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
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
Chase Alaska’s Northern Lights on Aurora viewing excursions.
Alaskan dinner in a yurt
Enjoy an authentic Alaskan dinner in a yurt, including Aurora Borealis viewing.
Chena Hot Springs
Relax in natural mineral hot springs.
What’s included on the tour?
Transportation
Rail travel on the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Train
Scenic shuttle rides between Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs
Accommodation
Hotel accommodations for 5 nights, including 2 nights at the rustic Chena Hot Springs Resort
Excursions & Entertainment
Two Aurora Borealis viewing excursions
Alaskan dinner in a yurt
Food & Drink
1 meal
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers
Itinerary
Arrive 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.
Alaska 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.
Chena 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
Chena 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.
Chena 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.
Depart Fairbanks
Your Alaskan vacation concludes as you check out of your hotel
and transfer to Fairbanks International Airport this morning.
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.
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.