TOURS & CRUISES

CALIFORNIA

Big Bear is bald eagle country

SEARCH the treetops for bald eagles beginning Saturday in Big Bear, a regular stop on their winter migration.

“It’s the only place in Southern California that someone can see America’s national symbol,” said Dan McKernan, public relations coordinator for the Big Bear Lake Resort Assn. “It’s the quintessential thing to do in the wilderness.”

Big Bear Discovery Center offers tours from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through March 12 and on two Sundays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. Tours include a talk on the birds’ habitats, feeding habits and migratory patterns. Participants will then travel by van to view perch trees and fishing spots favored by the eagles.

Cost: $25 for adults and $15 for children younger than 17. Includes van transportation for viewing eagles, instruction, guide, use of binoculars and spotting scopes, bottled water and some snacks.

Contact: The Big Bear Discovery Center, Big Bear; (909) 866-3437, www.bigbeardiscovery center.com. For general information www.bigbear.com.

THE CAROLINAS

Fragrant tour of the South

Smell the roses beginning April 9 on a nine-day tour of the gardens of Charleston, S.C., and Asheville, N.C., organized by the Lotusland Foundation of Montecito, Calif.

The group will visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and Middleton Place, a carefully preserved 18th century plantation outside Charleston.

Other Charleston-area gardens on the tour include Mepkin Abbey, the former home of Henry R. Luce, 20th century philanthropist and Time magazine founder, and his wife, Clare Booth Luce; and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Participants also will take the Historic Charleston Foundation’s tour of historic homes and private gardens.

The deadline for reservations is Friday.

Cost: $2,995 per person, double occupancy, plus a $150 suggested donation to Lotusland ($1,068 single surcharge). Includes accommodations, some meals, bus transportation and guides. Airfare from Los Angeles is not included.

Contact: Deanna Hatch, Ganna Walska Lotusland, Montecito; (805) 969-3767, Ext. 121, www.lotusland.org.

SOUTH AMERICA

The hot place to glacier-walk

EXPLORE Patagonia on 16-day tours with departures Feb. 10, March 10, April 21, Oct. 20 and Nov. 10.

The Destinations & Adventures tours begin with tango lessons in Buenos Aires and lodgings on an island in the Parana River Delta.

Participants will cruise the Beagle and Murray channels, hike the Patagonian Glacier District and chill for the last three days at the luxurious Explora Resort in Patagonia.

The resort offers horseback riding, hiking, glacier-walking and other outdoor activities plus a full-service spa.

Cost: $9,950 per person, double occupancy ($3,250 single supplement). Includes accommodations, most meals, all transportation within Patagonia, all excursions and English-speaking guides.

Airfare from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires is not included.

Contact: Destinations & Adventures, Los Angeles; (800) 659-4599 or (323) 650-7267, www.daitravel.com.

MEXICO

Easter week, village style

CELEBRATE Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in Copper Canyon, departing March 19 for 11 days. The people of the region have blended Catholicism with their indigenous traditions, creating unique Easter festivities.

The tour, offered by Acacia Travel, begins with Palm Sunday celebrations in the colonial town of El Fuerte. Participants will depart by train for stays in Cerocahui and Barranca del Cobre on the canyon rim.

They will descend a winding road about 6,000 feet down the canyon for a two-day stop, including Good Friday, at the ancient village of Batopilas, Good Friday is celebrated there with processions, dancing and music.

Easter is to be spent in the town of Creel, with the option of attending services at the cathedral.

Cost: $2,082 per person, double occupancy ($777 single surcharge). Includes accommodations, most meals, excursions, transportation, guide, airport transfers, taxes and service charges. Airfare from Los Angeles to Los Mochis is not included.

Contact: Keith Tucker, Acacia Travel, San Diego; (800) 243-6996, www.acaciatravel.com.

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