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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
Aboard scenic train and flight to Bettles Lodge on this 6-day alaska expedition. Experience the Aurora Borealis in Alaska.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage
Flight lands in Anchorage; transfer to a centrally located hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring, perhaps the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or the downtown district.
- Day 2railovernight: Fairbanks
Anchorage to Fairbanks
Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with refreshments and hot/cold dishes available in the Wilderness Cafe. Transfer to hotel on arrival in Fairbanks this evening.
- Day 3overnight: Bettles Lodge
Bettles Lodge Aurora Viewing
Scenic flight from Fairbanks across the Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge, followed by a guided tour of Bettles Village. Free time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling or ice fishing, with evening communal bonfires and aurora viewing.
- Day 4overnight: Bettles Lodge
Bettles Lodge Aurora Viewing
Continued stay at Bettles Lodge with free time for winter activities and aurora viewing each evening.
- Day 5overnight: Fairbanks
Return to Fairbanks
Breakfast at the lodge, then check out and fly back to Fairbanks. Transfer independently to the Fairbanks hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, touring museums, downtown public art, or breweries.
- Day 6
Depart Fairbanks
Check out of the hotel and transfer to Fairbanks International Airport for the return flight home.
Included
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights, including 2 nights at Bettles Lodge
- Rail travel on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train
- Roundtrip flights between Fairbanks and Bettles Lodge
- 5 meals
- Cross country skiing (ski boots, skis, and poles included)
- Guided snowshoe excursions (snowshoes included)
- Arctic gear: parkas, snow pants, snow boots, mittens, face masks, and hats
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Optional activities at Bettles Lodge available at additional cost: Alaskan husky sled dog ride, ice fishing, snowmobiling, flightseeing (flightseeing only available starting in February)
