2023 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman

      Fairbanks, AK, USA

      SI
      Special Interest Tours
      • Email address verified
      33 reviews
      Feb 16 - 23, 2023
      Group size: 20 - 50
      2023 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman
      Fairbanks, AK, USA

      Special Interest Tours
      • Email address verified
      33 reviews

      Feb 16 - 23, 2023
      Group size: 20 - 50

      About this trip

      Journey to Alaska with astronomer Bob Berman to experience the Northern Lights, and much more! Experience unique activities like a woodland dogsled ride and a private planetarium show, and keep warm in the geothermal spring fed pools of Chena Hot Springs. With lectures from renowned astronomer Bob Berman, get ready to learn and laugh as you enjoy Alaska and the northern sky at their best. 


      What’s included

      • 7 Nights Hotel
        2 nights in Anchorage (2/16 & 2/17), 3 nights in Fairbanks (2/18, 2/19 & 2/22), 2 nights at Chena Hot Springs Resort (2/20 & 2/21)
      • 9 Meals
        3 dinners (one each in Anchorage, Fairbanks & Chena Hot Springs), 5 breakfasts (at Anchorage & Fairbanks hotels), 1 lunch (2/20))
      • Ground Transportation
        Ground transportation Feb 16 - 23 (there are no group activities on Feb 23)
      • Aurora Viewing
        Weather-permitting - While in Fairbanks, we will run excursions to view the Northern Lights for nights with clear skies and auroral forecasts of 3 or higher.
      • ANC - Planetarium Show
        Private planetarium show with Bob Berman
      • ANC - Scenic Tour
        Scenic bus tour of Anchorage with stops at Earthquake Park and Beluga Point
      • ANC - Train Ticket
        All-day rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park.. Food will be available for purchase onboard.
      • ANC - Museum Admission
        Admission to Anchorage Museum
      • Lecture
        Astronomy lecture with Bob Berman in Fairbanks
      • Star Party
        Weather-permitting, outdoor Guide to the Northern Sky lecture with Bob Berman at Chena
      • Sno-Cat Ride
        Sunset Sno-Cat ride to summit at Chena Hot springs
      • Dogsled Ride
        Dogsled ride through forest at Chena Hot Springs Resort
      • Ice Park Admission
        Entry to Fairbanks Ice Sculpture Park
      • Museum Admission
        Admission to the Museum of the North
      • Auto Museum Admission
        Entry to Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum featuring vintage cars and clothing from the days of old.
      • Cultural Center Visit
        Trip to the Fairbanks Cultural Center
      • Airport Transfers
        Transfers between the Anchorage and Fairbanks Airports and the hotel on 2/26 and 2/23, respectively. Guests traveling on different days are responsible for their own transfers.
      • Gratuities
        Special Interest Tours will provide gratuities for the driver(s) and any group meals. However, gratuities for breakfasts or housekeeping will be at the guest's sole discretion.

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
        Guests are responsible for arranging travel to and from the tour.
      • Meals not Listed
        Any meals not mentioned in the "Included" section will be the guest's responsibility.Please note that breakfasts are not included at Chena Hot Springs but will be available for purchase.
      • Alcoholic Beverages
        Guests will be responsible to pay for any alcoholic beverages ordered at meals.
      • Travel Protection Plan
        Guests will have the option of purchasing a travel protection plan and will be provided with a quote.

      Available Packages

      Double Occupancy

      Pricing is per person and is for guests that will be sharing a room.

      February 16-23, 2023

      $4,456
      Deposit: $500
      Single Occupancy

      Pricing is per person and is for guests that wish to have their own room.

      February 16-23, 2023

      $5,546
      Deposit: $500

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrive in Anchorage

      Upon your arrival in Anchorage we will greet you at the airport and transfer 

      you to the Hilton hotel. In the evening we will gather for dinner at one of 

      Anchorage's fabulous restaurants.

      Your Organizer


      SI
      Special Interest Tours
      33 reviews
      Joined in June 2021
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      Reviews

      Wonderful trip with a great itinerary. Seeing the Northern Lights was the chance of a lifetime which I'll never forget. I really liked visiting the museums, which gave good insight into Alaska and its critters and Native peoples. Having Bob Berman along to narrate things was extra-special and worth the price of admission! The long train ride up to Fairbanks was also spectacular and not-to-be missed for future trips. The lodgings and meals were quite good and comfortable. Alaska is vast and rugged, and one of the most beautiful U.S. states. This is a five-star trip.
      By Shelley B for 2024 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman on Mar 26, 2024
      We had a great time! The timing was perfect for seeing the top of Denali and for seeing some amazing auroras. The group was small enough we had no problems. The people were great. The food was excellent. The planetarium was amazing. The accommodations were very good. This was our second time with Special Interest Tours and we have been very satisfied both times.
      By MaryDell k for 2024 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman on Mar 23, 2024
      RF
      This trip was a mixed bag of experiences. On the positive side, our tour guides Anjali and Colin did an excellent job of keeping us organized and on time. There were an adequate schedule of activities each day and all of them were of considerable interest. I absolutely loved the train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The champagne sunset celebration at the top of the mountain at Chena Hot Springs was also a highlight for me. On the negative side, some of the meals were less than I expected. Our welcome dinner and our farewell dinner were both excellent. While we were not provided the full menu from any of the restaurants, those that offered us abbreviated menus gave us adequate choices and delivered delicious meals. At most of the other restaurants, however, there were no choices offered. We seemed to be served whatever the restaurant wanted to serve us. I understand that it's difficult for a restaurant to handle 40 people arriving at the same time, however since only one dish was prepared that dish should have been both tasty and of the correct temperature. When those two characteristics were not met it opened the door to disappointment. When I weigh out the experiences I enjoyed against the experiences that left me wanting I would say my overall impression of the tour were good. I would consider using Special Interest Tours again, but I would also check out competing offers.
      By Robert F for 2024 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman on Mar 16, 2024
      Exceeded my expectations by 1000% Fantastic itinerary and classes by Bob Berman. Been an amateur astronomer for over 60 years and learned sooo much. The Northern lights were spectacular!
      By gary w for 2024 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman on Mar 16, 2024
      Wonderful trip. Interesting conversations; congenial company; well organized trip with many interesting diversions.
      By Alexandra K for 2024 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman on Mar 16, 2024
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