The 2012 Iditarod Tour

10 Days of Canine-Driven Excitement, February 27 – March 5, 2012

Experience the thrill of one of the world’s most grueling races, the playful personalities of extraordinary sled dogs and the beauty of Alaska’s unforgiving terrain.

• February 27 – Anchorage

  Independent arrival and check-in at the Captain Cook Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the various winter festival activities in Anchorage. Informational group meeting during the evening.

• February 28 – Anchorage/Willow/Anchorage

  Half of the group will depart in the morning for Wasilla. Visit the Wasilla Iditarod Headquarters and Museum. After a brief visit, continue on to Jan Steves’ kennel in Willow. Enjoy lunch with Jan Steves and veteran Iditarod musher Bob Chlupach. After lunch, tour the kennels and meet Jan’s dog team. A dogsled ride is an optional tour add-on. The other half of our group will stay in Anchorage and enjoy the annual Winter Fur Rendezvous, including native arts markets, theater show, winter carnival activities and a snow sculpture competition. (B)

• February 29 – Anchorage/Willow/Anchorage

  Half of the group will depart in the morning for Wasilla. Visit the Wasilla Iditarod Headquarters and Museum. After a brief visit, continue on to Jan Steves’ kennel in Willow. Enjoy lunch with Jan Steves and veteran Iditarod musher Bob Chlupach. After lunch, tour the kennels and meet Jan’s dog team. A dogsled ride is an optional tour add-on. The other half of our group will stay in Anchorage and enjoy the annual Winter Fur Rendezvous, including native arts markets, theater show, winter carnival activities and a snow sculpture competition. (B)

• March 1 – Anchorage/Girdwood/Anchorage

  In the morning, drive along Turnagain Arm, enjoying dramatic views of mountain scenery. Watch for beluga whales, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Visit the village of Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s largest ski area. In the afternoon, head back to Anchorage. Enjoy the Musher’s Banquet in the evening. (B,D)

• March 2 – Anchorage

  Visit the Anchorage Iditarod Race Headquarters, and attend an Iditarod seminar called “Vet Talk” and a demonstration on packing a sled for the race. (B)

• March 3 – Anchorage

  Witness the Iditarod Ceremonial Race start in Anchorage; get an early start and watch the mushers unload their teams in the staging area, and later join the crowds cheering on their favorite mushers as they race down 4th Ave. (B)

• March 4 – Anchorage

  Depart in the morning for Willow to view the official restart of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at the Glacier Brewhouse. (B, D)

• March 5 – Anchorage

  Those not continuing on with optional race fly-out tour add-ons will independently transfer to the airport and return home. (B)

• KEY: (B) = Breakfast; (D) = Dinner