Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and a gorgeous destination at the cusp of the Knik and Turnagain Arms, welcomes you to America's Last Frontier. As you arrive today, transfer independently to your hotel, and then take the day to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

If you arrive early, you may wish to take a sightseeing trolley around the city or visit the Anchorage Museum, the state's largest museum. Downtown is awash with shops, art galleries and restaurants, and there are plenty of microbreweries to explore, as well. Of course, with the surrounding Chugach Mountains and distant Alaska Range, beautiful views are within reach however you choose to explore.

If one night is not enough time to accomplish all your travel goals in Anchorage, you can speak to a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights. Overnight Anchorage.

This morning, make your own way to Anchorage's railway station to begin your journey on the iconic Alaska Railroad. Your destination is Fairbanks, and the full-day journey aboard the warm and comfortable Aurora Winter Train unveils some of the most incredible scenery Alaska has to offer.

The route takes you through the backcountry, across the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains framing the views, and along the Susitna and Indian Rivers into the "Golden Heart" of Alaska. Look for glimpses of Denali and winter wildlife from your seat's picture window, and enjoy access to the Dining Car, where locally inspired meals are available for purchase. Stops along the way include Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali before you arrive in Fairbanks. Upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel for a free evening to find dinner locally or unwind at the hotel. Overnight Fairbanks.

An adventure awaits today, as you make your way to Fairbanks' airport for a flight north into the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge. The scenic flight takes you across the Yukon River and deep into the remote wilderness, where a true winter wonderland of frosted mountains and frozen expanses awaits.

As your plane lands, transfer to the lodge property for a guided tour of Bettles Village before picking up your included Arctic gear and settling into your accommodations. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is then yours to relax amidst the untouched beauty of Alaska. Dinner is included at the lodge this evening, and then you could bundle up to sit around the lodge-hosted bonfire and search the night skies for red, purple and green hues of the beautiful Northern lights. Overnight Bettles.

• Dinner

Thanks to its far-north location in the Arctic Circle, Bettles has limited daylight during the winter months, with the days gradually increasing in length as spring nears. Whether it is light when you wake or still dark, endless adventures are available to you during your free day.

You might like to make use of Bettles Lodge's cross-country skis, or head out on a guided snowshoeing adventure. There are also supplemental excursions bookable and payable onsite, including dog sledding through these remarkable lands or seeing them all from above on a flightseeing tour.

Alternatively, you could spend your day relaxing in the warmth and comfort of the lodge. Enjoy included meals and spectacular views while you wait for this evening's bonfire and another chance to spot the Aurora Borealis as it dances across the sky. Overnight Bettles.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue soaking up the serenity of nature as you enjoy breakfast at the lodge this morning. Afterward, check out of Bettles Lodge* and board your plane for the return flight over the impressive mountains and waterways of the Arctic back to Fairbanks.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel independently, then take the remainder of the day to get reacquainted with the city. You might like to seek out the public art displays or immerse yourself in Gold Rush history while looking at the historical buildings of Downtown Fairbanks. You can also get another taste of Alaska at one of the fantastic restaurants or craft breweries.

While not as far north as Bettles Lodge, Fairbanks is still one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, so if you have not had your fill of their spectacular displays, you might like to head out independently tonight to search for their hues. Overnight Fairbanks.

*Please note: Additional nights at Bettles Lodge are available upon request; speak with a Rail Specialist for more details.

• Breakfast

Complete with majestic scenery and quintessential Alaskan experiences, this Alaskan vacation has been a story in the Last Frontier's many appeals. Traveling in winter has shown the wild views under a new lens, with blanketed snow softening the dramatic peaks and the colors of the Northern Lights painting the sky.

Your time here comes to a close this morning. Upon checking out of your Fairbanks hotel, you are free to begin your travels home independently. Should you wish to see more of Alaska's "Golden Heart," speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights.