TOURS & CRUISES

ARIZONA

On edge at the Grand Canyon

GO out on a rim and backpack back in time on four-day hikes from the North to the South rims of the Grand Canyon.

The two trips, organized by the Grand Canyon Field Institute, the educational wing of the nonprofit Grand Canyon Assn., are Sept. 26 and Oct. 11. They will focus on the canyon’s geology and history.

The hikes provide access “to some of the park’s most compelling points of interest,” said Michael Buchheit, director of the institute.

Hikers, led by a naturalist, will make a dramatic descent through several ecosystems, from an aspen forest to desert floor on the first day. Nights will be spent in three campgrounds. Backpacking experience and a high level of physical fitness are required for the 24-mile journey.

Cost: $535, which includes instruction, shuttle to the North Rim, educational materials and camping permit fees. Backpackers provide their own meals, tents and gear.

Contact: Grand Canyon Field Institute, (866) 471-4435 or (928) 638-2485, www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute.

CALIFORNIA

Of Steinbeck and his space

Motor on scenic U.S. 101 into the heart of Steinbeck country and the Salinas Valley on a four-day fall trip sponsored by the Ventura County Museum of History and Art.

Participants in the Oct. 19 bus tour will walk Cannery Row in Monterey with Michael Hemp, author of “Cannery Row: The History of John Steinbeck’s Old Ocean View Avenue.” They will visit the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas for background on the lives of California’s migrant workers during the Depression.

The workers are the focus of an upcoming exhibition on Depression-era photographers Dorothea Lange and Horace Bristol from Sept. 11 to Nov. 28 at the Ventura County Museum of History and Art.

Two days will be spent exploring Salinas, and then it’s on to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Carmel Mission and points south on the California coast, spending one night in San Luis Obispo.

Cost: $485 per person, double occupancy ($170 single surcharge), including bus transportation from Ventura, lodging, six meals and admissions.

Contact: Jennifer Garcia, Ventura County Museum of History and Art, (805) 653-0323, Ext. 17, or visit www.venturamuseum.org.

MEXICO

A cruise for sight-impaired passengers

Ring in the New Year from the deck of the Diamond Princess on a 10-night Mexican Riviera cruise that will cater to visually impaired passengers.

The sailing, which is also for sighted passengers, will depart Dec. 29 from Los Angeles and visit Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan before returning to Los Angeles.

Among the amenities for those with sight impairments: Braille and large-print documents and menus, expedited check-in, assistance with forms, help in the dining room and buffet and assistance with guide dogs.

Cost: From $1,700 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $623), including meals and accommodation but not shore excursions, airfare or transfers.

Contact: Sue Slater, consultant for accessible cruises and travel for Ticket to Travel, San Jose, (888) 726-9650 or (314) 726-6893.

CHINA

Great Wall and beyond

Study the art and culture of China on a 16-day tour sponsored by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and UC Santa Barbara.

The tour, led by study lecturer Scott Gregory, begins Oct. 9 in Beijing, with visits to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

Five days later, the group flies to Xian, where more than 6,000 life-size terra-cotta figures were unearthed beginning in 1974. After three days, the tour continues to Chongqing, departure point for a four-day cruise on the Yangtze River. The tour ends with three days in Shanghai to visit museums and markets and to watch an acrobatic performance.

Cost: From $4,795 per person, double occupancy ($3,800 and up for single surcharge), including accommodations, internal airfare and some meals. An extension to Guilin and Hong Kong is available. Airfare to China not included.

Contact: Anna Stevenson, UC Santa Barbara Alumni Assn., (805) 893-4775, www.ucsbalum.com, or Theresa Payne, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, (805) 884-6436, www.sbmuseart.org.

The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. Send information to Tours & Cruises, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 or write via e-mail to travel@latimes.com.