Welcome to
Catch the Wind Tours!
Get ready for the ride of your life, through Canada’s Rocky Mountains. And what better way to see this pristine scenery than aboard Canada’s famous Rocky Mountaineer.
You will travel their premier Grand Circle tour, which includes four days on the train and four days on a luxury motor coach. Plus, I have added the “Whistler Sea to Sky” overnight extension. Majestic mountains and glittering waters are the backdrop for this amazing adventure.
Aboard the Whistler Sea to Sky train, you will relax in your reclining seat and enjoy the breathtaking scenery through the large pictures windows or the open-air Heritage Observation Car.
Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you will experience some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the world. The custom-designed GoldLeaf Dome Coach will ensure you don’t miss any of the view.
Aboard our deluxe motor coach, you will explore Jasper, Banff, and Yoho National Parks; plus an exploration of a glacier aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle.
During our two weeks in France, we will discover the beautiful Minervois villages and the fascinating Languedoc region of South France.
This tour is a balance of relaxation and discovery. The region is rich in history (primarily Roman Colonization, and the Cathar movement, which provoked the Albigensian Crusade) and wine production.
For two weeks our little group (12 maximum) will explore Ireland, escorted in our luxurious and spacious motor coach.
We will discover the myriad beautiful, charming and mysterious sights, sounds, and tastes of the Emerald Isle, making a wide circle, primarily around the coast. ‘Must See’ locations, such as Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny Castle, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, the ‘Quiet Man’ country of Connemara, and more will be interspersed with lesser known local gems, such as Cobh, Doolin, the Aran Island of Inish Mor, and New Grange.
Staying in a villa in Tuscany is one of the least expensive, and perhaps most rewarding, travel experiences one can enjoy.
We stay one week each in two villas, which are strategically chosen for convenient day trips throughout central Tuscany. First is Borgo Corsignano, a renovated medieval village in the lovely Casentino Valley. Our second villa is San Giuseppe, near Sienna, a big, old restored farmhouse with six bedrooms (all with ensuite bathrooms).
Let's Go to Alaska!
In 2012
Summary
This tour is unlike other Catch the Wind Tours, in that you are in control. Group size is strictly limited to five, and can be comprised of individuals, couples, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, or any combination thereof. Although two weeks is the ideal, you can choose the length and dates of the trip to fit your schedule. In addition to the length of stay, you will choose activities and accommodations to fit your budget. I will be your driver/guide, and in our large 7-passenger van we will explore 
Alaska’s interior in depth, north from Anchorage to Denali, and south into the Kenai Peninsula to Homer and Seward. Along the way we will experience the grandeur of mountains and glaciers, rivers and animals, and enjoy fun activities, such as white-water rafting and/or a river float trip, salmon fishing, gold panning, and ocean kayaking. All of this will be based on age-appropriateness and physical ability. 
We will work together to make sure your visit to Alaska is the very best vacation ever!
If you are in your golden years and Alaska is on your Bucket List, this is the trip for you. If you want to spend quality time with the grandkids, this is also the trip for you. If you and a few friends have been wanting to see Alaska, but don’t want to rent multiple cars and drive yourselves, plus would like to know the history of the place and what you’re looking at, this is the trip for you!
Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARY - 14 Day
This itinerary is what I consider the ideal length and pace. Notice there are four two-night stays, and one three-night stay. It is suitable for older adults, or parents/grandparents with younger children. I have no hard and fast rule about upper or lower age limits; however if you are including a youngster less than 10 years old in your group, we will need to discuss his/her maturity level. Young adults or a group with an active teenager might prefer a faster pace, and we can beef this itinerary up with more challenging activities, such as white water rafting, ATV rides, etc. Although I would not advise it, this itinerary can also be shortened if time constraints dictate. In this case, either Homer or Seward would be eliminated, or possibly Talkeetna. When you are ready to seriously consider this trip, we will discuss the make-up of your group, your ideal dates and best alternatives
Day 1 – Arrival
(Captain Cook Hotel)
- Arrive in Anchorage in late afternoon or evening
- Transfer from the airport to our hotel by taxi
- Dinner at Solstice Café, Westmark Hotel
- Overnight at Captain Cook Hotel
(Captain Cook Hotel Room)
Day 2 – Explore Anchorage
(Segway Tour)
(Anchorage Museum)
- Breakfast at Snow City Café
- Full day to explore Anchorage
- Options include:
- Museum
- Aurora Borealis Show at Performing Arts Center
- Alaskan Mint
- Qiviut Alaskan Handknits Shop (Musk Ox Wool)
- Segway Tour (optional at $75)
- Light Lunch
