Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Iditarod & Northern Lights

The heritage of Alaska is multi-faceted and deeply rooted; it is something that oozes from cities and bubbles to the surface in the furthest reaches of the state. Find yourself captivated by everything it offers as you explore the state from the interior to the coast on this immersive winter adventure. The excitement begins in Fairbanks, one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Enjoy city sightseeing by day and aurora borealis chasing by night. From Fairbanks, enjoy a trip to Denali to meet with a Park Ranger before continuing to Healy. Because of Healy's remote location in Alaska's interior, it is another ideal northern lights-spotting locale due to its setting in the auroral oval. The next day, board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train for stunning scenery and possible wildlife viewing en route to Anchorage.

This large city is a hotbed for Alaskan heritage and cultural events, including the Iditarod, which this vacation is designed to feature. Using Anchorage as your home base, enjoy a day of guided sightseeing throughout the city and a visit to Happy Trails Kennel, where you can learn about the significance of dog sledding. Enjoy events leading up to the official start of the Iditarod, a long-distance dog mushing race established nearly 50 years ago. Take part in the Mushers Banquet dinner, and watch the Ceremonial Start in Downtown Anchorage. To wrap up your tour, travel north to the town of Willow, where the mushers officially set out on their course one sled at a time. While the weather is cold, your heart will be warmed by the traditions of Alaska.