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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey

Seven-day escorted winter rail journey through interior Alaska chasing the Northern Lights

Illustration of Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey

Vacations By Rail operates a seven-day escorted winter journey through Alaska's interior, beginning in Fairbanks and ending in Girdwood. The centerpiece is Day 4, when travelers board the Aurora Winter Train for an all-day ride south to Talkeetna, passing through Denali National Park and the historic ghost town of Curry, with lunch served on board. Between rail travel, the tour includes Northern Lights viewing at Aurora Pointe with professional guidance on photography, a dogsledding excursion across snow-covered tundra, and visits to the Museum of the North and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A professional tour escort and local guides lead the group throughout. Accommodations are three-star hotels in Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and Anchorage, with most meals provided. This package suits travelers seeking an active, guided introduction to Alaska's winter landscape and aurora borealis, though some evenings allow independent dining choices.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Alaska and airport transfers are not included in the from-price of USD 3,499
  • Day 7 requires independent transfer to Anchorage airport for your flight home
  • Two evenings (days 3 and 5) allow free dining; meals are not provided on those nights

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Arrive in Fairbanks

    Arrive in Fairbanks and make your way to the downtown hotel. This evening, gather at the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group.

  2. Day 2overnight: Fairbanks

    Northern Lights viewing experience at Aurora Pointe

    After breakfast and free time, a fun curling lesson at the Fairbanks Curling Club. After dinner, head to Aurora Pointe northeast of Fairbanks to seek the Northern Lights, with a guide on hand to explain the phenomenon and how to photograph it.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Fairbanks

    Incredible ice sculptures and Museum of the North

    Visit Ice Alaska, site of the World Ice Art Championships, then uncover Alaska's cultural and natural history at the Museum of the North, including a 36,000-year-old mummified bison called Blue Babe. Free to dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Talkeetna

    Riding the Aurora Winter Train through Denali National Park

    Board the Aurora Winter Train for an all-day journey south to Talkeetna, with lunch served on board while passing Denali National Park and the ghost town of Curry. Dinner at the hotel on the edge of town.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Anchorage

    Dogsledding across snow-covered tundra

    Travel by motorcoach along the Parks Highway to the Happy Trails Kennel for a dogsledding excursion with a professional dogsledder, then continue south to Anchorage. Free to dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Anchorage

    Alyeska Aerial Tramway and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

    A scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm to Girdwood, where an aerial tramway climbs Mount Alyeska. In the afternoon, a motorcoach tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Final group dinner in Anchorage.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    Your incredible Alaskan journey comes to an end after breakfast, when you are free to transfer to Anchorage airport independently for your flight home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2At Aurora Pointe northeast of Fairbanks, seek the Northern Lights with a guide who explains the phenomenon and offers photography tips
  • Day 4Board the Aurora Winter Train for an all-day journey south to Talkeetna, with lunch served on board while passing through Denali National Park and the ghost town of Curry
  • Day 5Travel by motorcoach to Happy Trails Kennel for a dogsledding excursion across snow-covered tundra with a professional dogsledder
  • Day 6Ride the aerial tramway up Mount Alyeska near Girdwood for views of Turnagain Arm, then visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Included

  • Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides for touring
  • 6 nights' 3-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train from Fairbanks to Talkeetna on Day 4, plus all coach and rail transport throughout. Flights to Alaska are not included.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides throughout the seven days. You travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager.
What is the activity level?
Mobility Rating 3. The tour includes dogsledding across snow-covered tundra, a curling lesson, an aerial tramway ride, and city and museum walking tours. Expect moderate physical activity.
Which hotels are included?
Three nights at Springhill Suites in Fairbanks, one night at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Talkeetna, and two nights at Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage. All are three-star properties.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, plus three lunches and three dinners over the six-day tour. Days 3 and 5 include free dining time for independent meal choices.
When does this tour run?
The pack does not specify departure dates or seasons. Contact Vacations By Rail to confirm current availability and booking windows.

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