TOURS & CRUISES
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
A Turkish getaway
Spend six days in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Info: Gate 1 Travel, Fort Washington, Pa.; (800) 682-3333, www.gate1travel.com.
Dates: November through March.
Price: Starting at $799 per person, including round-trip airfare from New York to Istanbul, four nights’ lodging and breakfast daily. Price does not include airport taxes or transfers.
THE CARIBBEAN
Floating away on a song
Groove onboard the five-night 2009 Smooth Music Cruise, created by music-industry bigwig Bob Jamieson (he launched the careers of Christina Aguilera and Dave Matthews). Grammy-, Tony- and Emmy-winning artists will be aboard the Celebrity Century on a getaway devoted to music.
Info: Haven Entertainment; (877) 529-9729, www.smoothmusiccruise.com.
Itinerary: Embarking from Miami with stops in Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas; and Coco Cay, Celebrity Cruises’ private island.
Dates: Jan. 31 to Feb. 5.
Price: Starting at $1,399 per person, including all meals, concerts, jam sessions, musician meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, interview panels, a Super Bowl party and other activities.
BAJA CALIFORNIA
Water sports and retreat
Rejuvenate yourself during one of Baja AirVentures’ wellness programs. The six-day sojourn on the Baja California peninsula takes place mostly at Las Animas Wilderness Retreat, a remote, eco-friendly lodge.
Info: Baja AirVentures; (800) 221-9283, www.bajawellnessretreat.com or www.bajaairventures.com.
Dates: April 6 to 11, April 13 to 18 or April 20 to 25; other dates can be specially arranged.
Price: $1,995 per person (double occupancy), including round-trip airfare from San Diego, boat transportation, accommodations in a private beach-side yurt, meals and water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and sailing. Also included are daily body treatments such as massage, yoga and meditation. Not included is the 10% Mexico tax.
CATALINA ISLAND
A Valentine’s Day treat
Plan an early Valentine’s Day by booking the oceanfront Villa Portofino Hotel’s “Sweet Deal” package.
Info: Hotel Villa Portofino, Avalon; (888) 510-0555, www.hotelvillaportofino.com.
Dates: Available any time.
Price: Starting at $335 per night, per couple, including a cruise to Catalina Island, taxi transfers to and from the hotel, overnight accommodations, two island tours, breakfast for two, chocolate and champagne.
PERU
Incan history lesson
Immerse yourself in the land of the Incas for 13 days of cultural, natural and historic exploration and education; local English-speaking guides show you national sites and treasures.
Info: Djoser Inc., Paoli, Pa.; (877) 356-7376, www.djoserusa.com.
Itinerary: Tours of Lima and Cuzco, a stay at a jungle eco-lodge in the Amazon, visits to Urubamba’s Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes and optional excursions to Machu Picchu, Taquile and Uros islands.
Dates: Year-round; departure must be on a weekday.
Price: Starting at $3,150 per person, based on double occupancy ($350 additional for single occupancy), including airfare from L.A., 12 nights’ accommodations, guided tours, intercity transport, daily breakfast and three internal flights. A discount of $150 per person applies to groups of four or more. Price does not include flight surcharges that apply on certain dates, airport taxes and entry fees to some attractions.
-- Avital Binshtock
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