If you have attempted to make reservations to stay within Glacier National Park this summer, you know that almost every lodge is sold out for the summer 2010.   Glacier National Park is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary and with a limited number of hotel rooms located within the Park, availability is  a scattered few dates here and there.   It is still possible to enjoy a vacation to Glacier this summer and experience the history and ambiance of the great lodges of Glacier National Park with all inclusive, escorted tours operating throughout the summer 2010. 

These 5 night/6 day tours include overnight stays at the Glacier Park Lodge, The Prince of Wales Hotel, the Many Glacier Hotel  and Lake Mc Donald Lodge.  This tour is fully escorted and all transportation within the park will be aboard the vintage Red Buses.  Highlights include boat cruises of Two Medicine Lake & Swiftcurrent Lake, a Blackfeet Cultural History Tour,  escorted sightseeing hikes, afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, a musical evening with singer/songwriter David Walburn,  an authentic western cowboy cookout and well as two other dinners and breakfast each morning.

Space is very limited for June, August and September departure dates.  Call or email Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours  for detailed itineraries and current availability.  Bring your family and explore Glacier National Park during the 100th anniversary this summer, staying at the historic, beautiful lodges within the park. Contact TMI Tours of Coeur dAlene, Idaho at 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com.  We are your Glacier National Park specialists.

The Adriatic coast of Croatia, known as Dalmatia, is a colorful blend of old Europe, abruptly rising coastal mountains and golden strands of beach.   With numerous islands and extensive coastline,  exploration by yacht affords the most exotic and intimite method available.  The warm Adriatic Sea sparkles with rare clarity, one of the bluest seas in the world,  and is so inviting for sailing and swimming.

Join long-time Coeur d’Alene locals, Peter and Betsy Grubb, for their 15th season chartering yacht trips in Croatia.  Sailing aboard a 105′ traditional Croatian-made motor/sail vessel, let them show you this coast as they have come to know and love it.  Using local guides and crew, this trip will immerse you in the local culture and history as none other can.  Focusing on the variety of food and wine in Croatia, the goal of this adventure is to mix walking, sailing, history and authentic Croatian food and wine in equal doses.

Accomodations onboard will be in comfortable double-bedded cabins, each with it’s own private bath.   The atmosphere aboard will be casual and the yachts are spacious and elegant with large amounts of deck space and beautifully fitted.  Delicious, traditional meals from the finest ingredients are served including an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and freshly caught seafood.  Croatia has a long tradition of making quality wines and during the course of this trip, there will be plenty of opportunity to taste many of these as we visit several wineries and vineyards.

TMI Tours & Cruises of Coeur d’Alene would like to invite you to join Peter & Betsy Grubb, September 15-26, 2010 for a yachting, walking, historical and cultural cruise along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast .  For full itinerary details including other sailing dates,  please contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours & Cruises, 1-800-975-7775 or 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.

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.

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

There is something very special about the air in Glacier, something that beckons you to linger just a little longer, explore a little deeper.   The International Peace Park Tour encompasses all that is grand and awe-inspiring about Glacier and Waterton National Parks.  This six day , all-inclusive tour begins at the Glacier Park Lodge, located in East Glacier Park where you will be treated to an exclusive Cowboy Cookout dinner and your first night in this grand resort.

After breakfast  the next morning, you will be boarding the historic Red Buses, heading for Medicine Valley and a lake cruise onboard a vintage wooden boat as well as a short walk to view Running Eagle Falls.  The afternoon concludes with a Blackfeet Cultural History Tour presented by a tribal member before being transferred to The Prince of Wales Hotel, a stately hotel named after Prince Edward and exuding a traditional British atmosphere.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spent the day exploring Waterton Village and Lake or take an optional excursion for sightseeing.  Afternoon tea will be served at the Prince of Wales before you travel back to the U.S. and the Many Glacier Hotel located on Swiftcurrent Lake.   During your 2 night stay here, you will be treated to a boat cruise on Swiftcurrent lake as well as an evening with Montana singer/songwriter, David Walburn.   Relax and soak in the Swiss atmophere of this secluded, alpine resort where wildlife watching, relaxing and hiking are the primary activities.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Back on the Historic Red Bus, we will be journeying into the heart of Glacier National Park on it’s most astounding feature, The Going-to-the-Sun Road.  This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the Park’s untamed interior filled with wildflowers, waterfalls, breathtaking vistas and glistening lakes.  We will visit Sun Point and  Logan Pass as well as Avalanche Creek and the Trail of the Cedars today enroute to Lake Mc Donald Lodge.  This Lodge, origonally built as a hunting lodge in 1914, sits on the shores of Lake Mc Donald, our last stop at the western edge of Glacier National Park.  Enjoy a farewell dinner at Russell’s Fireside Lodge with it’s warm atmosphere and delicious fare before retiring for the last night of the tour.

This grand tour of Glacier includes 5 nights hotel accommodations, 5 breakfast buffets, 2 box lunches, 1 afternoon tea and 3 dinners as well as 2 boat cruises, 3 short walks, Lodgepole Gallery & Tipi Village, Waterton excursion as well as all transportation between lodges and throughout Glacier and Waterton Parks on the Historic Red Buses. 

