Alaska Fairbanks Aurora 5-Day Tour - Chinese Boutique Small Group | Upgrade to 7-Day Two Cities, Aurora Winter Train + Glacier Trekking

Age and Health

• Minors under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult throughout the tour, or submit a waiver signed by a guardian as required.
• The itinerary includes severe cold weather, snow, ice, and nighttime aurora viewing. Travelers must have basic mobility.
• The 7-day tour includes approximately 2 hours of hiking on the Matanuska Glacier. Participants must be able to walk on snow, ice, and uneven terrain, and sign a waiver as required.
• Travelers with mobility issues, requiring wheelchairs or other assistance, please contact us for confirmation before booking.
• Dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hot springs, blue ice caves, and other optional activities may have age, health, or physical restrictions. Please follow the supplier's regulations.
• If a traveler is unable to complete part of the itinerary due to personal health conditions, fees for unparticipated activities will not be refunded.

Children and Activity Restrictions

• Children sharing a room with adults will use existing beds. Extra beds are not guaranteed.
• Travelers under 18 are not permitted in the outdoor rock hot spring area of Chena Hot Springs but may use the indoor jacuzzi and swimming pool.
• Snowmobiling requires participants to be at least 10 years old; travelers over 16 must drive alone, and children aged 10 to 15 must ride with a parent on the same snowmobile.
• For ice fishing, participants over 16 years old must purchase a fishing license separately.
• Ice cup cocktails at the Ice Sculpture Museum are only available for purchase by travelers aged 21 or older, who must present valid identification.
• All age restrictions and participation rules are subject to the activity supplier's requirements on the day of the activity.

Room Arrangement

• Common hotel room types in the US are one King or Queen Size bed, or two Double Size beds.
• Due to fire regulations, hotels in Alaska typically do not provide extra beds.
• Each room generally accommodates 2–4 people, including adults and children.
• The tour fee guarantees the corresponding number of rooms but does not guarantee specific bed types, floors, views, adjacent rooms, or room locations.
• When three or four people occupy the same room, existing beds in the room are usually used.
• The 5-day tour generally includes 4 nights of accommodation in Fairbanks; the 7-day tour generally includes 4 nights in Fairbanks and 2 nights in Anchorage.
• Hotel check-in time is usually after 4:00 PM. Actual arrangements are subject to hotel regulations.

Hotel Deposit and Facilities

• Some hotels may require each group of travelers to provide a credit card or debit card usable in the US as a guarantee when checking in.
• The hotel may perform a pre-authorization or collect a deposit. If there are no additional charges, the deposit will usually be refunded to the original payment method after check-out. The actual time depends on the hotel and the issuing bank.
• US hotels generally do not provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, and slippers. Please prepare them yourself.
• Most hotels provide hairdryers, but hot water kettles are not guaranteed.
• Smoking is prohibited in hotels and tour vehicles. If this rule is violated, the hotel may charge a cleaning fee, and all related costs will be borne by the traveler.

Aurora Viewing (5-day and 7-day tours)

• Both the 5-day and 7-day tours include 3 opportunities for aurora viewing, comprising 2 viewings at the Aurora Cabin and 1 mobile aurora chase.
• The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, influenced by solar activity, weather, clouds, and visibility, and cannot be guaranteed.
• Aurora activities generally depart around 10:00 PM and return to the hotel between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM the next day. Actual times are subject to the guide's notification.
• During aurora viewing, please do not use camera or phone flashes, to avoid affecting other travelers' viewing and photography.
• If aurora viewing cannot proceed as planned due to weather or safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted regarding viewing locations, departure times, or activity arrangements.
• If upgrading to a mountaintop aurora glass igloo, the actual date and room availability require secondary confirmation. Glass igloos have one large bed and accommodate a maximum of 2 people per room.

