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40 Best Vacations
The Real Deals right now.
June 2007 issue
Tuesday, May 22, 2007;
Have you gone on a 40 Best trip? We want to publish your accounts and pictures! They help others learn more about the companies listed in this section--and we love reading the tales. E-mail us at Letters@BudgetTravelOnline.com.
Europe Bike Tours on Sale for $920
Taking a Closer Look at Brazil for $1,543
Family Fun at Hilton Los Cabos for $199
UNITED STATES
Hawaii Cruise for $799
Kauai for $916
Las Vegas for $199
Los Angeles for $429
Scottsdale for $100
Wyoming Camping for $1,194
CANADA
MEXICO
Playa del Carmen for $599
Puerto Vallarta for $350
CARIBBEAN
Jamaica for $500
Saint Martin for $623
CENTRAL AMERICA
Nicaragua for $789
SOUTH AMERICA
Ecuador for $1,099
Peru for $2,420
EUROPE
Malta for $1,529
Russia for $1,799
Scotland for $949
Tuscany for $1,799
Vienna Combo for $1,399
Western Ireland for $849
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Kenya for $2,895
Morocco for $810
South Africa for $1,999
ASIA
China Tour & Yangtze River Cruise for $1,938
Tokyo for $1,199
Vietnam for $999
SOUTH PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Tour for $3,735
This summer, in the middle of Europe's high season, BikeToursDirect will offer a 20 percent discount on four of its guided biking trips in Europe. "We're just trying to raise our profile," says Jim Johnson, who founded the Chattanooga-based business four years ago as a U.S. travel agency for 35 European bicycle-tour companies. BikeToursDirect now sells more than 200 different cycling and walking itineraries in 32 countries. All four of the specially priced trips cycle along easy-to-moderate-level routes and include seven nights' accommodations in hotels and inns, luggage transport, a support van (except for the Danube itinerary), guides throughout, breakfast and dinner daily, and all entrance fees, sightseeing, and local transportation for each trip's specific itinerary. Two of the discounted routes are in Italy (one in the Dolomites and the other in Tuscany) and the other two are in Austria (the Lake District and along Danube River). Weeklong bike rentals are an extra $73 per person. This is a land-only price; airfare to Europe isn't covered. When: Tuscany, July 1 ($986); Danube Bike Path, July 7 ($920); Salzburg Lakes, July 15 ($950); Bolzano to Venice, July 21 ($1,030). Contact: BikeToursDirect, 877/462-2423, biketoursdirect.com.
TAM Vacations, a Brazilian tour operator founded in 1998, creates packages using TAM Brazilian Airlines' network (the two are owned by the same parent company), which crisscrosses South America and extends to Miami and New York. TAM Vacations opened a U.S. office in Miami in January, giving American travelers the opportunity to book its terrific deals for the first time. Among its best sellers are a five-night Rio, Buenos Aires, and Iguazú Falls combo (from $1,623); an eight-night trip to Rio, historic gold-mining towns in Minas Gerais, and the colonial city of Salvador (from $2,119); and a full week in Santiago, Chile (from $949). One of its most unusual--and interesting--itineraries includes seven nights in three lesser-known Brazilian cities: Belém, Fortaleza, and Manaus. Fortaleza has ideal northeast-coast beaches; Belém and Manaus are gateways into Brazil's Amazon region. The best part is that you avoid having to fly back through Rio to get home--TAM's package includes nonstop Manaus-Miami service. The $1,543 rate covers all flights and transfers, two nights each in Belém and Manaus, and three nights in Fortaleza, and most guided sightseeing. When: Until Dec. 9 (from $1,543). Other Gateways: New York (from $1,833). Contact: TAM Vacations, 866/627-2945, tamvacations.com.