With only 5 dates left available, August 30th, September 3rd, 6th, 10th and 13th, reservations are required and space is limited.  Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours to reserved your place on this incredible tour of Glacier National Park. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades National Park

With mountain peaks that have names such as Desolation Peak, Mount Fury, Jagged Ridge, and Mount Terror — it’s pretty evident that North Cascades National Park is a very rugged, imposing place. It is the largest and most rugged alpine wilderness in the contiguous United States. It features numerous 8,000-foot peaks, approximately 400 glaciers, virgin Douglas fir and Western red cedar forests, and wildlife that includes wolves and grizzly bears. If you’re looking for a true wild west experience…then this is the place for you!

TMI Tours has crafted an outdoor adventure that follows the Cascade Highway high into the Cascade Mountains and ends at the beautiful Pacific Ocean. You will enjoy mountain biking and hiking into secluded wilderness areas, as well as sampling local cuisine and wines at unique lodges and hotels along the way. Highlights of this trip include:

• 5 nights at distinctive lodges, hotels, or even houseboats selected for you based on your interests. You drive on your own, following a self-guided itinerary.
• Selected sightseeing by mountain bike and hiking with regional experts in several wilderness areas. Bicycles will be provided or you may bring your own.
• We will provide mapped out, “best of the best” driving routes!
• Unique dining experiences you may not find on your own that are complimented with local fine wines and exotic cuisine.

To view the details of this exciting journey, please click here. This sample itinerary may easily be modified to suit your needs or wishes. Give us a call today at 1-800-975-7775 to start planning your adventure!

Explore the city lights of Vancouver, B.C. Canada, float plane over the lush Canadian west coast, explore the bays and inlets amidst B.C.’s rain forest, then tour the resort town of Whistler. Top this off with a first class rail tour back into Vancouver and you have the perfect 4 night/5 day vacation get-away.

The British Columbia coast is a wilderness paradise with lush, intensely green rain forests lining a rugged Pacific coastline teeming with wildlife. Vancouver B.C. is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment and Whistler, the ski resort village, was selected for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Highlights of this trip include your first night in Vancouver at the Fairmont, a scenic float-plane flight to the Wilderness Lodge, sightseeing, dining, activities, hiking and a boat tour of Jervis and Princess Louisa Inlets. These incredible fjords are renowned for their 7,000 foot towering cliffs, dozens of cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, ancient petroglyphs and protected waters surrounded by the lush rain forest. The return float-plane trip flies over glaciers and mountain lakes en route to Whistler B.C., where you’ll enjoy the Fairmont Whistler Resort. Your journey back to Vancouver will be on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, a first class scenic train tour through the mountains and valleys of British Columbia.

TMI Tours and Cruises offers great vacation ideas and extended weekend get-aways to unique areas in the Pacific Northwest. Call Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com for more information.

Want to experience the romance of luxurious rail travel?  Following  the historic train routes built over 100 years ago through Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most spectacular train trips in the world.  These 2 day itineraries travel through breathtaking scenery; glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountain ranges, ferocious rivers, historic bridges and tunnels. There are 3 itineraries through the Canadian Rockies, each offering it’s own unique sights, all daylight travel, overnight hotel accomodations and exceptional onboard service.

• Kicking Horse Route: Named for the pass over which it crosses the Rockies, the Kicking Horse route takes you between Vancouver, B.C. and either Banff or Calgary, Alberta.  This route traces the historic transcontinental rail line uniting East and West Canada and includes, amongst other hightlights, the legendary Spiral Tunnels.  Route hightlights: The Last Spike, Spiral Tunnels, Stoney Creek Bridge, Fraser and Thompson Canyon and Kicking Horse Pass.
• Yellowhead Route:  Journey between Vancouver, B.C. and Jasper, Alberta along the Yellowhead route, names for the second pass through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.  This rail route is known for scenic valleys, plentiful wildlife and majestic Mount Robson, highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.  Route highlights: Fraser and Thompson Canyon, Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass, Mount Robson and Jasper National Park.
• Fraser Discovery Route:  Named for the mighty Fraser River whose length the tracks follow, this route links the resorts of Whistler B.C. and Jasper, Alberta.  Journey through the historic Cariboo Gold Rush region, the lush forests of northern B.C. and the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Trench past Mount Robson to Jasper.  Route highlights:  Anderson and Seton Lakes, Cariboo Plateau, Fraser River Canyon, Rocky Mountain Trench and  Mount Robson.

To learn more about these and other great rail journeys, contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com.  Visit our homepage for other great Canadian vacation ideas.

Nowhere else on earth has the meeting of land and sea created the magnificent beauty of Canada’s Pacific Coast.   The substantial rain forests and amazing marine environment are the back drop for a premier eco-safari destination, offering soft adventure and soft beds.  Clayoquot is the ultimate destination for intimate couples retreats, or adventurous and educational family vacations.

Situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River, where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord, an enclave of 20 great white canvas guest tents, massage and treatment tents, dining tents, lounge tents and a massive timber cookhouse peek out from the dense bush. This safari-style resort offers a discreet paradox of individual pampering and untamed wilderness.  Specializing in remote experiences, guest may choose to learn to surf on a pristine, secluded beach or have a First Nations guide escort them on a day hike to the “Wildside” Interpretive trail and tour the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Village.  Whether you prefer whale watching or viewing black bears fishing for salmon, wildlife abounds just outside the perimiter of camp. 

The resort is open mid-May through the end of September for 3, 4 or 7 night all inclusive stays with airfare from Vancouver to the Resort, deluxe accommodation, all meals, snacks and beverages (including alcohol), massage treatments and guided activities including fishing.  Contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours for rates and ask us about the great discounts for children.