Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska To Hawaii

Nestled between the rugged Cascade Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, Seattle beckons with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit and vibrant culture.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver emerges as a vibrant metropolis renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cosmopolitan charm.

The ports of Alaska inspire visions of remote wilderness outposts, legendary gold-rush towns and Native Alaskan villages, all set amid lush forests and frigid, glacier-flanked waters. And while you’ll certainly find these things in and around Sitka, you’ll witness a unique slice of Alaskan history not found anywhere else. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America under the name New Archangel. Sailing into Sitka today, you’ll still see vestiges of Russia’s influence, including the unmistakable onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. Stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical Park to peruse its interesting collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia defeated the native Tlingit people. Sitka also boasts an abundance of epic natural scenery and wildlife. Take a walk up Castle Hill to enjoy an ideal vantage point across the water to the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe, and trips to the nearby Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center offer up-close encounters with some of Alaska’s most captivating creatures.

Nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay and framed by towering peaks, Seward emerges as a picturesque gem along Alaska's southern coast.

Nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay and framed by towering peaks, Seward emerges as a picturesque gem along Alaska's southern coast.

Nestled amid the rugged wilderness of Alaska's Kodiak Island, Kodiak stands as a testament to the untamed beauty and resilience of the Last Frontier.

Dutch Harbor, located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, is a remote yet bustling fishing port known for its stunning natural beauty and rich maritime heritage.

Kaua'i, often referred to as the "Garden Isle," is the oldest and most lush of the Hawaiian Islands.

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, nestled on the southeastern coast of Oʻahu, offers a captivating blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and natural beauty.

Once the playground of Hawaii's royalty, Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai. Here, too, is Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S. Sample shore excursions: Kona Outrigger Canoe Adventure; Parker Ranch; Big Island Helicopter Spectacular.

A mixture of enthralling cultural attractions and magnificent natural phenomena, Hilo offers some of the best sights in Hawaii.

Nestled between the rugged Cascade Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, Seattle beckons with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit and vibrant culture.