Alaska Railroad (Applicable to 7-day tour only)

• The 7-day tour includes an Alaska Railroad ticket from Fairbanks to Anchorage on Day 5; the 5-day tour does not include this item.
• Actual departure times, seating, and operational arrangements are subject to the final tour notification.
• Free shuttle service from Fairbanks hotels to the train station needs to be reserved by travelers with the hotel front desk in advance.
• Upon arrival at Anchorage train station, the tour provides pick-up service to designated hotels.
• If the train is delayed, canceled, or adjusted due to weather, mechanical failure, railway control, or other force majeure factors, the subsequent itinerary may be changed accordingly.

Matanuska Glacier Trek (Applicable to 7-day tour only)

• The 7-day tour includes the Matanuska Glacier Trek; the 5-day tour does not include this item.
• The glacier trek is led by a professional guide, and the tour provides basic equipment such as helmets and crampons free of charge.
• Participants should prepare warm, waterproof clothing and non-slip snow boots, and follow the instructions of the guide and park rangers throughout the activity.
• Glacier terrain and blue ice landscapes change with weather and natural conditions. The actual trekking route will be based on the safety assessment on the day.
• If the trek cannot proceed due to weather, road conditions, ice conditions, or other safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted or canceled.

Tickets and Optional Activities

• Attractions, transportation, and activities explicitly stated as included in the itinerary do not require additional ticket payments.
• Dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, Chena Hot Springs, blue ice caves, Denali National Park hiking, Arctic Circle expedition, and additional aurora viewing are optional activities.
• The Anchorage Turnagain Arm Scenic Tour is only available for 7-day tour participants.
• Optional activities have a minimum number of participants and are affected by weather, snow cover, road conditions, and supplier operations.
• Some optional activities can be booked in advance; the Castner Blue Ice Cave exploration tour can only be booked upon arrival with the group.
• Ticket, meal, and activity prices may be adjusted according to notices from attractions or suppliers, and are based on the price announced at the time of booking or on-site.
• If optional activities are not booked in advance, travelers can inquire with the guide about remaining availability; on-site bookings are usually paid in cash.

Seasonal Activities

• Dog sledding is affected by snow conditions; if there is insufficient snow, it may be replaced by a dog ATV experience.
• Snowmobiling is typically available from mid-to-late November to the end of March, with actual dates adjusted based on snowfall.
• Ice fishing is typically available from late November to the end of March, with actual dates adjusted based on temperature and ice conditions.
• The Castner Blue Ice Cave exploration tour is typically available from mid-to-late December to March, with actual arrangements subject to weather, road conditions, and on-site safety.
• Blue ice caves are natural landscapes, and entry or accessibility on any given day cannot be guaranteed.

Itinerary Adjustments

• The order of the itinerary may be rearranged based on the chosen 5-day or 7-day itinerary, departure date, weather, road conditions, train operations, optional activity bookings, and actual group needs.
• The guide may adjust the order of attractions, departure times, stop durations, or meeting times, but will not arbitrarily reduce content originally included in the chosen itinerary.
• If an attraction is closed due to blizzards, road closures, government arrangements, equipment failure, or other force majeure factors, alternative attractions, itinerary adjustments, or cancellations may be arranged.
• Different professional guides may provide services each day, and some optional activities may only offer English-speaking guides.
• If travelers book other activities separately, please confirm in advance whether they conflict with the group itinerary, aurora viewing, train, or transfer times.

Meeting and Departure

• Please arrive at the meeting point notified by the guide 10 to 15 minutes in advance, and strictly adhere to the meeting time.
• Please bring valid photo identification and an electronic or printed itinerary confirmation when joining the tour.
• If you need to leave the group midway, you must notify the guide in advance and sign a departure agreement; unparticipated portions are considered forfeited, and fees will not be refunded.
• The travel agency may arrange vehicle changes, driver changes, or guide changes based on actual operational needs.
• If the times listed in the itinerary and tour notification differ from the guide's on-site notification, please follow the guide's notification.

