Alaska Winter Twin-City Tour | 7-Day Aurora + Glacier Exploration | Arrive in Fairbanks, Depart from Anchorage
- 4 aurora viewing opportunities to maximize your chances of success
- Twin cities + Arctic Circle, unlocking iconic landmarks
- Dog sledding + Chena Hot Springs, experience the primitive charm of ice and fire
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Product Info
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1
- Arrive in Fairbanks, the second-largest city in Alaska. After arrival, contact your tour guide for airport pickup and hotel check-in. Please present a valid ID for check-in; standard hotel check-in time in Alaska is 3:00 PM. We recommend arriving on a flight before 8:00 PM so you do not miss the first night of aurora viewing.
- (First Night Aurora Viewing) Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 22:00. Follow your guide by vehicle to observe the aurora. Your guide will introduce facts about the Northern Lights, assist with camera settings, and provide photography tips to help you capture stunning photos. Professional aurora portrait photography is also included. The guide will monitor real-time data and aurora tracking screens, and frequently check sky conditions, allowing you to wait for the aurora in comfort inside the vehicle. You will return to the hotel around 02:00 the next morning. The total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Day 2
- Departure from the designated hotel is scheduled for 12:00. Travel north towards the Arctic Circle along the Dalton Highway, one of Alaska's most remote and challenging roads (approx. 5 hours one way). Along the way, enjoy the primitive wilderness and tundra landscapes of the Arctic, with chances to spot wildlife such as caribou, arctic foxes, wolves, bears, and muskoxen. Pass by the Yukon River, the largest river in Alaska, and view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that spans the state from north to south.
- Finally, you will arrive at the Arctic Circle landmark sign at 66°33’20 North Latitude to take photos and create lasting memories. You will also be presented with an Arctic Circle Certificate.
- If you are lucky, you may have the chance to encounter the Northern Lights on the return trip (Second Aurora Viewing).
- You will return to the hotel around 2:00 the next morning. The total duration is approximately 12 hours.
Day 3
- Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 10:00. Travel to Denali National Park (approx. 2.5 hours one way).
- Upon arrival, your guide will take you into the national park for a short outdoor hike (approx. 2 hours).
- You will return to the hotel around 18:00.
- (Third Night Aurora Viewing) Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 22:00. Follow your guide by vehicle to observe the aurora. You will return to the hotel around 02:00 the next morning. The total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Day 4
- Departure from the designated hotel is scheduled for 11:00. Travel deep into the forest snowfields for dog sledding (approx. 30 minutes one way). Dog sleds accommodate 2 people per sled, and snow gear is provided. (Please note: From 9.1 to 11.15, due to insufficient snowfall, dog sledding will be replaced by dog-pulled carts).
- Afterward, travel to Chena Hot Springs Resort (approx. 1 hour one way). Relax in the outdoor natural mineral hot spring pools and experience the contrast of the snowy, misty surroundings against the warmth of the springs!
- You will return to the hotel around 18:00. The total duration is approximately 8 hours.
- (Fourth Night Aurora Viewing) Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 22:00. Follow your guide by vehicle to observe the aurora. You will return to the hotel around 02:00 the next morning. The total duration is approximately 4 hours.
- For this night, you may choose to upgrade to a glass cabin at your own expense. There are two types of glass cabin rooms, both featuring 180-degree aurora viewing windows. Rooms are assigned randomly, each containing one 2m x 2m king bed, accommodating a maximum of 3 people. Occupancy of 4 people per room is not supported. Upgrades are available for one night only; if selected, you must check out of your city hotel on the morning of this day, bring your luggage, and check into the glass cabin upon returning from the hot springs. Dates cannot be changed. Please note that there is no aurora viewing or portrait photography service provided after checking into the glass cabin (you must forgo the fourth aurora viewing session).
Day 5
- Check out of the hotel with your luggage at 10:00 and travel to Santa Claus House (approx. 0.5 hours one way, 1-hour stay).
- Afterward, visit the Museum of the North.
- The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport around 2:00 PM for your flight to Anchorage (please book a flight around 16:00). Upon arrival in Anchorage, the hotel provides a 24-hour free shuttle service for airport pickup and check-in.
Day 6
- Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 9:00. Travel south along the Seward Highway, one of Alaska's most scenic coastal roads.
- After passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, arrive at Whittier, known as the 'world's loneliest town.' You can stroll around the harbor area to view the spectacular sight of glaciers meeting the sea, or enjoy some free time in the town.
