Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

From the ancient rainforest of Alaska's oldest national park to stunning examples of Russian colonial architecture, from captivating Native stories to an open bird habitat where eagles are free to fly, this exciting tour offers a unique perspective on Sitka's Russian, Tlingit and American cultural contributions.

Once you board your air-conditioned motorcoach, you're off on a sightseeing tour of Sitka. You'll pass many sites including the beautifully restored Russian Bishop's House, which dates back to 1858 when Sitka was the Russian colonial capital and St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which was originally constructed in 1848 and houses a priceless collection of orthodox art and religious artifacts dating back to the 15th century. Another site you'll see is the Fort Ray Historic District, home to Fort Ray, the support camp for army service men and batteries used in the harbor defenses of Sitka during World War II. Although the fort was never completed, it still stands as a testament to an era when Alaska was a prime target of Japanese attacks.

Continuing on, you'll journey to Sitka National Historical Park. Established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka, the park offers scenic paths and a beach trail lined with totem poles, stately reminders of the Natives' traditions and the values of tribal culture. Follow your guide for a short optional walk along the spruce-lined walkways and learn about the area's edible and medicinal plants, rainforest ecology and the many uses of salmon. At the park's visitor center, you'll see crafts created by local artists, as well as ancient artifacts and a video presentation of Sitka's story before heading to your next destination.

Then, you'll travel to the historic Tlingit village area, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Sitka. Here, you'll experience authentic Tlingit native stories and songs inside a modern rendition of a traditional-style clan house called Sheet'ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi or "Community House for all the People of Sitka," which is used to inspire, revitalize, restore and preserve the language, values and customs of the Tlingit people. At the entrance stand two large panels representing the eagle and raven: iconic symbols of the Tlingit Nation. Once inside, you'll gather around a fire pit and be entertained with a traditional Tlingit performance that has been passed down through Tlingit families for generations. Learn to speak Tlingit and hear the legends of the lovebirds: eagle and raven.

Next, you'll travel to the Alaska Raptor Center, a breathtaking 17-acre facility dedicated to treating injured bald eagles and other birds. Established in 1980, this non-profit organization is also a center of bald eagle research and environmental conservation. Explore and photograph the raptor center's open bird habitat and clinic area with views of bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.

At the end of your journey, you may either return to your ship or, if time allows, stay in town for further exploration on your own, including a self-guided tour of St. Michael's Cathedral, and return to the ship via shuttle at your leisure.