TOURS & CRUISES

Hit the snow with ski-tour companions

Glide through the snowy backcountry of Yosemite National Park this winter on a cross-country skiing tour. Or sign up for a low-cost learn-to-ski program that will take you to Mammoth Mountain.

The trips are among nine outings planned in the next several months by the Orange County chapter of the Sierra Club. Most of the trips are geared to singles or couples traveling on a budget.

The Yosemite trip, Feb. 13 to 16, will include three days of guided ski and snowshoe tours.

Mammoth Mountain cross-country trips -- designed for beginning and intermediate skiers -- are planned Dec. 12 to 14, Jan. 9 to 11 and Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. Beginners should attend a three-hour snow sports training class on Dec. 3. The Mammoth trips will include guided backcountry ski tours and visits to geological formations. Optional activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Cost: The Yosemite trip is $390 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $100), for Sierra Club members; nonmembers $432. Included are accommodations at Yosemite Lodge, transportation, national park fees and refreshments. The Mammoth trips are $210 per person, double (single surcharge $100), for members; nonmembers $233. Included are lodgings at Sierra Nevada Inn, transportation, meals and refreshments. The snow sports training class is $10. All trips include pickup in Orange County, the South Bay or San Fernando Valley.

Contact: Orange County Sierra Singles; (714) 505-2404, www.angeles.sierraclub.org/ocss.

*

MEXICO

Celebrate Navidad in Baja California

CElebrate Christmas south of the border on a four-day, three-night trip to Baja. The Ensenada tour will depart San Diego on Dec. 23 for a “casual, comfortable celebration of the season,” said Barbara Littlemore of Baja California Tours.

The trip will include a stop in Rosarito, lunch and Christmas dinner in Ensenada and a tour to La Bufadora sea geyser.

Cost: $199 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $95), including round-trip transportation from San Diego to Ensenada, accommodations at Hotel Villa Marina, two meals and sightseeing.

Contact: Baja California Tours, La Jolla; (800) 336-5454, www.bajaspecials.com.

*

HONG KONG

Fireworks and parades for the Chinese New Year

Watch dragons swagger, lions dance and fireworks sparkle in Hong Kong on eight-day packages that include the celebration of Chinese New Year.

The trips, which depart Jan. 18, 19 and 20, include bleacher seating for the Chinese New Year’s Parade on Jan. 22. The event features floats, marching bands, costumed groups, street entertainers, lion and dragon dancers and a fireworks display.

Participants also will take a half-day tour to Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Repulse Bay beaches and the fishing community of Aberdeen. A museum pass and daily cultural activities -- such as feng shui and tai chi classes -- are included.

Cost: Rates start at $968 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge starts at $208), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco, lodgings and sightseeing.

Contact: Pacific Delight Tours; (800) 221-7179, www.pacificdelighttours.com.

*

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Have a kosher Hanukkah party on the beach

Eat, drink and be merry this Hanukkah season at an all-kosher Caribbean resort.

The all-inclusive package will be available at the Playa Grande Beach and Golf Resort in Puerto Plata for seven- to 11-night stays from Dec. 21 and Jan. 1. Another all-kosher winter vacation will be available Jan. 15 to 25.

“Every food item in every part of the resort will be kosher,” said Daniel Levine of ClubKosher, sponsor of the program.

The beach resort has five restaurants and a variety of sports, excursions and a kids’ club.

Cost: Seven-night Hanukkah stays are $1,229 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $799), for adults. Prices are lower for children, depending on age, and are lower for the later winter vacation. Prices include food, drinks, entertainment and activities. Round-trip air from L.A. to the Dominican Republic is not included.

Contact: ClubKosher, based in Orange, Conn.; (866) KOSHER2 (567-4372), www.clubkosher.com.

*

CALIFORNIA

Ride the rails to San Francisco in a vintage train car

Jump aboard for a rail tour to San Francisco, then celebrate Thanksgiving at a Fisherman’s Wharf hotel.

The four-day escorted getaway, which departs Nov. 27 from Union Station in Los Angeles, includes transportation in a restored vintage dome car. Participants will tour San Francisco, the Napa Valley Wine Country and the USS Potomac, sometimes referred to as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s floating White House. Return will be by air.

A similar holiday getaway is scheduled Dec. 25 to 28.

Cost: $1,118 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $160), including home shuttle service, private rail car, lodging at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf, eight meals (including Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner), sightseeing and return airfare from Oakland to L.A., Orange County or San Diego airports.

Contact: AFC Tours, San Diego; (800) 369-3693, www.afctours.com.

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