6-Day Alaska: Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs, Coldfoot Camp, Denali National Park, Anchorage&Date with Aurora 4 Nights

Summary of the Day:

Fairbanks airport pick-up:
※Airport shuttle
1.24/7 service for guests staying in Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fairbanks and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
2.Please call hotel front desk (contact information listed below) after arrival for shuttle arrangement

※Free pick-up with a mandarin guide:
1.Limited to flights arriving between 16:00 and 17:30, and between 22:00 and 12:30 the next morning. Please meet at the “Alaska Tour” tour desk near baggage claim carousel #1
2.Please provide updated flight information and a working cell phone number by calling/texting +1 (907) 310-6346 before boarding. Note that plans from many cellular carriers do not work in Alaska, please make sure the number you provided can receive texts or calls after landing, otherwise an alternative communication method should be established beforehand.
3.Limited to one pick-up per guest

※Taxi: estimated fare of $25-35 plus tips

※Specially arranged pick-up: $100 per guest with a mandarin guide and $70 per guest with an English guide

※Hotel contact information:
1.Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fairbanks
Front desk: +1 (907)238-1100
Address: 400 Merhar Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
2.Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Convention Center
Front desk: +1 (907)456-7722
Address: 813 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
3.SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
Front desk: +1 (907)451-6552
Address: 575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701

[Fairbanks] - The largest city in the Interior region of Alaska, located less than 120 miles (190 km) south of the Arctic Circle. One of the best places on earth for experiencing the beautiful and mysterious aurora. Aurora is visible on average more than 200 days per year in the vicinity of Fairbanks. A welcome seafood dinner will be arranged after the 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm pick-up.
[Aurora Viewing Lodge] - Take our shuttle to the selected aurora viewing lodge, Aurora Viewing Bar or Clear Summit Aurora Viewing Lodge, to experience the mysterious aurora at 10:00 pm. (Night one, fee is included.) Back to the hotel at around 2:00 am next morning.

Aurora Viewing Bar:
There are thousands of one-dollar bills with hand-written blessings all over the wall and the roof of the bar. You could wait for the Northern Lights in this lovely warm lodge and have a drink if you’re interested.


Clear Summit Aurora Viewing Lodge:
The bar is on the mountain top where is far away from the city and has less light pollution. There is a large monitoring screen in the bar, so please make yourself comfortable inside while waiting for the Northern lights to show up.

Attention!
1.Please be noticed the free welcome seafood dinner only be arranged on the day of arrival in Fairbanks; The guests who could not arrive on time shall be deemed to have given up the seafood dinner and have no refund.
2.If your flight arrives in Fairbanks before 5:00 pm, you could have a welcome seafood dinner for free. The guide will meet you around 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm in Fairbanks airport; Then will take you to the restaurant after the pick-up. If you arrive early and have already check in at the hotel, there will be another guide taking you to the restaurant from the hotel lobby at 5:00 pm.

Summary of the Day:

Depart from the hotel around 1:00 pm, enjoy Fairbanks city tour. Asian Lunch included.

[The UAF Museum of The North] - The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a vital component of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Explore Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife, and experience 2,000 years of Alaska art. (You will take a tour of Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center if UAF Museum of the North is closed. And get refund USD12 per person.)

[Santa Claus House] --It’s Christmas year-round in the North Pole, Alaska—just 20 minutes away from Fairbanks. It has the world’s largest Santa statue. You can choose holiday gifts for your special friends, or you can mail a postcard to them. (You will take a tour of North Pole Village if Santa Clause House is closed.)

[Chena Hot Springs Aurora Viewing] - Depart from the hotel around 5:30 pm, enjoy the warmth of these natural Hot Springs in winter. Chance to visit the world’s only all-year around open Ice Museum (at your own expense) made of 1,000 tons of ice. It will be a memorable experience to see the creative things that are being carved out of ice! You can order an apple martini that comes in an ice molded martini glass (at your own expense, at least 21 years old). As daylight wanes, you can watch the northern lights while enjoying the hot springs! Back to Fairbanks hotel around 2:00 am the next morning. (Night two, fee is included.) (If you are not convenient to enjoy the hot springs due to physical sick, the tour guide will help to change your hot spring ticket to Ice Museum ticket which has the equal value.)

You could enjoy a free morning before Fairbanks City Tour. Optional tour: Dog Sled Tour.

