Sitka is a quaint island village steeped in historical importance. Once home to a thriving native population, Sitka was then forcefully reshaped into the Russian capitol of Alaska. Today's Sitka offers a grand showcase of both cultures, as well as the aftermath of their clashes. Owing to the advantages of limited sized groups and a time frame outside the busy cruise ship season, we're able to offer a quality of access unavailable to others.

Wander this island enclave and unearth evidence of the Russian occupation: such as Princess Maksoutoff's grave in the Russian cemetery, Castle Hill and the Russian Block House. Tour the Russian Bishop's House, Saint Michael's Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Church in the heart of Sitka, or sip a cup of strong black Russian tea at Sitka's Tea House.

A large and vital Tlingit population continues to thrive on Baranof Island. The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall and the Community House, both historical landmarks, remain in use today. Down the road, a national historical park displays totem poles. The park's interpretative center details how the poles are created, showing them in various stages of being carved.

Also housed in the interpretative center is a work area where visitors are taught the age old aboriginal art of wood carving. Outside, you may walk a tree-lined trail along which stands an array of traditional tribal totems. The trail also skirts the battlefield where the Russian and Tlingits fought for control of the island.

For the past three centuries maritime culture has been, and continues to be, Sitka's lifeblood. The Mariner's Wall, a tribute to local seafaring men which bears 2,000 inscriptions, overlooks the central harbor. Two other major harbors lie within walking distance, providing a picturesque panorama of seagoing vessels of every size and description.

Stroll the streets of Sitka and interact with the locals. We're friendly here and welcome chitchat. Three blocks of concentrated storefronts and vendors offer everything from 20,000 year old Mammoth tusks to the most contemporary of fashion and arts, not to mention countless novelties, including whimsical T-shirts and fleece hand puppets for the tykes.