Alaska’s Northern Lights – Discover the Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are expected to be highly active in 2026 due to the peak of a solar cycle.  Daniel’s is heading to Alaska to chase the Aurora Borealis!  Alaska is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights.  When the conditions are right, colorful bands of light in shades of green, yellow, white and purple dance in the dark night sky and this natural phenomenon is an unforgettable experience!  Join your Daniel’s Guides, Jerry & Vicki McFalls, along with your small group of fellow travelers at the Daniel’s Tour Depot in Lula, GA for this once in a lifetime winter tour.  We fly to Fairbanks with a 2-night stay at traditional Alaska style lodging along the Chena River. Fairbanks is the largest city in Alaska’s interior and has a prime location under the auroral oval. During ideal viewing conditions, the Aurora Borealis may make an appearance over the Riverfront Deck, and the hotel will provide a wake-up call so we don’t miss it!  The far-north latitude of Fairbanks makes it one of the best places on Earth to experience the magic of winter.   We explore Fairbanks on our private coach including a visit to one of the top rated things to do in Fairbanks…a guided natural history walking tour with Reindeer in the boreal forest.  Watch the Reindeer leap and bound among the trees or stroll lazily alongside our group. Learn their names and hear stories about their shenanigans. We stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Overlook and see part of the 800-mile pipeline that transports crude oil from Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope to the port of Valdez.  See the cultural demonstrations & exhibits at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center and learn about relationship between the Native People & the environment of interior Alaksa.    ICE ALASKA, the annual Ice Art and Competition event produced by the World ICE Association each winter from mid-February through the end of March in Fairbanks.  The finest sculptors from around the world compete in this challenging prestigious ice sculpting competition.  We will visit the spectacular display of the sculpted pieces.  Chena Hot Springs is world renowned for being one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. This remote property is located under the most active band of northern lights, it is away from the light pollution of city lights, and the skies over Chena are clear more often than those over Fairbanks, 60 miles away.  We will make our way through moose country on our private coach and arrive at Chena Hot Springs for a 2 night stay in the quaint Lodge located near the Chena Hot Springs, where you have an unlimited pass to swim and soak. The Hot Springs recorded history dates to the early 1900’s when weary gold miners discovered that soaking in the “oh-so-warm” waters helped their aching bodies.  We have included a Dog Sledding adventure for everyone while we are at Chena Hot Springs.  You can choose to sign up for other optional activites during your free time such as snowmobiling or ice fishing.  The pinnacle of Aurora viewing opportunities are in store for us as we make our way to the top of Charlie Dome Mtn one night in special snow-going vehicles where we wait for the Aurora in special heated yurts. The  dark skies overhead dance with the Northern Lights when conditions are right!  A tour highlight includes the spectacular Aurora Winter Train!  We take a ride on the Adventure Class Aurora Winter Train from Fairbanks for a once in a lifetime experience crossing the quiet serenity of pristine snow.  Enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and meals available for purchase in the dining car.  On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali/Mt McKinley rises into view above the Susitna River. Anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.  We arrive at Talkeetna in the afternoon for a 2-night stay at the beautiful Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Mountain View rooms. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge sits on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna.  On a clear day, the Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America, Denali.  Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace.  Enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful lodge or take the hotel shuttle on the short ride into the quirky town of Talkeetna and browse the unique gift shops.  If you want more adventure in Talkeetna, you can set up an optional excursion to fly over the Alaska Range for some spectacular winter views of the frozen rivers and landscapes below. Our return flight from Anchorage on Sunday afternoon bring us back to Georgia early on Monday, June 30th.

COST PER PERSON: $4425 (Double Occupancy)

$1,000 Non-Refundable Deposit Due with Reservation. Reservation Deadline & Final Payment Due 1/9/2026

Includes:  7 nights lodging, roundtrip economy air outbound flight from Atlanta-Fairbanks, return flight Anchorage-Atlanta, listed attractions (optional attractions are available for an additional fee), Daniel’s Tour Host, 5 hotel breakfasts, 3 dinners, roundtrip coach transportation, one-way Adventure Class Aurora Winter Train.  We reserve the right to make substitutions for activities that may change due to reasons beyond our control.  All reservations are double occupancy, no singles available.  Small Group Tour – Limited Availability.

 TOUR PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMFORTABLY NAVIGATE WALKING IN SNOW AND ICE.  EXPECT AN ACTIVE LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION THROUGHOUT THE TOUR.  FLY/DRIVE TOURS REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO NAVIGATE LARGE AIRPORTS WHERE WALKING MAY BE EXTENSITVE BETWEEN AIRPORT GATES, YOU WILL CHECK-IN YOUR OWN LUGGAGE, AND FLIGHT SCHEDULES MAY REQUIRE EARLY/LATE DEPARTURES/ARRIVALS. GROUP AIR IS ECONOMY SEATING, IS NOT UPGRADEABLE & AIRLINES CONTROL ALL SEAT ASSIGNMENTS.   CONTACT US IF YOU WANT TO MEET THIS TOUR AT THE GATEWAY HOTEL AND SECURE YOUR OWN AIR AND AIRPORT TRANSPORT.

CLICK THE “ADDITIONAL TOUR INFORMATION” LINK BELOW FOR MORE TOUR DETAILS AND THE REGISTRATION FORM