Dog Sled Tour (This tour would take approximately 2 hours, Pick-up and drop-off at the specified hotels.)
Depart at around 10:30 am from hotel, then an Alaskan resident Leslie, will take you experience dog sledding and introduce you the dog sledding culture. Leslie came to the Alaska from twenty years ago, started from 2 Alaskan Malamutes and has grown into 50 dogs and a dogsledding cultural exhibition center now. As the annual dog sled race in Alaska becomes so popular all over the world, Leslie opens a training ground for the sled dogs and trains young mushers. She also provides dog sled adventures for the tourists and the income is to prepare for various International dog sled races. She is honored very much by the local community for supporting young mushers and helping them raise funds. In Leslie’s dog sledding cultural exhibition center, it uses pictures, audios and physical objects to show visitors how an Alaskan native use the dog sled as a traditional commuting tool and its profound cultural traditions. You will also have a chance to play with the cute dogs.
In winter (approximately from November 16th to the beginning of April, the specific date will be adjusted according to the local weather and temperature) you will experience the thrill of the dog sledding over the snow for about 20 to 25 minutes. Two passengers will sit on one sled that is being pulled by a team of dogs. The leading dogs are responsible for the direction and the dog near the seat is the most powerful. You will be speeding on the trail through the forest, splashing snowflakes and have lots of fun.
In autumn when there is insufficient snowfall (approximately from September 16th to November 15th, the specific date will be adjusted according to the local weather and temperature), the musher will let the dog team pull a ATV instead of a sled for about 5 to 10 minutes. Usually the mommy dog will breed in early fall, so you may have chance to play and take pictures with the newborn puppy! Leslie will also take you to the kennel and explain the history, breeding and training of the dogsledding in Alaska. And you will have a chance to sled first-hand with the musher and enjoy the cooperation and the team work spirit of the sled dog team.

Summary of the Day:

Depart from the hotel around 10:00 am and leave for Coldfoot Camp.
[Dalton Highway] - It is one of the most isolated roads in the United States. It directly parallels the pipeline. It begins at the Elliott Highway, north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean and the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. It became a legend through the hit TV show “Ice Road Truckers” on the History Channel. More chances to see wildlife, such as caribou, arctic fox, wolf, moose etc.

[Yukon River] - Traverse the mighty Yukon River.

[Trans-Alaska Pipeline] - View the remarkable Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the world’s longest continuous pipeline systems, is more than 800-miles in length. It moves 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day.

[Arctic Circle] - Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.

[Coldfoot] - Arrive at Coldfoot Camp in the foot of the Brooks Range. Mail postcards to your family and friends in the northernmost post office in America, or get your precious stamp in the National Park.

[Wiseman Aurora Viewing Lodge] - Enjoy an evening tour to historic Wiseman for a unique cabin visit and an opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the Brooks Range as you scan the northern sky for Northern Lights. Cabin visit includes complimentary hot beverages. Departs from Coldfoot at 10:00 pm and returns around 2:00 am next morning. (Night three, fee is included.)


Thomas Arctic Bus:

Alaska's 30 years of local operating experience, professional Arctic travel company services, with up to $10,000,000 commercial operating insurance.
1.All commercial vehicles have Alaska local license plates and are operated by local reliable drivers who have rich experience of driving heavy vehicles on the Dalton Highway.
2.Strict implementation of the D.O.T. professional driver driving electronic records of the US Department of Transportation.
3.Thomas Arctic Bus has American school bus chassis, over weighted body and the shortest wheelbase to ensure safe commercial operation.
4.Redesigned by a professional car manufacturer in the cold region of Edmonton.
1)Canada 72-hour automatic independent heating and floor heating system.
2)Capacious space with seat spacing and 120-degree tilt high back leather seats.
3)Satellite phone, car satellite communication system CB Radio to ensure emergency rescue.
4)Anti-fog double glazing.
5)Equipped with washroom.
5.Along the Dalton Highway, Fairbanks-Arctic Circle Midpoint Yukon River Camp, there are rescue workers to provide more security.
6.At exclusive Yukon River camp restaurant, you could taste "Polar braised beef noodles".

Reminder:
1.There are only two single beds in each room. If you book Triple or Quadruple room, you will be arranged in two separate rooms during your stay at Coldfoot Camp, and no one will share a room with strangers.
2.You could just take the required items to Coldfoot Camp, store the heavy luggage in the front desk of Fairbanks hotel.

Summary of the Day:

In the morning, you could participate in hiking, snowshoe walking, or visit aboriginal village organized by the English-language local guide in Coldfoot (please ask local guides for specific arrangements).
Depart from Coldfoot to Fairbanks by Thomas Arctic bus at around 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm. The guide will choose three locations with high elevations and open views, and you may encounter with the Northern Lights there. We’ll arrive at the Fairbanks Hotel at around 2:00 am - 3:00 am next morning. (Night four, fee is included.)