- Welcome Dinner at Glacier Brew House
- Overnight at Captain Cook Hotel
Day 3 – Eklutna to Hatcher Pass
(Eklutna Cemetery)
- Breakfast at Muffin Shop
- Pick up Rental Car
- Visit Eklutna (Russian Orthodox Church and colorful Alaskan Native Cemetery)
- Visit Musk Ox Farm & Reindeer Farm
- Lunch in Palmer
- Drive to Hatcher Pass
- Explore Independence Mine
- Dinner at Hatcher Pass Lodge
- Overnight at Dream A Dream Bed & Breakfast
(Independence Mine)
(Musk Ox)
(Hatcher pass)
Day 4 – Dream A Dream & Talkeetna
(Vern Hatcher's
Iditarod Demonstration)
- Continental Breakfast at Dream A Dream
- Enjoy Vern Hatcher’s Dream A Dream Dog Farm (Sled Dog Kennel)
- Lunch at Vern Hatcher’s
- Drive to Talkeetna and check in to hotel
- Enjoy the views at the lodge and visit Talkeetna
- Denali flyover (optional at $190)
- Dinner in town
- Overnight at Talkeetna’s Alaskan Native Lodge
(Sled Dogs Ride at Dream A Dream)
Day 5 – Talkeetna
(3 River Jet Boat)
- Breakfast at coffee shop in town
- Salmon Fishing (optional at $185)
- Explore shops, museum, and quirky inhabitants of Talkeetna
- Lunch in Talkeetna
- Enjoy Mahay’s 3-River Jet Boat Tour
- Dinner in Town (possibly using freshly caught salmon)
- Overnight at Talkeetna’s Alaskan Native Lodge
Day 6 – Train to Denali
(Alaska Railroad Journey)
- Late Breakfast in town
- 11am boarding of the Alaska Railroad train to Denali
- Arrive Denali at approximately 4pm
- Cabin Night Dinner and Show
- Overnight at McKinley Chalet Resort
(Summit Lake)
Day 7 – Denali National Park
(Denali Bear Sighting on
Ride to Kantishna)
- Up early for our full-day Denali Back Country Tour
- Visit Kantishna Lodge
- Lunch at Lodge
- Pizza for dinner
- Overnight at McKinley Chalet Resort
(Kantishna Roadhouse)
Day 8 – Walking Trails and Rafting
(Rafting the Nenana River
in Denali)
- Breakfast at Chalet
- Visit the Park Visitor Center, or walk the trails around the Chalet
- Lunch at Chalet or nearby coffee shop
- Raft the Nenana River (non-paddle, mild rapids)
- Dinner at Chalet or nearby restaurant
- Overnight at McKinley Chalet Resort
Day 9 – Back to Anchorage
(Native Heritage Center Dancers)
- Breakfast at Muffin Shop
- Drive to Anchorage
- Lunch at and visit Alaskan Native Heritage Center
- Dinner TBD
- Overnight at Captain Cook Hotel
(Alaskan Native Heritage Center)
Day 10 – Homer
(Gold Panning, Cooper's Landing)
- Breakfast at Solstice Café, Westmark Hotel
- Drive to Cooper’s Landing
- Try your hand at Gold Panning
- Lunch
- Float Trip
- Continue Drive to Homer
- Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant
- Overnight at Land’s End Resort
Day 11 – Homer
(Kayaking in Homer)
- Breakfast at Resort
- Spend day in Homer
- You may choose one of the following:
- Sea Kayaking adventure, including special lunch (recommended)
- Halibut Fishing
- Scenic Boat Trip around beautiful Katchemak Bay
- A stop in Homer’s famous Salty Dawg Saloon this afternoon or evening is a must
- Dinner will be at our hotel or nearby restaurant
- Overnight at Land’s End Resort
Day 12 – Seward
(Sea Life Center in Seward)
- Breakfast at Land’s End Resort
- Drive to Seward
- Visit Exit Glacier
- Lunch at Railroad Car Restaurant
- Visit the Alaska Sealife Center
- Overnight at Seward Inn
Day 13 – Resurrection Bay Cruise
(Glacier on Resurrection
Bay Cruise)
- Breakfast at Inn
- Full Day Kenai Fjords Cruise on Resurrection Bay
- Lunch on the boat
- Dinner on Fox Island (Salmon Bake)
- Overnight at Seward Inn
Day 14 – Girdwood and Wildlife Conservation Center
(Flower Display at Girdwood)
- Breakfast at Seward Inn
- Today we drive back to Anchorage
- Lunch in Girdwood
- Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Farewell Dinner at Simon & Seafort’s
- Overnight at Captain Cook Hotel
(Taking Care of Moose at the Center)
Day 15 – Depart for Home
- Breakfast at Hotel or nearby coffee shop
- Visit Anchorage, as time allows
- Turn in Rental Car
- Flight Home
Inclusions
Included
This tour is ALL INCLUSIVE
- All lodging as stipulated in the Customized Itinerary
- Entrance to All Activities as stipulated in the Customized Itinerary
- 3 Meals daily
- 1 glass of wine (or other drink) with dinners
- Transportation in 7-Passenger Van
- Guide providing historic and other information
- All Gratuities
- Transfers to/from Airport
- Catch The Wind cap and/or luggage strap
- Rain Slicker for Use While on Tour
Not Included
- Airfare to/from Anchorage
- Optional Activities not on Itinerary
- Between meal snacks
- Alcoholic beverages that are not included with dinners
- Any personal expenses (i.e. telephone calls, laundry, etc.)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Accommodations
SAMPLE LODGING for Suggested Itinerary
Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage
(Elegant Suites with Views of Cook Inlet)
Alaskan Native Lodge, Talkeetna
(Rugged Elegance)
Hotel Seward, Seward
(Comfortable and Luxurious Rooms with Fireplace and View of the Bay and Surrounding Mountains)
Land’s End Resort, Homer
(At the End of the Spit, with Nautical Theme and Views of Kachemak Bay)
McKinley Chalet, Denali
(Rustic Comfort)
Dream A Dream Bed & Breakfast
(Comfortable, Homey Atmosphere – Good Choice if Kids are along)
Price
LET'S GO TO ALASKA
The Price of this tour will vary based on number of days and activities chosen. We will work together to plan your custom trip. However, to give you a basic idea, based on the suggested 14-day itinerary, the price of the tour would be as follows.
