North to Alaska Adventure - Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights HOP - February 25 – March 2, 2024 OR March 3 - 9, 2024

Head Out - HOP · May 26, 2023

Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights HOP

February 25 – March 2, 2024

OR

March 3 - 9, 2024

Choose which week you would like to attend this awesome HOP!

Alaska is truly America's last frontier--wild and untamed! You will experience all the magic of winter in Alaska on this HOP.

The Northern Lights are on most people's bucket list, and the best way to see these magical dancing lights is to be there in person.

Do not worry about falling asleep and missing the Northern Lights. Our guide will wake us at the proper time of night, so we will not miss anything!

Join your fellow Escapees and travel to Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Flying into Fairbanks, Alaska, is a journey of a lifetime and includes exciting tours with local expert guides.

You can sip an appletini in an ice-carved glass, at the ice bar, on ice seats.

Curling is more than you would expect! Try your hand at a game of Curling, one of Fairbanks's favorite games. Learn what it means to be a local and see how they pass the time on the long dark winter days.

See the delicate and detailed artwork in the Ice Museum.

Tour the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks and the greater Fairbanks area. Learn about its colorful history and the tremendous and never-ending pioneer spirit that still lives on today.

Learn more about the area's history, culture and way of life while visiting the Morris Thompsons Cultural Center, the Fairbanks Antique Auto Museum and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Visit the Museum of the North and see the refurbished bus where Chris McCandless spent the last months of his life, as portrayed in the movie, Into the Wild. Also, tour Fairbanks, visit well-known and historical sites such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and learn the history.

Also, visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks and experience the Large Animal Research Station, and get the opportunity to see Musk Ox up close and learn about these fascinating and hardy animals.

Remember to watch for wildlife on a beautiful winter drive to the hot springs. At the springs, you will spend the day exploring the area, soaking and relaxing in the hot springs, visiting the Ice Museum, having a drink served from an ice-carved glass at the popular ice bar and ending the day with a nice meal at the hot springs.

Enjoy a dogsledding excursion through the snow-covered forest and see the handling of these hard-working dogs. Meet some of the friendly, hard-working furry athletes and learn about mushing.

During the visit to North Pole, Alaska, let Santa know you have been good this year! Stop at the world-famous Santa Clause House, look for Christmas gifts for friends or family, try the tasty fudge and take fantastic photos at the North Pole!

Visit with friendly reindeer and those who raise them at a Reindeer Ranch. Learn about these amazing animals who make their home in the harsh climate of the artic. Also, learn the correct way to pet/touch reindeer.

Registration includes:

· 6 nights - staying in a beautiful snow-covered country setting

· Hearty, delicious Alaskan breakfast every morning

· 1 lunch

· Accommodations to/from the airport

· Sightseeing/transportation to the tours with professional drivers and expert tour guides

· Admission to all the tours

· The Ice Sculpture Museum

· Sip an appletini at the Ice Museum Bar - (Appletini not included in tour price)

· Dogsledding

· A Reindeer Farm

· The Museum of the North

· Tour Fairbanks and visit well-known and historical sites in town

· Visit the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

· Curling!

· Learn about the different seasons in Alaska

· Learn about native art, dance and music

· Try your skills at snowshoeing!

· Entry into the hot spring

· Every night, view the Northern Lights! (Weather permitting)

· Watch for moose!

· Watch for Eagles!

· The Northern Lights aka Aurora Borealis guide with a personal wake-up service and photography assistance when the Aurora is active

· Transportation to/from lunch and dinners in town

· Explore the hiking trails from the lodge

· Souvenir HOP name badge

And much more……

Rain or shine.

This HOP includes considerable walking, often on uneven ground.

Not wheelchair accessible.

*Note: This itinerary may still be amended without notice. We do our best to secure all activities ahead of time, but changes are sometimes necessary when dealing with the weather, snow, traffic, length of tours, local vendors and the Aurora Borealis. However, traveling at peak times, going out for activities, and staying a few nights optimizes chances of success. Not having an encounter is an extremely rare occurrence.

Superb locations and unforgettable experiences await you on this spectacular HOP.

Bring your camera to capture those memorable, breathtaking photos!

Due at registration – Deposits nonrefundable:

$800.00 per person double occupancy

$800.00 single person per room

Final Payment:

December 2, 2023

To register for this HOP

Sign up online

HOP #1 - February 25 – March 2, 2024 click: https://escapees.com/event/north-to-alaska-adventure-aurora-borealis-aka-northern-lights-hop-2024-1/

HOP #2 - March 3 - 9, 2024, click: https://escapees.com/event/north-to-alaska-adventure-aurora-borealis-aka-northern-lights-hop-2024-2/

Note: This HOP may sell out online before you can register via phone.

If you need to contact the HOP Department for registration

Call 936-329-6499

or email: registration@escapees.com

Pricing, Deposit and Insurance

Per person - double occupancy: $3,700.00
Single person in room: $4,600.00
Insurance can be purchased. See travel insurance link below.
Note: This will not include any air charges, travel insurance, single rooms supplement, extra pre-or post-night options, or some lunches and dinner.

After registering – confirmation email

You will receive a confirmation email with all the dates, activities, and essential information about this HOP.

Please, make sure Escapees has your current email address on file. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam files, or email us at registration@escapees.com.

Air Flights into/out of Fairbanks, Alaska

· We highly suggest flying into Fairbanks on Saturday, February 24, 2024. This will help eliminate any delays or cancellations by air travel. You will not want to miss the tours if the plane arrives late!

You can stay at a local hotel in Fairbanks and be picked up by your tour guide on the morning of February 25. Be sure the hotel you choose will pick you up at the airport if you arrive February 24, 2024.
Booking your flight independently will save you money.
Once booked, you must inform Escapees of your flight name, number, time and date of departure, and any other arrival information.
This is important so we can add you to the tour list for complimentary transfers to/from the airport to your hotel.
When you register for this HOP, you will receive important information needed for your visit.
On March 2, 2024, plan to fly back to the U.S. after 9:00 a.m., if you are not extending your stay for additional activities.

Optional activities, cold gear and stay extra days

Enhance your unique Alaskan experience with top-rated, local tour guides by selecting additional activities, a cold gear package and extra days for additional prices.

· Arctic Circle Excursions

· Denali Flight Seeing

· Denali Day Tour

· Kastner Glacier Excursion

· Snowmobile Excursions

· Ice Fishing

· Sled Dog Mushing School

· Extended Sled Dog Ride

· Night (Aurora) Sled Dog Ride

· Cold

· If you want to stay for extra activities, please email me at headout@escapees.com for more information.

Travel Insurance

We suggest you purchase trip insurance to protect your financial investment in this HOP.

If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance. Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses or emergencies while on the trip. To learn more about or purchase Travel insurance, click https://advisors.travelguard.com/buy?ta_arc=45674263&pcode=&agencyemail=registration@escapees.com

Cancellation Penalties:

*All land tour cancellations must be advised in writing by November 2, 2023.

Deposits are nonrefundable.

Note: This will not include air charges, travel insurance, single rooms supplement, extra pre-or post-night options, or some lunches and dinners.

To view upcoming HOPs: https://www.escapees.com/hops

See you at the HOP!

Lisa Koca

HOP Director

936-329-6499

Office hours:

Mon. – Fri. | 8:30 – 4:30 CST

www.escapees.com/hops