9-Day West Coast:Seattle,Anchorage,Fairbanks,Matanuska Glacier Trekking,Aurora Viewing Train,Aurora Viewing lodges & Ice fishing

We will offer free airport pick-up service during 9:00AM-10:00PM. Please wait for our tour guide at number 1 Baggage Claim area, and then guests will be taken to the hotel to catch a rest. Guests are able to arrange the rest of day by their own, or join our optional Morning Tour or Night Tour. (*To arrange the tour, it requires at least 4 guests enrolled.)
Morning tour: Flight arrivals before 12:00PM
Microsoft Corporate Headquarters - University of Washington
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Guests will have a chance to visit the famous Building 92(Microsoft Corporate Headquarters) to learn Microsoft’s fascinating history and everything about one of the world’s largest and most influential company. (Inside tour; tours are subject to closures for private events.) Also, we will go to University of Washington, commonly referred to as UW, a public flagship research university based in Seattle. Founded in 1861, UW is one of the oldest universities on the west coast and features one of the most highly regarded medical schools in the world. A new model for learning, collaborating and problem solving - the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) has been launched here between two leading research universities, the University of Washington and Tsinghua University, with foundational support from Microsoft. It should also be reminded that the campus is famous for appreciating Cherry blossom.
Night tour: Flight arrivals before 6:00PM
Seattle Fisherman Wharf - Kerry Park - Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting
We will firstly travel to Seattle Great Wheel, which is a giant Ferris wheel at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. With an overall height of 175 feet, it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast of the United States when it opened on June 29, 2012. Next stop is Kerry Park where visitors can have a panoramic city view of the entire Seattle. It is a perfect location for photography and if you see Space Needle with a backdrop of Mount Rainier in any marketing photos of Seattle, this is exactly where to take the pictures. In addition, the park was one of the many stops on the finale episode of the third season of Amazing Race. At the same time, we will visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room. It is more like a modern coffee factory. You will witness the machines roasting the freshest coffee beans and grinding the most concentrated coffee powder. You can also open your mind up, order a cup of the most creative coffee, or enjoy the latest Starbucks products. Here you can also see the whole process of unsealing and baking the original coffee beans.

Seattle is the largest city in both the State of Washington and Pacific Northwest region of North America and the fastest growing major city in the US. Here, we will bring you to Boeing factory, the largest aircraft manufacture in the world. At its factory you will learn the history of aircraft making and also see one of the only 4 Dream lifters in the world; there will be professional Boeing employee guiding you to see the assembling process of the Boeing 7-series. Boeing can build a miracle in only 3 days, so get prepared to open your eyes, there will be experiences that you never had before. Next, we will go to Pike Place Market, which is built in a hundred years ago. The Pike Place Market was originated by farmers for selling their products, it is now one of the major tour spots in Seattle, holds about 200 commercial events every year, exhibits 190 kinds of handcrafts, includes 120 agriculture venders and plus street performers. Pike Place Market is also where the first Starbucks store was founded. After strolling around the market, we will head to Space Needle. Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle. It was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World's Fair; it drew over 2.3 million visitors, which you should never miss. It is the structure you can see from every single corner of Seattle. On top of the tower you are offered with free telescope to see the amazing view of not only Seattle city but also Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier. You can also surprise yourself by experiencing the most advanced hologram technology at the Space Needle. Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit in the Seattle Center showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The project includes three primary components: the Garden, the Glasshouse, and the Interior Exhibits. All the exhibitions are so fascinating and breathtaking. It is definitely worth to visit. The MoPOP is founded by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen and designed by Avant grade designer Frank Gehry, located at the foot of the Space Needle. Its colorful appearance is made up by 3000 pieces of metal means to present. In the end, we will visit the Pioneer Square. The Pioneer Square-Skid Road Historic District is listed on the United States' National Register of Historic Places.

