Bring your family to the Pacific Northwest for an unforgettable whitewater adventure on the famous Rogue River.    This spectacular river flows from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean through mostly national forest and is one of the eight origonal “Wild and Scenic” rivers designated in 1968.   Spend 7 days/6 nights on an outdoor journey that will include hiking to Crater Lake, rafting the Rouge River while camping along it’s shores, sleeping in an authentice tree-house and exploring the Oregon Caves National Monument. 

After meeting our guide in Medford, the group will head to Crater Lake National Park, enjoying an evening at the historic Crater Lake Lodge and a boat cruise on this crystal-blue lake cupped in a giant volcanic caldera.  Your family will be able to enjoy some light hiking  around the park before the group heads to Ashland, Oregon where we will spend the night at the Ashland Springs Hotel while enjoying this quaint town, home of the Shakespeare Festival.  Then we are off for a 2 night/3 day adventure on the Rogue with backcountry camping, whitewater fun, hiking and plenty of discovery!   The rugged beauty of this river as it winds through narrow canyons and old-growth forest,  will dazzle and delight you.  The next two evenings will be spent at a truly magical rustic tree-house resort set on 36 acres next to the Siskiyou National  Forest.  With a river-fed swimming pool, tree forts, swinging bridges, zip-lines and ladders, children of all ages will the enchanted.  Our final day is spent exploring the marble caves of the Oregon Caves National Monument with its stalatites, stalagmites, fossils and human history.

Bring your family to explore Oregon’s rivers, caves and tree houses this summer on a vacation they’ll never forget.  For more information on this unique family adventure in the Pacific Northwest, call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com.

TMI Tours invites you on an exclusive one-way Inside Passage  Alaska cruise from Seattle to Sitka.  This 15 day all inclusive  adventure cruise will be offered once this season from May 8th-May 22nd, 2010.  With up to $1000.00 per person discount being offered for bookings received by March 15th, this is the bargain of a lifetime.

Departing Seattle, Washington with a small group of 12 passengers and 8 crew members, this 130-foot yacht will visit some of the most quaint ports as well as secluded bays, inlets and sounds along the Alaska Inside Passage.   The MV Island Spirit offers luxurious staterooms with private facilities, beautiful public rooms and lounges as well as deck space for wildlife watching, enjoying the stunning scenery and just relaxing.

You’ll cruise the San Juan Islands, the Georgia Straits and Desolation Sound.  From Port Hardy to Prince Rupert you’ll encounter wilderness, waterfalls and wildlife.  Once we reach Alaska you’ll be treated to rarely visited fjords, bays and glaciers as well as traditional villages and communities.  We’ll finish it off with a visit to Baranof Warm Springs for soaking in hot springs and pools before we reach our final destination, Sitka, Alaska.

For prices, availability and details about this exclusive offer, call Rhonda  or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com.  Remember the March 15th deadline for fantastic savings aboard the Island Spirit.

The central coast of British Columbia presents the perfect backdrop for adventure cruises and wildlife viewing.  This Canadian coast is a land of fjords between towering mountains, lush islands, spectacular waterfalls and great river estuaries.  The largest intact area of temperate rainforest left in North American lies along this coast  known as the Great Bear Rainforest and it is home to hundreds of species of wildlife as well as a very rare species of bear.  Rich salmon streams weave through the valley bottoms and provide food for magnificent creatures such as orcas, eagles, wolves, black and grizzly bears.  This is the sole habitat of the white Kermode Bear or “Spirit” bear which is a unique species of black bear with a white coat.

This is also home to the First Nations tribes: Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Haisla, Gitga’at and Henaaksiala.  Everywhere along this coast is evidence of their civilization.  Fish traps, bark-stripped trees, longhouses and totems all remain giving testimony to a way of life tuned to nature.  Visits to their modern villages, talking with tribal elders and local residents and enjoying their ancient art traditions are all culturally enriching.

For an intimate cruise experience, TMI Tours & Cruises recommends a  vacation aboard the Maple Leaf Schooner.  She sails from Sidney, B.C., Canada  along the entire length of the Great Bear Rainforest twice in Spring, once in Summer and twice in Fall.  This classic 92 foot, 5-sail schooner  was completely restored between 1980-1986 and offers all modern conveiniences while still maintaining  her old-world charm.   Sailing with a crew of 5, a guest list of 8 and a fabulous chef, this vacation will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.   Entertainment will be provided by local scientists, naturalists and of course, the inhabitants of this precious piece of land and ocean.

