Welcome to
Catch the Wind Tours!
The Alaska 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.
You choose the length and dates of the trip. You choose activities and accommodations to fit your budget. I will be your driver/guide, and we will explore Alaska’s interior in depth, north from Anchorage to Denali, and south into the Kenai Peninsula to Homer and Seward.
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 the Canadian Rockies!
August 4 - 14, 2012
Summary
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. First, I have chosen their premier Grand Rail Circle tour, which includes five days on the train and four days on a luxury motor coach. I then added meals and other amenities, making it a truly customized Catch the Wind small-group tour.
We will arrive in Vancouver, spend the night, and begin our journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer’s “Whistler Sea to Sky” train the next morning. Majestic mountains and glittering waters are the backdrop for this amazing adventure. We will relax in our reclining seat and enjoy the commentary and impeccable service provided by Onboard Attendants. A scrumptious chilled breakfast will be served at your seat, so you won’t miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery through the large picture windows, or from the open-air Heritage Observation Car. After a fun afternoon and overnight in Whistler, we will board the Rocky Mountaineer for our two-day journey east through some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the world. Next we will experience four days of sightseeing by deluxe motor coach through Jasper, Banff, and Yoho National Parks, including a ride on an Ice Explorer onto a glacier. Our last two days will again be aboard the Rocky 
Mountaineer, as we travel back to the west coast, completing our circle through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
During our four days on the Rocky Mountaineer, we will enjoy GoldLeaf Service. The luxury and comfort of this top-of-the-line service defines an incredible rail journey that is beyond compare. The custom-designed GoldLeaf Dome Coach allows us to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies as we enjoy superb and delectable gourmet hot breakfasts and lunches from an a la carte menu, served in the Exclusive GoldLeaf dining room, prepared by talented onboard chefs. You will sip on complimentary beverages (including alcoholic) and savor gourmet snacks while listening to commentary from your Onboard Attendants, who will ensure our enjoyment of luxury and comfort while taking in the dazzling vistas and nature in action.
If you were to book this itinerary with Rocky Mountaineer yourself, you would pay more, plus, I have negotiated extra meals and amenities that an individual booking through the company would not receive. So if you have ever dreamed of taking this fantastic journey through the Rocky Mountains, this is the trip for you – and NOW is the time to do it.
Videos
Video about the Rocky Mountaineer experience
Video detailing GoldLeaf Service
Itinerary
Although every effort will be made to adhere to this itinerary, it is subject to tweaking as conditions dictate.
Victoria and Tofino pre- or post-trip Extensions available
Day 1 – Vancouver Arrival
(Vancouver)
- Arrive in Vancouver and transfer from the Vancouver Airport to your hotel
- Spend time exploring this scenic city on your own
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight in Vancouver
Day 2 - Vancouver to Whistler on the train
(Sea to Sky Train)
- Board motor coach to hotel and transfer to the North Vancouver boarding platform
- Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Whistler
- Breakfast on board
- Enjoy your breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the “Sea to Sky” region
- Highlights include
- Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains
- Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi
- and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon
- Free time in Whistler with lunch on your own
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight in Whistler
(Scenery on way to Whistler)
(Shannon Falls)
(Whistler Village)
Day 3 – Whistler to Quesnel on the train (Gold Service)
- Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo
- Breakfast and Lunch are served onboard
- Complimentary Beverages (including alcoholic)
- Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery including
- River canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley
- Desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon
- Rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau
- Shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake
- Crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of highest railway bridges in the world
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in Quesnel
(Spacious Seating, Large Windows)
(Seton Lake)
(Farming in Pemberton)
Day 4 – Quesnel to Jasper on the train (Gold Service)
(Crossing Fraser River)
- Your Rocky Mountaineer journey continues eastwards to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park
- Breakfast and Lunch are served onboard