Airport Pick-up Service (5-day and 7-day tours)

• Both the 5-day and 7-day tours start in Fairbanks. Each booking includes one complimentary shared airport pick-up service from Fairbanks International Airport to a designated hotel on the arrival day.
• Free pick-up must be requested at the time of booking with accurate flight details; if not booked in advance or if flight details are not provided, arrangements cannot be made.
• The pick-up location is Fairbanks International Airport Baggage Claim 1. The pick-up staff will use an "Alaska Tour" sign.
• Travelers with similar flight arrival times may share the same vehicle, so a short wait at the airport may be necessary.
• If an independent private car pick-up is required, it must be booked in advance and relevant fees paid. Last-minute arrangements on the arrival day cannot be guaranteed.

5-day Tour Airport Drop-off Service

• The 5-day tour ends in Fairbanks on Day 5. Each booking includes one complimentary airport drop-off service from a designated hotel to Fairbanks International Airport.
• Free drop-off must be requested at the time of booking with accurate departure flight details; if not booked in advance or if details are not provided, arrangements cannot be made.
• To avoid affecting optional Arctic Circle or aurora activities the previous night, please book flights departing after 07:00 AM on Day 5.
• For domestic US flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
• If participating in optional activities such as snowmobiling or ice fishing on Day 5, please allow ample time and confirm flight times are suitable before booking the activity.

7-day Tour Airport Drop-off Service

• The 7-day tour ends in Anchorage on Day 7. Travelers can use the designated hotel's 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle to Anchorage International Airport.
• The hotel airport shuttle must be reserved with the front desk in advance by travelers, providing room number, name, number of people, and departure time.
• For domestic US flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
• If participating in the Turnagain Arm Scenic Tour on Day 7, please book flights departing after 7:00 PM.
• If not participating in optional activities on Day 7, travelers can independently reserve the hotel airport shuttle according to their flight schedule.

Flight Information

• Please provide accurate traveler names, contact information, and arrival/departure flight details at least 10 days before departure.
• If information is not provided in time, the travel agency reserves the right not to provide the originally included free airport pick-up or drop-off service.
• If original transfers are affected by flight delays, weather, or other uncontrollable factors, travelers may need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel or airport and bear the associated costs.
• Losses and additional costs incurred due to incorrect information, flight changes, or failure to notify in time will be borne by the traveler.

Guide Gratuities

• For airport pick-up or drop-off service, a tip of US$5/person/service is suggested.
• For Fairbanks tours, aurora viewing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or daytime hot springs activities, a tip of US$10/person/service is suggested.
• For Denali National Park or Chena Hot Springs itineraries, a tip of US$15/person/service is suggested.
• For the 7-day tour Matanuska Glacier Trek and optional Castner Blue Ice Cave exploration, a tip of US$20/person is suggested.
• For Arctic Circle related itineraries, a tip of US$25/person/day is suggested.
• Gratuities are usually paid in cash to the guide on the day of the activity. The actual amount is subject to the final confirmation or tour notification.

Other Regulations

• Alaska experiences low temperatures in winter. Please prepare down jackets, thermal underwear, waterproof outerwear, non-slip snow boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and other cold-weather gear.
• Smoking is prohibited in vehicles and hotels. Fines or cleaning fees incurred due to smoking will be borne by the traveler.
• All tours do not permit pets or animals.
• If included or complimentary items cannot be arranged due to weather, road conditions, train operations, or other force majeure factors, or if travelers are unable to participate for personal reasons, fees will not be refunded.
• Travelers are advised to purchase personal travel insurance before departure, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, travel delays, lost luggage, and winter outdoor activities.

1. What is the booking process?

This product requires manual confirmation. After completing payment and submitting your information, we will verify the tour date, hotel, and related services. If you choose the 7-day tour, we will also need to confirm the Aurora Borealis train and glacier trekking arrangements. Please do not purchase non-refundable flights or book other non-cancellable services until you receive official confirmation.

2. What are the available tour durations?

This product offers two options: 5 days and 4 nights, or 7 days and 6 nights:

• The 5-day tour focuses on Fairbanks, starting and ending in Fairbanks.
• The 7-day tour, after completing the Fairbanks itinerary, takes the Aurora Borealis train to Anchorage and includes a Matanuska Glacier trek, concluding in Anchorage.

