5 Day Northern Lights Vacation from Anchorage Without a Car

This is the perfect itinerary for travelers without a rental car. Opt for private transportation and avoid the hassle of a rental car.

Start your tour as soon as you leave the airport with a guide that will take you wherever you north to Chugiak / Eagle River to get settled into your private getaway, Loft in the Clouds, which is suited for 2 to 10 guests.

AK Tripping can accommodate up to 4 passengers and Escaping Anchorage has space for 10. Both companies can pick you up from the Anchorage airport, help with grocery shopping arrangements, and drop off at your home base, Loft in the Clouds.

Stick around the Chugiak-Eagle River area and make sure to check the Aurora forecast. The lights will not be out until the middle of the night, so if you are able, TRY to squeeze a nap in. The Loft in the Clouds has 360-degree views and rooftop decks that offer the perfect viewing point for the famed aurora borealis.

Want to continue exploring? Both companies would love to continue being your hosts and can offer options that fit your group perfectly.

The Chugiak / Eagle River area is home to many great trails, including the Eagle River Nature Center. If you are interested in a guided hike, Go Hike Alaska can pick you up from your front door and get you out on the trails on foot and in snowshoes! Tours range from 2-5 hrs.

Today you'll be making the trip from Chugiak / Eagle River to the MatSu Valley.

The Palmer/Wasilla area is perfect for some iconic winter activities in the Alaskan backcountry, like snowmobiling, dog sledding, or a flightseeing excursion.

You could also make a stop at the Musk Ox Farm or Reindeer Farm to see some Alaskan wildlife up close. Both AK Tripping and Escaping Anchorage are willing to provide transportation and wait while you participate in any excursions.

Head back Eagle River to grab dinner and on to the Loft in the Clouds with another chance to see the lights.

Arrange pick up with your driver to do some guided sightseeing between Chugiak and Anchorage.

You can either hang out with your driver for the day or choose from many options for winter activities in Anchorage. Your driver will wait for you during your excursion.

Enjoy local cuisine in Anchorage before you head back to Chugiak; or stop in Eagle River if you'd like to get back closer to home.

This would also be a good day to go snowshoeing or on a hike with Go Hike if you needed a rest day on day one from traveling.

Wake up and get ready to take a guided tour from Loft in the Clouds down to Girdwood. Choose from stops along the way in Eagle River, Anchorage, and/or Girdwood. If you'd like to try out fat tire biking or hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding at Alyeska Resort, try to get down to Girdwood sooner than later unless you have time to ski tomorrow. For the best skiing, we recommend visiting between December and March.

Choose to stay at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska or a local Inn or B&B and bask in the luxurious surroundings.

Wake up among Girdwood's mountain scenery and prearrange for AK Tripping or Escaping Anchorage to fill your day with a guided tour of Girdwood and Anchorage with drop off being at the Anchorage airport. You can visit the city's world-class museums and great art galleries, indulge in some local cuisine, or even check out a winter festival if one is going on. And of course, don't forget to do some souvenir shopping before heading home!