- Complimentary Beverages (including alcoholic)
- Follow the Fraser River north to Prince George, then east through the forests of northern British Columbia
- Enter the Rocky Mountain Trench, surrounded by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains on the north and Cariboo Mountains on the south
- Pass by Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and through Yellowhead Pass into Alberta
- This portion of your rail journey ends today on arrival in Jasper
- Dinner at hotel
- Overnight in Jasper
(View of Mount Robson)
(Elegant Dining)
(Main Street, Jasper)
Day 5 – Jasper Tour
(Jasper National Park)
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Jasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and Canada’s largest National Park
- This morning you will enjoy a scenic tour including the many natural attractions and perhaps a glimpse of wildlife
- Time on your own for relaxing, exploring the town, horseback riding, and hiking
- Lunch on your own
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight in Jasper
(Jasper National Park)
(Moose in Jasper)
(Goat in Jasper)
Day 6 – Jasper to Lake Louise
(Driving the Icefields Parkway)
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Today we travel to Lake Louise via the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world
- We will stop at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield
- Ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier
- Time will be available for light lunch at snack bar (not included)
- A brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise in the afternoon
- Time to relax at the lodge and enjoy this spectacular setting
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
(Athabasca Falls)
(Our Ice Exploration Vehicle)
(Lake Louise)
Day 7 – Lake Louise to Banff
(Scenery in Banff)
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Board our private motor coach for a full day tour of Yoho National Park
- We will see the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and natural rock bridge
- Lunch at the Emerald Lake Lodge
- Dinner at the Hotel
- Overnight in Banff
(Peeking Pica)
(Emerald Lake Lodge)
(Emerald Lake)
Day 8 – Banff
(Hoo Doo Formation in Banff)
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Morning sightseeing tour of Banff
- Hoodoos rock formation
- Surprise Corner
- Tunnel Mountain overlooking Bow River Valley
- After the tour, we will take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Afternoon at leisure to explore Banff
- Lunch provided
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in Banff
(Sulphur Gondola Ride)
(Gondola Summit)
(Downtown Banff)
Day 9 – Banff to Kamloops on the train (Gold Service)
(Enjoying the Scenery)
- Today we again board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel from Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior
- Breakfast and Lunch are served onboard
- Complimentary Beverages (including alcoholic)
- Travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies
- Highlights include
- Mountain passes and remarkable tunnels
- Rocky lake shores and the ranchlands of the interior
- Continental Divide and Spiral Tunnels
- Kicking Horse Canyon and Rogers Pass
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in Kamloops
(Spiral Tunnels)
(Welcome to Kamloops)
(Rogers Pass)
Day 10 – Kamloops to Vancouver on the train (Gold Service)
(Riding through Forests...)
- Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver
- Breakfast and Lunch are served onboard
- Complimentary Beverages (including alcoholic)
- Today you will see dramatic changes in scenery
- The desert-like environment of the interior
- Through winding river canyons and pristine forests
- Coast and Cascade mountains
- Lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley
- Steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River
- Rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon
- Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening
- Farewell Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight in Vancouver
(...and past Rivers)
(Enjoying Snacks on the Train)
(Thompson River Rapids)
Day 11 – Vancouver Departure
(Vancouver Skyline)
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Your tour concludes at check out from your hotel
- If you book a late afternoon or evening flight, there will be time to explore Vancouver via the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus
- Two post-trip extensions are available as well
- Victoria (3 Days, 2 Nights), starting at $499, including Butchart Gardens and Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Tofino (4 Days, 3 Nights $1,199), including whale watching and bear viewing
- These two extensions also available pre-trip
Inclusions
Included
• 5 days aboard Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service and Whistler Classic Service
• 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 10 dinners provided at hotel accommodations or restaurants as outlined in itinerary
• Complimentary snacks and beverages served on the train (including alcoholic during 4 days while in GoldLeaf)