Contact Linda or Rhonda at TMI Tours & Cruises for a full itinerary, brochure or dates of sailing aboard this majestic tall ship, the Maple Leaf Schooner.  1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Visitors to Glacier National Park that are interested in the surrounding Native American culture can take advantage of an inspirational tour operating with four departure dates from the end of June through mid-August.  This all-inclusive 6 night/7 day tour explores Northern Plains Indian culture during a scenic excursion through the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  You’ll visit Blackfeet, Northern Piegan, Blood and Kootenai-Salish communities in the U.S. and Canada.  Along the way you’ll attend a powwow, visit historical tipi encampments, sun dance sites, pishkuns and the World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.  The Rocky Mountain landscape shaped the Blackfeet communication about travel, natural resources, creating and moral direction.  You’ll create your own impressions as you walk, river raft and explore the magnificent land that has influenced human culture across time.

Wildlife in Glacier National Park

Participants will gain a full perspective of the historical and cultural foundations of contemporary dynamics and subjects in the Indian County.   You will attend North Amerian Indian Days in July or the Heart Butte powwow in August, gatherings full of colorful dancing and drumming.  These are both authentic tribal celebrations, not tourist events.  You will marvel at the scenery of Glacier National Park, enjoy a Class II-III whitewater raft trip on the beautiful Flathead River and enjoy spectacular sightseeing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.  A visit to Fort McLeod in Alberta, Canada allows for exploration of the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump provincial museum on the Blackfeet Nation homeland reserves.

This tour includes all ground transportation, site fees, guide services, lodging, meals and group activities.  Call Linda or Rhonda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com for departure dates and availability for this distinctive Native American cultural tour.   TMI Tours is your expert for unique travel experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Glacier National Park is offering their special summer vacation packages including the famous Red Bus tours and their great lodges.  According to U.S. Geological surveys, the glaciers of Glacier National Park could disappear as early as 2020, forever changing the features that make this park so unique.   There is something very special about the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Parks that can best be experienced by breathing in the fresh mountain air, travelling on vintage buses and sleeping at lodges that date back to the early 1900’s.  From late June until early September,  Glacier Park offers an amazing 6 day/5 night tour of both parks, showcasing what Glacier National Park is all about.

The tour begins at East Glacier with an authentic outdoor Cowboy Cookout dinner and overnight at the Glacier Park Lodge and Resort.  Travel within the parks will be exclusively on the vintage Red Bus motocoaches; lovingly restored 1930 buses with roll-back canvas tops.  Day two travel is sightseeing  the Two Medicine Valley with a classic wood boat cruise, viewing of Running Eagle Falls and a Blackfeet Tribe Cultural tour.  That evening will be spent at the stately Prince of Wales Hotel in southern Alberta, Canada and overlooking sparkling  Waterton Lake.    The next day is free to explore the village of Waterton with a special Afternoon Tea served at the hotel before you depart for the Many Glacier Valley.  The next two evenings are spent at the picturesque Many Glacier Hotel on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and the base of Mt. Grinnell.  Enjoy evening entertainment with singer/songwriter David Walburn as well as a boat cruise of Swiftcurrent Lake, unsurpassed mountain vistas and sunsets from the lakefront verandah.  Day five is devoted to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road ending at West Glacier, overnight at Lake McDonald Lodge and a farewell dinner.

Space is limited to about 40 visitors per tour, insuring an intimate  and personal experience within the park and at the lodges. For a detailed brochure, dates of departures and rates, call Linda or Rhonda at TMI Tours at 1-800-975-7775 or email info@tmitours.com.   This facsinating tour of  Waterton-Glacier National Parks is sure to be the vacation of a lifetime.

Plan a luxury vacation weekend in the Pacific Northwest for your favorite valentine this winter.  At TMI Tours of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, we are always looking for uniquie ideas for couples who enjoy the great outdoors.  What better way to suprise your “special someone” than with a weekend get-a-way to somewhere exciting and remote.  Below are some of my favorite romantic vacation ideas for this Valentines Day.

