Excursion Raptors and ravens: discovering sitka tour at Sitka

Discover Sitka's finest attractions and historic landmarks during this scenic introductory tour of the city.

Depart the pier with a local guide, who provides commentary and points out sites of interest during your scenic transfer to Sitka's raptor hospital. Pass by the Russian Bishop's House, St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal Church and a National Cemetery en route to a close-up encounter with Alaska's bald eagle.

Alaska Raptor Centre

The Alaska Raptor Centre is an educational facility that provides medical treatment to injured bald eagles and then releases them back into the wild. During your visit, the facility's trained staff escorts you through a variety of exhibits containing bald eagles and other birds of prey. The centre presents a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures at close range.

Next, depart for a visit to Alaska's oldest federally-designated cultural and historic park.

Sitka National Historical Park

Upon arrival at the park, you may opt to stroll around independently or join your guide on a short exploration of the rainforest within the park. Your guide will cover a variety of topics that may include edible and medicinal plants found here, totem history, salmon cycles and rain forest ecology. The walk leads into the park museum, where you can learn about the 1804 battle in which the Native Tlingit people fought unsuccessfully against the Russians to retain their ancestral home. Visit with park rangers and see Tlingit artwork in various traditional forms.

During the final transfer see the heart of Sitka, St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Sitka Pioneers Home, from your comfortable coach as you head to the city's community house, Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

Naa Kahidi Tlingit Native Community Clan House

Next you'll visit a traditional-style Tlingit clan house built on the site of a former native-only government school. The Naa Kahídi Community House features the largest carved housescreen in the Pacific Northwest-the perfect backdrop for capturing your Alaskan memories. Admire the intricate designs on displayed traditional carved paddles as well as a rare Raven's Tail ceremonial robe and even learn to speak a bit of Tlingit with your guide. Your tour concludes with a transfer back to the ship.

Guest on the first morning departure may choose to stay in town. This will allow you to experience a truly unique Alaskan main street on your own, perhaps entering St Michael's Cathedral-the first Russian Orthodox cathedral in America-to view priceless icons and religious artefacts.

Otherwise, following your visit, re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sitka, Russian Bishop's House and Orthodox Cathedral, Churches, National Cemetery, Alaska Raptor Centre, Sitka Pioneers Home, Tlingit Clan

Note

Please note: A minimal amount of walking is required on this historic tour. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who use a manual wheelchair; however, all guests must be able to embark/disembark the coach via steps. The optional rainforest walk in the park along a gravel parkway is at your discretion. The order of sights may vary.