"Alaska's coastline is best explored aboard a small expedition ship to maximise the experience. Get up close to creaking glaciers by zodiac or kayak, sail alongside pods of orca, and see breaching humpbacks and brown bears foraging along the shoreline. National Geographic photographers are also on board to provide tips."
Upon your arrival in Juneau, you'll be met by a representative and escorted to the beauty of Mendenhall Glacier.
Explore the vast landscape by following trails along the Mendenhall Lake and Nugget Falls.
You'll board the ship and enjoy dinner before touring the Port of Juneau.
Today you'll journey into Tracy or Endicott Arm.
You'll sail through long narrow inlets cradled by towering colossal cliffs. Be sure to look out for Sawyer Glacier or the Dawes Glacier, which flaunt the grandeur of Mother Earth.
Animal lovers are in for a sweet treat; keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife such as black and brown bears, wolves, harbor seals, Arctic terns and pigeon guillemots and mountain goats.
Keep a lookout for humpback whales as you cruise off to Petersburg, a small Alaskan town known as “Little Norway” on Mitkof Island.
Marvel at the unusual muskeg landscape typical of the region. There will also be opportunities for kayaking, hiking and bike riding, with picture-perfect snow-capped mountains as a beautiful backdrop.
Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture and feast on amazingly fresh seafood during the four-day Little Norway Festival in the middle of May.
Today you'll experience the ultimate in whale watching at the Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait. Gather round the deck and let the naturalists fill you in on the intriguing breeding and feeding habits of humpback and killer whales.
Once ashore, get up close to the picturesque scenery by choosing to go trekking or kayaking.
Explore Icy Strait Point by foot or kayak, and be charmed by the local village culture still relatively untainted by the influx of tourists. Thrill-seekers should not miss out the ZipRider, one of the highest and longest zip-lines in North America.
Partake in the quest for whales in the frigid depths of the Icy Strait and listen in on their conversations if the conditions are suitable, and pass by the Inian Islands where you'll be greeted by a myriad of sea creatures including sea lions, seals, sea otters and porpoises.
Spend the day exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Glacier Bay National Park is a marvelous treasure trove of landscape and seascape, which supports a multitude of wildlife. Catch a glimpse of mountain goats scaling steep mountains, bald eagles soaring overhead, and marine animals like Steller sea lions, orcas and salmon gliding through the water.
You'll also witness gargantuan pieces of ice calving off glaciers and plunging into the water with a thunderous crash.
Today you'll visit a secluded beach to discover tide pools, engage in beach combs and trek along beautiful forest trails. If you're lucky, you may notice old bear tracks and spot bald eagles gliding high above the trees.
You'll disembark at Sitka after breakfast.
Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church and St. Michael’s Cathedral, which showcases Sitka’s Russian heritage. Head over to the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close encounter with bald eagles, hawks and owls.
Afterwards, you'll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey home.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour vacation will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
