March 1, 2009 · Anchorage
Upon arrival in Anchorage, you will be met by an Explore Tours representative who will review your travel documents with you. Check in to your hotel in the heart of downtown's exciting business and visitors district, offering an unsurpassed location for your Alaskan adventure. The rest of the evening is yours free to take part in one of the Fur Rendezvous activities.
March 2, 2009 · Anchorage - Girdwood
Today pick up your rental car (not included) and drive south to Girdwood. Begin your day with an optional snowmobile adventure! Go through beautiful snowy meadows, over frozen lakes, past majestic mountains and frozen waterfalls! Enjoy a refreshment break while taking in the spectacular scenery. If snow conditions permit, this ride will take you to the face of a towering glacier. Afterwards, check into The Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood for your overnight stay. Relax this evening while soaking in the hot tub or pool with a spectacular view of Mt. Alyeska.
March 3, 2009 · Girdwood
Today is yours free to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, or other optional activities at Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s premier ski resort. Take a short drive to the community of Portage and enjoy a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to injured and orphaned animals such as moose, bears, and caribou! This evening, you may want to simply relax by the cozy fireplace in the hotel’s sitting lounge. Overnight in Girdwood this evening.
March 4, 2009 · Girdwood - Seward
Continue traveling south on the scenic Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the quaint town of Seward. Upon arrival, enjoy a 2 ½ hour cruise of Resurrection Bay. Have your camera ready on board the cruise to photograph the spectacular scenery, while watching for whales, puffins, otters, sea lions, and more. Afterwards, learn more about the unique marine wildlife at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Overnight in Seward this evening.
March 5, 2009 · Seward - Anchorage
Enjoy some free time in Seward this morning before returning to Anchorage. Choose to have an optional visit with Iditarod mushers at the annual Musher’s Banquet this evening* or enjoy more Fur Rondy fun! Overnight in Anchorage.
*Note: Musher's Banquet tickets must be arranged on your own. Please inquire with your Explore Tours agent for instructions and contact info.
March 6, 2009 · Anchorage
Enjoy free time today for optional activities, Fur Rondy events, or souvenir shopping. This evening, choose to experience the Anchorage nightlife. Overnight in Anchorage.
March 7, 2009 · Anchorage – Ceremonial Start of Iditarod
Gather in downtown Anchorage this morning for the start of “the last great race on earth”! This unique dog sled race has mushers and their dog teams traveling over 1150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful and rugged terrain Mother Nature has to offer. Or choose to be an “Idita-rider” and bid for the opportunity to ride in the sled with the mushers (visit www.iditarod.com for more information)! Overnight in Anchorage.
March 8, 2009 · Anchorage – Willow - Anchorage
Drive north of Anchorage to the community of Willow to the site of the restart of the Iditarod Race. Enjoy this second opportunity to watch the mushers and their dog teams head out on the trail. After restarting the race in Willow, the mushers begin their quest north to Nome! Return your rental car (not included) this evening before settling back in at your accommodations in Anchorage. Please note: weather conditions may result in moving the restart to another location.
March 9, 2009 · Anchorage
Your tour comes to an end. Return home and continue to follow the Iditarod race by visiting www.iditarod.com or watch the television news for updates!
