Alaska Adventure An unforgettable journey through Alaska.

Alaska Itinerary


Day 1: Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Take 4:45 PM flight out of SFO (meals before boarding at SFO or after landing in Seattle).
  • Arrive in Fairbanks at 12:10 AM (11/27).
  • Pick up rental car(s) from national brands (Avis, Hertz, Budget, National, Thrifty).
    • Rental desks are open until 1-2 AM.
  • Drive to Airbnb (30-minute drive).
    • Estimated arrival: 2:30 AM.

Stay for the Night

Juniper Cabin (Airbnb) – Address: Guessing .


Day 2: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Morning:
    • Start around 9:00-9:30 AM and visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center (20-minute drive). Spend ~2 hours there.
    • Optional: Visit Fountainhead Antique Museum (10-minute drive).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museum of the North (15-minute drive) and spend ~2 hours.
    • Have lunch by 2:30 PM (downtown or near museums).
    • Drive to North Pole (20-minute drive) and visit Santa Claus House (~1 hour).
  • Evening:
    • Drive to the Fairbanks Ice Museum for a museum tour or the Aurora Film Show at 6:00 PM.
    • Buy groceries and return to Airbnb for dinner (20-minute drive).
    • Optional: Aurora chasing tour (or Murphy Dome tour, which is cheaper) starts at 10:00 PM and lasts until 2:00 AM.

Activities

Stay for the Night

Juniper Cabin (Airbnb) .


Day 3: Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving)

Plan for the Day

  • Morning: Relax at Airbnb and cook breakfast.
  • Afternoon to Night:
    • Arctic Circle Tour (1:00 PM to 2:00 AM).
      • Includes Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Yukon River Bridge, Arctic Circle, and aurora chasing.
    • Return home by 2:30 AM.

Activities

Stay for the Night

Juniper Cabin (Airbnb) .


Day 4: Friday, November 29, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Morning:
    • Check out Airbnb by 10:00 AM.
    • Drive ~1 hour to Chena Hot Springs (Directions).
    • Check-in at reception and prepare for dog sled activity (11:40 AM - 12:40 PM).
    • Have lunch at the café.
  • Afternoon:
    • Report for ice fishing tour at 1:00 PM (ends at 4:00 PM).
    • Place luggage in cabin and visit the pool.
  • Evening:
    • Pool is open until 11:45 PM (plan to leave by 9:00 PM for aurora tour).
    • Aurora tour starts at 10:00 PM and ends at 2:00 AM.

Activities

  • Chena Hot Springs :
    • Dog Sled.
    • Ice Fishing.
    • Swimming Pass.
    • Aurora Viewing Tour.

Stay for the Night

Bear Family Suites .


Day 5: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Morning:
    • Pool opens at 7:00 AM. Swim until 10:00 AM.
    • Checkout by 11:00 AM.
    • Visit Aurora Ice Museum at 11:00 AM.
  • Afternoon:
    • Have lunch and explore the greenhouse.
    • Optional: Snowmobile tour at 3:00 or 4:00 PM.
  • Evening:
    • Drive back to Fairbanks (1 hr 15 min drive).
    • Optional: Visit Pioneer Park and return rental car(s).

Activities

  • Chena Hot Springs :
    • Aurora Ice Museum.
    • Greenhouse.
    • Swimming Hot Tub/Pool.

Stay for the Night

Fairbanks Hotel or Hostel .


Day 6: Sunday, December 1, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Morning:
    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Start by 8:00 AM for the railway station.
    • Take the Aurora Winter Train to Anchorage (arrive ~8:00 PM).
  • Evening:
    • Walk or shuttle to the hotel.
    • Part of the group goes to the airport for flights.

Activities

Stay for the Night

  • Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown.
  • Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Anchorage (Options).

Day 7: Monday, December 2, 2024

Plan for the Day

  • Morning:
    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Visit Byron Glacier and Portage Glacier (~1-2 hour hikes).
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
    • Visit Anchorage museums if time permits (close ~5-6 PM).
  • Evening:
    • Explore Anchorage attractions (Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska Zoo, Flattop Blueberry Loop Trail).
    • Flight back home at 12:40 AM.

Activities

  • Outdoor: Byron Glacier Trail, Portage Glacier, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
  • Indoor: Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Museum.

Stay for the Night

Flight back home (12:40 AM).