Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp

Arrive in Fairbanks, one of Alaska's oldest, coldest and largest cities. Known fondly as the Golden Heart City, this destination is your gateway to the breathtaking colors of the aurora borealis. The city is beloved for its unique art installations and historic buildings that date back to the height of the Gold Rush. Transfer to your hotel independently, then enjoy the rest of the day to get acquainted with Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

You are welcome to continue your explorations in downtown Fairbanks this morning. Coffee lovers rejoice; there are several boutique coffee roasters throughout the city, in addition to numerous coffee shops. Diverse restaurants and art galleries speak to the city's love of the unique abound. And, of course, you cannot leave before checking out Golden Heart Plaza.

Head back to your hotel early this afternoon to await your transfer to Borealis Basecamp. A shared van picks you up at the designated meeting point and commences the journey out into the wilderness. Borealis Basecamp is set less than an hour outside the city yet feels worlds away with its wide-open skies and 100-plus acres of boreal forest. On arrival, you are shown to your accommodations for the next two nights: a fiberglass dome. These private domes are crafted to be cozy, personal nests for northern lights viewing with all the amenities of home. You may also wish to unwind post-transfer with a heavy dose of relaxation at Latitude 65. The main hub of Borealis Basecamp, this yurt is home to the onsite gourmet restaurant and open lounge areas in which guests are welcome to interact with each other, play board games or simply marvel at views of the White Mountains while sipping a drink. After the sun sets, get cozy in your dome to watch for the northern lights above. Overnight Borealis Basecamp.

Today is yours to explore the snow-clad terrain and soak in the serenity of your surroundings. Enjoy a continental buffet breakfast as you wake and then your choice of excursions. During the fall touring season, you may select either an UTV ride through the surrounding forests and mountains or a dogsledding tour. Come November, those options change to dogsledding or snowmobiling through the snowy landscape. While your vacation includes just one option, others are available to fill your day further (payable locally). The evening includes a 2-hour sunset tour. Aboard a Borealis Basecamp vehicle, ride to a scenic hilltop lookout and toast with a complimentary glass of champagne as the sun sinks behind the trees. Return to your dome in time to watch the reds and greens of the aurora dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed. Overnight Borealis Basecamp.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, bask in the beautiful forested scenery of the White Mountains during your transfer back to Fairbanks. Spend the day sightseeing and exploring as you please after you check-in at your downtown hotel. Perhaps find yourself immersed in Alaskan culture at the Museum of the North or visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum to set your sights upon over 70 beautifully preserved vintage cars. Get your picture taken under the iconic moose antler arch for a quintessential Fairbanks souvenir. A walk along the frozen Chena River is also a marvelous way to pass the time. Overnight Fairbanks.

• Breakfast

Today, a new adventure beckons as you transfer to the Fairbanks train station and board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train.  This 12-hour journey takes you through the snowy backcountry, some of which is entirely unreachable by road. Enjoy distant views of Mount Denali and picturesque vistas of the Susitna River. If you look closely, you may even catch glimpses of moose, caribou or bear wandering near the waterline or amongst the evergreen trees. On its southerly route, the train passes through Talkeetna and Wasilla and makes its way along the incredibly scenic Knik Arm before arriving in Anchorage. Make your independent transfer to your hotel, and feel free to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant or settle in for the night. Overnight Anchorage.

Explore Anchorage at your leisure or choose to add an activity for your first free day in the city. If you'd like to discover more in and around Anchorage, consider incorporating a day trip to Matanuska Glacier. Begin with a scenic drive through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, with plenty of opportunities for photos during stops along the way. Then, embark on a guided glacier walk of a lifetime. Alternatively, opt for a Glacier & Wildlife Tour Flightseeing excursion, where you can soar over the towering Knik Glacier and observe an abundance of wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, foxes, and more.

Overnight in Anchorage.

There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your a free day in Anchorage. The city is incredibly walkable, offering you easy access to public art installations, wonderful restaurants and beautiful parks - even in the winter. The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center are great places to explore the region's culture, whereas the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the ideal spot to learn more about the state's animals. Downtown is brimming with art galleries and cute boutique shops in which to find a variety of souvenirs and artwork. Perhaps venture into one of the nearby national parks for a day to remember.

Overnight Anchorage.

Your Alaska adventure concludes this morning. Transfer to Anchorage's airport for your return flight home or continue your expedition through America's Last Frontier on your own.