Fairbanks is a transportation hub for exploring the interior of Alaska and the Arctic Circle. It is also one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights. With clear night skies for more than 243 days a year, the Northern Lights can be observed here. Located only 310 kilometers from the Arctic Circle and shielded by mountains, it is less affected by severe weather. Therefore, enthusiasts seeking the Northern Lights flock to this city, which offers the highest probability of sightings.

After arriving in groups, you will be picked up at the airport, go through the hotel check - in procedures, and take a short rest. During this time, you can prepare all the necessary equipment for the Northern Lights observation at night.

To increase the chances of observing the Northern Lights, as night falls, follow our guide and take a bus to a location away from urban light pollution to wait for the aurora. It is expected to arrive at the hotel for a rest in the early morning of the next day.

Itinerary: Pipeline - Chena Hot Springs - Aurura Ice Museum- Northern Lights chasing

Departing the hotel around noon to embark on the Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour, we'll pass by the Alaska Pipeline, hailed as one of the nine great engineering marvels of the world. "The pipeline stands as one of the most renowned oil transportation projects globally. As most of its route traverses permafrost regions, it employs elevated and insulated designs to prevent pipeline damage caused by thawing permafrost.

Later, we'll proceed to the Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour (hot spring fees included), renowned for its therapeutic mineral springs, dazzling northern lights, advanced renewable energy projects, and the iconic ice museum. It has become a must-visit destination for almost every traveler to Alaska! Here, you can relax in natural outdoor mineral pools and as night falls, you'll have the chance to soak in the warm waters while watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky. Embrace this unique experience where lifting your gaze through the steam might reward you with the spectacle of shimmering northern lights.".

At the resort, there is also a chance to visit the world's only Ice Museum (ticket is not included ) that is open year - round. It is built with one thousand tons of ice and snow and showcases the exquisitely carved works of the champions of the world - class ice - carving competitions over the years. The tables, chairs, utensils, etc. inside are all made of ice. Friends who are interested can taste an Apple Martini in a beautifully carved ice - made wine glass at the ice bar (at your own expense, participants must be 21+ with a valid ID).

Kind reminders:

You must wear a swimsuit to enjoy the hot spring. Please prepare it in advance.

For safety reasons, minors under 18 will not be allowed to enter the outdoor rock hot spring area, but they can use the indoor jacuzzi and swimming pool.

If you are unable to experience the hot spring due to personal reasons on the day, it will be regarded as a voluntary waiver of the project, and the fee cannot be refunded.

Optional paid activities:

Dog-pulled ATV experience tour (including round-trip transportation to and from the hotel, with a round - trip duration of approximately 2 hours)
Dog - pulled ATV experience tour
With the annual sports event in Alaska - the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race becoming popular 

worldwide, this place has become a training base for young mushers.

At the same time, it provides dog - sledding experiences for tourists, and the income obtained is used to prepare for various international dog - sledding competitions! Every year, before the winter snow arrives in Fairbanks, mushers, in order to continuously train the sled dogs to run, connect a soft rope to the sled dogs' harnesses and let the dog team drag a four - wheel ATV instead of a sled. During this period, you can participate in the training of the dogs, ride on the ATV four - wheel vehicle, and traverse the wilderness and dense forests, cheering for the professional sled dogs. While waiting for your turn to ride, you also have the opportunity to have an up - close and personal interaction with the lovely dogs.

Special arrangement: Stay in a hot - spring log cabin

Tonight, we will arrange for everyone to stay in the best accommodation at Chena Hot Springs. You can soak in the hot-spring pool, look up at the starry sky, quietly wait for the Northern Lights, and feel the magical beauty of nature.

Itinerary: Museum of the North - Santa Claus House - Northern Lights chasing

In the morning, leave the hotel and return to downtown Fairbanks. Visit the Museum of the North, which is located on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This is a modern building that perfectly combines curves and sharp angles. It is entirely white and blends in with the surrounding snow in winter, being both unique and artistic. The exhibits in the museum are not to be missed. Our tour guide will explain the geological structure of Alaska, enabling visitors to understand the permafrost landforms and polar fossils unearthed from gold - mining over the past 100 years, such as mammoths, bison, and mountain lions, which could only be seen in books in the past. In addition, you can also learn about the hunting, lifestyle, and religious life of early Alaskans, as well as the salmon industry that has been passed down to this day. There is also the construction concept of one of the greatest projects nowadays - the Trans - Alaska Pipeline, which will help you get to know this land better. The most attractive part is the exhibits that you can touch with your own hands, enriching your sensory experience and making your travel experience more memorable.

