The Search for Alaska's Northern Lights

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to Philadelphia International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Fairbanks, AK, with return from Anchorage
• Six-night hotel accommodations
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
• Sightseeing and admissions as listed per itinerary
• Services of a AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Driver
• All local taxes, hotel services charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Fairbanks, Alaska
• Antique Auto Museum
• Iditarod Dog Mushing Experience
• Alaska Railroad's Snow Train
• Talkeetna, Alaska
• Musk Ox Farm
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Anchorage Museum
• Winter Glacier Cruise - Prince William Sound
  
  
  
   

Itinerary

Thursday, March 6: Depart for Alaska 

Transfer by motorcoach to Philadelphia International Airport for a flight to Fairbanks, AK. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel to settle in before starting your Alaskan journey the following day. Hotel: Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks

Friday, March 7: Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska!

Fairbanks, originally a gold rush boomtown founded in 1903, will be the start of your incredible Alaskan adventure! Feel the brisk air and discover Fairbanks, the perfect combination of nature and civilization.  Look into the past at the Antique Auto Museum, where vintage cars sit between timely artifacts and fashionable designer dresses from times gone by. In the afternoon, embrace the Iditarod spirit and try your hand at dog mushing, stepping into a sled with an expert guide and gliding over the snow with your very own pack of sled dogs.  Stay for dinner at the kennel owner's home and learn more about what the life of a musher is like.  Later this evening, chase the legendary northern lights***, considered one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world.  Walk out in the snow under an unspoiled bed of stars and search for the shimmering hues of purple and green. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, March 8: Fairbanks

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the city of Fairbanks. Take this opportunity to relax or flex your sense of adventure with optional excursions: consider flightseeing to the Arctic Circle. Later in the evening, enjoy a final chance to spot the northern lights***. (Breakfast)

Sunday, March 9: Fairbanks - Alaska Railroad - Talkeetna

Begin your day hopping on Alaska Railroad's "Snow Train" for a full-day journey to Talkeetna. Sit back and relax as you are whisked away, through snow-covered mountains and striking valleys. Have your cameras ready - the train conductor will point out wildlife as you pass by. Lunch is included in the train's dining car. Check into the iconic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, perched on a ridge offering unforgettable views of Denali. Later, perhaps you will spend some time on the Lodge's expansive deck; a great place to enjoy some hot cocoa by the roaring fireplace in the great room.  Hotel: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Talkeetna (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, March 10: Talkeetna - Palmer - Anchorage

Start your day with a lecture on the down-to-earth Alaskan lifestyle before taking a step into the past when you visit Musk Ox Farm. Learn about the Musk Ox project - a sustainable domestication effort that has worked to preserve, protect and increase awareness for these wooly creatures since 1954. Your day concludes in Anchorage, an urban enclave surrounded by wilderness. Hotel: Hilton Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska (Breakfast)

Tuesday, March 11: Anchorage - Winter Glacier Cruise - Anchorage

Head to Whittier and embark on an incomparable glacier cruise of Prince William Sound, narrated by an expert guide. Blue skies collide with stark white glaciers, and playful otters dip in and out of the calm waters. Embrace the sheer magnitude of Alaska's natural beauty as you venture through a geological wonderland. Feel like a true explorer during a beach landing.* Toast to your Alaskan adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.(Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

*Beach landings are weather dependent

Wednesday, March 12: Anchorage - Tour Ends

Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the Anchorage Museum. Alaska's largest museum tells the story of the states multi-faceted culture and history from many different perspectives. The remainder of your day is at leisure. A day room at the hotel has been extended for your use before your transfer to the airport** (Breakfast)

**Flight from Anchorage will most likely be a late evening flight returning to Philadelphia the following day (March 13th). The flight schedule may include a transfer of planes in Vancouver, therefore a valid Passport is required for this tour.  

***Sightings of the northern lights are not guaranteed. No refunds or compensation will be provided if they are not visible throughout the tour. 

Activity Level 4

To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.  This tour is not appropriate for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers.  Travelers should expect temperatures from 26° to -1° F and plan on being outdoors for a number of included activities.  You should be prepared to navigate cities with heavy snow on the ground. 

Please see your travel advisor to reserve your choice of excursions.

Itinerary is subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required.

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see you travel advisor for additional information.

*Canada reserves the right to deny entry to anyone with a felony conviction, including a DUI record. AAA is not responsible if you are denied entry to Canada and no refund will be provided.

Payment 

A deposit $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA  by December 20, 2024.

Cancellations Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus..
From August 6, 2024 to November 21, 2024          $698 per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From November 22, 2024 to February 18, 2025     40% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From February 19 to March 5, 2025                       75% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
After March 5, 2025                                               NON-REFUNDABLE

* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment. 

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Average temperatures in Alaska in March are in the low 30s with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are suggested. Daytime, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat.. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP1325

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

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