In July, Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort will roll out a slew of sea-sonal activities and services for families on summer vacation. From July 1 to Oct. 15, a regular room rate covers welcome drinks for the whole family and souvenir backpacks stuffed with candy, coloring books, and crayons for kids 12 and under. Hilton will create more activities for its kids' camp (where lunch is included), such as cooking classes and painting workshops; and organize a weekly outdoor movie screening that can be viewed while floating on pool rafts. As a final touch, children will get turn-down service, too--with milk and cookies. Kids 12 and under stay and eat free when: accompanied by a paying adult. Rooms sleep up to two adults and three children; cribs and roll-away beds are available at no extra charge. All Hilton guests get free shuttle service to and from Cabo San Lucas and San Joséé del Cabo, and 20 percent discounts on Cabo Dolphin activities and water-sports rentals. This price is per room and doesn't include airfare. When: July 1-Oct. 15 (from $199). Contact: Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, 877/354-1399, hiltonloscabos.com.
Fort Lauderdale for $398
US Airways flights from Philadelphia and four nights at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. The package also includes a two-for-one breakfast coupon and a $15 spa gift card per room. When: June 1-Sept. 30. Other Gateways: D.C. ($421); Boston, Charlotte, Pittsburgh (from $451); Phoenix ($535); Detroit ($574). Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
A seven-day sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of Aloha round trip from Honolulu. The itinerary includes stops at Hilo and Kona on the Big Island; Kahului, Maui; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. Price covers port charges but not airfare. When: Sunday departures June 3-Aug. 26 ($799 inside cabin/$899 ocean-view cabin). Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Air from L.A. to Lihue, a six-day car rental, and five nights at the ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa hotel on the eastern coast of the island. When: June 13-Aug. 9. Other Gateways: Denver ($1,238); Chicago, New York ($1,317). Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Southwest Airlines flights from L.A. or Reno and two nights on the Strip at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. When: Monday and Tuesday departures June 11-July 24 and Aug. 6-21. Other Gateways: Denver, El Paso (from $249); Detroit, Jackson (from $324); Islip, Orlando (from $334). Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, southwestvacations.com.
Air from Chicago, Dallas, or Houston and three nights at the downtown Omni Los Angeles hotel. When: Until Dec. 24. Other Gateways: D.C., New York, Philadelphia (add $29); Miami (add $59). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
For each night's stay, the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch's summertime $100 for $100 package gives you a $100 food-and-beverage credit valid for room service and at all of the hotel's restaurants. The price is per room, per night. When: June 1-Sept. 17 ($100 mountain-view room/$129 lake-view room). Two- and three-bedroom villas cost from $200. Contact: Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch, 800/243-1332, millenniumhotels.com.
A four-night escorted, active camping tour through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The itinerary includes round-trip transportation from Jackson to Yellowstone; all instruction and equipment to go kayaking, hiking, and rafting; all meals; most camping gear (except sleeping bags and pads); permit fees; first aid gear; and guides. Add $12 for park entrance fees. Transportation to Jackson is not covered. When: Tuesday and Friday departures June 12-Sept. 11. Contact: O.A.R.S., 800/346-6277, oars.com.
Ontario & Quebec Road Trip for $1,479
Air Canada flights from Chicago (the return flight is from Montreal), a seven-day car rental, and six nights' hotel accommodations split between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The price covers a Toronto city pass with admission to the CN Tower and museums, a three-hour St. Lawrence River cruise through the Thousand Islands, a Montreal dinner cruise, and an entrance pass to 32 Montreal attractions and museums. When: Until Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($1,519), Miami ($1,529), L.A. ($1,547), Boston ($1,729). Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Mazatlán for $540
US Airways flights from Denver, transfers, and four nights at the beachfront El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel. Add $122 for an all-inclusive plan. When: Monday and Tuesday departures June 4-Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Phoenix, Seattle (from $565). Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale to Cancún and three nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Occidental Grand Xcaret resort, a five-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. The package also includes unlimited free admission to the eco-archaeological park Xcaret. Add $49 for round-trip airport transfers. When: Until Dec. 22. Other Gateways: Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia (from $755); Dallas, Houston, Kansas City (from $799). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Aeroméxico flights from Dallas, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron resort on Banderas Bay, 15 minutes from the airport. When: Friday departures June 22-Aug. 10. Other Gateways: San Antonio, Friday departures June 8-Aug. 10 ($380); St. Louis, Saturday departures June 9-July 21 ($400). Contact: Funjet Vacations, funjet.com.
