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The world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race takes place in Alaska every year in early March and attracts visitors from all over the world. This exciting private Iditarod tour invites guests to be part of the race action as they attend the annual Iditarod Mushers Banquet, watch the ceremonial start of the race in downtown Anchorage and travel north to Big Lake for the official race start to see the famous dog sled teams and their mushers off on their way to Nome.
Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Upon arrival meet your private driver and receive a transfer to your hotel. Your driver can offer suggestions for dinner near your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Anchorage, your home for the next four nights.
Spend the day exploring Anchorage’s infamous winter event known as the Fur Rendezvous Festival with your private driver/guide. This annual festival celebrates the history of Alaska and the early days of miners, trappers, and mushers.
This evening, meet world-renown Iditarod mushers at the annual Iditarod Mushers Drawing Banquet. Enjoy dinner and learn about the history of the race as you wait for the mushers to draw for their starting positions.
Today take time with your private driver/guide to travel south along scenic Turnagain Arm for a custom day tour. Stop in Portage for a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about Alaska’s wildlife. On your return to Anchorage, you may wish to stop at the mountainside community of Girdwood, for an aerial tram ride up to the top of Mt. Alyeska.
The day’s excitement begins just blocks from your hotel on Anchorage’s 4th Avenue. The Iditarod’s mushers line up in starting order before taking off on an 11-mile course through Anchorage in the race’s ceremonial race start.
This afternoon, continue enjoying the downtown winter festivities on your own. Some of the sights to take in include snow sculptures, local vendors selling handmade goods, the Running of the Reindeer, and Alaskan Native games such as the Blanket Toss.
Your private driver/guide will transport you northwards from Anchorage to the Willow area where the official Iditarod Race starts. Watch the mushers and their 16-dog dogsled teams as they line up to begin their 1,000+ mile trek to Nome. Join locals who turn the race start into a winter party as they cheer for their favorite mushers embarking on the trail.
Once the start is over, continue north to the quaint community of Talkeetna for a relaxed evening. Keep an eye out for the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) if you find yourself up late at night.
Overnight in Talkeetna.
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast before making your way back to Anchorage with your private driver. Upon arrival, embark on a tailored sightseeing tour of the city. Moose can be found been seen in Anchorage’s urban parks and the city is the home of North America’s largest floatplane base. Your sightseeing tour will also include time at the Anchorage Museum. The Museum is a community-based institution with exhibits and programs the history, art, and cultures of Alaska. The evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own, your driver/guide can offer suggestions for their favorite places to eat downtown.
Overnight in Anchorage.
Today, say farewell to Alaska. A private transfer will bring you to the Anchorage Airport in time for your departing flight.
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