Compare Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks by Globus vs Jewels of Alaska, Classic Group, 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,539 | $ 3,530 |
| Price Per Day | $ 413 | $ 504 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Come gee! Come haw! Come out for Alaska’s best known sporting event. “Alaska’s Last Great Race” takes place every March as mushers bark commands to teams of sled dogs in hopes of being the first to cross 1,000 treacherous miles of frozen, rugged terrain. On this thrill-filled Alaska vacation, you’ll stop by the Iditarod headquarters, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, and attend the annual Mushers Banquet where you can meet, mingle, and even witness the draw for starting positions. Cheer on your favorite mushers at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and again at the official restart in the quaint community of Willow. Of course, the K9 athletes are not the only animals you’ll see on this tour of Alaska. Have your camera ready for moose, musk ox, and more as you enjoy visits to Anchorage’s renowned wildlife centers and the Girdwood ski resort where you can put your own paws in the snow. Complement “Alaska’s Great Race” with “The Greatest Light Show on Earth” when you add Fairbanks & the Northern Lights to your Alaska tour. Two opportunities to witness the ethereal green glow of the amazing aurora borealis, a ride on the world-famous Alaska Railroad, and leisure time in outdoorsy Anchorage present the perfect kick start to your Iditarod vacation. | Explore the wild and wonderful Alaskan wilderness during this 1-week guided tour. Begin your adventure in Anchorage with a sweet treat: Taste agutak — Inuit Ice Cream — after an exclusive demonstration by Alaska's Indigenous people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Board a jet boat for a tour along the Chulitna River to a trapper’s cabin, where you will learn about the lifestyle of hunting and trapping in the state. Ride along the world-famous, glass-domed Alaskan Railroad toward Denali National Park, where the country’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, will greet you. Meet the champion dog team of a four-time Iditarod winner and allow him to regale you with tales of the 1,049-mile dogsled race over lunch at his home. From Whittier, take a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and the see the glaciers of College Fjord. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
Welcome to Fairbanks! 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).
TOUR HIGHIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Witness the stunning spectacle in the sky known as the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) with a Local Guide. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of light dancing across the night sky in a dramatic display of celestial waves and brilliant beams. When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky with such beauty, even Alaska’s tough ole’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed.
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Day 2: FAIRBANKS
Fairbanks Fun 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. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center welcomes visitors year-round with world-class exhibits of Alaska’s four seasons. Experience Alaskan Native art, music, stories & dance, and local experts who share stories. Take a moment to walk around the grounds to see the iconic antler arch and seasonal displays of flower gardens and ice sculptures.
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Day 3: FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA–ANCHORAGE
Riding the Rails Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna today on the world-famous Alaska Railroad. Continue to Anchorage and your hotel. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through its panoramic windows designed for soaking in the stunning scenery on this full-day journey that showcases America’s 49th state. Keep an eye out for views of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley)—as well as wildlife along the way!
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Day 4: ANCHORAGE
Exploring Anchorage 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. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Anchorage with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do!
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Day 5: ANCHORAGE–SEWARD–GIRDWOOD
Wild & Wooly in Alaska 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. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Alaska Sealife Center in coastal Seward to witness the wonderful work of conservationists who help to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea life. Get an in-depth look above and below the waters of Alaska.
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Day 6: GIRDWOOD
Alaskan Adventure 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. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle into your basecamp for adventure at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood- Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, ski mountain along with the new Nordic Spa. Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation.
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Day 7: GIRDWOOD–ANCHORAGE
A Dog’s Life 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Experience Alaska’s legendary sled-dog race traditions at the annual Mushers Banquet and Iditarod Festivities. Break bread with the stouthearted mushers who brave Alaska’s harshest elements through a frozen gauntlet from Willow to Nome on the Iditarod Trail.
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Day 8: ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO BIG LAKE
Heart & Soul on the Trail 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. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Here, Happy Trails Kennel was established in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod race ever.
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Day 9: ANCHORAGE. CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD
Making Tracks 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the start of the Iditarod race and cheer on the amazing sled dogs and mushers. Before the race starts, you may have the opportunity for photos and autographs with some of the mushers. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.
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Day 10: ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO WILLOW
Gold Rush & Racing Stars 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. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS OF THE TRAILS Cheer-on your favorite musher as they head off into the Alaska wilderness on the second leg of this 1,049-mile journey to Nome and the final finish line. Be sure to have your camera ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Day 11: ANCHORAGE
Safe travels until we meet again! 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. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers
Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing and the Matanuska Valley
Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.
Day 3: Talkeetna Sightseeing
This morning, enjoy an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and make a visit to a trapper's cabin. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska.The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an optional experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range, or a dryland dog sledding ride.
Day 4: Journey Along the Alaskan Railroad Relaxed Start
Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train after a morning at leisure and embark on a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve.Later, meet a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to brave a climb up the tallest land-based mountain in the world.For tonight's dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or your lodge's rustic restaurant during your Dine-Around evening.
Day 5: Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness Relaxed Start
With the Denali National Park and Preserve just a short drive away from your hotel, you'll find a number of ways to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness on your own, or spend the day partaking in one of our optional experiences. From an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River(waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour or a Denali Wilderness walking tour, the choice is yours – just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings at night.
Day 6: Girdwood and Mount Alyeska
Depart Denali and enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway.Stop in Big Lake and meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometre) dogsled race while enjoying lunch at his home.Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort.In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 7: Prince William Sound Cruise and depart Anchorage Relaxed Start
Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometre) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop.For those saying farewell today, travel back to Anchorage where you will arrive at the Anchorage Airport at approximately 20:00.