Nightrider Snow Mobile Tour

Spokane, Washington is a beautiful city with luxurious hotels and fabulous dining opportunities downtown and along the riverfront.  The Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is a short 30 mile drive from downtown and offers great day and night activities.  Try the Nightrider Snowmobile Dinner Tour which includes snowmobile rental for two, 3 hour snowmobile guided tour from 5:00pm -8:00pm and ends with a steak, chicken or salmon dinner at Bear Creek Lodge.  Riding experience is not necessary.

Pacific Ocean Storm Watching

Winter brings the most spectacular ocean storms ashore at the Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of British Columbia.   Resorts cater to couples looking for a good storm, offering complimentary rain slickers and boots as well as floor to ceiling windows in their restaurants and lounges that face the raging sea.  What could be better than beachcombing for treasure washed up after a great storm!  Enjoy 2 night packages that include luxurious accomodations, rain gear for two, specialty  ’stormwatchers’ coffees in the lounge and a 3-hour guided nature walk with a local naturalist. 

Suite Indulgence on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is famous for it’s beautiful lake, it’s quaint downtown and mountains that seem to go on forever.  The perfect romantic get-a-way includes a stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in their Signature Lake Tower rooms.  Enjoy fireplace  accomodations with fantastic lakeviews, champagne and strawberries upon arrival as well as dining credits and complimentary spa services.  Be sure to take a stroll downtown for fun  shopping and lively entertainment.

Wine-tasting along the Columbia River Gorge

The mild climate of the Washington State wine country allows these tours to operate year round and the range of unique accomodations make this destination a perfect get-a-way for any couple.   Imagine a resort poised 900 feet above the Columbia River surrounded by estate vineyards and fragrant orchards.  Romance packages include 1 night in a cozy cliffehouse or cavern room, breakfast for two and a bottle of CaveB wine, signed by Winemaker Freddy Arrendondo.  For the adventurous, enjoy a night in a Ranch style Bed and Breakfast that includes a wine-tasting tour on horseback.  Enjoy a trail ride through the vineyards to nearby wineries, wine tasting at selected tasting rooms, a picnic lunch and free delivery of your wine purchases.

Daytona 500

While this is not in the Pacific Northwest, what a great way to say “I love you”  to a NASCAR fan.  Race day is February 14th this year in Daytona Beach, Florida and I can’t think of a better place to visit in February.  Packages include roundtrip airfare, rental car, tickets to the race and hotel accomodations. 

Space is limited and subject to availability for all of these package ideas.  Call Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours for information on any of our Valentines Day specials for 2010.  We are your unique vacation specialist in the Pacific Northwest. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Columbia River Gorge

Washington wineries are welcoming travellers from around the world to their intimate and diverse tasting rooms.  The Columbia Gorge region offers visitors a wide-range of vineyards and wineries to visit as well as a myriad of outdoor activities with outstanding scenery and true Pacific Northwest hospitality.

Enjoy a romantic stay at the  Bonneville Hot Springs Resort located just 35 miles from the Portland, Oregon airport.  Portland is a bustling city on the west coast, easily accessible from anywhere in the world.  The Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa offers guests lush accomodations with private patios or balconies, nestled among the towering waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge.   Private hot tubs invite you to relax in their natural mineral spring water, perfect after a day of wine tasting or sightseeing. 

Private, custom wine tours are easily arranged with transportation right from your hotel.  These 4 hour tours will entice you with a gourmet picnic lunch, visits to at least 4 wineries on either the Hood River Valley route or the Eastern Washington Gorge route,  exclusive cellar tours and vineyard tours as well as knowledgeable drivers and guides.  You can choose from such wineries as Pheasant Valley Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge, Mt Hood Vineyards,  Maryhill Winery, Cascade Cliffs and Wind River Cellars.

Contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours for a complete listing of exclusive resorts around the Columbia River Gorge, available wine tours as well as wineries and sighteeing options.  We are the experts for travel to the Pacific Northwest.  1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

The Kokanee are spawning on Wolf Lodge Creek, drawing the attention of our National bird, the bald eagle.  Every winter during the Kokanee run, hundreds of these majestic creatures perch above Wolf Lodge Bay feeding on the delicious freshwater salmon.    Arrivals began shortly after Thanksgiving this year and will increase up until Christmas when their numbers usually reach around one hundred. 

