Day 2: Fairbanks: After breakfast, we will visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum. Situated on a ridge overlooking Fairbanks and the Alaska Range, UAF has the best view in town! Here you will marvel at the natural and cultural history of Alaska, the science behind the Northern Lights, view a 36,000 year old Steppe bison mummy, see the state’s largest gold display, and also learn about the trans-Alaska pipeline. The afternoon is free to wander and explore this city. Tonight, we will go to the University of Alaska to scan the sky for the Northern Lights. Overnight at Pikes Waterfront Lodge.

Day 3: Fairbanks: Today the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is in full swing! The Yukon Quest Race begins on the Chena River downtown Fairbanks. Mushers can be seen on the trail along the Steese Highway. Overnight at Pikes Waterfront Lodge.

Day 4: Chena Hot Springs Resort: After breakfast, we will travel approximately 90 minutes outside Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort. This resort offers a first rate Alaskan winter experience and the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs has been compared to mineral waters found in hot springs famous all over Europe. Chena Hot Springs Resort is world renown for being one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. It is located under the most active band of Northern Lights and away from the light pollution of the city. The skies over Chena are often clearer than those over Fairbanks, just 60 miles away. Viewing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis has been listed as one of the “top 100 things to do before you die” by the Travel Channel and in a survey of Japanese, it was listed as one of the top ten things they want to do before they die (second only to viewing the Pyramids. Locals will tell you that one of the best experiences one can have is sitting in the tranquil environment of the Rock Lake at Chena Hot Springs Resort watching the lights dance above your head while you soak, relax and revitalize your spirit in the soothing mineral water! Enjoy many of the optional outdoor activities at Chena Resort, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, horse drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile rides, or a splash in the thermal pool and outside hot tub. At night, you will board a snow cat, a large track vehicle that will take you to the top of a remote ridge to get unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. There is a heated yurt for your comfort and we will serve you hot drinks such as tea, cider and hot chocolate.