Grand Cayman for $597
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and five nights at the Comfort Suites and Resort on Seven Mile Beach. American Express card users receive a $100 gift check when booking. When: June 6-Aug. 29. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($647); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York ($697). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Ryan International Airlines flights from St. Louis to Montego Bay, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Runaway Bay. When: Thursday departures June 14-Aug. 16. Other Gateways: Dallas, July 5, 26 (from $550). Cities with Saturday departures July 7-Aug. 18: D.C. (from $750); Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis (from $800); Albany, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester (from $840); Charlotte (from $880). Contact: Funjet Vacations, funjet.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and five nights at the Mercure Simson Beach Hotel in Marigot. When: Until Aug. 18. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa (from $698); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York (from $773). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Belize for $909
American Airlines flights from Miami, a three-day Suzuki Jimny car rental, three nights in a jungle bungalow at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge, an onward flight to Ambergris Cay, and four nights in San Pedro Town at the beachfront Mayan Princess hotel. When: June 1-30, Sept. 1-Oct. 30 ($909); July 1-Aug. 31 ($969). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $949); New York (from $994); Chicago (from $1,085); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,135); Portland, Seattle (from $1,169). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, all transfers and local transportation, two nights in Granada at the downtown Hotel Colonial, and five nights on the Pacific Coast at the all-inclusive Barceló Montelimar Beach Resort and Casino. When: June 1-30, Sept. 1-Dec. 9 ($789); July 1-Aug. 31 ($948). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $819); New York (from $935); L.A., San Francisco (from $979); Chicago (from $989); Portland, Seattle (from $1,045). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Chile Skiing for $1,099
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Santiago; transfers; five nights at the Hotel Principado de Asturias, between downtown and the Providencia neighborhood; a half-day city tour; and breakfast daily. The itinerary also includes daily transfers to the ski slopes of Valle Nevado, about an hour's drive from Santiago, and a two-day lift ticket. When: Until Dec. 6. Other Gateways: Orlando (add $50); L.A., New York (add $200). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, four nights in Quito at the Dann Carlton Hotel, two nights in the Otavalo countryside at Hacienda Pinsaqui, breakfast daily, and two lunches. The itinerary includes visits to an Otavalo market; the Indian villages of Calderón, Miralago, Cotacachi, and San Antonio de Ibarra; and Cuicocha Lake. When: Until Dec. 6. Other Gateways: Orlando (add $100), New York (add $120), L.A. (add $350). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from Miami to Lima, all transfers and local transportation (bus, train, plane), seven nights' hotel accommodations, and breakfast daily. Spend two nights in Lima at the Plaza del Bosque Apart Hotel, three in Cuzco at the Novotel, and one night each in Chiclayo at the Gran Hotel Chiclayo, and in Trujillo at the Hotel Libertador Plaza Mayor Trujillo. Highlights include Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, Túcume and the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum in Chiclayo, Chan Chan ruins, and Machu Picchu with lunch and a round-trip Vistadome train from Cuzco. When: June 1-Aug. 31. Other Gateways: L.A., New York, San Francisco ($2,700); Chicago, D.C. ($2,750). Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Lisbon for $707
TAP Portugal flights from New York, four nights at the Hotel Miraparque overlooking Eduardo VII park, a half-day city tour, and breakfast daily. When: June 1-15, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($707); June 16-30 ($1,071); July 1-Aug. 31 ($1,009). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Abreu Tours, 800/223-1580, abreu-tours.com.
Virgin Atlantic Airways flights from Boston, D.C., or New York to London; an onward Air Malta flight to Malta; transfers; five nights at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel in the resort town of St. Julian's; and breakfast daily. The package also includes a choice of two full-day tours, four half-day tours, or a combination of the two. When: June 1-15 ($1,529); June 16-30 ($1,659); July 1-20 ($1,899); July 21-Aug. 31 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Miami, Orlando (add $80); Chicago, L.A., San Francisco (add $100). Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, three nights in St. Petersburg at either the Okhtinskaya-Victoria Hotel (along the Neva River) or the Best Western Hotel Neptun (in the historic district), an overnight train to Moscow, two nights at the Hotel Izmailovo-Alfa (near the crafts market in Izmailovsky Park), breakfast daily, and a guided tour and tickets to an evening performance in each city. When: Until June 10, Aug. 16-Sept. 15 ($1,799); June 11-Aug. 15 ($2,199). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $300); Chicago, Detroit, Miami (add from $425); Denver, L.A. (add from $525). Contact: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Air from Boston to Glasgow, a seven-day car rental with unlimited mileage, one night at the Thistle Hotel, five nights of vouchers valid at about 400 B&Bs throughout Scotland, and breakfast daily. When: June 1-30 ($949); July 1-Aug. 31 ($1,049). Other Gateways: New York (add from $30); Chicago (add from $45); Atlanta, Orlando (add from $220); L.A. (add from $247). Contact: Dooley Vacations, 877/331-9301, dooleyvacations.com.
