Day 1 Anchorage

Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska, in the USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you arrive early into Anchorage, take some time to explore the city.

Day 2 Talkeetna

Today leave Anchorage behind and drive to Talkeetna, which should take just over two hours. At the turn of the 20th century, Talkeetna was an important gold-mining centre. Today it retains much of its early Alaskan flavour and is home to an artistic, outdoorsy community. Explore dirt streets lined with log cabins, roadhouses and clapboard storefronts, and take a walk down Main Street, the only paved road in town.

Day 3 Denali National Park

Hit the old Denali Highway this morning. Passing through unspoilt wilderness, keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife. Total driving time today will take around five hours. On arrival, take an optional flight over Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, before spending the night inside the park.

Day 4 Denali National Park

Denali National Park is home to diverse wildlife including wolves, caribou, Dall sheep and eagles. Today take a snowshoe hike through the park, keeping an eye out for these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding taiga forest and views of the high alpine tundra. Your evening is then free to relax.

Day 5 Chena Hot Springs

Today drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. Unwind in the natural hot springs before heading out in the evening in a snow cat vehicle to search for the aurora with your guide. The lights are caused by the collision of electrically charged particles from the sun's atmosphere with gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. If the weather conditions are right, enjoy a light show like you've never seen before.

Day 6 Chena Hot Springs

Today spend a free day in and around Chena Hot Springs. Hop between the various indoor and outdoor geothermal pools, which are believed to have healing qualities. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum, which features sculptures created by world champion ice carvers Steve and Helen Brice. After touring the museum, indulge in an appletini at the Aurora Ice Bar.

Day 7 Fairbanks

Transfer to Fairbanks today, where you'll be able to walk with reindeer. The family-run reindeer ranch is located in a birch grove at the base of Moose Mountain. Stroll through the boreal forest of the Goldstream Valley, learning about the reindeer and the natural history of the area from your guide. You'll be accompanied by the reindeer, as they walk freely beside you in the snow.

Day 8 Fairbanks

Today your Alaskan Northern Lights adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time.