Wed, Mar 4: Depart Indianapolis on flights to Anchorage, Alaska. Check in to the Hilton Anchorage for the next four nights.

Thu, Mar 5: Spend the day at leisure getting to know Anchorage. Choose to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures and traditional ways of life through interactive displays, shows, and five outdoor villages that showcase the different native groups! Or check out the Fur Rendezvous or “Fur Rondy” to locals, an annual festival marking the end of winter and offering live music, snow sculptures and many other unique events and experiences. This evening, mingle with mushers and other race enthusiasts at the Iditarod gala known as the Mushers Banquet. Watch as the starting places are drawn, enjoy dinner, and celebrate “The Last Great Race.” (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Fri, Mar 6: Travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm to the town of Whittier for an amazing glacier cruise to the face of two tidewater glaciers, Beloit and Blackstone. See the numerous waterfalls and hanging glaciers as you cruise among the sheer cliff walls, wide glacier streams, and deep groves scoured in the rock walls. You may also get a glimpse of sea otters and harbor seals that make their home in this part of the sound. On your way back to Anchorage, stop at the Wildlife Conservation Center to see the animals of Alaska. The evening is at leisure. (B)

Sat, Mar 7: Mingle with race fans and mushers on 4th Avenue at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Experience the excitement as more than 60 mushers and 800 dogs begin their trip to Nome. This afternoon watch the ‘Running of the Reindeer’ start of the 5-kilometer run with actual reindeer running in the race too! (B)

Sun, Mar 8: Check out of the hotel and travel to Willow to see the official start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. A tradition since 1973, the race follows the Iditarod Trail, a dogsled highway that was designed in the 1920s to transport supplies and medicine. Along the way, visit the Iditarod Race Headquarters in Wasilla, where you may learn the history of dog mushing, check out race footage, and view trophies and other memorabilia. Continue north and check in to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge for a two-night stay. Set on a ridge just above town, the lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America—Denali! Be sure to keep an eye on the sky for Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights. (B)

Mon, Mar 9: Today partake in amenities available at the lodge or explore the town on your own. Consider booking a snowmobile tour, take a guided hike, or simply enjoy the view as you relax next to the 46-foot river rock fireplace in the lodge. Perhaps visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum with exhibits detailing the personal history of native peoples, aviators, gold seekers, and trappers who became an important part of the town’s past or visit the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station, where every climber must check in before heading off to conquer Denali. The station features historical information, climbing gear used by mountaineers years ago, and a film detailing what it’s like for climbers who brave the brutal conditions on the slopes of Denali. (B)

Tue, Mar 10: Depart on a full day excursion onboard the Aurora Winter Train to Fairbanks with an included lunch. Traverse the Alaska Range and enjoy stunning views of panoramic vistas, wildlife, river valleys, and rocky gorges. On clear days, you may even see an incredible view of Denali! Transfer to the Springhill Suites Fairbanks and check in for an overnight stay. (B,L)

Wed, Mar 11: Enjoy a sightseeing tour around Fairbanks this morning including the University of Alaska and its Museum of the North. This afternoon, stop at an Iditarod team kennel for a fun dog-sled ride along some trails that have trained winning teams. Check in at the Chena Hot Springs Resort for an overnight stay, and enjoy your serene surroundings with no city light pollution, offering the perfect set up for the magical northern lights to appear and dance across the skies. (B)

Thu, Mar 12: On your last day in Alaska, return to the city of Fairbanks, visit the World Ice Art Championships to see an astonishing array of ice sculptures. One of the largest annual ice art competitions and exhibitions worldwide, the event involves over 70 teams from all over the world. The ice is harvested from the on-site pond which easily yields more than four million pounds of “Arctic Diamond” ice—exceptionally clear, thick ice. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner before heading to Fairbanks airport for overnight flights home. (B,D) 

Fri, Mar 13: Arrive in Indianapolis.