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 inspiration 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.

The picturesque city of Wrangell is one of Alaska’s oldest settlements. From here, go bear watching at Anan Creek* where, with luck, you will spot black and brown bears. Take a trip through the former gold-digging territory of the Stikine and enjoy an adventure on this large river*. Those who prefer to be active can go on a countryside hike* in Tongass National Forest or a kayak tour* along the coast.

Picturesque Petersburg is known as “Little Norway”. Painted flower garlands adorn its houses. The idyll is enhanced by LeConte Glacier – you can enjoy spectacular views of this southernmost tidewater glacier in America during a jetboat trip* or a panoramic scenic flight*.

Explore the historic home of the Tlingit people with your experts on Kupreanof Island, watched by the world’s tallest totem pole carved from a single piece of wood.

Now is the best time to discover the pristine soul of Alaska – with deep fjords and scattered islands. In Endicott Arm you will see whales and sea lions with luck. The same goes for Tracy Arm, where you can marvel at the wildlife and high rock faces with an impressive glacier panorama.

At Chichagof Island, in the settlement of Elfin Cove – whose population is around just 30 – you will see how people live in harmony with nature. More wildlife sightings and scenery await as you cruise through the Icy Strait, a favourite summer home for humpback whale families.

Your small expedition ship will be in its element as it nears the active Hubbard Glacier and will make its way through the ice floes towards the edge of the glacier if the conditions are right. Cruising in Tsaa Fjord will reveal some of the most beautiful sides of picture-book Alaska: high alpine peaks, green forests, glaciers and ice.

The main town on Kodiak Island was the second largest settlement in Russian America until 1867. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kodiak History Museum are reminders of this time. Discover the charming small Alaskan town on your own. A transfer will take you to Fort Abercrombie State Park* – wander through the moss-covered coastal forest past Arctic flower meadows. With luck, you’ll even spot whales off the coast.

Homer is the starting point for spectacular bear-watching tours* in the great outdoors: a seaplane will take you on a panoramic flight to Brooks Falls*, where you may be lucky enough to see brown bears fishing for salmon. Or you can fly to Lake Clark National Park* – where, on a hike with a ranger, you may be able to witness brown bears in their natural habitat. Departing from Homer, you can also discover the unspoilt nature of Alaska on an active hike* to the glacial lake or on a relaxing boat trip*.

If you are lucky, you may have the opportunity to spot bears while cruising in the bays of the sprawling Katmai National Park with the HANSEATIC inspiration. The animals are often found in the vegetation near the coast here. Together with your experts, you can keep a lookout from the many open deck spaces.