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Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks 2026
11 Day Tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage
Tour Description:
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. 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.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Friday 27 Feb 26 — Monday 09 Mar 26 | Starting at $4,949 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingWe’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes:
In the event the Iditarod Official Start is relocated (beyond Willow) due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage. The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. Schedule arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the next evening’s lights.
In the event the Iditarod Official Start is relocated (beyond Willow) due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage. The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. Schedule arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the next evening’s lights.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 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 HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Witness the stunning spectacle in the sky known as the aurora borealis 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 ol’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed
Day 2 FAIRBANKS
Fairbanks Fun Enjoy a morning at leisure before this afternoon’s city tour of Fairbanks that includes a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Afterward, see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most challenging and remarkable engineering feats of modern time. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing aurora borealis light up the northern skies. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Board the Alaska Railroad train for spectacular views through 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!
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 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. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE 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!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION 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
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 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 just relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the [LF] Mushers Banquet. Enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and meet them for photos and autographs. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 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 amid the grandeur of Alaska. 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 fresh seafood, or sample a locally made brew. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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 exploring the museum, enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite and a chance to reminisce your Alaska winter adventure with your fellow adventurers. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC 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. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 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. (B)
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!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Fairbanks | Girdwood | Anchorage |
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Moderate First-Class
1850 Hoselton Drive Fairbanks AK United States
Along the banks of the impressive Chena River sits Pike's Waterfront Lodge. You'll rest easily in comfortable rooms, all with Aveda aromatherapy room amenities and many featuring scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, and a cozy lounge. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. It's a convenient and stunning spot for your time in Fairbanks.
Moderate First-Class
1850 Hoselton Drive Fairbanks AK United States
Along the banks of the impressive Chena River sits Pike's Waterfront Lodge. You'll rest easily in comfortable rooms, all with Aveda aromatherapy room amenities and many featuring scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, and a cozy lounge. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. It's a convenient and stunning spot for your time in Fairbanks.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
