Alaska's Iditarod
Alaska's Iditarod
Alaska's Iditarod
8 Days Starting and ending in Anchorage, Alaska
Visiting: Anchorage, Girdwood, Willow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AI-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Alaska's Iditarod" tour, where you'll explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Alaska. Begin your journey in Anchorage, where you can relax and discover the city's charm. Travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Seward and visit the Alaska Sealife Center before heading to the luxurious Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Enjoy a day of leisure with optional activities like flightseeing or skiing. Return to Anchorage for a historic tour and a behind-the-scenes visit to the Alaska Zoo. Experience the excitement of the Iditarod with visits to Happy Trails Kennels and the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters. Witness the ceremonial start of the race and explore the Anchorage Museum. Conclude your adventure with a trip to Willow for the official restart of the Iditarod. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Alaska.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Anchorage,Alaska
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage
ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Welcome to Anchorage! Spend time relaxing today and getting to know this fascinating city at your leisure.FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Anchorage with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for the best bites, brews, and things to do!
Day 2: Anchorage,Seward,Girdwood
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Alyeska Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
ANCHORAGE–SEWARD–GIRDWOOD Wild & Wooly in Alaska This morning, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at a welcome breakfast. Then, board your motorcoach and make one of the world’s great drives as you travel along dramatically scenic Turnagain Arm. Marvel at the dramatic views, and keep your eyes open for Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife. In coastal Seward, visit the Alaska Sealife Center. Later, arrive in the ski resort community of Girdwood, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Alaska Sealife Center in coastal Seward to witness the wonderful work of conservationists who help to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea life. Get an in-depth look above and below the waters of Alaska.
Day 3: Girdwood
Location: Girdwood
Accommodation Name: Alyeska Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
GIRDWOOD Alaskan Adventure Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or just relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle into your basecamp for adventure at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood- Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, ski mountain along with the new Nordic Spa. Alyeska is the perfect base camp for endless adventure and relaxation.
Day 4: Girdwood,Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GIRDWOOD–ANCHORAGE A Dog’s Life Return to Anchorage and join an included tour through the historic downtown district and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Next, visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour. This afternoon, there is time to explore Anchorage on your own. You may want to visit the Anchorage Museum. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the [LF] Mushers Banquet. Enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and meet them for photos and autographs. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Experience Alaska’s legendary sled-dog race traditions at the annual Mushers Banquet and Iditarod Festivities. Break bread with the stouthearted mushers who brave Alaska’s harshest elements through a frozen gauntlet from Willow to Nome on the Iditarod Trail.
Day 5: Anchorage. Excursion To Big Lake
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO BIG LAKE Heart & Soul on the Trail Travel north to Big Lake and visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his [LF] Happy Trails Kennels. Hear his fascinating personal stories amid the grandeur of Alaska. Then, visit the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters to view pictures, videos, and other mementos of the Last Great Race. This evening is at leisure back in Anchorage. Maybe shop for souvenirs, try some fresh seafood, or sample a locally made brew. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Here, Happy Trails Kennel was established in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin's loving care and faith in his hounds was made evident by his Iditarod wins to earn the 9-year record for the fastest Iditarod race ever.
Day 6: Anchorage. Ceremonial Start Of The Iditarod
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ANCHORAGE. CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD Making Tracks This morning, head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Later, visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum. After time exploring the museum, enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite. A chance to reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure with your fellow adventurers. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the start of the Iditarod race and cheer on the amazing sled dogs and mushers. Before the race starts, you may have the opportunity for photos and autographs with some of the mushers. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.
Day 7: Anchorage. Excursion To Willow
Location: Willow
Accommodation Name: Marriott Downtown Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
ANCHORAGE. EXCURSION TO WILLOW Gold Rush & Racing Stars Travel north today to the quaint community of Willow, which started as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1897. Here, you’ll view the Official Restart of the Iditarod. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS OF THE TRAILS Cheer-on your favorite musher as they head off into the Alaska wilderness on the second leg of this 1,049-mile journey to Nome and the final finish line. Be sure to have your camera ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 8: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Anchorage at Marriott Downtown Anchorage and in Girdwood at Alyeska Resort Hotel.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
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Welcome Breakfast
A welcome breakfast with the Tour Director and travel companions.
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Aerial Tram Ride
An included aerial tram ride offering breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.
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Anchorage Tour
A tour through the historic downtown district and the Lake Hood Seaplane Airport.
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Alaska Zoo Visit
A behind-the-scenes tour of the Alaska Zoo.
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Mushers Banquet
Iditarod festivities and dinner at the Mushers Banquet with Alaskan entertainment.
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Happy Trails Kennels Visit
Visit to the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennels.
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Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters
Visit to the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters to view pictures, videos, and other mementos.
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Anchorage Museum Visit
Visit to the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, cultural, and ecology museum.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or spa treatments are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Transportation to Anchorage
Transportation to and from Anchorage is not included.
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Extra Nights in Anchorage
Extra nights in Anchorage are available for purchase but are not included in the tour package.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Notes
In the event the Iditarod Official Start is relocated (beyond Willow) due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage.
Accommodation
In Anchorage, stay at the Marriott Downtown Anchorage, and in Girdwood, enjoy the luxurious Alyeska Resort Hotel.
Mode of Transport
Travel by motorcoach along the scenic Turnagain Arm, with stops in Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood, and Willow, offering breathtaking views and wildlife sightings.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the drive along Turnagain Arm, you might see Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife.
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What activities are available on the leisure day in Girdwood?
On the leisure day in Girdwood, you can join a variety of optional activities such as flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or relaxing at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial tram ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.
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What can I expect at the Mushers Banquet?
At the Mushers Banquet, you can enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and have the opportunity to meet them for photos and autographs.
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What is included in the visit to the Happy Trails Kennels?
At the Happy Trails Kennels, you will hear fascinating personal stories from four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, including how his sons are named after Iditarod checkpoints, while viewing the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail.
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What happens on the day of the ceremonial start of the Iditarod?
On the day of the ceremonial start of the Iditarod, you will head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the event. Later, you will visit the Anchorage Museum and enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite.
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What is special about the visit to the Alaska Zoo?
The visit to the Alaska Zoo includes a behind-the-scenes tour.
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What happens if the Iditarod Official Start is relocated due to weather?
If the Iditarod Official Start is relocated beyond Willow due to weather and trail conditions, a full day of activities will be substituted in Anchorage.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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