Although you can see them through out the day, perched on snags on the mountain sides of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the early morning hours will provide you with some lofty entertainment.  Just after dawn you can observe them perching close to waters edge, looking for a flash of silver before they swoop down in a spiraling motion, snatch the fish with their talons and return to their perch to feast.   Throughout the day soaring eagles can be ovserved around the bays at Higgins Point, Wolf Lodge and Beauty Bay.

Join the Bureau of Land Management during Eagle Watch, December 19-21st and December 26-29th between 1:00pm and 3:00pm.  Wildlife biologist will be on hand to answer questions, present demonstrations and provide telescopes for the public to enjoy.  Don’t forget to bring your binoculars or zoom lens cameras, as getting too close to the eagles is discouraged.

Eagle watching cruises depart downtown Coeur d’Alene for a 2-hour exploration to quiet, isolated bays with the best view around.  Reservations are required for  Dec 17-20, 26-27 or Jan 2-3 afternoon cruises.

This is a rare and wonderful way to see our National symbol, the American Bald Eagle in it’s natural habitat.  Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises for information on accomodations in Coeur d’Alene,  cruise details or the best spots to enjoy eagle viewing. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

One of the best ways to experience the culture and history that made American great is to explore her inland waterways.  The most famous  river on the west coast of the United States is known as the Mighty Columbia, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean.  Imagine the thrill of the Lewis & Clark expedition in 1805 when they made their way down the Columbia River and established Ft. Clatsop at the edge of that ocean.  Today, small  luxury cruiseships make this same voyage roundtrip from the fascinating city of Portland, Oregon.  Weekly departures begin in May, continue through October and by planning in advance, you can save up to $1200.00 per cabin for bookings by December 11, 2009.

Small ship cruising has become increasingly popular over the past few years providing guests with a more intimate experience onboard and off.    Shore excursion visit quaint museums,  family-owned wineries, historic forts and native american villages and are included in the price of the cruise for every passenger.   Passengers are also encouraged to participate in a jet-boat trip into Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River or to explore the shoreline via kayak or zodiaks and enjoy the pristine beauty of these rivers up close.

Discounts are offered on all cruises for 2010 but bookings must be confirmed and under deposit by December 11, 2009  for you to qualify and bookings paid in full will get the highest discounts.  Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours for full details and to reserve your week long journey through the Columbia River Gorge. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

The inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest remain pristine and untamed with  wild-west history and old-world charm.  Cruising the channels of the San Juan and Gulf Islands has belonged to ferries, private yachts and the brave few adventurers in personal watercraft.  With the addition of Cruisewest’s  small ship, the Spirit of Endeavour, anyone can enjoy these scenic waterways and quaint seaports in yacht-like comfort. The more adventurous can take to the kayaks and inflatable watercraft launched from the cruiseship to explore this untamed wilderness up close.

Seattle, Washington is a beautiful city to begin any vacation from and it is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.  Known as the Emerald City because of it’s lush green landscape, this lumber-town turned metropolis is famous for the Space Needle and Pike’s Place Market (home of the flying fish).  After a day to explore Vancouver, British Columbia, the cruise takes passengers through the British Columbia Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park.  Surrounded by lush evergreen forests and snowcapped peaks, this 60 miles of breathtaking coastline has enought bays, coves, nooks and crannies to delight even the most demanding of adventurers.  Returning with a stop in Nanaimo where passengers are greeted by traditionally dressed Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the afternoon will be via the remote waterways and quiet coves of the Gulf Islands. You won’t want to miss High Tea served in the Palm Room at the historic Empress Hotel located waterfront in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Known as the “Garden City” for it’s famous 55-acre landmark, Buchart Gardens, this quaint capitol offers delightful shopping and browsing opportunities. The last two stops take in Friday Harbor of the San Juan Islands where you can explore Puget Sound up close, and then Port Townsend known for it’s late 19th-century architecture.
With tempting discounts on 2010 cruises purchased by December 11, 2009, TMI Tours invities you to escape to the Pacific Northwest Coast. This is truly a voyage of contrasts–rich in wildlife, culture and scenery. Contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours for cruise dates and availability. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmiours.com