Alaska's northern lights by train

Enjoy a day exploring Anchorage independently. There is plenty to see and do here. We suggest a visit to the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s indigenous people. Alternatively, head to the city's Westchester Lagoon to go ice skating, warm up by the fire barrels, or try snowshoeing or fat-biking on one of the trails in and around the city. There are several day tours if you'd like to try your hand at dog-sledding or take a helicopter flight to a nearby glacier.

Make your own way to Anchorage railway station to board the Alaska Railroad train to Fairbanks. This 12-hour journey takes you through the heart of Alaska, allowing you to sit back in comfort and admire the snow-strewn scenery unfolding outside your window. The lower level dining room is where all meals are served. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, make your own way to your hotel.

This morning, you are free to explore Fairbanks independently. This afternoon, you will be met and driven for around 50 minutes to your northern lights lodge in the Alaskan wilderness. You can choose to stay in either an 'igloo dome' or a 'cube'. Both have a large viewing window and an en suite bathroom. Continental breakfast is included each morning and is served in the lodge's restaurant, while lunch and dinner are available to purchase locally. There is then time to relax and, as night falls, keep an eye out for the northern lights high in the sky above your bed.

This morning, you can choose to participate in either a snowmobiling or a dog-sledding tour. You will meet real Alaskan racing sled dogs and learn about life on the trail before departing on your own half-hour dog-sledding tour. After lunch, you may wish to ride a fat bike on trails through the pristine boreal forests. Later, join a two-hour sunset tour in a specially adapted vehicle; enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and revel in the silence of the landscape. This evening, after dinner, keep another watch for aurora activity.

After breakfast, it's time to leave the wilderness and be driven back to Fairbanks. Having checked into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure. You can visit one of the city’s numerous museums or go for a scenic winter walk along one of the many local trails. You may wish to visit the nearby Running Reindeer Ranch, where you can walk with reindeer in their natural environment.

Make your own way to Fairbanks Airport to board your onward flight.