Scotland: Celtic charm and a chuckle

“CALEDONIAN Heritage Tours provides a memorable visit to any area of Scotland, including the Highlands and Orkney Island. Owner-operator John Begg adds Celtic charm and wit to his extensive knowledge of the history and geography of the region and takes pleasure in arranging sightseeing opportunities of interest that may not be on the itinerary.”

Average daily rate, $35 per person.

Caledonian Heritage Tours, 11 Mavis Bank, Newburgh Aberdeen AB41 6FB, Scotland; 011-44-1-358-78-9513, www.caledonian-heritage-tours.co.uk.

ALI SESSAMEN

Laguna Niguel

Hawaii: Sea life

all around you

“LAST January, we took a whale-watching trip to Maui. The whales were jumping all around us on the Gemini catamaran. This company also offers a combination snorkeling-whale-watching cruise that is amazing. I swam right next to giant sea turtles.”

Prices for adults begin at $55, (season Dec. 15-April 15). Gemini Charters, P.O. Box 10846, Lahaina, HI 96761; (808) 669-0508, infogeminicharters.com.

SUSAN O’BRIEN

Palm Springs

Send recommendations to Readers Recommend / Travel, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. CA 90012; fax (213) 237-7355, e-mail travel@latimes.com. Include name, address and phone number, and address, phone number and website of the place or person you’re recommending.