You have chance to upgrade today’s ground tour to Optional tour: Coldfoot to Fairbanks Arctic Fly Tour.
Coldfoot to Fairbanks Arctic Fly Tour upgrade (English-speaking tour guide.)
1.Late-morning to mid-afternoon, return via air from Coldfoot to Fairbanks, cross over the Arctic Circle in the air.
2.Bird-eye viewing the endless beautiful tundra.
3.The flight will take 1 hour to 1.5 hour, plan to be back to the hotel during 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
[Aurora Viewing Lodge] - Take our shuttle to the selected aurora viewing lodge, Aurora Viewing Bar or Clear Summit Aurora Viewing Lodge, to experience the mysterious aurora at 10:00 pm. Back to the hotel at around 2:00 am next morning. (Night four)

Reminder:
1.Due to the weight limit, you could only carry 10 lbs. luggage when taking the flight.
2.If the “Coldfoot to Fairbanks Arctic Fly Tour” is cancelled due to the bad weather, the upgrade fee will be refunded, and you will be rearranged going back to Fairbanks by bus.

Summary of the Day:

Depart from hotel around 8:00 am. From Fairbanks to Denali by vehicle, from Denali to Anchorage by train.
[Denali National Park] - The most famous national park that around mountain Denali. The mountains are not covered by forests, and the breathtaking natural beauty attracts visitors from all over the world. You will visit the Visitor Center here, there is a small museum inside, you could watch a movie "cardiac Denali" (about 20 minutes) to aquatint the scenery landscape, wild animals, even season alternation. In the winter, the Denali National Park will be covered by thick snow. With a fine weather and appropriate snowfall, you can enter the national park with a certified guide who has passed the official training. A short walking experience or an outdoor snowshoe walk will give you a closer look at North America's first peak.

[Alaska Railroad] - Continue your aurora adventure by Aurora Winter Train. Depart at 12:30 pm from Denali and arrives at Anchorage at 8:00 pm. The Alaska Railroad was built at the era of the “Gold Rush”, more than 100 years ago. Along the way, the train travels through some of the most scenic and rugged territory in Alaska.

[Anchorage] - Alaska’s the largest city. It’s known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. There are many attractions for year-round visitors.

Reminder:
1.By signing up 30 days in advance, you can receive an official National Park passport that you get a precious National Park stamp at the Visitor Center.
2.Each reservation only provides the fifth day pick up service arrived at 8:00 pm Anchorage railway station.

Summary of the Day:

Depart at around 9:00 am, you would go to the Turnagain Arm and enjoy the gorgeous views of one of Alaska’s most beautiful fjords. You could take photos at Beluga Point. You have the opportunity to take the tram at Alyeska Resort (at your own expense), viewing the breathtaking panoramic scenery of mountains, hanging glaciers, streams, spruce, and an array of wildlife. After lunch in Anchorage, visit Earthquake Park, Lake Hood and Captain Cook Monument. And you can go shopping in Anchorage downtown. Back to Anchorage hotel at around 3:00 pm.
Take the free hotel shuttle to the airport.

If your flight departs after 8:00 pm and you want to attend Matanuska Glacier Guided Hiking rather than Anchorage Turnagain Arm Winter Explore, you can pay $130 per person to upgrade to Optional tour: Matanuska Glacier Guided Hiking.

Matanuska Glacier Guided Hiking (This tour would take approximately 7-8 hours, including hiking for 2 hours, transportation included.)
Depart at around 8:00 am, go to Matanuska glacier and walk on the ice with professional guidance! The Matanuska Glacier is ranked second of “49 PLACES TO GO IN THE 49th STATE” by Alaska Magazine. It has the most spectacular view between the cities of Palmer and Glennallen; and is the largest Glacier you can reach by vehicle. The Matanuska Glacier is originated from the Chugach mountain range, South Central Alaska, which you can see from the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway in Glacier View, Alaska. It is sunny around the area and a MUST-GO place for travelers. The weather in Matanuska Glacier is more favorable than its nearby cities because there is a weather hole that cold air from the glacier forces the warm air up to the mountain peaks. Back to Anchorage hotel at around 4:00 pm  5:00 pm.

Reminder:
1.Please be sure to wear anti-skid and warm shoes.
2.Please be sure to comply with the guidance requirements during the hike and sign the disclaimer required by the park management office.

Attention!
1. The order of the itinerary will be adjusted according to your departure date or other conditions, and the content of the itinerary will remain the same.
2. To avoid missing flight, please book a departure flight after 8:00 pm on the last day.
3. Please see the attached table for details of the optional tours at the end of the document.

Anchorage airport drop-off:
※Airport shuttle
1.24/7 service for guests staying in Holiday Inn Express Anchorage and Comfort Inn Downtown Ship Creek
2.Reservation required, preferably at least 12 hours before leaving the hotel

※Taxi: estimated fare of $20-30 plus tips

**Aurora is a natural phenomenon and depends on solar activity. You are not guaranteed to see it. **
**All the itinerary schedules are as above, but they could be changed according to your travel date, and the weather. **