Pioneers once came here in search of gold, but today Alaska’s treasure is its wild beauty. Just like the novels of Jack London, one of the world’s most spectacular shipping passages will satisfy your longing for exploration. Guided by the same feeling of great freedom experienced by the early settlers, your adventure begins with a two-day cruise through British Columbia’s Inside Passage. From the spirit Walk, enjoy views of myriad islands, thickly wooded mountains and small settlements slowly passing by on the shore. You might catch your first glimpse of bald eagles flying through the air, and maybe even whales.

Ketchikan, centre of Native American culture, provides fascinating insights into Alaska’s soul. From here, take the opportunity to go bear watching at Anan Creek* where, with luck, you will spot black and brown bears. Take a flight over the Misty Fjords* to see the deep inlets, snow-covered mountains and roaring waterfalls. A jeep and canoe trip on Revillagigedo Island* allows you to experience this idyll “off-road”.

This is also the focus in picturesque Wrangell, one of the country’s oldest settlements. Here you will have further opportunities for bear watching*. Go on an excursion through the former gold-digging territory of the Stikine and enjoy an adventure on this large river*.

The captain and crew will demonstrate their nautical skills on the challenging cruise through the Wrangell Narrows. Picturesque Petersburg is known as “Little Norway”. Painted flower garlands adorn its houses. A flight over the LeConte Glacier* will present a natural panorama from a very special perspective, perhaps even with mountain goats and black bears.

Discover the home of the Tlingit people on Kupreanof Island. Visible from afar, the world’s largest totem pole carved from a single tree trunk symbolises their culture – your experts will explain its meaning during an independent shore visit.

This is also the best time to watch whales, sea lions and bald eagles – for example, when cruising in Endicott Arm. In Tracy Arm, don’t spend all your time watching the wildlife: the steep rock faces and rugged glacier ice are equally enchanting.

The small settlement of Elfin Cove on Chichagof Island is one of approximately 1,100 islands off the coast of Alaska. A favourite summer resort of humpback whale families, it is situated in the Icy Strait. The fishing village has around 30 residents and reveals how the people in this region live in harmony with their wild surroundings.

The HANSEATIC spirit will be in its element once again as you approach the active Hubbard Glacier. If the conditions are right, your small expedition ship will make its way through the ice floes towards the edge of the glacier, allowing you to experience its majesty up close. Picture-book Alaska also reveals itself on the Tsaa Fjord with high alpine peaks, green forests, glaciers and ice.

The HANSEATIC spirit will spend two days in Prince William Sound to allow plenty of time for diverse natural experiences. If orcas, sea lions or bears suddenly appear in the waters or on land, the ship will heave to for unforgettable encounters.

Alaska satisfies your longing for great adventures in vast wilderness. The stuff that explorers' dreams are made of will show itself to you in impressive form on this unforgettable journey. On Kodiak Island, individual explorations or shore excursions with our experts become your personal prologue: get glimpses of the time when Kodiak City was the second largest settlement in Russian America. Or hike through Fort Abercrombie State Park in the footsteps of 19th century trappers.

In Homer, the starting point for exciting tours, you will be able to observe bears in spectacular natural surroundings*: A seaplane will take you on a panoramic flight to Katmai National Park, where you may be lucky enough to observe brown bears fishing for salmon in a protected area at Brooks Falls. Or you fly to Lake Clark National Park - during a hike with a ranger you can also experience brown bears in their natural environment. Actively enjoy the beautiful landscape on a coastal hike* or a kayak trip*.

The best views are also presented to you when cruising at the Aialik Glacier - a true play of contrasts in blue and white.