3. Is there a minimum number of participants required to form a group?

Both the 5-day and 7-day tours require a minimum of 2 participants to form a group. Once the minimum number is met, departure is guaranteed, and each group typically does not exceed 14 people. During peak season, vehicle and group arrangements for individual tours may be adjusted, subject to final confirmation.

4. What information do I need to provide when booking?

Please provide the traveler's name, gender, date of birth, nationality, email address, mobile phone number, and accurate arrival and departure flight details.

Please provide flight and contact information at least 10 days before departure, otherwise, transfer arrangements and the final tour notice may not be possible.

5. How is the tour fee calculated for solo travelers?

For solo occupancy, please select "single occupancy." The cost will be calculated based on the single room rate for the corresponding itinerary. If you wish to share a room, please contact us before booking to confirm availability.

6. What is included in the tour fee?

Both the 5-day and 7-day tours include transportation, hotel accommodation for the respective number of nights, some hotel breakfasts, English/Chinese-speaking driver-guide, designated airport transfers, and 3 aurora observations.

The 7-day tour additionally includes an Alaska Aurora Borealis train ticket from Fairbanks to Anchorage and a Matanuska Glacier trek. Lunch, dinner, optional activities, guide tips, and personal expenses are not included.

7. What are the group size and vehicle type?

Each group typically does not exceed 14 people, primarily using 12 to 15-seat small tour vehicles. The actual vehicle type will be arranged according to the number of participants and local operating conditions. Individual tours during peak season may vary.

8. Is airport pickup available at Fairbanks Airport?

Yes, it is. Both the 5-day and 7-day tours start in Fairbanks, and each booking includes one complimentary shared shuttle service from Fairbanks International Airport to the designated hotel on the day of arrival.

Travelers must request this service during booking and provide accurate flight information. The pickup location is Baggage Claim 1 at Fairbanks International Airport. Travelers with similar flight times may share the same vehicle, so a short wait may be required. If you require a private transfer, you can book a paid service in advance, with an estimated price of US$100 per person per trip.

9. How do I get to the airport on the last day?

• 5-day tour: Ends on Day 5 in Fairbanks. Each booking includes one complimentary drop-off service from the designated hotel to Fairbanks International Airport. Please book flights departing after 07:00 on that day.
• 7-day tour: Ends on Day 7 in Anchorage. You can use the 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle provided by the designated hotel. Travelers must book with the hotel front desk in advance. If participating in the Turnagain Arm Scenic Drive on that day, please book flights departing after 19:00.

For domestic flights within the US, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.

10. Do both itineraries include 3 Northern Lights observations?

Yes. Both the 5-day and 7-day tours include 3 aurora observations, comprising 2 observations from an Aurora Log Cabin and 1 mobile aurora chase.

Aurora activities usually depart around 22:00 and return to the hotel between 02:00 and 03:00 the next morning. The actual time will be confirmed by the guide.

11. Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No, it is not guaranteed. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are affected by solar activity, weather, clouds, and visibility.

Although the itinerary includes 3 observation opportunities, and professional guides will choose observation locations based on daily conditions, seeing the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed.

12. Can I upgrade to an Aurora Glass Igloo?

Both the 5-day and 7-day tours can be upgraded at an additional cost to stay at The Overlook at Cleary Summit Aurora Glass Igloo, subject to availability.

The glass igloo features one king-size bed, 180-degree panoramic glass windows, floor heating, a private shower, and breakfast. Each igloo can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. The estimated price for double occupancy is US$275 per person per night; the estimated price for single occupancy is US$550 per person per night. The number of glass igloos is limited, and a second confirmation is required before booking.

13. Is the Alaska Aurora Borealis train included in the tour price?

The Aurora Borealis train is only included in the 7-day tour, not the 5-day tour.

On Day 5 of the 7-day tour, you will take the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with an estimated travel time of 08:30–20:00. Actual departure times, seating, and operating arrangements are subject to the final tour notice.

