Get ready for the Iditarod finish. Transfer to the airport. Morning flight to Nome. Check into your hotel or bed and breakfast in Nome and explore the many sights of the community. Stroll around the city and learn more about the rich history of this gold rush town and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Plenty of time to shop for exquisite jade, hand-carved ivory and skin sewings. The nights may provide some outstanding Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis – viewing. Overnight Nome

Today it is time to explore Nome and the surrounding area. Get to know the deep knowledge of the area's cultures and history. Seeing Nome on a guided tour is a truly authentic local experience you won't want to miss! Driving around, you'll absorb the historic flavor of this city's 100 years--along with thousands of years of Eskimo history. You'll visit the port, the cemetery, tour through town, and take a drive into the country to take a tundra walk and get a insightful take on the unique ecosystem, then, if you like, try your hand at panning for gold on the beaches of Nome. Overnight: Nome

Fly today to Unalakleet Checkpoint (or another checkpoint depending on the race progress). Fly along the Iditarod Trail and spot already sled dog teams from the air. Unalakleet on the shores of Norton Sound is a major logistic hub for the race – about 275 Miles from Nome. Unalakleet is the first checkpoint on the Norton Sound in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The first musher to reach this checkpoint each year is awarded the title Gold Coast Award, which includes $2,500 in gold nuggets. You have a the afternoon to observe the race activities. By now you are familiar with the checkpoint routine: Mushers come into the checkpoint, mushers leave the checkpoint, vets check dogs, dogs eat, dog feet and muscles are massaged by caring mushers, dogs sleep, mushers sleep and a myriad of other mushing related tasks. Return to Nome in the late afternoon. Overnight: Nome

The first musher is expected to arrive today. The last stretch of the trail is exposed to the elements and ground blizzards are not uncommon. Gather near the "Burled Arches" along Front street to watch the spectacle as mushers approaches the finishing line with his dog team - greeted by a cheering crowd, TV Stations, Film Crews and newspaper reporter. Throughout the day cheer the mushers as they are crossing the finish line in Nome. You have time to participant in the many activities Nome has to offer during the Iditarod Race: the Bering Sea Ice Golf Classic, Helicopter Tour, visit the Native Craft Fair or the Idita-Mardi Gras Party. Overnight: Nome

Morning flight from Nome to Koyuk on the shores of Norton Bay or to White Mountain (depending on the race progress). Koyuk checkpoint is only 171 Miles from Nome. Mushers are usually dealing with bad weather conditions along this stretch. High winds and temperatures of 40-below are common. The way to Shaktoolik is also extremely difficult to run due to the ever-present threat of open water and moving ice. This is certainly one of the hardest stretches of the race. White Mountain Checkpoint is located just 77 miles from Nome, on the banks of the Fish River. It takes its name from that of a picturesque nearby mountain. The checkpoint is located in the community hall building up the hill from the store. White Mountain is most notable as the last of three mandatory rest stops for teams competing in the annual Iditarod. All mushers are required to take an 8-hour rest stop at White Mountain before making the final push to the end of the race, 99 miles away in Nome. Spend the afternoon to observe mushing activities. Return Flight to Nome. Overnight: Nome

This morning watch more and more mushers arriving in Nome. This afternoon enjoy the snowcat ride to Safety. Travel across the snow covered frozen tundra to view wildlife and gold rush landmarks across a beautiful and wild land. Muskox sightings on this trip are very common! It is amazing to see what it must be like to be out so far from anything like the mushers are. This is their last stretch before they arrive in Nome, and you might have passed a couple mushers. Safety Checkpoint is a warm and welcoming place. Joe runs the place and welcomes everyone with a story. Visitors from near and far visit the Roadhouse and leave a dollar bill with their name on it stapled to one of the walls. Overnight: Nome.

Morning on your own. Return flight from Nome to Anchorage during the day. We have several flight times available. Optional tour extension or additional nights in Nome on request.