Eurofly flights from New York to Rome, an eight-day car rental, and six nights at the Villa Il Patriarca hotel in the Tuscan town of Chiusi, near Siena. The package also includes two dinners, a guided Montepulciano wine-cellar tour and tasting, and breakfast daily. When: June 1-14 ($2,099); July 1- Aug. 1 ($2,199); Aug. 2-15 ($1,999); Aug. 16-31 ($1,799). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Austrian Airlines flights from Chicago, D.C., or New York to Vienna; six nights' hotel accommodations split between Vienna and one of 11 other European cities; and breakfast daily. The cities that can be paired with Vienna for $1,399 include Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Nürnberg, and Prague. When: Until Sept. 9. Other Gateways: None. Contact: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.
Flyglobespan direct flights from New York to Knock, an eight-day car rental with unlimited mileage, one night at the Ridgepool Hotel in the town center of Ballina, five nights of vouchers valid at more than 450 B&Bs across the country, and breakfast daily. When: Until Oct. 30. Other Gateways: A seven-night trip from Boston starts at $999. Contact: Sceptre Tours, 800/221-0924, sceptretours.com.
Egypt Tour for $1,699
Egyptair flights from New York to Cairo; all transfers and local transportation; an onward flight to Luxor; three nights on a Nile cruise aboard the King of Thebes, with all meals, shore excursions, and entrance fees; return flight from Aswan to Cairo; three nights at the Sofitel Le Sphinx with breakfast daily; and English-speaking guides throughout. Sightseeing highlights include visits to the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Necropolis of Thebes, and Luxor Temple. Add $95 for a tour to the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, with lunch. When: Thursday departures June 7, 14 ($1,869); June 21-July 5, July 19, 26 ($2,039); July 12, Aug. 2, 9 ($1,899); Aug. 16-Sept. 13 ($1,699). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Virgin Atlantic Airways flights from Boston, D.C., or New York to London; an onward Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi; all transfers and local transportation; and a five-night safari. Spend one night at the Serena Mountain Lodge in Mount Kenya National Park, one night at the Lake Nakuru Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park, and three nights at the Siana Springs Intrepids tented safari camp on the edge of the Masai Mara National Game Reserve. The itinerary covers six game drives with an English-speaking driver-guide, all entrance fees and meals while on safari, and a visit to Thompson's Falls. When: Sunday departures until Sept. 15. Other Gateways: L.A., Miami, San Francisco (add $195). Budget Travel readers leaving from these additional gateways will not be charged add-on fares for departures on June 10; July 8; and Aug. 5, 19. Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
A 21-day escorted tour through Morocco round trip from Marra-kech, with all local transportation (train, local bus, shared taxi); 20 nights' accommodations (16 in hotels, two in multishare guesthouses, one on an overnight train, and one in a desert camp); and English-speaking guides throughout. Spend three nights in Marrakech; one each in Ouarzazate and the Sahara; two each in Imlil, the Todra Gorge, Tangier, and Chefchaouen; and three each in Fez and Essaouira. A local payment of €300 is due upon arrival. Add about $530 for meals. Land-only price; international airfare not included. When: Saturday departures until Sept. 30 ($865); Oct. 1-Dec. 31 ($810). Contact: Intrepid Travel, 866/847-8192, intrepidtravel.com.
