(c) Jody O. All rights reserved.
Come to Alaska and be part of the “Last Great Race!” This 7-day journey puts you right in the middle of the Iditarod excitement. You’ll be in Anchorage for the downtown Ceremonial Start and then travel to Willow for the official Restart, cheering on the mushers as they begin their long trek to Nome. But this trip also packs in Alaska’s best winter adventures. You’ll take a helicopter flight over Prince William Sound, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and relax at the Nordic Spa. Then, head to Talkeetna to fly around Denali’s giant peaks, chase the northern lights in Hatcher Pass, and zip through the forest on a snowmobile.
Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city!
Upon arrival, meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll immediately dive into Fur Rondy Celebrations. The Fur Rendezvous Festival is Anchorage’s famous winter event celebrating the history of Alaskan pioneers, miners, trappers, and mushers.
You’ll find activities like snow sculpture viewing and sampling of local vendors from around town. Your driver can offer suggestions for dinner to wind down after your travel day.
You will overnight in Anchorage.
Today, your private driver/guide will take you on a scenic Journey to Girdwood along the Turnagain Arm. Once there, you’ll embark on a Prince William Sound Flightseeing Tour. This will get you airborne for incredible views of glaciers and the Chugach Mountains from a helicopter.
Next, you’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, where you can get up close with rescued Alaskan wildlife like moose and bears.
Before returning to Anchorage, stop at Alyeska Resort to enjoy the luxurious Nordic Spa, soaking in the warm pools for ultimate relaxation.
You will then return to Anchorage for your overnight stay.
The day’s excitement centers on the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod in downtown Anchorage, just blocks from your hotel. You’ll get to see the mushers and their dog teams line up before they take off on an 11-mile run through the city streets. This non-timed run is your best chance to see the teams up close.
The rest of the day is filled with Fur Rondy Celebrations, where you can continue enjoying the downtown winter festivities, which might include viewing snow sculptures or cheering on the zany Running of the Reindeer!
You will overnight in Anchorage.
Say farewell to Anchorage as your private driver/guide takes you on a Journey to Willow. Today is the main event: the Official Restart of the Iditarod. You’ll join the local crowd in Willow to cheer on the mushers and their full 16-dog teams as they officially start their thousand-mile trek to Nome. Once the last musher is on the trail, you’ll continue your drive north.
You will overnight in Talkeetna, a unique small town known as the staging area for Denali mountaineers.
Start your day with some local Talkeetna fun, checking out the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse or strolling past the local shops.
Next, you’ll head out for a spectacular Denali Flightseeing Tour. This is your chance to fly around the massive Denali peak and the surrounding Alaska Range, giving you views only climbers usually get.
That evening, you will venture out into the mountains of Hatcher Pass for a chance to view the northern lights.
You will overnight in Talkeetna.
Enjoy a morning of local Talkeetna fun, maybe taking in some cute shops or grabbing a hot drink.
Next, you’ll head out for a thrilling Snowmobile Tour, zipping across the snowy landscape and through boreal forests on this classic form of Alaska winter transport.
After your tour, you will begin your journey to Anchorage with your private driver/guide. This drive takes you south, offering great views of the Alaska Range and the Matanuska Valley.
Upon arriving in the city, you will overnight in Anchorage.
On your final day, you’ll have time for some local Anchorage fun. Your private driver/guide can take you for a quick sightseeing tour of the city, maybe visiting a local park to spot some urban moose, or stopping by the Anchorage Museum to learn more about Alaska’s art, history, and culture.
Afterward, your private transfer will bring you to the Anchorage International Airport in time for your departure flight, concluding your exciting Iditarod adventure.
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The scenery and wildlife photo opportunities were beyond awesome. Alaska Private Touring surpassed the concept of customer satisfaction, with each location notified of our arrival, and the hotels were well chosen and of high caliber. We recommend APT to our friends before even discussing our trip.
Jody