After that, head to the Santa Claus House. On the streets of North Pole, there is a huge 16 - meter - high Santa Claus statue, 2 - meter - high polar bears and reindeer, and many Christmas trees, which are all great for taking photos. You can also send a postcard from the North Pole.

As night falls, follow our tour guide and take a bus to a location away from urban light pollution to wait for the Northern Lights. It is expected to arrive at the hotel for a rest in the early morning of the next day.

Itinerary: Denali National Park Visitor Center - Talkeetna, the Gold - mining Town

In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to the Visitor Center of Denali National Park. It is the second - established and the largest national park in the United States. The park encompasses over 2.4 million hectares of tundra, mountains, and glaciers, presenting a sharp contrast to the vast wetlands and lush spruce forests in the region.
Along the way, there is an opportunity to overlook Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at 6,200 meters, from the viewing platform (subject to weather conditions).

After that, proceed to Talkeetna, the gold - mining town at the foot of Denali Mountain. It was once a bustling gold - mining center and still retains the simple and honest charm of early Alaska. Log cabins, roadside inns, and stores built with partition boards line both sides of the only road in the town. You can freely explore the town's unique restaurants, galleries, cafes, and retro - style shops. Talkeetna offers a variety of interesting activities. If you're eager to admire Denali Mountain up close, you can choose to experience the Denali Mountain sightseeing flight* (the fee not included, it is recommended to book in advance).

Optional paid activities:
Denali Mountain sightseeing flight* (round-trip duration is approximately 1 hour or 1.5 hours, with English commentary)
Take a small sightseeing plane to overlook the snow-capped Denali Mountain and the majestic Alaska Range. Witness the glaciers that have existed for thousands of years in the Alaska Range and experience a breathtaking scene that you'll never forget in your life.

Itinerary: Independent travel in Anchorage - or Matanuska Glacier hiking

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska. This frontier town surrounded by mountains is home to over 40% of the state's population. Having gone through prosperity and depression, it has finally become a tourism and transportation hub in the region. Outside magazine has rated Anchorage as one of the top ten cities in the United States. You can also visit the Anchorage Museum on your own to admire contemporary exhibits and the indigenous art in the Smithsonian exhibition. Local artists showcase and sell their works in exhibitions, galleries, and stores throughout the city. You can also go to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which features the reconstruction of traditional Tlingit, Athabascan, and Yup'ik architecture.

Glacier hiking can be participated in at your own expense.
Matanuska Glacier Hiking Experience
It is expected that you will gather in the hotel lobby in the morning and then take a vehicle to Matanuska Glacier. Under the guidance of professional guides, you will experience glacier hiking (about 2 hours).
Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle, which is classified as a valley glacier. Under its own gravity, it is like a river covering the valley, winding northward from the Chugach Mountains to the Glenn Highway. It is the most popular scenic spot between Anchorage and Glennallen. Follow the guide and feel the boundless pure white on this ten - thousand - year - old glacier and the blue ice caves formed by the glacier. Due to the topographical features of the valley glacier, sunny weather is more likely to occur in winter than in the surrounding areas. Therefore, Matanuska Glacier is the top choice for many glacier hikers. Moreover, this area, with the addition of the glacier and Sheep Mountain, has become one of the most magnificent and stunning regions in Alaska.

Kind Reminders:

1. It is recommended to wear warm down jackets, fleece jackets, hats, scarves, non - slip snow boots, sunglasses, etc., and pay attention to the safety;

2. During the hiking process, please follow the guide's instructions and you need to sign the liability waiver required by the park.

3. Helmets, anti - slip shoe chains and other hiking equipment are provided with the tour.

Itinerary: Military Port Town - Boarding the Cruise Ship

Set off in the morning and head to the military port town, Whittier, to start your cruise journey. Please arrive at the dock 4 hours in advance according to the time on your cruise ticket and begin the check - in procedures. After boarding the ship, you can start enjoying the free buffet and entertainment facilities provided by the cruise company.

Along the way, you can admire the towering mountains, glittering glaciers, and shimmering lakes. Turnagain Arm winds around, presenting a picturesque view. After passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined railway and highway tunnel in North America, which is 4.05 kilometers long, you will arrive at Whittier. Visit Begich Towers  (exterior), the most famous building here, and enjoy the scenery of the military port. In the afternoon, we will board the ship together to start the most in - depth Alaska Glacier Bay cruise.

Whittier
It is the most distinctive town in Alaska. It was once a military port during the Cold War. After being abandoned, the military barracks were preserved and became Begich Towers, a unique residential building in the United States. Most of the town's more than 200 residents live here. There are school, post office, supermarket, etc. inside the building. Whittier is also a hub for land access to many famous glacier scenic spots. Surrounded by peaks at an altitude of 3,500 feet (about 1,067 meters) and covered by clouds all year round, it was a perfect choice as a military base during World War II. Nowadays, it has become a deep - water port for world - class cruise ships, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Clothing Recommendations: Outdoor sports shoes and light, warm coats.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)
As the cruise ship approaches Hubbard Glacier, you will be treated to the magnificent view of the glacier and have the opportunity to experience the thrilling moment of a glacier calving.