In the morning we will head to Snoqualmie Falls. Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 268 foot waterfall. Your trip in Seattle will be completed before noon and you may take a flight to Anchorage. (Service fee for Seattle tour and airport drop off will be $10/person)
Note: Upon your tour completion, we will send you to the Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) only. Please book your flights departing after 13:00 to Anchorage. (Guests’ own expense, we suggest you book the flight arrive Anchorage before 17:00)
The first day itinerary is for your reference only; the schedule is subject to change upon your arrival.
Arrive in Anchorage (Anchorage- Airport Code ANC).
Today you will arrive in Alaska’s largest city and also its biggest transportation hub, Anchorage. Positioned in the in the center of Alaska’s southern coast, it contains 40% of Alaska’s total population- about 300,000 people. It is the four-time winner of the “All-America City Award.” In addition to those visiting Anchorage as a stop on their cruise, 90% of all visitors to Alaska will stop in Anchorage. For tourists, it’s a must-see location due to its culture, history and the amazing scenic views near the city.
After you land, if you are on time to take our free daily airport shuttle, please go with your tour guide to the hotel and they will help you check in. If you arrive outside of this time, please go to the hotel directly.
Dinner included: Please meet our tour guide at 18:50; we will leave at 19:00 for dinner.
If you choose the 23:30 free airport transfer, our tour guide will take you directly to the hotel. There would be no refund for dinner.
As the hotel is near the heart of the city and adjacent to a large shopping plaza, you can easily find a place to eat and afterwards, take a stroll and purchase some of your favorite products.

After our hotel breakfast, we will get in the van and head towards Matanuska Glacier.
Matanuska Glacier is the source of the Matanuska River and is the largest vehicle accessible glacier in America. During our trek on the glacier, you will see layer up on layer of ice n brilliant blue colors. It will leave an impression like no other. For your safety, we will provide crampons and other tools for hiking.
We will depart our hotel at 9:30 am. The drive to the glacier will take about 2 hours as we travel through the Matanuska Valley. We will bring along snacks and water for your to enjoy in the van while taking in the gorgeous views from the van. We will pass by 3 ranges of mountains: the Alaska Range, the Talkeetna Range and the Wrangell Mountains. As the area is surrounded by glaciers, there are numerous beautiful rivers and lakes.
You will join your guide on a 2 hour trek on the glacier and enjoy their full narration of the spot. Under the guidance of the tour guide, please enjoy a remarkable tour of this unforgettable location. (Service fee $8/person not included)
At 15:00 the group will leave the glacier and the guide will take you to another unforgettable Alaskan location: Talkeetna. Tonight you will stay at a traditional Alaskan cabin. You will have a chance to experience life lived in nature. You should arrive in Talkeetna about 17:00 and you can enjoy some rest at the local cabin while waiting for the Aurora to appear.

After breakfast in Western style, you can enjoy a relaxing morning watching the sun rise over the highest peak in the North American continent- Denali (formerly known as McKinley). At the same time, you will have more time to explore the quaint town of Talkeetna. At 10:45am we will meet at the Talkeetna train stop where you will board the train and ride it to Denali National Park (11:25-15:54). Lunch will be provided. (There would be no tour guide on the train, service fee for transfer of the train is $10/person)
At Denali National Park you will disembark the train and revel in the magic of a winter day. You will spend a few minutes in the park and then switch to a coach bus to continue the rest of your journey to Fairbanks, Alaska’s largest city and an “Aurora Capitol” of the world. You will travel about 2.5 hours before arriving at your hotel where you can spend a few minutes resting before your aurora viewing activity.
After 21:30 we will leave the lights of the city behind and journey towards the mountain top, where our small Aurora Viewing Lodges wait for us. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes depending on road conditions. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the lodge while sipping on hot cocoa, coffee or tea and waiting for the Aurora to come out. When you are ready to venture outside, the crisp night air and natural scenery will lend itself to great photos. When you need to warm up, come back inside for another round of warm drinks. You will have about 3 hours to watch for the Aurora after which, your guide will drive you back to the hotel around 3 am.

Leave the city of Fairbanks behind and travel one of the “loneliest roads in the world”- the Dalton Highway. Along the way, see Alaska’s famous oil pipeline, the mighty Yukon River, and the amazing storybook scenery as you journey towards the Arctic Circle. Keep your eyes peeled for an Arctic Fox! On your return from the Arctic Circle, you will stop at various locations for Northern Lights viewing. Upon completion of your journey, you will be presented with two certificates certifying that you have seen the Aurora and that you made it to the Arctic Circle.
Please gather at 11:30am in your hotel lobby. You will leave Fairbanks by 13:00; continue your journey north. Your first stop will be to see the Alaska Pipeline viewing site. Next there will be a stop to add gas (due to the fact there are very few gas stations on this road, it is better to top off first) and use the restroom. At 14:30 you will reach a ridge where the White Mountains will be laid out before you. Take some photos and continue to the Yukon River Camp which you will reach about 17:30 depending on road conditions. Enjoy a quick, hot meal and continue 2 more hours before reaching the Arctic Circle. On the return trip, we will stop once more at Yukon River as well as other locations to see the Aurora and to stretch our legs. Estimated arrival back in Fairbanks is 3:00 am. (Service fee $15/person not included)