- Return to downtown Anchorage in the afternoon for some shopping. The tour is expected to conclude around 17:00.
Day 7
- Check out of the hotel with your luggage. Departure for Matanuska Glacier is scheduled for approximately 08:30 (approx. 2.5 hours one way).
- Upon arrival, you will be led by a professional guide on a 2-hour hike along the glacier. Please bring your own hiking boots, a light jacket, spare socks, and sunglasses.
- The tour is expected to return to the city by 17:00. We recommend booking return flights departing after 20:00.
- Optional Expenses -
- Glass Cabin Upgrade: USD$500/person for triple occupancy; USD$750/person for double occupancy; USD$1500/person for single occupancy.
- The Matanuska Glacier day tour can be upgraded to a Knik Glacier tour for an additional USD$100/person (Reference tour time: 08:30-16:00).
Notes:
1. The order of the itinerary may be adjusted slightly based on arrival date, weather, and other force majeure factors.
2. If there is a discrepancy between the itinerary times and the times notified by the guide on-site, please follow the guide's instructions.
3. Reference hotels in Fairbanks: Comfort Inn Fairbanks (or equivalent); Reference hotels in Anchorage: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anchorage (or equivalent). Final arrangements are subject to actual availability.
Chena Hot Springs • Swimwear is required for the hot springs. Please bring your own swimsuit and trunks; you may also bring slippers if needed. Locker rental at Chena Hot Springs Resort: 50 cents/use; towel rental: 5 USD/towel. • For safety reasons, minors under 18 are not permitted in the outdoor rock hot spring area; they may use the indoor massage pools and swimming pool. • If you are unable to experience the hot springs due to personal reasons on the day, it will be considered a voluntary waiver, and the fee cannot be refunded. • Drinking alcoholic beverages before soaking in the hot springs is not recommended. Prolonged soaking can lead to dehydration; you may bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. • There may be no mobile signal around the hot springs; you may want to download some videos or music in advance for entertainment.
Purchase Notice
1. We recommend purchasing your flight tickets only after receiving the confirmation notice.
2. Minors under 18 or children must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour; unaccompanied minors or children are not allowed to participate.
3. For the safety of pregnant travelers, those joining the tour must be no more than 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the itinerary.
4. Hotels offer various room types, such as one King/Queen size bed or two Double size beds. We guarantee the number of rooms but cannot guarantee specific room types or locations. Requests for specific bed types are not accepted and are subject to actual availability.
5. The tour does not accept or assist with room sharing among strangers. Please book the room type and number of rooms corresponding to the actual number of travelers.
6. Each hotel has different policies for collecting deposits (usually processed via credit card). Guests are required to cooperate according to the specific regulations of each hotel.
7. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon unique to polar regions. While there is a high probability of seeing it in good weather, it may be faint or invisible due to weather or other natural factors. No refunds will be provided if the aurora is not seen or if the viewing experience is poor.
8. During aurora viewing, please do not use the flash function on your photography equipment to avoid disturbing others.
9. This itinerary requires you to hold a US visa. We recommend ensuring your visa is valid and that you have completed EVUS registration. No refunds or compensation will be provided if you are unable to pass through US Customs due to personal reasons.
10. Winter temperatures in Alaska are low. Please prepare warm clothing according to your needs, such as down jackets, fleece jackets, hats, scarves, non-slip snow boots, sunglasses, etc.
11. Smoking is prohibited on the bus during the tour. Most hotel rooms are also non-smoking. Hotel cleaning staff are professionally trained, and security personnel will document evidence. If caught, cleaning fees will be charged to the guest. If you need to smoke, please use designated smoking areas.
12. Please keep your personal travel documents, passport, flight tickets, credit cards, and cash safe during the trip. Keep valuables with you at all times; do not leave them in the vehicle or entrust them to others.
13. If you are unable to participate in the tour or withdraw during the trip due to personal reasons (lack of travel documents, flight delays, lateness, illness, accidents, etc.), the paid tour fees and room charges will not be refunded, and no other compensation will be provided.
14. To protect the best interests of the group, if an individual's behavior seriously hinders the safety or normal operation of the group activities, the tour guide has the right to terminate their participation after repeated warnings. From the time of departure, the individual is responsible for all their actions, and the company bears no responsibility. No refunds or compensation will be provided for unused portions, and they are non-transferable.
15. You may be served by different tour guides depending on the daily itinerary.
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 2 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Pregnant women, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
