Alaska Cultural and Historical Experience

Journey Through Southeast Alaska

Explore Tlingit culture, Russian heritage, Gold Rush history, dramatic fjords, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railway on this guided cultural journey through Southeast Alaska.

Alaska Cultural and Historical Experience at a glance:

• Day 1: Sitka – Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House.
• Day 2: Sitka – Guided tour of Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi.
• Day 3: Haines – Fly to Juneau, then travel by Fjordland catamaran to Haines; guided tour of Fort Seward.
• Day 4: Klukwan – Guided tour of Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center; rafting float through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve; Tlingit cultural dance at the Tlingit Park Long House Pavilion.
• Day 5: Skagway – Scenic ferry ride up Lynn Canal to Skagway; visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Museum; ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway; explore a recreated gold-rush trail camp, try gold panning, and enjoy a Klondike-era performance at the Hippodrome Theater.
• Day 6: Juneau – Scenic flight back to Juneau with glacier views.

 
Hosted by an expert Alaska-based guide team, professional naturalists, seasoned boat captains, and a veteran bush pilot, this journey offers firsthand access to the culture, history, and landscapes of the Last Frontier. Along the way, enjoy time to walk historic towns, view wildlife, shop for Native art, relax on Alaska beaches, and experience the character of Southeast Alaska without the stress of planning the logistics yourself.

We provide upscale lodging at each destination, gourmet meals, and travel by road, sea, and bush plane.

Day 1: Arrival in Sitka – St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Upon arrival in Sitka, you’ll be welcomed to one of Alaska’s most historic and culturally rich towns, where Russian, Tlingit, and American influences meet. Today’s highlights include a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, followed by a tour of the Russian Bishop’s House, one of the oldest surviving examples of Russian architecture in North America. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely one-mile walk through Totem Park in Sitka National Historical Park, where intricately carved totems introduce you to the stories and traditions of the Tlingit people.

Day 2: Sitka – Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi
Today you’ll continue exploring Sitka’s cultural heritage with a guided visit to Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi, a community house that offers deeper insight into Tlingit history and traditions. From there, a short walk up Castle Hill rewards you with panoramic views of Sitka and its surrounding islands, along with historical context that brings the area’s layered past to life.
Included: B-L.

Day 3: Sitka to Haines – Fjordland Catamaran
After breakfast, depart Sitka on a flight to Juneau. From there, a scenic Fjordland catamaran ride carries you up Lynn Canal to Haines, one of Southeast Alaska’s most picturesque communities. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of historic Fort Seward, the first permanent U.S. Army post in Alaska, known for its striking white buildings, colorful history, and mountain-and-waterfront setting.
Included: B-L.

Day 4: Klukwan – Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center
Today offers a deeper look into Tlingit culture with a visit to Klukwan, the Chilkat Indian Village, located along the Chilkat River. Tour the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center and explore the Whale House Collection while learning from a local Tlingit guide. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle rafting float through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of bald eagles. The day concludes with a cultural dance performance at the Tlingit Park Long House Pavilion.
Included: B-L.

Day 5: Haines to Skagway – White Pass & Yukon Route Railway; Liarsville Gold Rush and Salmon Bake
Begin the day with a scenic ferry ride up Lynn Canal to historic Skagway, gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Museum, where exhibits and the short film Gold Fever tell the story of the 1898 stampede. Then ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, climbing high above Skagway through steep mountain passes, trestle bridges, waterfalls, and rugged alpine scenery. Later, explore a recreated gold-rush trail camp, try your hand at gold panning, and enjoy a lively Klondike-era performance at the Hippodrome Theater inspired by frontier history and the poetry of Robert Service.
Included: B-L.

Day 6: Skagway to Juneau
Your journey concludes with a spectacular scenic flight aboard Alaska Seaplanes, soaring above glaciers and rugged mountain terrain on your return to Juneau. It is a fitting final view of Southeast Alaska’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Included: B.

Note: While dinner is not included, our guides can help facilitate group dinners at favorite local restaurants.

Weather delays and itinerary adjustments: Alaska Yukon Discovery Tours may adjust the scheduled itinerary due to weather, conditions, or operational conflicts. If any planned activity cannot operate as scheduled, alternate programming may be substituted, which could include different locations or activities.

Click here for the interactive map

We work with the best upscale and conveniently located hotels in Sitka, Haines, and Skagway to provide a comfortable and seamless guest experience throughout your journey.

Lodging in Sitka: The Westmark Sitka Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Sitka, the Westmark Sitka Hotel offers comfortable accommodations within walking distance of many of the town’s top attractions, with views of Sitka Sound and Mount Edgecumbe.

Lodging in Haines: Aspen Suites
Located in downtown Haines, Aspen Suites offers modern kitchenette studio suites within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the harbor, and local amenities.

Lodging in Skagway: Holland America Skagway Hotel
Located just off the main street in historic Skagway, this hotel offers recently renovated rooms, Victorian-style decor, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, the waterfront, and nearby trails.

Trip Documents:

• Trip Itinerary – Detailed trip itinerary
• Know Before You Go FAQs – Printable FAQ document
• Juneau Travel Information – Travel guidance for getting to and from Juneau
• Packing List – Recommended clothing and personal gear
• Waiver – Printable waiver for review
• Terms & Conditions – Terms and conditions for this trip

Group Price: Call for details

Private Booking Price: 2-person minimum (+ tax, USD)
$6,550 per person – 2 people
$5,950 per person – 4 people
$5,350 per person – 6 people

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement – $900

2026 Dates: June, July, August, September
2027 Dates: June, July, August, September

What is included in the standard vacation price?

• Professionally planned itinerary
• Expert guides as private escorts throughout your vacation
• Upscale hotel accommodations
• Breakfast and lunch per the itinerary
• All activities listed on the itinerary
• All equipment necessary for included activities
• Transportation to and from included activities
• All admission charges for included activities
• Transfers between destinations on the itinerary
• Airport transfers

Guests are responsible for the following:

• Air transportation to the departure city
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, waitstaff, and specialty guides
• Alcoholic beverages during included lunches
• Dinners
• Travel insurance

To book your adventure, follow the steps below:

1. Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out the online inquiry form to request more information.
2. Place a deposit to reserve your spot by credit card over the phone, by check, or through our online payment gateway.
3. Once your deposit is confirmed, you will receive a welcome packet with registration forms and trip information. We ask that all required registration materials be submitted at least 45 days prior to departure.

For private bookings or custom itineraries, please contact one of our consultants:

Call 1-907-313-4422
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Alaska Time