You will enjoy a leisure day and optional join the Chena Hot Spring Tour.
After 21:30 we will leave the lights of the city behind and journey towards the mountain top, where our small Aurora Viewing Lodges wait for us. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes depending on road conditions. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the lodge while sipping on hot cocoa, coffee or tea and waiting for the Aurora to come out. When you are ready to venture outside, the crisp night air and natural scenery will lend itself to great photos. When you need to warm up, come back inside for another round of warm drinks. You will have about 3 hours to watch for the Aurora after which, your guide will drive you back to the hotel around 3am. (Service fee $8/person not included)
**Please note that the Aurora Borealis are a natural phenomenon. They will be affected by the weather and other natural occurrences. We will take you to the spots most likely to guarantee a good Aurora viewing, but we cannot guarantee they will come out.
Self-Pay Option Tours: Fire and Ice: Chena Hot Springs One-Day Tour(Require to reserve when you book the tour)
Price: $120.00 /per person
Day Tour-8/21/2017- 4/15/2018
(Day Tour doesn’t include Ice Museum pass which can be purchased on site for $15.)
Tour Contents：
Our destination on this tour is Chena Hot Springs, famous for its soothing waters, its ice museum with carved ice sculptures and at night, more chances to see the Aurora.
Chena has indoor and outdoor pools. In the summer, enjoy the bustle of its resort town life. During the winter, experience the thrill of soaking in steaming water while enjoying the gorgeous fairytale views of snow around you. Sometimes ice crystals will form on your eyelashes and hair while your body is completely warm! This is one of the most interesting hot springs in the world.
Chena Hot Springs’ Ice Museum is open year around and allows you to see the ice-sculptures of world famous sculpting masters. Explore “rooms” made out of ice as well as free standing sculptures. For an extra fee of $15, you can choose to drink an Apple Martini at their ice bar out of a cocktail glass made of ice. Experience a drink like no other!
*Please note：The outdoor pool is closed to children under 12 years of age.
Inclusions：
Round trip transportation, entrance ticket to the hot springs, 1 bottle of water, multi-lingual guide. (To guarantee a Chinese speaking guide, the group booking the tour must be at least 6 people.)
Exclusions：
Food and drink at the site, ticket to ice museum (may be purchased on site for $15) Apple Martini, wifi, 25 cents for a locker, swimwear, towel, (these can be purchased on site if necessary), tips for driver and guide ($8 and above is the suggested tip per guest per activity.)
Tour Schedule:
Tour pick-ups begin at 11:00 am. Depending on the condition of the road, the drive to Chena will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After you arrive, please remain in the vehicle for a few short minutes while your guide collects the ticket. Then you will have about 2 hours to enjoy the wonderful waters of the hot springs and you can also check out the gift shop, café’ or take a look at the reindeer next to the pool. At 17:00 you will meet up with your guide to return to Fairbanks and will reach your hotel about 18:30. (If you wish to take a tour of the Ice Museum, you can purchase tickets for a 13:00 tour or a 15:00 tour)

In Alaska, rivers and lakes freeze over from November to March. The ice can reach a thickness of almost 3 feet and it provides a great environment for one of the favorite winter pastimes in Alaska- ice fishing. Sit in the warmth of a small ice house and peer into the mysterious green color of the ice and water below. Our local fishing guide will teach you the tricks of ice-fishing and if you catch a fish you can grill it up on the spot.
Inclusions：
Round trip transportation, local fishing guide, fishing instruction, rod & bate, entrance fees to the park, hot drinks, (To guarantee a Chinese speaking guide, the group booking the tour must be at least 6 people.)
If you choose the snow-machine add-on, you can also use our extra warm clothes and helmets- first come; first serve.
Exclusions：
Food (other than fish you catch), fishing license (If you need us to help you purchase one, please tell us when booking the tour. Cost is $30 per person,) tips for driver and guide ($8 and above is the suggested tip per guest per activity.)
Schedule：
After finishing a slow breakfast in the hotel, tour pick-ups begin at 11:30am in the hotel lobby. You will arrive on the ice about 13:00. At 16:00 you will gather back at the ice house and return to Fairbanks. You will reach your hotel by about 17:00. If you would like to join an optional add-on activity for today of dogsledding (morning) or another night of Aurora Viewing Lodges, please tell your tour guide as soon as possible.
*Please note that pick-ups are at various hotels. Your exact pick-up time will be determined by our office and you will be notified 1-2 days before your tour. Make sure to leave contact information.

