After passing through Ketchikan's oldest settlement by bus, you'll stroll through a creekside park to the Totem Heritage Center. A priceless collection of the nation's oldest totems is maintained in a controlled environment inside. The center's helpful native staff will be pleased to answer questions an to tell you about the totems and other antique artwork on display.

After reboarding your bus, you'll pass Creek Street and learn about its infamous past during the Gold Rush era. Your driver/guide will discuss frontier lifestyles and the salmon exporting heyday of the 1920s. Beyond the Tongass Narrows lies Refuge Cove where early explorers anchored during fierce storms.

On your approach to Totem Bight State Park, you'll hear about the ancient campsites of the Tlingits who occupied this area for thousands of years. After leaving the bus and strolling a hemlock and spruce-lined path, you encounter a breathtaking vista of totems in a waterside setting. Then, after entering the Tribal House, native culture comes alive as your guide explains family lifestyles, customs and potlatches.

Shortly afterwards, you are invited to sample local smoked salmon and sip champagne in the enchanting Alaska Totem Trading Center. Browse among unique native art before visiting the tiny Alaska Museum with its rare collection of antique firearms. Of particular interest is an 1863 Gattling gun, which is one of only three in existence and the only one of display in the world!

From here, you'll return directly to the ship.

Approximately 3-1/2 hours.