Alaska

This comprehensive tour offers the highlights of Alaska's capital city including a visit to stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Board your deluxe coach and set off to explore a selection of Juneau's most memorable attractions in style as your driver/guide shares tales of Juneau's colorful past. Arrive at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and the staff will acquaint you with one of Alaska's most important species - the Pacific salmon. Be sure to check out the raceways with adolescent salmon and the various aquariums displaying the rich sea life of the region.

Next, travel to Glacier Gardens. Relax as a guide ushers you through the rain forest to the 800 foot level via motorized cart where you'll have time to take in a canopy view of Gastineau Channel below and Douglas Island, Lynn Canal, Mendenhall Valley, and the Chilkat Mountains in the background. Your tour culminates with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. The area offers several vantage points for viewing this stunning river of ice. Explore the visitor center to learn about this Ice Age wonder from the engaging exhibits and visiting with U.S. Forest Service staff.

Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited – for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking.

Take a scenic drive up the spectacular Klondike Highway and into Canada's historic and beautiful Yukon Territory. Your mountain guide and mini bus with big windows will transport you up the original White Pass "Trail of '98." Along the way, you'll be greeted by the rugged expanse of land that both Infuriated and enchanted gold seekers over 100 years ago. Pass waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks before crossing the mountain cradling the 3,292 ft. summit and following a jewel-like string of lakes that feed the Yukon River.

In the Yukon, you'll visit the village of Carcross. Rich in history, you'll be charmed by its picturesque log cabins, hotel and General Store. Further north, see the "smallest desert in the world," and then continue to Emerald Lake, truly a gem in its green valley setting. Lunch is a home-style affair at the Spirit Lake Lodge, famous throughout the Yukon for its wonderful pies. You'll then return to Skagway with plenty of time left for exploring the historic downtown or shopping.

Note: This excursion enters Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport.

Start your tour in Skagway's historic downtown area as your guide points out places of interest and regales you with tales of the famous and foolhardy. Wind through streets lined with wooden boardwalks and false fronted buildings en route to Scenic Overlook, Gold Rush Cemetery and Liarsville. Enjoy a dining experience you'll never forget at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. Your meal is prepared over an open wood fire using recipes from 1898. Sit down for freshly grilled filet of wild Alaskan salmon, baked chicken, rice pilaf, a variety of salads, baked beans, cornbread, coffee, lemonade and dessert.

After your meal gather at the Liarsville Hippodrome where a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will dazzle you with melodrama, recite Robert Service poetry and teach you the art of gold panning. You're guaranteed to find gold in every pan! Once you've made your fortune, take time to wander through the camp and visit the general store, saloon, bordello and laundry tents to view the antiques and vintage clothing left behind. Be sure to have your picture taken with one of the dance hall girls or the camp mascot,a lovable husky.

The Alcatraz ferry awaits your arrival to take you to the notorious prison that once housed the likes of Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz. During your ferry ride, enjoy a panoramic view of the famous San Francisco skyline and prepare to explore the 'Rock'. Tour the small jail cells as an audio tour fills you with images of days gone by. Return to San Francisco by ferry and board your motorcoach for a journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. After a stop at Vista Point for a fabulous view of the city by the bay, it's a short ride into Sausalito Village. Stroll along Sausalito's streets to browse among the many specialty shops and galleries. And take in yet another breathtaking view of San Francisco before returning to your ship. Note: Your tour fee includes the $28.00 National Park Service Entry Fee.

Your guide will meet you in the Fish House Excursion Lounge to escort you to the tram departure area. A leisurely walk will take you to board the tram for this 2 1/2 hour tour where you will discover firsthand the natural wonders of the wild southeast Alaskan rainforest. Along with your local guide, you'll ride a covered wheeled- tram approximately two miles through an old growth rainforest and along the shoreline where Chichagof Island meets the bountiful waters of Icy Strait. Your guide will describe the ecological and cultural significance of the forest's unique plants and animals and how the island's Native Tlingit people are bound to its rich landscape. pon your return to Icy Strait Point gather at the Heritage Center Native Theater for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends performance where outstanding performers will entertain and educate you by sharing their culture and history through song, dance and storytelling. Note: We recommend you bring a raincoat.

