2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Alaska's Iditarod (AI)

8 Day Tour from Anchorage to Anchorage

2026 Tour Details

Fix your eyes on the sky for the chance to witness the wonder of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) turning the night into a luminescent spectacle. Come out for Alaska’s best known sporting event! “Alaska’s Last Great Race” takes place every March as mushers bark commands to teams of sled dogs in hopes of being the first to cross 1,000 treacherous miles of frozen, rugged terrain. On this thrill-filled Alaska vacation, you’ll stop by the Iditarod headquarters, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, and attend the annual Mushers Banquet where you can meet, mingle, and even witness the draw for starting positions. Cheer on your favorite mushers at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and again at the official restart in the quaint community of Willow. Of course, the K9 athletes are not the only animals you’ll see on this tour of Alaska. Have your camera ready for moose, musk ox, and more as you enjoy visits to Anchorage’s renowned wildlife centers and the Girdwood ski resort where you can put your own paws in the snow.

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.268.3636
Save $600 per couple on select 2026 Globus Europe or North America Vacations when booking as a Group of 8+*
Alaska's Iditarod map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

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.

 Itinerary

Day 1 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!

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Day 2 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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 3 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.

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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 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 Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Mushers Banquet. Enjoy Alaskan entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and meet them for photos and autographs.

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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 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 Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite 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.

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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 7 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.

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!

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 ANCHORAGE

Safe travels until we meet again! 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

TODD ALASKA

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“Born and raised in Anchorage, I love Alaska and cannot imagine living anywhere else. I grew up camping, fishing, and hiking and still enjoy spending time outdoors. I have led tours in Alaska for over 20 years and still enjoy sharing the history, culture, and economics of my home state. I am a teacher during the school year and apply similar lesson plans and organization to each tour. My goal is to share Alaska with every guest as I would share it with a relative. Above all else I want my guests to have fun, but that does not mean that they won't learn a lot about Alaska and being an Alaskan while they are enjoying The Land of the Midnight Sun!”

Tour Director - TODD ALASKA

 Accommodations

Girdwood
Anchorage

Girdwood

Alyeska Resort Hotel
Alyeska Resort HotelAlyeska Resort HotelAlyeska Resort HotelAlyeska Resort HotelAlyeska Resort HotelAlyeska Resort Hotel
Alyeska Resort Hotel

Alyeska Resort Hotel

Superior First-Class

Alyeska Resort Hotel 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, AK United States

1000 Arlberg Avenue
Girdwood, United States

Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and water views, The Hotel Alyeska offers guests convenient access into the Alaskan wilderness. The hotel is situated on the Turnagain Arm only 40 miles from Anchorage International Airport. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, health club, jogging trails, gift shops, business center, concierge service, restaurant, café, and sushi bar.

Hotel Amenities

  • Gift Shop
  • Pool
  • ATM
  • Currency Exchange
  • Elevator
  • Fitness Room
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Business Center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Concierge desk
  • Ice Machine
  • Laundry Available

Room Amenities

  • In-Room Safe
  • Television
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Internet Access
  • Phone
  • Alarm Clock
  • Daily Housekeeping
  • Coffee Maker
  • Air Conditioning

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Girdwood
Anchorage

Girdwood

Helicopter Flightseeing

Helicopter Flightseeing

Discover crystal blue pools, wildlife and waterfalls of Alaska's winter wilderness. Land on a giant glacier and walk on ancient ice in North America's largest glacier region!

Price Range: $$$$

Anchorage

Winter Photography Tours

Winter Photography Tours

From serious photographers to sightseers, you may enjoy taking one of these local walking workshops to learn more about capturing the beautiful northern lights or night skies of Alaska!

Price Range: $$$$

Dog Mushing

Dog Mushing

This quintessential Alaska adventure has been popularized by the annual Iditarod race, and you will have an opportunity to experience dog sledding a local kennel north of the city. Meet the dogs, wxperience what it's like to mush, and further appreciate the skills of the mushers and their team!

Price Range: $$$$



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.