TOURS & CRUISES

CANADA

Trade New Year’s confetti for snow on a train ride in the Rockies

Ride the rails to New Year’s Eve fun on a Royal Canadian Pacific trip through the snowcapped Rockies.

The six-night tour begins Dec. 27 in Calgary, Canada, and features daytime passage through Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass, Bow Lake, Spiral Tunnels and the Continental Divide. One night will be aboard the train, one night at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary and four nights, including New Year’s Eve, at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Typically the region is under heavy snow during the dates of the trip, but “snow is never a problem for us. We just look at it through big windows,” said Christopher Kyte of the Walnut Creek agency Uncommon Journeys. “It’s a magical day and a half among the glaciers; people literally spend the whole time in front of the windows with a camera.”

Travelers have suites aboard the train, with bathrooms and showers. Public areas of the train include dining rooms and an observation lounge with an open-air platform. The Royal Canadian has played host to King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.

Cost: $1,995 per person, double occupancy, including accommodations, round-trip train travel through the Rockies, some meals, New Year’s Eve festivities, sightseeing and transfers. Round-trip air fare from LAX to Calgary is not included.

Contact: Uncommon Journeys; (800) 323-5893, www.uncommonjourneys.com.

LOUISIANA

Steam down the Mississippi to Mardi Gras

Party hearty in the Big Easy during Mardi Gras on an eight-day, seven-night cruise on the mighty Mississippi River.

The tour, aboard the Mississippi Queen steamboat, departs Feb. 27 from New Orleans. Stops are at Natchez, Miss., site of more than 500 antebellum homes; St. Francisville, La., also known for plantation homes; and Baton Rouge, La., the state capital. Travelers will be in New Orleans from 8 a.m. to midnight on March 4, Mardi Gras.

“This cruise takes you to the heart of America, with Mardi Gras as the focal point,” said Don Eslinger of Historic Tours and Cruises Inc.

Cost: from $1,017.90 per person, double occupancy, including cruise, all meals on board and nightly entertainment. Round-trip air fare from LAX to New Orleans is not included.

Contact: Huntington Beach-based Historic Tours and Cruises; (714) 536-3434, www.historictoursandcruises.com.

CHINA

Explore Beijing and stroll the Great Wall

Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City and discover the Ming Tombs for less than $1,000 on a seven-day journey to Beijing.

The package, which includes two days to explore the city at leisure, has two excursions: a trip to the Great Wall, 40 miles north of the city, and the Ming Tombs, a complex of well-preserved artifacts of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors.

“We’ve operated tours to China for many years but only last season discovered that China is a wonderful winter destination,” said Serba Ilich of Uni- world. “The crowds are gone; exploring the cities and sites is easier. Beijing can be cold during some winter months, even with snow, but it can also surprise you with pleasant, sunny weather.”

Forbidden City is a complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. Tour participants also visit historic Tiananmen Square.

Cost: $898 for several departure dates in December, January and February. The prices include round-trip air fare from LAX to Beijing, accommodations, sightseeing, English-speaking local guides and entrance fees.

Contact: Encino-based Uniworld; (800) 733-7820, www.uniworld.com.

NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi gardens at their summer best -- in February

TAKE a stroll down the garden paths of New Zealand on a 12-night tour that takes advantage of the reversal of seasons in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Feb. 17 trip visits both South and North islands, with extended stays in Christchurch, Marlborough and Wellington. The tour is called “Summer in New Zealand: South and North Island Gardens.” It coincides with Christchurch’s annual Festival of Flowers.

The itinerary includes afternoon teas, wine tastings at several vineyards and visits to botanic gardens in Christchurch and Wellington. The group will also visit private gardens and nurseries.

Cost: $3,595 per person, double occupancy, including 12 nights’ accommodations, several meals, transfers, two harbor cruises, inter-island ferry from South to North Island, sightseeing, taxes, tips and admissions. Round-trip air fare from LAX to New Zealand is not included.

Contact: Inverness, Calif.-based Coopersmith’s; (415) 669-1914, www.coopersmiths.com.

BRITAIN

Winter ushers in bargain-priced London packages

Explore merry old England on a low-cost seven-day, six-night winter package to London offered by Virgin Atlantic.

You can check out Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Piccadilly Circus. Or spend time visiting museums, touring in a double-decker bus or seeing plays.

Departures are available through Dec. 12, and Jan. 7 to March 26.

Cost: $609 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip air fare from LAX to London, accommodations at the Oliver Plaza Hotel in the Earl’s Court district, breakfasts, service charges, discount coupons and a London City Guide. Prices are based on Tuesday departures and returns, and do not include a government security fee of $99. Hotel upgrades are available.

Contact: Virgin Vacations; (888) OK-VIRGIN (658-4744), www.virgin.com/atlantic.

*

The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. These should be confirmed with travel agents, cruise lines or tour operators.