Price per Person
starting at $3,614pp (based on double occupancy)Duration
6 days, 5 nightsGroup Size
10Level
ModerateDates
DECEMBER - MARCHTime(s)
6PMNorthern Lights Getaway to Fairbanks
- Description
- Details
- Cancellation Policy
- Travel Insurance
Led by a seasoned local Alaskan expert, this unforgettable journey promises not only awe-inspiring views of the dancing lights but also an in-depth exploration of Alaska’s pristine wilderness and vibrant culture. Throughout the expedition, you’ll embark on thrilling adventures under the vast Alaskan skies, from exhilarating dog sled rides through snow-covered landscapes to tranquil hikes beneath the stars. Our expert guides will regale you with captivating tales and share their profound knowledge of the region’s natural wonders, offering a deeper understanding of the Aurora’s mystical allure.
Indulge in local accommodations nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, where you’ll unwind in comfort after days filled with exploration and discovery. Savour gourmet meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, tantalizing your taste buds with the authentic flavors of Alaska’s culinary delights.
With small group sizes ensuring personalized attention and insider access to hidden gems, our Aurora Borealis tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with wonder, excitement, and the magic of the Alaskan wilderness. Embark on this extraordinary journey and witness the Aurora’s celestial ballet in all its glory, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
ITINERARY
Day One – Thursday
Welcome to Anchorage! When you arrive at the Anchorage Airport, there will be taxi service available just outside of the baggage claim area, or car service (Lyft & Uber) available outside of check in on the second floor. This should be about a 15-minute ride from the airport to downtown. Your host at the locally owned boutique style inn will have check in directions on the front door for you when you arrive. The Inn is known for their Alaskan hospitality, prime location close to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and easy walk to many of our favorite eateries and local shops in downtown Anchorage!
Please meet your guide at 6:45pm at the Copper Whale Inn lobby. We will walk two blocks to our welcome dinner from here.
Today Includes: Overnight Anchorage, Welcome Dinner at Glacier Brewhouse
Day Two – Friday
Today, we will enjoy Alaska’s favorite sport – dog sledding! We visit the home of the six-time Iditarod champion kennel at Dallas Seavey Racing. This adventure is one hour of riding the runners of the dog sled on the training trails at Dallas Seavey Racing, meeting the four-legged athletes, and touring the kennel with plenty of time for pictures with the dogs! The dog sled ride is an iconic 5 mile mush through the boreal forest of Talkeetna – learning the basic commands to navigate your team along the established trail. Moderate fitness level is recommended. For those not wanting to drive their own team, join your musher guide to sit and enjoy the views from a tour sled!
Your Salmon Berry Tours guide will provide you with transportation into Talkeetna with a stop en route at the Denali Brewing Company to enjoy samples of their craft made beers on tap. Upon arrival into Talkeetna, enjoy dinner at the Denali Brewpub Restaurant with your fellow travelers. An aurora presentation after dinner is a great way for travelers to understand the science behind the Alaska night sky and the aurora borealis phenomenon!
Today Includes: Dog Sledding with Dallas Seavey Racing, Beer Tasting & Dinner at Denali Brewing Company, Aurora Presentation, Overnight Talkeetna (B, L, D)
Day Three – Saturday
After breakfast, your local guide will escort you to the rail platform for the journey north to the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. Take in the views or simply relax during your scenic afternoon/evening ride aboard the historic Alaska Railroad! Upon arrival into Fairbanks, a shuttle will take you from the train depot to your overnight accommodations along the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, close to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center/Fairbanks Visitors Center, shops and our favorite eateries! Check in and then get prepared for departure for tonight we set out for aurora viewing. Escape the night lights of the city and search for the northern lights at an aurora viewing location outside of Fairbanks. Learn the history of the area, Alaska Native folklore, and personal stories of living in the Alaska! This evening excursion includes roundtrip transportation and hot drinks with your local guide.
Today Includes: Rail: Talkeetna to Fairbanks, Evening Aurora Tour, Overnight Fairbanks (B, L, D)
Day Four – Sunday
Enjoy a Fairbanks City Tour with local highlights including the Museum of the North and the Alaskan Bowl Co. Then depending on the time of the year, guests will either visit the Santa Claus House in North Pole (Dec-early Feb) or the World Ice Art Championships (mid Feb-March). Tonight is an exclusive evening with your hosts and their canine companions as they open their home to you 25 miles from Fairbanks and the city lights. Enjoy the silence, remoteness and get a good glimpse of off-grid living. No matter if you sit in front of the huge panoramic windows from the comfort of the cabin or head outside to search for aurora. If interested, a guided snowshoe hike is available for a night hike!
Today Includes: Fairbanks City Tour, Dinner, Private Aurora Viewing with snowshoe, Overnight Fairbanks (B, D)
Day Five – Monday
This afternoon join your local Salmon Berry guide for your chance to warm up at the famous Chena Hot Springs before chasing the Northern Lights! This small group tour begins in Fairbanks and makes the wintery drive to Chena Hot Spring Resort. Here, we will visit the Aurora Ice Museum and relax in the Chena Hot Springs mineral water rock pools. Enjoy a late dinner this evening before we search for the elusive Aurora Borealis at a private aurora viewing location outside of the city. Your local Alaskan guide will be there to direct you through each activity before the evening farewell dinner & aurora viewing tour. Our casual Alaskan BBQ includes Frank’s aurora burger (salmon burger and veggie burgers also available) as well as reindeer sausage, salmon, corn on the cob, mixed salad and dessert.
