a 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 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, only 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)

After a final breakfast at your hotel (included), 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.