Arctic Circle Adventure
A showcase of the vast contrasts of Alaska, this tour offers a glimpse at Alaska’s big cities and remote mountain towns.
Tour Description
Gaze upon snow-covered mountain peaks. Explore museums, galleries and restaurants. Ride through vast expanses of the Alaskan landscape by train. Set your sights upon incredible displays of nature. Gain a new-found love for the United States’ Last Frontier, Alaska. This amazing tour is filled with opportunity and sets off on a round-trip route from Anchorage, where your time will be spent exploring the amazing culture this town has to offer. Also in Anchorage, your Alaska Railroad train awaits to transfer you to your next big-city destination, Fairbanks. The sightseeing options are bountiful here, as well; however, your time here is brief, as you are off for a great, 2-day adventure in the Brooks Mountains to Coldfoot Camp. In Coldfoot, you will see luminous colors flood the sky as the Northern Lights come into view at night and you will have endless choices for tours and outdoor adventures before returning to Fairbanks and then Anchorage. With transfers by small plane, bus and train, this tour offers little-seen views of Alaska and a fresh take on this wild land.
Highlights and Inclusions
Hotel Accommodations for 5 nights
- Alaska Railroad transportation between Anchorage and Fairbanks
- Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure in Coldfoot
- Select transfers
- Flight from Coldfoot to Fairbanks and from Fairbanks to Anchorage
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage
As your flight arrives in Anchorage today, transfer independently to your hotel. Once you get settled, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the city at your leisure. Some of the most popular attractions in the city include the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum, though there are also plenty of sales tax-free shops to explore. The vibrant dining scene in Anchorage is a well-kept secret that includes regional specialties and world-wide favorites. Overnight Anchorage.
Day 2 - Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks
Make your way to the Anchorage train station this morning to board your Alaska Railroad train. Bound for Fairbanks, the Aurora Winter Train follows a 12-hour route that takes you through cities such as Wasilla, Talkeetna and Healy, as well as through long stretches of isolated backcountry that give you a view of Alaska that not many travelers get to experience. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Denali as the train moves past Healy. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled, as the spectacular views are enhanced by wildlife, such as moose and caribou, frolicking freely across the vast terrain. As the train pulls into the station in Fairbanks, you will transfer on your own to your hotel for the evening. Overnight Fairbanks.
Days 3 & 4 - Coldfoot Camp
The day begins as a tour bus from the Northern Alaska Tour Company picks you up from your hotel. You are off for a grand excursion in Alaska’s backcountry - the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure. This two-day tour is based out of Coldfoot Camp in Coldfoot, Alaska and is one of the best places to experience one of the world’s greatest natural sights, the Aurora Borealis. As you make your way to the Brooks Mountain Range where Coldfoot is located, you will cross the mighty Yukon River and catch glimpses of the trans-Alaska Pipeline. During your time at Coldfoot Camp, there are numerous excursions you can embark upon during the day (not included in the price of the tour), such as dog mushing with a local dog sledder or a trip by air to Nunamiut Eskimo village of Anaktuvuk Pass. The natural beauty of the region makes it perfect for hiking or snowshoeing, as well as for photography. At night, the sky above the Brooks Mountains comes to life with color as the Northern Lights dance upon the darkness. Overnight Coldfoot.
Day 5 - Fairbanks
See Alaska from a different perspective as you fly back to Fairbanks today. This flight is accomplished by a small plane and takes you over the mountains and across sweeping expanses of remote Alaska. During your time in the air, you will see thick evergreen forests and may even spot wildlife from above. Transfer to your hotel on your own as you arrive in Fairbanks, then the rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace. The city has an incredible art scene that you can experience through its various shops and galleries and many museums to choose from, including the Ice Museum, the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, the Pioneer Air Museum and, of course, the Museum of the North on the University of Alaska campus. Overnight Fairbanks.
Day 6 - End of Tour
You will have some time to continue your explorations of Fairbanks this morning before boarding a flight back to Anchorage. Once in Anchorage, your Arctic Circle Adventure comes to a close. Remain at the airport to catch your return flight home or to set out on your next journey.-
Train and Hotel Accommodations
Rail travel on the Aurora Winter Train is in Adventure Class seating. Adventure Class cars offer comfortable seating and large picture windows. Open-air vestibules between railcars provide an opportunity for fresh air and excellent photo-ops. Adventure Class guests are encouraged to travel between railcars, whether to take advantage of the open seating in the Vista Dome cars or visit the Wilderness Café.
Hotel accommodations are subject to availability, please speak with a rail specialist for details.
Dates & Prices
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