This wilderness expedition to the spectacular Davidson Glacier leads you through fjords, rain forests, colorful wildflowers, and towering mountains. Your adventure begins with a 75 minute journey through North America's deepest fjord aboard a high speed 26 passenger expedition boat. Watch for whales, seals, sea lions, and cascading waterfalls along the way to a remote beach at Glacier Point, one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.

After a short, adventurous drive across the forested glacial moraines, and a quarter mile walk, the forest suddenly opens to a breathtaking view of the glacier. The crystal blue ice tumbles from the jagged peaks into a pristine lake where 31 foot voyager canoes wait to take you to the very face of the glacier. Throughout your tour, expert guides share their extensive knowledge of this amazing area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach amid fields of wild strawberries and iris tops before your return trip to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age, weigh no more than 350 lbs and must be in good health and able to walk over uneven terrain.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, nestled alongside Thunder Mountain, is a stunning combination of flowered pathways and temperate rainforest. Enjoy a guided tour from your covered transportation into the rainforest. Your guide will provide a narrative through the mile-long journey to the 580-foot level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mendenhall wetlands, Gastineau Channel, and Admiralty Island from the viewpoint on Thunder Mountain. Next, it's off to the Mendenhall Glacier. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking.

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive through Ketchikan to Air Marine Harbor. This tour has earned the "Tour Guide of the Year" award for each each of the past 10 years. It features guaranteed abundant eagles, 10 eagles nests, Totem Bight State Park, Vallenar Rocks Wildlife Viewing Area and historic Guard Island Lighthouse. Enjoy wildlife viewing with binoculars provided to you including: Eagles, Harbor seals, Pigeon Guillemots, moon jellyfish, whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of sea birds, all seen through the entire season. Enjoy the heated main cabin or outdoor observation decks. You'll cruise past historic Ward Cove Cannery and circumnavigate the Guard Island Lighthouse established in 1901. No other excursion offers this itinerary, nor offers a view of Totem Bight State Park from the water. You'll view the Totem Bight clan house totem poles, including Ketchikan's tallest totem pole. Your Captain will unravel historic mysteries of Alaska's most dangerous Island, Danger Island and you will circumnavigate or have clear viewing of a total of 12 islands on your tour route. Many of these islands are inhabited only by Alaska's wildlife. Enjoy complimentary "Hot Chocolate Supreme", coffee, tea, water, soft drinks as well as salmon spread, cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, cookies & mints.

The city and cruise port of Victoria are steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, on this one hour excursion you'll see why Victoria is nicknamed the "City of Gardens". At the cruise terminal you'll board your trolley, drawn by two magnificent draught horses. Get cozy in your seat and feel free to wrap yourself in the provided blanket.

Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they "giddy up" and "whoa boy" this tour through town! You'll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings, commonly referred to as the Parliament buildings. Sit back and relax as you're carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

Note: This is an open-air vehicle and we recommend you bring a jacket. Guests will need to navigate two steps to board the trolley and due to safety concerns, wheel chairs, walkers, strollers and scooters must be left at the departure location.

Your tour begins with a drive along the Embarcadero, by the Ferry Building towards Downtown San Francisco. Continue on to Union Square and then head toward the famous Nob Hill for a photo stop and a visit to Grace Cathedral. Continue to the Civic Center and view City Hall. Then it's on to Chinatown for a Dim Sum lunch at one of Chinatown's popular restaurants. After lunch, ride through the streets of North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and by the Palace of Fine Arts. A photo opportunity awaits at Vista Point, just across the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Then it's on to Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square (time permitting) before returning to your ship.