Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks

Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks

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11 Days From

$4598

$4209

Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks

11 Days Starting in Fairbanks, Alaska and ending in Anchorage, Alaska

Visiting: Fairbanks, Anchorage, Girdwood, Willow

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

AIQ-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4598 $4209 Operator discount: -$389

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks" tour, where you'll experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Alaska. Begin your journey in Fairbanks, the gateway to Denali National Park, and witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Explore the historic city of Anchorage, enjoy scenic drives along Turnagain Arm, and visit the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward. Travel on the iconic Alaska Railroad, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the Iditarod Trail Race, including a visit to the Happy Trails Kennels and the ceremonial start in Anchorage. With luxurious accommodations and opportunities for leisure activities, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Fairbanks, the "Golden Heart" of Alaska, and witness the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

  • Tour the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in Fairbanks.

  • Travel on the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Talkeetna.

  • Explore Anchorage's historic downtown area and enjoy winter festivities like dog mushing and ice-sculpting contests.

  • Drive along the scenic Turnagain Arm, visit the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, and stay in Girdwood.

  • Take an aerial tram ride in Girdwood for breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.

  • Visit the Alaska Zoo and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport in Anchorage.

  • Experience the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in Anchorage and visit the Anchorage Museum.

Places You'll See

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Alyeska Resort Hotel

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Fairbanks,Alaska

Location: Fairbanks

Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge

You’ve arrived in the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and gateway to Denali National Park. Later this evening, join your Local Guide and travel companions and get your first glimpse of one of nature’s most magnificent shows—the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

Day 2: Fairbanks

Location: Fairbanks

Accommodation Name: Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your morning begins at leisure. Later this afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks that includes a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Afterward, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most difficult and remarkable engineering feats of modern time. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing aurora borealis as it lights up the northern skies.

Day 3: Fairbanks,Alaska Railroad,Talkeetna,Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna today on the world-famous Alaska Railroad. Continue to Anchorage and your hotel.

Day 4: Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Anchorage. You may want to explore the historic downtown area or join in some of the festivities happening throughout the city, including a winter carnival, ice-sculpting contest, a melodrama, dog mushing, and more. Check at your hotel’s front desk for an up-to-date list of activities.

Day 5: Anchorage,Seward,Girdwood

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Alyeska Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at a welcome breakfast. Then, board your motorcoach and make one of the world’s great drives as you travel along dramatically scenic Turnagain Arm. Marvel at the dramatic views, and keep your eyes open for Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife. In coastal Seward, visit the Alaska Sealife Center. Later, arrive in the ski resort community of Girdwood, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska.

Day 6: Girdwood

Location: Girdwood

Accommodation Name: Alyeska Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or you may choose to just relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.

Day 7: Girdwood,Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Return to Anchorage and join an included tour through the historic downtown district and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Next, visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour. This afternoon, there is time to explore Anchorage on your own. You may want to visit the Anchorage Museum. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the [LF] Mushers Banquet. Enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and have the opportunity to meet them for photos and autographs.

Day 8: Anchorage. Excursion To Big Lake

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel north to Big Lake and visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his [LF] Happy Trails Kennels. Hear his fascinating personal stories, including how his sons are named after Iditarod checkpoints; all while viewing the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. Then, visit the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters to view pictures, videos, and other mementos of the Last Great Race. This evening is at leisure back in Anchorage. Maybe shop for souvenirs, try some fresh seafood, or sample a locally made brew.

Day 9: Anchorage. Ceremonial Start Of The Iditarod

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Later, visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum. After time exploring the museum, enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite. A chance to reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure with your fellow adventurers.

Day 10: Anchorage. Excursion To Willow

Location: Willow

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel north today to the quaint community of Willow, which started as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1897. Here, you’ll view the Official Restart of the Iditarod.

Day 11: Anchorage

Location: Anchorage

Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Fairbanks at Pike's Waterfront Lodge, in Anchorage at Marriott Downtown Anchorage, and in Girdwood at Alyeska Resort Hotel.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided city tour of Fairbanks, visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, and a tour of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

  • Transportation

    Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna on the Alaska Railroad and continue to Anchorage by motorcoach.

  • Activities

    Included activities such as viewing the aurora borealis, visiting the Alaska Sealife Center, and an aerial tram ride in Girdwood.

  • Special Events

    Attendance at the Iditarod festivities, including the Mushers Banquet and the ceremonial start of the Iditarod.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to Big Lake to visit Happy Trails Kennels and the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters, and to Willow for the Official Restart of the Iditarod.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, and spa treatments in Girdwood are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare to and from Anchorage is not included.

  • Additional Nights

    Extra nights in Anchorage or Fairbanks are available for purchase but are not included in the tour package.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Notes

The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. Schedule arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the next evening’s lights.

In the event the Iditarod Official Start is relocated (beyond Willow) due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage.

Accommodation

Fairbanks: Pike's Waterfront Lodge, Anchorage: Marriott Downtown Anchorage, Girdwood: Alyeska Resort Hotel

Mode of Transport

Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna on the Alaska Railroad, and continue to Anchorage by motorcoach.

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect to see on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska, known as the 'Golden Heart' of Alaska and the gateway to Denali National Park. In the evening, you will join your Local Guide and travel companions to get your first glimpse of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

  • What activities are planned for the second day in Fairbanks?

    On the second day, you will have a leisurely morning followed by a city tour of Fairbanks, which includes a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In the evening, you will have another opportunity to view the aurora borealis.

  • How will we travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage on the third day?

    On the third day, you will travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna on the world-famous Alaska Railroad and then continue to Anchorage.

  • What can I do during the full day at leisure in Anchorage on the fourth day?

    During the full day at leisure in Anchorage, you can explore the historic downtown area or join in various festivities happening throughout the city, such as a winter carnival, ice-sculpting contest, a melodrama, and dog mushing. You can check with your hotel’s front desk for an up-to-date list of activities.

  • What wildlife might I see during the drive along Turnagain Arm on the fifth day?

    During the drive along Turnagain Arm on the fifth day, you might see Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife. The drive offers dramatic views and is considered one of the world's great drives.

  • What optional activities are available in Girdwood on the sixth day?

    In Girdwood on the sixth day, you can join a variety of optional activities such as flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or you may choose to relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.

  • What special event is planned for the seventh day in Anchorage?

    On the seventh day in Anchorage, you will join a tour through the historic downtown district and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport. You will also visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour. In the evening, you will enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the Mushers Banquet, where you can see the mushers draw for starting positions and meet them for photos and autographs.

  • What will we do during the excursion to Big Lake on the eighth day?

    During the excursion to Big Lake on the eighth day, you will visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennels. You will hear his fascinating personal stories and view the grandeur of Alaska along the Iditarod Trail. You will also visit the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters to see pictures, videos, and other mementos of the Last Great Race.

  • What happens on the ninth day during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod?

    On the ninth day, you will head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Later, you will visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum. In the evening, you will enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite.

  • What is planned for the excursion to Willow on the tenth day?

    On the tenth day, you will travel north to the quaint community of Willow, which started as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1897. Here, you will view the Official Restart of the Iditarod.

  • What should I know about the aurora borealis viewing?

    The aurora borealis is most active from February to March, with viewings scheduled from 10 pm to 2 am. The appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. It is recommended to schedule your arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the next evening’s lights.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Monday

Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$4598 $4209

Operator discount: -$389

Friday - Monday

Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026
$5006 $4553

Operator discount: -$453

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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