Today Includes: Chena Hot Springs (swim/soak pass & ice museum tour), Farewell Dinner, Private Aurora Viewing Overnight Fairbanks (B, D)
Day Six – Tuesday
You can customize your departure today to fly straight home from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) – please schedule your departure flight for 6am or LATER… your aurora tour does not return until the early hours of this morning!
Today Includes: Continental Breakfast, Hotel Courtesy Shuttle to the Airport (B)
- Yeah, you got this!
- You’ll be fine!
- We’ll see when you get here.
- You are going to enjoy this tour more as a passenger
Have a group of 6 or more? Consider a Private BuyOut! Please email us for this special experience. Advanced reservations are required.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED
- Local Alaskan Guide(s)
- Narration provided by a CDL Certified Alaskan Guide (English Speaking)
- Small Group
- A more personal experience of up to 10 guests in our clean and comfortable sprinter vans
- All Inclusive
- 1 night in Anchorage at the Copper Whale Inn, Queen Room with Private Bath
- 1 night in Talkeetna, Cabin Accommodations with Private Bath
- 3 nights in Fairbanks at the SpringHill Suites, 2 Doubles with Private Bath
- Mush Your Own Dog Sled Team with 6-time Iditarod Champion Kennel
- Local Beer Tasting & Dinner at Denali Brewing Company
- Aurora/Alaska Night Sky Presentation
- Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train
- Two Private Evening Aurora Viewing Tour – escape the crowds at this off grid aurora cabin!!!
- Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour with Ice Museum and Outdoor Rock Pool Soak Pass
- Snowshoe Night Hike
- March departures will include a visit to the Ice Carving Championships
- Aurora Viewing and Farwell dinner with local hosts
- Rail Transfers
- Hotel Courtesy Shuttle to the Fairbanks International Airport
- Standard Local Guide Gratuities
- Meals: Breakfast (5) Lunch (2) Dinner (5)
NOT INCLUDED
- Commercial flights
- Into Anchorage (ANC)
- Out of Fairbanks (FAI)
- Transfer from Anchorage Airport to the Copper Whale Inn
- Meals: 2 lunches in Fairbanks
- Gear Rental Package – can be added!
UPGRADES AVAILABLE
Come early for a Glacier Walk on the Matanuska Glacier to start your adventures. This add on will include an additional night at the Copper Whale Inn and our winter Glacier Walk Tour.
Stay and play in the Arctic. Consider adding on an Arctic Circle Fly/Drive Aurora Tour to the end of your trip for one last adventure into the Arctic. This add on will include an additional night at the SpringHill Suites, roundtrip transportation to the flight office to check in and the Arctic Circle Fly/Drive Aurora Tour program hosted by our friends and trusted travel partners at Northern Alaska Tour Company.
Want to stay in a dome or igloo? Ask us how you can extend your trip – this extension is 3 days, 2 nights.
Booking Policy: This travel package has a $250 per person nonrefundable deposit required to start the booking process. The 50% deposit balance is due inside 30 days of booking. The remaining balance is processed 60 days prior to travel.
Multi-Day Itinerary Cancellation Policy:
- All requests for cancellation must be made via email, to [email protected].
- If canceled outside 60 days, a $100 per person fee applies
- 60-31 days there is a 10% processing penalty 90% refund is provided
- Inside 30 days, the travel package is non-refundable
- Some vendors may have stricter policies
Properties/Activities excluded from this policy include: Escorted travel packages: Northern Lights Getaway, Glaciers, Park & Wildlife Travel Package and Iditarod travel packages. Bear viewing trips; stays in remote/eco wilderness lodges; Denali National Park private guide services; private cabin reservations, Alaskan Dream Cruise and any property/activities noted with additional cancellations in the itinerary. These properties and activities have higher penalties for cancellations in addition to Salmon Berry tours cancelation policy.
Add on Activity Partial Cancellations – canceling one or more properties/activities that does not result in the entire itinerary being canceled. Outside 30-days, if guest cancels individual service items in an itinerary, they will be responsible for any cancellation fees assessed. Inside 30-days it is non refundable.
Salmon Berry Travel & Tours recommends travel insurance provided by TravelSafe Insurance. Our recommendation is based on positive guest feedback. In particular, the experience of one Salmon Berry guest is instructive:
- Our guest had booked the vacation of a lifetime and the ultimate Alaska package. She had to cancel the trip a week before it began due to unfortunate circumstances.
- She later told us that within ten minutes of phone time her claim was processed in full. She was very pleased with TravelSafe Insurance’s immediate and empathetic response. Getting a refund for her trip was the last thing she wanted to think about, and TravelSafe Insurance took care of her needs and concerns immediately.
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