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Alaska’s Iditarod – the last great race
7-day/6-night Special Event Escorted Vacation: Round-trip Anchorage, Alaska
Be a part of this extraordinary annual event when you cheer on teams of elite mushers and their trusted teams of canine athletes as they compete in the grueling 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. You’ll have a chance to meet the competitors at a pre-race banquet, witness the ceremonial start of the race in downtown Anchorage, and meet Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his award-winning kennel. A knowledgeable local guide will also steep you in the history and lore of Alaska as you enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the Alaska Zoo, Alaska Sealife Center and more!
From $1,439 per person* Guaranteed departure: February 27, 2012
AAA Member Benefit: AAA Sojourns Travel Lock Set (1 per booking)
Call AAA Travel to book – 1-800-874-7317
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- Detailed Description
- Itinerary
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Be a part of the Last Great Race on Earth, an extraordinary event when mushers and their trusted teams of four-legged athletes set out to conquer 1,150 miles of jagged mountains, frozen rivers, desolate tundra, and windswept coastline – a route now recognized as a National Historic Trail. First a mail and supply route, then part of a path used to deliver life-saving serum to diphtheria-ravaged Nome, the Iditarod course is no stranger to courageous dogs and their handlers.
Your package includes attendance at the official Musher's pre-race banquet** where you’ll meet the men and women who will be competing. The next day, be there to cheer them on at the ceremonial start of the race in downtown Anchorage. You’ll also get a chance to chat with Martin Buser at a private tour of his award-winning kennel. A four-time Iditarod Champion, Buser offers his personal insights on what it’s like to prepare for and contend in the race.
Throughout your adventure, you'll be assisted by an Alaskan escort with intimate knowledge of the local people and places. In addition, behind-the-scenes, in-depth tours of the Alaska Sealife Center, the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will expose you to some of Alaska's most spectacular wildlife and their part in the Alaskan ecosystem.
And if you're lucky, you may see the Northern Lights! The Northern Lights are at their most dazzling from December to March when nights are longest and the sky darkest.
Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations; 4 nights in Anchorage and 2 nights in Girdwood
• 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
• Attendance at the Musher’s Banquet and at the ceremonial start of the 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race**
• Private meeting with four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser at his award-winning kennel
• Admission to: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaska Sealife Center, Alaska Zoo and Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Transportation throughout tour, including airport transfers
• Local Alaskan escort throughout tour
**Note: Book by December 15, 2010 to ensure a seat at the Musher’s Banquet dinner on March 3, 2011. After December 15, space may be sold out.
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Day 1 - Arrive Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, where you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Anchorage or similar - 1 night
Day 2 - Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center / Travel to Girdwood
Travel south along the spectacular Turnagain Arm. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for a behind-the-scenes tour. Continue to Girdwood for an afternoon at your leisure; optional activities include relaxation in the spa facility, dog sledding, downhill skiing, or snowshoeing (costs are additional). Enjoy an included tram ride offering spectacular views of the valley. You might also want to request a “Northern Lights wake-up call;” the hotel’s front desk will let you know when the aurora borealis can be seen.
Accommodation: The Hotel Alyeska or similar - 2 nights
Day 3 - Visit Alaska Sealife Center in Seward
Journey by motor coach to the port community of Seward. Visit the Alaska Sealife Center for an in-depth look above - and below - the waters of Resurrection Bay. Return to Girdwood and the hotel. Or, if you prefer, you can remain in Girdwood and spend the day enjoying the many optional indoor and outdoor activities.
Day 4 - Tour of Anchorage / Mushers' Banquet
Return to Anchorage and enjoy a tour through the historic downtown district, Lake Hood and Lake Spenard, followed by a visit to the Alaska Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour. Tonight, enjoy the Iditarod festivities at the official Musher’s Banquet - must be reserved prior to December 15, 2010!!
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Anchorage or similar - 3 nights
Day 5 - Visit Happy Trails Kennel & Iditarod Headquarters
Travel north to the kennels of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while viewing some of the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. En route back to Anchorage, visit the Iditarod Headquarters and see a replica Iditarod Trail station.
Day 6 - The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
This morning, head to Fourth Avenue to get a great spot at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Spend time cheering on mushers from all over the world. Watch each of them depart or take off early and enjoy other Iditarod festivities in Anchorage. In the afternoon, learn about Alaska's native cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Tonight, reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 7 - Depart Anchorage
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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