FOR FOUR PEOPLE - $6,000 per person, double occupancy
FOR FIVE PEOPLE - $5,600
If rooms are shared, this price can be reduced substantially. Some scenarios might include:
2 Couples sharing one room with two-bed accommodations
1 Couple sharing two-bed accommodations with 2 children
1 Couple in one room, and 3 children in second room
4 Single Ladies sharing one room with two-bed accommodations
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATES
$500 Deposit due upon sign up
Final Payment of Balance due 60 Days before Departure
How to Book
How To Book
• Send an email of your interest to ihla@driftersister.com, or call Drifter Sister at 702-294-4365 to begin our planning of your custom tour.
• When the plans have been finalized, sign-up paperwork will be sent to you via email. Please let me know if you would prefer it to be sent via snail mail.
• Deposit for this trip is $500, and is due upon completion of your tour planning.
• Final payment of the balance will be due 60 days prior to trip commencement. A separate invoice will be sent to you for this payment.
• Final Payment must be made by check; however payment of the Deposit can be made via PayPal.
For your convenience we offer this credit card payment option for the Deposits. However, we must include PayPal's 2.9% fee. The total trip deposit through PayPal is $514.50.
FAQ
Q. Are there physical limitations for this trip?
A. Active adults and children are welcome. The capability level will be different for each group, and activities will be chosen accordingly. I am sorry, but I cannot accommodate wheelchair-bound clients.
Q. Are there age restrictions for this trip?
A. No. However the maturity level of children under the age of 10 will have to be evaluated.
Q. What is the best time of year to go to Alaska?
A. The tourist season is mid-May through mid-September. Any time during this period is fine. If you are interested in fishing for salmon you will want to coordinate your trip with a salmon run. We will discuss this when planning your custom tour. In the Spring you will see wildflowers. In the Fall you will see wonderful yellow and gold foliage. You will encounter more bugs mid-summer.
Q. What is the weather like?
A. Temperatures are moderate all summer, but can be chilly at the beginning and end of the season, when a jacket is necessary. You are more likely to encounter rain during the middle of summer, but actually it could rain at any time. It rains more in Alaska than people realize. It seldom impairs the enjoyment of the activities, and I provide rain slickers to minimize the impact.
Q. What is the bug situation like?
A. The Alaskan mosquitos are famous. They are huge but slow and harmless, in that they carry no vectors. Early and late in the season are best if you want to avoid them altogether.
Q. Will we see animals?
A. On the Denali tour we will have opportunity to see bear, moose, caribou, fox, wolf, mountain goats, Dahl’s sheep, bald eagles, and ptarmigan (Alaska’s state bird). There is always the off chance of seeing these animals while driving or hiking, as well as on a float trip or while fishing. You may add an optional bear watching trip if you want to be guaranteed to see them. On the Resurrection Bay cruise in Seward we will have opportunity to see bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, fur seals, and sea birds, including puffin. We will also watch for whales.
Q. What is the dress code in Alaska?
A. Casual, casual, casual. They say dressing up in Alaska is putting on your newest pair of jeans. Having said this, a nice casual outfit will be appropriate for our farewell dinner at Simon & Seafort’s.
Q. What will I have to pay for?
A. Your custom tour will be all-inclusive. All lodging, meals, transportation and activities on the Itinerary are included. You will have to pay for alcoholic and other beverages not included with meals, between meal snacks, and souvenirs.
Q. What is the food like?
A. You will enjoy the best salmon, halibut, and crab you have ever encountered. Believe it or not, the produce is also fresh and fabulous because they grow it locally. Alaskans take their food seriously, and I make sure you experience some of the best restaurants available.
Q. Will we be able to call home?
A. Yes, there is mobile phone coverage. My only rule (primarily for the teenagers) is no calls or texting during meals.
Photos
Testimonials
“Thank you so very much for a memorable vacation to Alaska. The trip was everything you advertised it to be and more. (We) feel we saw and experienced parts of Alaska that the ordinary traveler never does – you made it happen, and for that we thank you. We will always be grateful for our decision to ‘catch the wind’ with Drifter Sister!” - Mary Anne & Larry R. (2009)
"Can there be a better way to get up close and personal with Alaska?? I doubt it! A true learning experience from kayak to walking on glaciers. Ihla has the expertise to make your dream trip come alive!!" Phyllis V. (2009 )