- (845) 202-3327
- PO Box 72, WIllow, NY 12495
- info@specialinteresttours.com
2025 Northern Lights Astronomy Tour with Bob Berman
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.
- Double Occupancy : $5,200*/pp
- Single Occupancy : $5,900/pp
- ALL MEALS INCLUDED
- 7NIGHTS
- PRIVATE COACH BUS








What's Included
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.
7 Nights Hotel
2 nights in Anchorage (2/20 & 2/21), 3 nights in Fairbanks (2/22, 2/23 & 2/26), 2 nights at Chena Hot Springs Resort (2/24 & 2/25)
11 Meals
3 dinners (one each in Anchorage, Fairbanks & Chena Hot Springs), 7 breakfasts (at Anchorage & Fairbanks hotels), 1 lunch in Fairbanks
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation February 20-27th (there are no group activities on February 17th)
Aurora Chasing
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 on 2/22-27.
ANC - Planetarium Show
Private planetarium show with Bob Berman Scenic TourScenic bus tour of Anchorage with stops at Earthquake Park and Beluga Point
Train Ticket
All-day rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park.. Food will be available for purchase onboard.
Museum Admission
Admission to the Anchorage Museum - Astronomy lecture with Bob Berman in Fairbanks
Star Party
Star PartyWeather-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
Star PartyWeather-permitting, outdoor Guide to the Northern Sky lecture with Bob Berman at Chena
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
Gratuities
Special Interest Tours will provide gratuities for bus driver(s) and at any group meals. However, gratuities for breakfasts or housekeeping will be at the guest's sole discretion.
Airport Transfers
Transfers between the Anchorage and Fairbanks Airports and the hotel on 3/07 and 3/14, respectively. Guests traveling on different days are responsible for their own transfers.
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.
Request Emailed Tour Brochure
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Feb 20
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.
Day 2 - Feb 21
Explore Anchorage & the Thomas Planetarium
After breakfast we will visit the Thomas Planetarium for a special, private show on the northern skies, curated by Bob Berman specifically for our group. The planetarium is located in the wonderful Anchorage Museum, which includes art, history and science exhibits which guests will have time to explore.
In the afternoon we will take a bus tour through Anchorage, including Earthquake park and Beluga Point, a viewing location on on the beautiful Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
In the afternoon we will take a bus tour through Anchorage, including Earthquake park and Beluga Point, a viewing location on on the beautiful Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
Day 3 - Feb 22
Rail excursion through Denali National Park
After breakfast we will visit the Thomas Planetarium for a special, private show on the northern skies, curated by Bob Berman specifically for our group. The planetarium is located in the wonderful Anchorage Museum, which includes art, history and science exhibits which guests will have time to explore.
In the afternoon we will take a bus tour through Anchorage, including Earthquake park and Beluga Point, a viewing location on the beautiful Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
In the afternoon we will take a bus tour through Anchorage, including Earthquake park and Beluga Point, a viewing location on the beautiful Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
Day 4 - Feb 23
Explore Fairbanks
After breakfast we will head to the Morris Thomspon Cultural Center, which houses world-class exhibits about the Interior and Arctic Alaska and the history and seasonal flow of local lifestyles. After our excursion at the center, guest will have time to wander this unique and historic city.
In the afternoon, back at the hotel, we will join Bob Berman for one of his esteemed lectures, which are fun and approachable for both novice and seasoned astronomy enthusiasts.
In the evening we will head to the Fairbanks Ice Park, filled with incredible ice sculptures that are especially magnificent at night when illuminated by colored lights.
In the afternoon, back at the hotel, we will join Bob Berman for one of his esteemed lectures, which are fun and approachable for both novice and seasoned astronomy enthusiasts.
In the evening we will head to the Fairbanks Ice Park, filled with incredible ice sculptures that are especially magnificent at night when illuminated by colored lights.
Day 5 - Feb 24
Museum of the North & Chena Hot Springs
After breakfast, we will board our coach and make our way to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, one of the world’s leading centers in aurora studies. Here we will visit the Museum of the North, which offers fascinating exhibits on the nature, arts, and culture of Alaska.
Following the museum, we will travel to Chena for a two-night stay. Located sixty miles from Fairbanks secluded in the mountains, Chena Hot Springs Resort is ideal for observing the aurora and the northern skies. After settling in, we'll gather for a Sno-Cat ride up a nearby summit where we'll catch the sunset.
Tomorrow, you can take a dogsled ride in the forest and make sure you find time to relax in the outdoor, natural hot springs.
