Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey

Your wonderful Alaskan winter vacation begins as you arrive in Fairbanks and make your way to the downtown hotel, which operates an airport shuttle service.

If you arrive early, the day is free to explore Fairbanks at leisure. Despite being the largest city in Alaska's frozen interior, Faribanks has a charming small-town feel to it. Set beside the winding Chena River that freezes over during winter, the town has many cultural attractions reflecting life in the Last Frontier. There is also a great selection of dining options you might like to try, from Greek to Thai and local cuisine. Regional specialties that you could hunt out include reindeer sausage and excellent seafood, particularly grilled Alaska salmon.

This evening, we gather at the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and the rest of our group.

Overnight Fairbanks.

Ahead of an exciting evening, this morning is a relaxed affair. Breakfast is served in the hotel but there is free time to unwind until around midday.

Our first destination in the wintry north is a great ice-breaker - a fun curling lesson at the Fairbanks Curling Club. Originally played on frozen rivers or ponds, curling has been a popular activity in countries such as Scotland and Canada for centuries. We learn all about this enjoyable sport and its terminology while trying to 'sweep the stone into the house'.

A highlight of our vacation awaits after dinner tonight as we seek out the magical Northern Lights. Aurora Pointe is located northeast of Fairbanks in the wilderness with minimal light pollution. Our chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon are increased at this isolated but cozy facility. With a guide on hand to explain more about the Northern Lights and how to photograph them, we settle in and hope to witness the enchanting performance of colorful lights dancing across the night sky.

Overnight Fairbanks.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Having potentially had a late night viewing the Northern Lights, we enjoy another laid-back morning after breakfast today.

The World Ice Art Championships have been hosted in Fairbanks each February since 1990. Hundreds of professional ice artists from all across the world gather here to create stunning sculptures and the finished products go on display all through March. This afternoon, we visit Ice Alaska - the site of the championships - to admire the ephemeral beauty of this year's ice sculptures, marveling at the incredible creations.

Later, we uncover the state's fascinating native and natural history at the Museum of the North. Millions of artifacts relay the biological diversity and cultural traditions of Alaska. During the visit, we can view ancient carvings and contemporary paintings, a large gold exhibit, and a 36,000-year-old mummified bison called Blue Babe.

This evening, you are free to dine independently. There are many cuisines to cater for all tastes, and the 49th state is also known as a seafood-lover's paradise, so you can find king crab and halibut in Fairbanks' restaurants.

Overnight Fairbanks.

• Breakfast

Leaving Fairbanks after breakfast, we board one of Alaska's most-loved trains for a fantastic all-day journey south to Talkeetna.

The Aurora Winter Train plows gently through the thick winter snow as it winds its way along nearly 250 miles of outstanding scenery. Settling into our comfortable seats, wide open wilderness, thick arboreal forests and icy rivers line the route. Lunch is served on board, so we can dine while viewing the dramatic landscapes of Denali National Park from large picture windows. Denali stands more than 20,000 feet tall and is the state's landmark icon. On a clear day, jaw-dropping views of North America's tallest mountain can be seen from the train - and we can keep our eyes peeled for Alaska's amazing wildlife such as moose and bears.

Continuing south through the pristine, snow-covered backcountry, the Winter Train passes the ghost town of Curry - once a luxury wilderness resort - before reaching Talkeetna. We have dinner after checking in to our hotel on the edge of town. Surrounded by thick forests, the hotel provides a good opportunity to view the Northern Lights.

Overnight Talkeetna.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An enchanting excursion awaits after a leisurely breakfast today. Leaving Talkeetna with a picnic lunch provided by the hotel, we travel along Parks Highway by motorcoach. Spectacular wintry vistas guide us southward into the heart of dog-mushing country.

At the Happy Trails Kennel, we embark on a thoroughly enjoyable drive across beautiful, remote scenery hauled by a team of energetic dogs - and we also get to visit the kennels to meet the dogs and their puppies. Guided by a professional dogsledder, we glide through stunning spruce forests and over frozen lakes - the only sounds coming from the boisterous dogs and the crunch of powder under our sleds. Look out for moose and fox roaming the snowy tundra and eagles soaring overhead. This is a delightful way to experience the Alaska wilderness.

Back on the motorcoach, we continue southward to Anchorage, the state's largest city with nearly 40% of the population. After checking in to our downtown hotel, you are free to dine independently tonight and can enjoy fresh seafood followed by a refreshing local beer made with crisp glacial water.

Overnight Anchorage.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Turnagain Arm serves up stunning views after breakfast as we embark on a scenic drive along the Seward Highway. Basking in sensational scenery as the route clings to the shoreline, we gaze in wonder across the fjord-like inlet to Mount Alpenglow and its neighboring peaks.

In Girdwood, the enclosed aerial tramway carries us more than 2,000 feet up Mount Alyeska. With glaciers and deep snow surrounding us, it's no wonder this is the state's premier winter sports resort. Lunch is included, and there is also time to explore and admire the views.

This afternoon is focused on the amazing animals of Alaska. During a motorcoach tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a guide details the inspiring work of this scenic refuge. For 30 years, some of Alaska's most loved animals have been rescued and cared for here, including bears, wolves, bison, lynx, elk and many more. In suitable areas, we can also step off the bus for a closer look.

Returning to Anchorage this evening, we gather for our final dinner as a group.

Overnight Anchorage.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your incredible Alaskan adventure comes to and end after breakfast today. You are free to transfer to Anchorage airport independently for your flight home.

A winter wonderland of icy rivers, thick snowfields and astounding mountain views has guided us from charming Fairbanks to Anchorage. Along the way, we have experienced some unforgettable moments - hopefully including witnessing the unpredictable but magical Northern Lights.

We have taken part in memorable activities from a curling lesson to an enjoyable dog-hauled sled ride through the tundra, learned about the state's history at the Museum of the North and marveled at sensational ice sculptures. Fantastic views were provided on the Alyeska Aerial Tramway and the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali, while our trip culminated in a captivating encounter with Alaska's wonderful wildlife at a rescue center where everything from bears to bison are being cared for.