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Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs

 
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Duration
6 days
From per person
$1,995
Tour code
WC-AVCT-25
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Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Hot springs, Northern Lights and authentic Alaskan experiences lie ahead on this 6-day journey

From man-made attractions to some of nature's most splendid offerings, Alaska is filled with adventure. This journey is your ticket to some of the best things Alaska has to offer. Your tour begins in Anchorage, where you board your Alaska Railroad train bound for Fairbanks. Your seat aboard the Aurora Winter Train offers a glimpse at Alaska's majesty, with wide-open expanses of backcountry, charming villages and exciting cities joining for unforgettable vistas. Upon arrival, spend some time experiencing the unique offerings of Fairbanks before enjoying two  relaxing days at the rustic Chena Hot Springs Resort. Here, you can rejuvenate your body with swims in the natural hot springs and set your sights on one of nature's most incredible displays, the Aurora Borealis. End your vacation under the Northern Lights in a cozy yurt, and with a home cooked Alaskan meal. Whether you seek R & R or amazing adventures, there is much to experience on this Alaskan journey.

This tour operates in August, September, October, November, and December.

This vacation is available for travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage based on your travel preference and train availability.

 

Unforgettable Experiences

Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train
Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train
See Alaska’s wintry landscapes on a journey aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train (Departures between August 18- September 22 will be on the Denali Star Train).
Alaska’s Northern Lights
Alaska’s Northern Lights
Chase Alaska’s Northern Lights on Aurora viewing excursions.
Alaskan dinner in a yurt
Alaskan dinner in a yurt
Enjoy an authentic Alaskan dinner in a yurt, including Aurora Borealis viewing.
Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs
Relax in natural mineral hot springs.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arrive in Anchorage

As your flight arrives in Anchorage today, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel. You have the rest of the day to acquaint yourself with Alaska. There is an array of shops, art galleries and restaurants to choose from downtown, as well as museums and parks to explore. Overnight Anchorage.

DAY2Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks

This morning make your way to Anchorage's railway station to board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train. Your destination is Fairbanks, and the full-day journey unveils some of the most incredible scenery Alaska has to offer. The route takes you through the backcountry, past snow-capped mountain ranges and into the heart of Alaska. Expect to see all of this and more from your seat's picture window; however, you also have access to the train's Vista Dome Car. Stops along the way include Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali before you arrive in Fairbanks. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the evening. Overnight Fairbanks.

DAY3Chena Hot Spring & Aurora Viewing

Your day begins with a leisurely morning in Fairbanks. Your transfer will arrive mid-day for the journey to Chena Hot Springs. The resort is located approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks, and the journey there is incredibly scenic. On arrival, check-in at the resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot springs or simply admiring the scenery. The resort is rustic and historic, with simple accommodations surrounded by surreal natural beauty.

This evening, board the Aurora Viewing Snow Coach, a tracked, military style Small Unit Support Vehicle*, to chase the Northern Lights until the wee hours of the morning. Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

*Please note that during the tour you will be sitting in a small, confined space with other people

DAY4Chena Hot Springs at Leisure

Chena Hot Springs Resort - is yours to enjoy today . Tour the onsite Ice Museum - a structure built entirely of ice -  at the resort and take advantage of any number of optional tours, including dog sledding and guided snow machines. At the hot springs, soak in the rock lake, which stays at a temperature of around 106 degrees. Or take a dip in the indoor heated pool or the indoor and outdoor hot tubs for some rest and relaxation. All of this and more is at your fingertips without the hustle and bustle of the modern world distracting you from serenity during your stay. At night, explore the resort grounds and find your perfect Aurora Borealis viewing spot for the evening. Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

DAY5Chena to Fairbanks & Aurora Viewing Dinner**

Take one last soak in the hot springs before checking out of your Chena resort room this morning.  Transfer back to Fairbanks  with the rest of the day at leisure. Spend some time soaking in the eclectic environment of downtown, moving between the shops and restaurants, meandering through art galleries and museums and observing the unique art throughout the city.

Tonight, you will be picked up from your hotel for the final Aurora viewing experience of your vacation. Your evening will be spent as a dinner guest in an Alaskan yurt, enjoying a local meal away from the city lights. As you wait for the Aurora viewing to begin, enjoy your hosts' stories of dog mushing and more, and learn about the lifestyle of the North. As the lights come out, your yurt allows for optimal viewing, both indoors and outdoors, before you are returned to your hotel late this evening. Overnight Fairbanks.

**The Aurora Viewing Dinner experience does not operate until October 31st departure.

DAY6Depart Fairbanks

Your Alaskan vacation concludes as you check out of your hotel and transfer to Fairbanks International Airport this morning.

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
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Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks
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Springhill Suites
Springhill Suites, Fairbanks
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Train Information

See more details about this tour's train.

Alaska Railroad

Traversing 656 miles of Alaskan wilderness and connecting destinations that would otherwise remain unreachable, the Alaska Railroad is as essential as it is scenic. The railway was completed in 1923 and today offers five rail lines that follow varying courses between the cities of Seward and Fairbanks. In addition to presenting expanses of wide-open wilderness and rugged mountain peaks during its routes, passengers can soak in vistas of Alaska's most scenic delights, including Resurrection Bay and Denali, from the train's window-lined carriages.

Enhance your holiday

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their tripVacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

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