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Alaska

Alaska's Inside Passage Up Close

Program No. 11479RJ
The mighty glaciers and dramatic fjords of Alaska’s Inside Passage are incredible. Aboard an expedition ship, learn about this untamed land and its stunning diversity of wildlife.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Sitka, AK
Program Concludes
Juneau, AK
Meals
25 ( 9B, 7L, 9D )
Activity Level
Famed for deep glacial fjords, spectacular mountains and lush temperate rainforest, Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park offer natural and scenic gifts rivaled only by the rich histories of the Indigenous Peoples who have lived here for millennia. Experience magnificent sights and sounds as our experts create opportunities to view glaciers up close. Study Alaska's history at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, and explore secluded bays via sea kayak or watercraft, all in the company of experts who narrate your experience with in-depth analysis of this yet untamed land.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Traverse the waters of a narrow fjord within soaring cliffs of granite and dotted with glittering icebergs.
  • Board the White Pass narrow-gauge railway for a journey back through the Gold Rush era, a time of uncertainty and adventure.
  • Experience chances to see whales, puffins, otters, bears, mountain goats and sea lions — the wealth of wildlife is amazing!
General Notes
Order of ports will vary subject to Glacier Bay schedule approved by the National Park Service. This program has a maximum group size of 50 participants.
Profile Image
Karen Christner
Karen Christner arrived in Alaska more than 30 years ago and realized that she had come home. She and her husband, Jere, raised their 3 children on Baranof Island. With degrees in biology and teaching, she quickly embraced the Alaskan lifestyle. While employed at the University of Alaska, she began the development and administration of Alaskan programs. After 25 years, she is still sharing the story of the people, environment, history and culture of her adopted home—now as an Alaskan group leader and lecturer.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Lee Vale
Lee Vale
Lee grew up plying the rich waters of the inside passage with his mother on a commercial fishing boat. There he developed a love for the quiet power found in these places so far from human civilization. He began his career as a naturalist in Glacier Bay National Park, later returning to the inside passage as an expedition leader on cruises. Lee holds a degree in cultural anthropology and history, and loves to share his knowledge and his home with guests from across the world.
Profile Image of ReAnn Johnson
ReAnn Johnson
ReAnn Johnson has created a quintessential Alaskan life, with a long family history and a military career delivering engineering projects across the state. Her intrepid spirit has taken her to its wild places, and her curiosity has delivered an experiential Alaskan education. She is a perpetual student of adventure and enjoys sharing Alaska's magic with curious travelers. ReAnn lives with her husband and two sled dogs aboard the trawler, M/V Sea Dancer, in Ketchikan, and in their cabin in the Chugach National Forest.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Optional walking up to 1.5 miles on trails; some uneven or wet terrain. Elevation of 3,000 feet on train. Participants must be able to climb steep, narrow, ladder-like stairs multiple times per day as there is no elevator on the ship. These stairs must be used to access your cabin, dining area, public bathroom, and Zodiak launch area. Climbing in and out of kayaks and rafts.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (26 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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