Alaska's Iditarod
8 Days Starting and ending in Anchorage, Alaska
Visiting: Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood, Big Lake, Willow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AI-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Alaska with the "Alaska's Iditarod" tour. Begin your adventure in Anchorage, where you can explore the vibrant cityscape at your leisure. Travel along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm to Seward, visiting the Alaska Sealife Center, before settling into the luxurious Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Enjoy a day of leisure with optional activities like skiing or an aerial tram ride offering stunning views of glaciers. Return to Anchorage for a tour of the historic downtown and the Alaska Zoo, and experience the excitement of the Iditarod festivities, including the Mushers Banquet. Visit the Happy Trails Kennels and the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters in Big Lake, and witness the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in Anchorage. Conclude your adventure with the official restart in Willow, capturing the spirit of this legendary race. 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: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Welcome to Anchorage! Spend time relaxing today and getting to know this fascinating city at your leisure.ENHANCED FREE TIME 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, Seward, Girdwood
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: Girdwood, Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
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. 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, Big Lake
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
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 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: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
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 exploring the museum, enjoy a private farewell dinner onsite and a chance to reminisce 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. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.
Day 7: Anchorage. Excursion To Willow
Location: Anchorage, Willow
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
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!
Day 8: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
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
Stay at Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Anchorage and Alyeska Resort Hotel in Girdwood.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
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Tour Activities
Visit the Alaska Sealife Center, enjoy an aerial tram ride in Girdwood, and participate in Iditarod festivities including the Mushers Banquet.
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Transportation
Travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm and visit various locations including Seward, Girdwood, and Big Lake.
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Local Experiences
Visit Happy Trails Kennels and the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as flightseeing, skiing, and snowshoeing in Girdwood 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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Extended Stay
Extra nights in Anchorage are available for purchase but are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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
Anchorage: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. Girdwood: Alyeska Resort Hotel.
Mode of Transport
Travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm by motorcoach, with opportunities to spot wildlife and visit the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward.
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 may see Dall sheep, eagles, and other wildlife.
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What activities are available in Girdwood?
In Girdwood, you can enjoy 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 Alaska Sealife Center?
At the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, you will witness the work of conservationists who rescue and rehabilitate injured sea life, with an in-depth look above and below the waters of Alaska.
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What is the Mushers Banquet?
The Mushers Banquet is part of the Iditarod festivities where you can enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see mushers draw for starting positions, and meet them for photos and autographs.
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What is special about the Happy Trails Kennels visit?
At Happy Trails Kennels, you will visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, hear his personal stories, and learn about the training of sled dogs for the Iditarod race.
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What happens during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod?
During the ceremonial start of the Iditarod, you can get a great spot on 4th Avenue to see the sled dogs and mushers, and enjoy other Iditarod festivities. You may also have the opportunity for photos and autographs with some of the mushers.
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What is the significance of the Willow excursion?
In Willow, you will view the Official Restart of the Iditarod, where mushers begin the second leg of their journey to Nome. This is a unique opportunity to cheer on your favorite musher as they head into the Alaska wilderness.
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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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Monday - Monday
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.