Sitka

After being the Russian capital of North America, the Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes in Sitka when the United States purchased Alaska. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in Southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Historic Sitka and Nature Walk
Tour Code: SIT-002
Duration: 3 hours
Retail Value: $99.00
Price: Free

Discover Sitka's fascinating history and natural beauty on foot during this scenic walking tour of the city, and a nature walk at the Sitka National Historical Park.

Depart the pier for the scenic guided walk to Castle Hill, site of the 1867 land-transfer ceremony when Alaska was purchased from Russia. You will then pass through Totem Square, formerly the Russian parade grounds, and the barracks area. You will then see the Prospector statue at the pioneer home grounds, and the Russian blockhouse in the Old Russian Cemetery.

Next, you will walk along the harbor's shoreline to visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House. St. Michael's Cathedral is always the last stop on the tour. The Russian Bishop's House is a place the tour will pass. However, a visit inside the Bishop's House is not included in the walk. Along the way, you will see many Victorian-style homes and ornate churches before passing Sheldon Jackson College, home to James Michener during the writing of his book, Alaska.

Afterward, you will proceed for a visit to Sitka National Historical Park, where walking trails lined with authentic totem poles will guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest. As you cross the bridge at Indian River where salmon spawn in the late-summer, you will learn about the rain forest ecosystem, and local plant and animal life. At the Raptor Center, you will encounter the swamp-like muskeg soil and alpine meadow where most of Alaska's bird, plant and wild berries thrive.

You will then explore and photograph the Raptor Center's open bird habitat and new Eagle Flight Center, home to bald eagles, owls, hawks and other birds of prey. During your visit, the staff will explain the Raptor Center's mission and answer questions.

Your tour will conclude with a transfer back to the pier. If you wish to explore more of Sitka, you will be dropped in the center of the historic downtown area at St. Michael's Cathedral, located just two blocks from the ship.

Please note: The tour involves 3 miles of walking over uneven ground, trails and stairways at a steady pace. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, and wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes. An admission ticket will be provided to visit St. Michael's Cathedral on your own after the tour. The order of sites visited may be reversed.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.