Self-Pay Option Tours: A) Snow Machine (11/16/2017- 4/15/2018 depends on the weather condition)(Require to reserve when you book the tour)
Price: $125.00/per person
Try out the snow machine for 30 minutes. Fishing, grilling, snow machines—they are all here! For an extra $15 you can also rent a pair of snowshoes for an hour and try them out on one of the trails along the side of the lake. Come enjoy an abundance of activities at a day at the lake with us.
Notice:
Snow Machine Tour can only be added upon Ice fishing. Age of 16 and up is required to ride a snow machine, from age 16 to 18 has to have an adult company in order to ride the machine.

Self-Pay Option Tours: B) Dog Sledding and Kennel Tour(Require to reserve when you book the tour)
B1: Dog Sled Price- $145.00/per person (11/16/2017- 4/15/2018)
B2: Dog Cart Price-$135.00/per person (9/1/2017-11/15/2017)
Tour Contents：
Before Europeans arrived in Alaska, dogsledding was already a very important part of Alaskan local life. Dog sleds were the most convenient way to travel and to deliver important supplies between local villages in the dead of winter. Even today, dogsleds continue to be used in remote portions of Alaska for daily travel needs. On this tour, snuggle under a warm blanket with a friend and enjoy the rush of a brisk 30-minute sled ride through the beautiful forests of Alaska. Your musher will happily take photos for you and with you. You will be won over by both these enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies and their mushers.
*Please note the sleds on this tour variously accommodate 2-4 people and are assigned by weight and the musher’s knowledge of the dogs. You will need to share your sled with other people. Please follow the musher’s guidance when he assigns seating.
Inclusions：
Round trip transportation, musher service and driving, hot drinks, a blanket for your legs. (To guarantee a Chinese speaking guide for your drive to the sledding site, the group booking the tour must be at least 6 people.)
Exclusions：
Warm clothes, meals, tips for driver and guide ($8 and above is the suggested tip per guest per activity.)
Schedule：
Tour pick-ups begin at 9:00 am. Please be ready in the lobby of your hotel. You will travel to the outskirts of town, a journey which will last about 40 minutes depending on road conditions. After arrival, you will be able to take photos with the dogs, enjoy some hot drinks while being assigned to a sled. Your ride will last 30 minutes. Depending on the size of your group, there may be more than 1 round of sleds that go out before you depart to return to Fairbanks. Usually time on site is about 1 hour, after which you will return to your hotel where you can rejoin and the Fairbanks City Tour in the afternoon.

Self-Pay Option Tours: C) Aurora Viewing Lodges(Require to reserve when you book the tour)
Price: $105.00/per person (8/21/2017- 4/15/2018)
Tour Contents：
Away from the lights and noise of the city, our small lodges and cabins sit on the mountain ridges surrounding Fairbanks. From the warmth of a cozy sofa watch the magical Aurora while drinking a cup of cocoa or some hot tea or coffee. We have large windows perfect for accommodating Aurora viewing. And if it’s a 365* view you want, go outside and get those magical photos you’ve been longing for. If you listen carefully, you might hear the Aurora singing to you.
Inclusions：
Round trip transportation, entrance to the lodge, small snacks and warm drinks. (To guarantee a Chinese speaking guide, the group booking the tour must be at least 6 people.)
Exclusions：
Meals, tips for driver and guide ($8 and above is the suggested tip per guest per activity.)
Schedule：
Your Aurora journey begins when our hotel pick-ups start at 21:00. We will pick you up in a comfortable bus or high-topped van. The van will leave Fairbanks at 22:00. The drive to the lodges lasts about 40 minutes depending on the road conditions. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will enjoy 3 hours of free time to watch for the Aurora, take pictures and enjoy a cozy Alaskan home setting. Depending on the Aurora’s condition, we will leave for Fairbanks around 3am.