Alaska
North America
The Key Experience
This is a destination on everyone's bucket list. Alaska is breathtaking, with nature found in every direction. For your first visit, I recommend a cruise & land combination. From personal experience and from clients, one thing is consistent: they all wish they had more time to experience all that Alaska has to offer. Book early, and speak with a travel advisor before narrowing down a specific itinerary.
Before becoming the 49th state in the United States, Alaska was controlled mostly by Russia until 1867, when US Secretary of State William Seward purchased it for $7.2 million — just two cents an acre.
Denali, renamed from Mount McKinley in 1975, is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet. Alaska has 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States.
Juneau — accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska's Inside Passage. Whale watching here is a must.
Glacier Bay National Park — a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sitka — step back in time in the charming port of Sitka, which reigned as the capital of Russian America for 100 years.
Ketchikan — experience Native Alaska firsthand.
Victoria, Canada — a common stop on an Alaskan cruise. Experience a bit of Britain in this Canadian city, with its blend of Old World charm and New World experiences. Breathtaking at night.
Main Attractions
What to see & do.
- 01Take flight over an Alaskan mountain range
- 02View the Northern Lights (seasonal)
- 03Experience Denali National Park
- 04Go dog sledding
- 05Whale watching
- 06Ride on the Alaskan Railroad
- 07Raft the river at Nova Matanuska Glacier
Plan the Trip
Practical details.
Best Time to Visit
High Season: June–August Shoulder Season: April–May; September–October Low Season: November–March
Climate
Oceanic / temperate marine — cool, wet winters and mild, relatively dry summers.
Time Needed
4–7 days pre- or post-cruise
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible touring available — itinerary planning can accommodate special needs.
The List
Notes from the field
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Next Step
Planning a trip to Alaska?
A short conversation is the fastest way to translate this guide into an itinerary built around you.