• Friendly service and interpretive commentary from the onboard train attendants
• 7 nights hotel accommodation and 2 nights moderate accommodation in Quesnel/Kamloops
• National Park Fees
• Exclusive transfer onboard a private motorcoach as outlined in the itinerary with driver/guide providing commentary
• Jasper tour
• Full day tour from Jasper to Lake Louise via Icefield's Parkway including the Ice Explorer
• Private, full day tour of Yoho National Park including a stop for lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge
• Half day tour of Banff including Banff Gondola
• Train crew, Housekeeping and meal gratuities
• Shared Transfers between the train station and your accommodation in Whistler and Quesnel
• Train station luggage handling and personal room delivery of luggage
Not Included
• RT Airfare Vancouver
• 3 lunches
• Trip Insurance (Highly Recommended – ~5% of trip cost – Travel Guard
available)
Accommodations
SAMPLE LODGING (other equivalent Fairmont properties may be substituted)
Georgian Court Hotel (Deluxe Room), Vancouver
Delta Whistler Village Suites
Saw Ridge Hotel, Jasper (2 nights)
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Rimrock Resort, Banff (2 nights)
Thompson Hotel, Kamloops
Price
LET’S GO TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES, August 4-14, 2012
$6,658 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare
REDUCED BY $500 from Originally Published Price of $7,158
Single Supplement $1,269
(an attempt will be made to pair you with a roommate if you want, but there is no guarantee)
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATES
$500 Deposit due February 15, 2012, or upon sign up after this date
Final Payment due June 15, 2012, or upon sign up after this date
Two post-trip extensions are available as well
- Victoria (3 Days, 2 Nights), starting at $499, including Butchart Gardens and Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Tofino (4 Days, 3 Nights - $1,199), including whale watching and bear viewing
- These two extensions also available pre-trip
__________________________
Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel 120 days prior to departure (for any reason), you will receive 100% refund of any monies you have paid to Drifter Sister, less any prepaid nonrefundable purchases made by Drifter Sister. If a cancellation occurs between 119 and 75 days prior to departure, you will receive a 75% refund of any monies you have paid to Drifter Sister. In the case of a cancellation after 75 days prior to departure, a 50% refund of monies paid to Drifter Sister, will be allowed only if the trip is full and a replacement can be found for you. Otherwise there will be no refund.
How to Book
How To Book
- Send an email of your interest to ihla@driftersister.com, or call Drifter Sister at 702-294-4365.
- Secure your spot by sending $100 Good Faith check (made out to Drifter Sister) to:
Drifter Sister
P.O. Box 60042
Boulder City, NV 89006
OR
Pay through PayPal
(For your convenience we offer this credit card payment option for the Deposits. However, for the Trip deposit, we must include PayPal's 2.9% fee.)
- When the Good Faith deposit is received, 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 by February 15, or upon sign-up.
- Final payment will be due on June 15. A separate invoice will be sent to you for this payment.
- All payments other than the Good Faith deposit (if made via PayPal) must be made by check.
NOTE: Your Good Faith deposit is applied to the cost of the trip, and is fully refundable if you must cancel for any reason.
FAQ
Q. Are there physical limitations for this trip?
A. Active adults of all ages are welcome. You will need to be able to get in and out of busses, trains, and the motor coaches. There is a moderate amount of walking. Wheelchair-bound clients can be accommodated if accompanied by a caregiver.
Q. Do we sleep on the train?
A. No. The train stops each night and we stay in a hotel.
Q. Are alcoholic beverages served on the train?
A. Yes. And they are complimentary.
Q. What meals are served on the train?
A. Breakfast and lunch.
Q. Where will the dinners be?
A. Dinners will either be at the hotels or nearby restaurants.
Q. What meals are included?
A. All breakfasts, all dinners, plus all but three lunches. This is more than you would receive if you booked directly with Rocky Mountaineer. They do not include dinners on the five train days.
Q. Are there vegetarian options for meals?
A. Yes.
Q. What is the dress code?
A. Nice casual. You will be doing a lot of sitting while on the train, so you will want to wear comfortable clothing. The temperature inside the train car is controlled, but you might need a light cover-up at times.
Q. What will the weather be like?
A. In August the weather should still be warm, but it can be changeable, and we will be in several different climate zones, so a jacket will probably be needed at night – and for the Icefields excursion for sure.
Average temps in August
Banff - hi 71, low 44, Precipitation: 2.0 inches
Kamloops - hi 82, low 54, Precipitation: 1.1 inches
Vancouver - hi 71, low 55, Precipitation: 1.5 inches