If the train is delayed, canceled, or adjusted due to weather, railway control, or other reasons, subsequent itineraries may be changed accordingly.

14. Which itinerary includes the Matanuska Glacier trek?

The Matanuska Glacier trek is only included in the 7-day tour, not the 5-day tour.

The glacier trek lasts approximately 2 hours, led by a professional guide, and includes basic equipment such as helmets and ice cleats. Participants must have basic mobility, be able to walk on snow, ice, and uneven terrain, and sign a waiver as required. It is recommended to wear warm, waterproof clothing and non-slip snow boots, and to follow the guide's instructions throughout the trek.

15. What optional activities are available?

Both the 5-day and 7-day tours can choose from the following activities based on the itinerary time:

• Dog sledding or ATV dog sledding experience
• Snowmobile driving experience
• Ice fishing and grilled fish in a lakeside cabin
• Chena Hot Springs soaking tour
• Castner Blue Ice Cave exploration tour
• Denali National Park hiking tour
• Arctic Circle Overland Adventure Tour
• Additional Aurora Log Cabin observation or mobile aurora chase

The Anchorage Turnagain Arm Scenic Drive is only available for the 7-day tour. All activities have a minimum number of participants and are subject to weather, snow conditions, road conditions, and supplier operating conditions.

16. Are there any age or seasonal restrictions for optional activities?

Snowmobiling requires participants to be at least 10 years old; those over 16 must drive alone, and children aged 10 to 15 must ride with a parent.

For ice fishing, participants over 16 need to purchase a separate fishing license. Travelers under 18 are not allowed in the outdoor rock hot springs area of Chena Hot Springs but can use the indoor massage pools and swimming pool.

All age, health, and seasonal restrictions are subject to the activity provider's regulations on the day of the activity.

17. Is entry to the Blue Ice Cave guaranteed?

No, it is not guaranteed. The Castner Blue Ice Cave is a natural attraction and is affected by weather, road conditions, ice conditions, and safety assessments. Bookings can only be made on the tour after arriving in Alaska.

The activity is usually open from mid-to-late December until March and requires a minimum of 4 participants. Participants need to hike approximately 2 miles, and whether they can reach or enter the ice cave depends on the conditions on the day.

18. How are hotels and meals arranged?

Hotel arrangements depend on the chosen itinerary:

• 5-day tour: Includes 4 nights' accommodation in Fairbanks.
• 7-day tour: Generally includes 4 nights' accommodation in Fairbanks and 2 nights' accommodation in Anchorage.

Hotel rooms typically have one king-size bed or two beds. Due to fire regulations, Alaskan hotels generally cannot provide extra beds and do not guarantee specific bed types, floors, views, or room locations. The itinerary includes some hotel breakfasts and clearly stated meals; most lunches and dinners are at your own expense.

19. How are luggage and guide tips arranged?

Luggage space in small group vehicles and trains is limited. It is recommended that each traveler brings one standard-sized suitcase and one small carry-on bag. If you need to bring extra, oversized, or special luggage, please contact us before booking to confirm.

Tips are collected based on the services or activities participated in on the day, usually paid in cash on the day of the tour. The final amount will be specified in the tour notice, with the following reference standards:

• Airport pickup or drop-off: US$5 per person per trip
• Fairbanks sightseeing, aurora observation, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or daytime hot springs: US$10 per person per trip
• Denali National Park or Chena Hot Springs: US$15 per person per trip
• Matanuska Glacier Trek or Castner Blue Ice Cave: US$20 per person
• Arctic Circle related itineraries: US$25 per person per day

20. Will the itinerary be adjusted due to weather?

Yes. Guides may adjust the order of attractions, departure times,停留 times, or arrange alternative activities based on blizzards, road closures, aurora conditions, train operations, activity availability, and the actual needs of the group.

Winter weather in Alaska can change significantly, and the safety of travelers is the top priority for all activities. The final itinerary is subject to the tour notice and the guide's arrangements on the day.