See what adventures happen on a tall-ship cruise

ALASKA

Sail the coastal fiords of Alaska aboard a century-old tall ship, exploring islands, rivers and glaciers on a 12-day adventure cruise.

The June 6 trip on the 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf is suitable for novice sailors and combines natural and cultural history with light cruising. Participants will go ashore on remote islands, visit abandoned villages and explore Alaskan rain forests.

“The hallmark of a Maple Leaf trip is spontaneity,” said Kevin Smith, owner and captain of the ship. “If we happen across orca whales or a native storyteller we take the time to enjoy the experience.”

The Maple Leaf will sail up the Inside Passage, following the route of humpback whales as they migrate to their summer grounds. The tour departs from Prince Rupert, Canada, arriving in Juneau, Alaska, on June 17. Other trips explore the coast of British Columbia.

Cost: $2,400 per person, including a berth aboard the ship, food and sightseeing. Transportation from L.A. to Prince Rupert and the return from Juneau are extra.

Contact: Maple Leaf Adventures; (888) 599-5323, www.mapleleafadventures.com.

ITALY

Draw, paint and shop in scenic northern cities

BRUSH up on your painting and sketching skills while seeing some of Italy’s most scenic regions on a plein air watercolor painting tour that visits Venice, Lake Maggiore, Lucca, Mantua and Vicenza.

UCLA art instructor Glenn Vilppu will lead the June 9-to-20 tour. Artists of any level are welcome. “We’ve scouted some of the most incredible panoramas to paint,” said organizer Roberta Kritzia, who has planned tours to Italy for 18 years.

A secondary focus of the trip is shopping, emphasizing visits to craftspeople who make jewelry, ceramics, masks and lace.

Cost: $3,395 per person, double occupancy, including accommodations, most meals, Venice boat fares, transfers and tour escorts. Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Italy is extra.

Contact: Sherman Oaks-based Personalized Travel; (818) 994-2402, www.artistravel.com.

ARIZONA

Have fun while learning about the Grand Canyon

Round up the kids and break out your hiking boots for a three-day family adventure above and below the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park.

The learning-and-lodging programs, sponsored by the nonprofit Grand Canyon Field Institute, are held year-round Sunday to Tuesday and Friday to Sunday. Traveling by foot and van, participants will learn about the mile-deep canyon’s geology, ecology and history, seeing everything from rock art to raptors, ruins to railroads.

The program is designed for adults with children 10 or older. Adults without children are welcome also. Nights are spent at a Xanterra Parks and Resorts lodge at the South Rim.

Cost: $241 per adult, double occupancy, in low season (Nov. 6 to March 25) and $286, double, in high season (April 5 to Nov. 5). The child’s rate is $168. The price includes an instructor and guide, transportation and some meals. Transportation from Los Angeles to the canyon is extra. Reservations should be made at least one month in advance.

Contact: Xanterra Parks and Resorts group sales office; (928) 638-2525, www.grandcanyonlodges.com.

BRITAIN

Theater for those who just can’t get enough of it

Tread the boards that Shakespeare once trod on a 15-day British theater history tour that visits Stratford-upon-Avon, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool.

The June 20 tour, a Saddleback College emeritus class, gives participants the opportunity to recline in royal boxes and tour backstage. They will also see seven productions and learn about the actors, playwrights and performances that created Britain’s rich theater heritage.

Included in the London segment of the trip will be visits to the London Theatre Museum, the National Theatres, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Globe Theatres and the West End.

The tour is being led by William Thomas, professor emeritus at Saddleback College.

Cost: $2,789, including lodgings, 21 meals, transportation in England, admission to performances, sightseeing and the educational program. Round-trip transportation from Los Angeles to London is not included.

Contact: For information, call William Thomas, (949) 366-6545; for brochures or ticketing, call Classical Alliance of the Western States, (800) 862-6220.

IRELAND

In hill and dale the camera, the camera is calling

Wander Ireland photographing landscapes and gardens during a UCLA Extension study tour May 10 to 18.

The tour, led by photographer Maureen Murphy, will visit historic homes, estates and gardens. Students will learn landscape photography techniques from Murphy, whose photos have appeared in the National Geographic guide “America’s Public Gardens.”

Tour highlights include Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, 17th century Kilruddery Garden in Bray and Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry. There will be stops at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Butterstream Garden in Trim, Loughcrew Gardens in Oldcastle, Corke Lodge outside Dublin, the Burren National Park in County Clare and Ballindoolin House and Garden in Edenderry.

Cost: $2,995 per person, double occupancy, including accommodations, meals, transportation during the tour and admission fees. Airfare to Ireland is not included.

Contact: UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program; (310) 825-9414.

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