Following the museum, we will travel to Chena for a two-night stay. Located sixty miles from Fairbanks secluded in the mountains, Chena Hot Springs Resort is ideal for observing the aurora and the northern skies. After settling in, we'll gather for a Sno-Cat ride up a nearby summit where we'll catch the sunset.
Tomorrow, you can take a dogsled ride in the forest and make sure you find time to relax in the outdoor, natural hot springs.
Day 6 - Feb 25
Free Day at Chena
The day is yours to explore Chena and enjoy the Alaskan wilderness. A dogsled ride through the forest and access to the hot springs, pool house and surrounding trails are all included in your package. Chena also offers sno-mobile excursions, and cross-country skii rentals, among other offerings, at an additional cost.
Chena is also one of the “greenest” places on Earth! Scientists around the world have traveled to observe its modern green technology. You will have an opportunity to tour the remarkably progressive facilities and learn about their recycling program (everything is recycled), the self-sustaining power-generation system which uses the hot springs to heat all buildings and create electricity, and the greenhouses where much of the resort’s food is grown.
After dinner we'll join Bob for a late night outdoor Star Party, where he'll identify constellations and teach us about their significance.
All in all, this promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Chena is also one of the “greenest” places on Earth! Scientists around the world have traveled to observe its modern green technology. You will have an opportunity to tour the remarkably progressive facilities and learn about their recycling program (everything is recycled), the self-sustaining power-generation system which uses the hot springs to heat all buildings and create electricity, and the greenhouses where much of the resort’s food is grown.
After dinner we'll join Bob for a late night outdoor Star Party, where he'll identify constellations and teach us about their significance.
All in all, this promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Day 7 - Feb 26
Fountainhead Auto Museum & the Historic Pump House
In the late morning we will depart Chena and return to Fairbanks. Along the way, we will stop at the Alaskan Pipeline, a great architectural feat in the harshest of climates.
Next we will head to the Fountainhead Antique and Auto Museum, which hosts a "world-class collection of vintage automobiles and period fashions complemented by fascinating exhibits, accessories, photographs and archival videos" and welcomes guests "on a vivid journey through the automotive age, from Victorian times through the Art Deco era."
After checking back into our Fairbanks hotel, guests will have the rest of the afternoon free to prepare for their flights home and do any final shopping in Fairbanks.
In the early evening we will gather for our farewell dinner at the Pumphouse, a local favorite which was reconstructed to create an 1890/s "Gold Rush" motif and houses many impressive antiques.
Next we will head to the Fountainhead Antique and Auto Museum, which hosts a "world-class collection of vintage automobiles and period fashions complemented by fascinating exhibits, accessories, photographs and archival videos" and welcomes guests "on a vivid journey through the automotive age, from Victorian times through the Art Deco era."
After checking back into our Fairbanks hotel, guests will have the rest of the afternoon free to prepare for their flights home and do any final shopping in Fairbanks.
In the early evening we will gather for our farewell dinner at the Pumphouse, a local favorite which was reconstructed to create an 1890/s "Gold Rush" motif and houses many impressive antiques.
Day 8 - Feb 27
Farewell
Breakfast will be provided at the hotel. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 am, but late check-outs may be available upon request. Transport for guests returning to the airport will be available throughout the day.
TOUR PRICING
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.
Double Occupancy
One Person Per Room
$5,200/person
- All-Inclusive (11 Meals)
- 7 NIght Hotel
- Admission to the Museum of the North
- Trip to the Fairbanks Cultural Center
- Private planetarium show with Bob Berman
Double Occupancy
One Person Per Room
$5,900/person
- All-Inclusive (3 Meals Daily)
- Gold Star Trains | Dome Cars (4 Legs)
- Major Marine Kenai Fjords Boat Excursion
- Welcome Salmon Bake Dinner
- Private Room
- Travelers Insurance
- Single Occupancy $9400.00/pp
- PRIVATE COACH BUS
"Wonderful trip, well done. We enjoyed every day of the adventure. Especially loved meeting new people with a common interest on a great planned excursion. Thank you for a great experience"
Bryan and Barb Berlin
2023 Alaska by Rails
"This was my fourth trip with SIT and as usual it was meticulously planned. Anjali showed her typical professionalism and flexibility as the trip progressed and issues arose. Molly did a great job assisting and will be an asset to the team. Pat, the bus driver, added local flavor and Alaska knowledge. I plan to book other trips with SIT in the future."
William S
2023 Alaska by Rails
Comments are closed.