Has anyone used the services of this independent tour company? Their Kenai/Denali route looks just like our itinerary. Wondered if anyone had more information on their company. Thanks

We used them for our 2 week trip in 2002. Excellent service, I can't say enough good things about Collette and her staff. She allowed us to take the standard itinerary and add and subtract activities to our liking. All of the B & B's were great, the hosts friendly and gave us a real feel for Alaska. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. I'd rate them A++. I only wish I could find a similar company to do the planning for our trip to Utah this summer. Kathy

wall67..
Thanks so much for the response. I haven't been able to find any reviews of this outfit. We had mapped out our own Kenai/Denali itinerary and it is almost exactlly what they offer. I have read their website and wondered about the quality of the B&B's and exactly what was included (was the rental car included) Seems almost too good to be true. Thanks for any advice you can give. Karen

Karen,
The rental car was included, which for us was a great deal because we did the Heart of Alyeska trip and it included a one-way car rental from Fairbanks to Denali, train from Denali to Talkeetna, on to Fairbanks and then another car rental for the Kenai/Homer leg of our trip. I wouldn't have been able to organize that part alone for the same cost that Collette was able to do.
Most of our tour/admission tickets were included in the price, along with some of the meals. The meals were the only thing I would change. Most times we weren't that hungry for a large meal, we would have rather chosen something simpler. But since we had paid for it, felt we should use it. I'd opt out of the meals, and just ask for restaurant recommendations.
Collette puts together a great day by day travel itinerary book, with maps, info, etc. for you to use on your trip. There wasn't a time that we didn't feel welcome when traveling to a new location. The cost was very close to what we would have paid making our own arrangements. I've recommended them to my friends.
You're right about it seeming to good to be true. About a week before we left, I too was having 2nd thoughts, here we are with vouchers (which look like they could be printed on any printer), and an itinerary, but everywhere we went they expected us, knew what the vouchers were for, etc. What else would you like to know? Enjoy Alaska, it was an awesome trip for us. And, we plan to go back someday.
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Thanks so much for all the information. One of our concerns was the bed and breakfast options. My husband and I have never stayed at a B&B. We don't have anything against this option, just never appealed to us on previous vacations. I would put us in the category of budget to moderate travel accomodations. Were the accomodations primarily B&B's. Could you give an example. Also, do you remember the Kenai fjord cruise that was offered. I'm trying to do some comparison shopping and see if we should book on our own or use Rainbow. I must admit that the convenience of it all is so appealing. Also, I saw your post about a Utah trip. We just booked a trip to the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, NM in October and then onto Santa Fe for a week. I have never been to this part of the country and can't wait. Thanks again...I sit and plan our Alaska trip as the snow is falling and our woodstove is in full swing. (New Hampshire)

Kathy,

My apologies...I just reread your post and realized you did not take the same tour that I am inquiring about. So, you would not know about the fjord cruise or specific examples of B&B's. I think that woodstove has cooked the brain here! I haven't found any other reviews of this company anywhere on my internet searches. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Karen,

It was the first time for my husband and I to stay in B & B's also. Most of them were more like inns, a couple we had our own little cabin. We'd do it again and I loved the breakfasts.
We did the Kenai fjord cruise, with Saltwater Lodge, which also happened to own one of the B & B's we stayed in while in Seward. It was great, there were only 15 passengers and we really were able to get close to wildlife. The Captain would cut the engines and allow the boat to drift towards the animals without scaring them.

If you don't mind a short hike, we really enjoyed Exit Glacier near Seward, and Byron Glacier near Portage.

Also, don't miss taking a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna of Mt McKinley. Awesome!!

We're headed to Utah for the first time to the Southwest in June. Isn't it fun to plan these warm weather vacations, while it's cold and the snow is still around?(Minnesota) Spring is just around the corner, we had our first day of 50+ yesterday, and today it's 28.

Let me know what other questions you have. Kathy

Kathy,
I sent an e-mail to Rainbow Mountain a few days ago and haven't heard anything yet. I guess my final question is ..Are all the B&B's , the names of the tours,type of car and included restaurants disclosed to you prior to making a deposit. Most all other tour operators have this information on their websites..(examples would be Globus, Trafalgar, Tauck,,etc.) Again, we have never taken an organised tour before, but have used the itineraries and hotel suggestions from some of the above mentioned tour operators. Alaska seems a bit daunting and the tour would be a consideration. However, I have never been a "priceline" kind of person and paid for a service that I didn't know up front what it entailed. We have traveled extensively, so I don't know why Alaska seems such a challenge. Thank you for all your responses...again you are the only reference that I have found that can review this company. I will wait a few more days and try to e-mail again. Enjoy Utah..I see plenty of hiking in our southwestern trip (to burn of the calories of all the wonderful food) Think Spring and thank you again!

I know Rainbow Mountain Adventures! Not as a customer, but as a former vendor.

What I can say of Collette & Co. is that that I cannot remember a single disatisfied customer after having dealt with hundreds upon hundreds.

Keep in mind, this was several years ago, but I doubt their quality of service has declined.

Aside from the fact that Rainbow Mtn chooses some first rate operators, what really sets them apart from the other tours is the follow through....typically Collette or one of her staff would call a day ahead of the customer to confirm that there would be no glitches. As a vendor, I liked it because it made me look and feel good to say, "we got you covered." Her customers liked it because they were always expected .... even looked forward to.

Anyway, if they are the half of what they used to be, you won't be dissappointed.