Hubbard Glacier, nicknamed the "Galloping Glacier", is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It stretches 76 miles long and extends 1,200 feet deep into the bay. Its massive scale and enchanting blue hue are truly breathtaking, and even a distant view is enough to leave you in awe. When the cruise ship nears the glacier, you'll be stunned by its towering ice walls, as if standing at the foot of a 40 - story - high iceberg. Against the backdrop of snow - capped mountains, you'll have the chance to witness the spectacular sight of a glacier calving, where huge chunks of ice break off from the glacier and plunge into the bay, creating massive splashes.
The area around Hubbard Glacier is renowned for its rich wildlife. Here, you can spot whales swimming in the sea, seals and otters playing on the ice, brown bears, elk, and black - tailed deer wandering along the shore, and various seabirds soaring through the sky.
This is a feast for both the eyes and the soul, allowing you to appreciate natural wonders while also experiencing the grandeur and tranquility of nature.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)

With the explanations from the park rangers, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Glacier Bay along the way and learn about the local wildlife and plants. You'll have the opportunity to identify a rich variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, dolphins, seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and large flocks of seabirds. In the breathtaking scenery, enjoy the unforgettable day's voyage, where the jade - like seawater and the huge icebergs complement each other, as if bringing a spiritual baptism to you.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)

Today, the luxury cruise will take you to Skagway, also known as the "City of the North Wind". Even on a clear morning, you can hear the roaring wind, as if it is telling stories of the past. More than 100 years ago, countless gold - seekers flocked here along the white route of the Coast Mountains and the shorter and steeper Chilkoot Trail. However, this trail was fraught with dangers, and many miners lost their lives unfortunately.

The gold rush once brought unprecedented prosperity to Skagway. By 1898, it had become the largest city in Alaska, with a population of about 20,000. At that time, hotels, salons, dance halls, and casinos were booming, presenting a prosperous scene. However, as the gold production decreased in 1900, miners turned to the new gold - mining area, Nome, and the population of Skagway plummeted accordingly.

Today, the permanent population of Skagway is less than 1,000, but it still retains the unique charm of the gold - rush era. Walking on the streets, you seem to be transported back to that era full of adventures and dreams.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)

Juneau, hailed as the "peak experience in Alaska", is nestled between glaciers, forests, and fjords, earning it the title of a veritable "glacier city". It is renowned worldwide for its magnificent glacier landscapes and rich wildlife. One of Juneau's most famous attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier, which is only 12 miles from the city center. Tourists can reach it by cruise ship or sightseeing boat to experience the majestic momentum of the glacier up close and even have the chance to witness the stunning moment of a glacier calving.

Juneau is not only a paradise for glacier enthusiasts but also an excellent destination for whale - watching lovers. Every summer, humpback whales, killer whales, and right whales gather here, presenting tourists with amazing marine spectacles. In addition, cultural and historical attractions such as the Juneau Rainforest Gardens and the Alaska State Museum offer visitors opportunities to gain an in - depth understanding of this city.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)

Today, the cruise ship will arrive at Ketchikan, a charming port city at the most southeastern   of Alaska. This city, nestled between fjords and forests, is known as the "First City of Alaska". 

As one of the oldest cities in Alaska, Ketchikan is renowned for its unique indigenous culture, magnificent natural scenery, and a wealth of activities. Here, you can delve deep into the ancient traditions of the indigenous people, visit the Totem Heritage Center, admire the amazing indigenous carving art, and learn about the lifestyle and cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous population.

Cruise Itinerary: (During the cruise ship's port calls, you can choose the shore - excursion programs offered by the cruise company.)

Today, we have a full - day cruise at sea. You can enjoy the ship's leisure and entertainment facilities, as well as a variety of delicious food, according to your preferences. Experience a rich and colorful array of entertainment programs, and participate in special onboard courses. The cruise ship will surprise you every day. The bars, cafes, and the Internet center are available for you throughout the day. There are also famous fashion brands from all over the world for you to choose from. All these services are designed to enable you and your family to enjoy this unparalleled cruise vacation!

In the early morning, after having a sumptuous breakfast and packing your luggage, we will end the cruise journey that has brought you countless wonderful memories.

After disembarking, you can continue with a 5-day 4 night immersive tour from Vancouver to Calgary, or proceed to your next journey, or directly return home.