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg), all transfers, three nights at The Portswood Hotel on the V&A Waterfront, an onward flight to Jo'burg, one night at The Michelangelo Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square, and two nights at the Bakubung Bush Lodge in malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. The itinerary includes four game drives with an English-speaking driver-guide, six breakfasts and two dinners, a half-day tour of Cape Town, and all entrance fees. When: June 1-Aug. 31 ($2,999); Sept. 1-30 ($2,599); Oct. 1-31 ($2,299); Nov. 1-30 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit (add $180); Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Tampa (add $200); Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, L.A., Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle (add $290). Contact: Visit Southern Africa, 888/722-4872, visitsaonsaa.com.
Borneo for$1,266
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore, all transfers and local transportation (van); one night's hotel in Singapore; an onward flight and seven nights' accommodations in Borneo; most meals; and an English-speaking guide throughout. You can see the range of Borneo's incredible fauna and flora through two full-day tours--one to see flying lemurs and monkeys in Bako National Park (which is home to seven distinct ecosystems), and another to see orangutans in Semenggoh Nature Reserve--and a side trip to the Ranchan Waterfall. Explore Borneo's culture with a Kuching city tour and boat trip to the traditional jungle villages of the Iban tribe. When: Until June 5, Aug. 21-Sept. 30 ($1,266); June 6-Aug. 20 ($1,566). Other Gateways: New York (add $150); Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); Boston, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia (add $275); Dallas, Miami (add $350). Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Northwest or United Airlines flights from L.A., Portland, San Francisco, or Seattle to Beijing; three nights' hotel; three nights in an outside cabin of a Victoria cruise on the Yangtze River; two nights' hotel in Shanghai; most meals; and English-speaking guides throughout. Highlights include the Three Gorges section of the Yangtze; the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall in Beijing; and the Jade Buddha temple in Shanghai. When: June 16 ($1,938); June 30 ($2,088); July 14, 21 ($2,048). Other Gateways: Boston, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York (add from $100); Detroit, Minneapolis (add from $120); Chicago (add from $140). Contact: Pacific Delight Tours, 800/221-7179, pacificdelighttours.com.
Japan Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, five nights at the Le Méridien Pacific Tokyo hotel, and a half-day city tour. When: Until June 8, Aug. 20-Oct. 24 ($1,199); June 9-July 15 ($1,420); July 16-Aug. 19 ($1,399). Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (from $1,249). Contact: NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Hanoi (via Singapore); a return flight from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon; all transfers; three nights in Hanoi at the Chains First Eden Hotel; an onward Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City; three nights at the Bong Sen Annex Hotel; and breakfast daily. The itinerary includes half-day city tours of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and either a water-puppet show or a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. The trip is also available in the reverse direction. When: Until June 4 ($999); June 5-Aug. 20 ($1,249). Other Gateways: Boise, Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); New York (add $250); Austin, Dallas, Tulsa (add $275); Boston, Buffalo, D.C., Philadelphia (add $300); Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit (add $345). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
South Pacific Cruise for $1,595
A 10-day sailing round trip from Papeete aboard Princess Cruise's Tahitian Princess with two days at sea and stops in Bora-Bora, Huahine, Moorea, and Raiatea, French Polynesia; and Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Prices include port charges but not airfare. When: June 29; Aug. 12, 22 ($1,595 inside cabin/$1,745 ocean-view cabin). Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Melbourne, Sydney & Tasmania for $1,799
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, all internal flights, and 12 nights' hotel accommodations. Spend four nights each in Sydney and Melbourne, and four nights in Tasmania (two each in Hobart and Launceston). Add $100 for a four-day car rental in Tasmania. When: Until June 8, July 26-Sept. 21 ($1,799); June 9-July 25 ($2,199). Other Gateways: New York (add $300). Contact: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Air from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland, all transfers and local transportation (bus, ferry), and a 16-day escorted tour of North and South Islands, with guided sightseeing and most meals. Spend two nights each in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and Queenstown; and one night each in Wellington, Blenhiem, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Te Anau, Dunedin, and Mount Cook. All tours until August include international airfare at no extra cost. Add about $150 for a domestic connecting flight back to Auckland (the tour ends in Christchurch). When: June 9, July 14, Aug. 4, 18 ($3,735); Sept. 8, 15, 22 ($4,395). Other Gateways: None. Contact: ATS Tours, 800/423-2880, atstours.com.