Don’t just sit there: Set sail

JOIN the crew of the Dirigo II for a yacht race and a trip to the Channel Islands beginning Aug. 1.

Participants on the six-day outing will help handle the 73-foot gaff-rigged schooner during a three-day excursion to Santa Cruz Island.

“The focus of this trip is to get the passengers ready to crew,” said Len Daniello of Horizons West Adventures, “rather than sitting on deck with a glass of wine, watching.”

Sailing off the coast of Long Beach, participants will learn the basics of coastal navigation, sail selection and handling, anchoring techniques and helmsmanship.

On their return, they will put their new sailing skills to the test in the McNish Classic Yacht Race held in the Channel Islands harbor and the waters between Oxnard and Ventura.

Those who successfully complete the course can sign up to crew on future sailings free.

Cost: $1,050 per person, double occupancy ($525 single surcharge), including accommodations on board, all meals and sailing instruction.

Contact: Horizons West Adventures, Huntington Beach; (714) 536-9316, horizonswestadventures.com.

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ITALY

Immersion into Sicilian culture

DISCOVER Sicily on a summer study tour of the island June 19.

Participants spend two weeks touring Palermo, Caltagirone, Syracuse, Lipari and points in between. They visit museums, cathedrals, castles, archaeological sites and Mt. Edna. A one-unit comparative culture course is optional.

Cost: $3,594 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, hotels, some meals, ground transportation, admissions, airport fees and taxes. Tuition ($21 per unit) is not included.

Contact: International Education, Riverside Community College District, Riverside; (951) 222-8340.

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GREECE

Farming, food on isle of Kriti

Explore the pastoral villages and artisanal farms of Kriti (Crete) starting June 19.

The 10-day tour of the island visits the regions around Rethimno, Anogia and Elouda.

Participants learn about the relationship of the island’s culture to olive oil production, organic farming, and wine, cheese and bread making.

They visit ancient sites, including Knossos and Mt. Psiloritis.

The group stays at an olive farm, an eco-lodge in the mountains and apartments near the sea.

Cost: About $2,710 per person, double occupancy ($493 single surcharge), including accommodations, all meals, wine, ground transportation, admissions and sightseeing. International airfare is not included.

Contact: Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries, San Francisco; (415) 835-9923, www.cookingincrete.com.

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MEXICO

Mozart in Ensenada

HEAR Mozart in Mexico on a two-day trip to Ensenada for the Mainly Mozart Festival on June 1 and 2.

The festival features the Cuarteto Latinoamericano.

Participants stay overnight in Puerto Nuevo and have a lobster lunch before returning to San Diego.

Cost: $171 per person, double occupancy ($44 single surcharge), including hotel, some meals and ground transportation from San Diego. Transportation from Los Angeles is not included.

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

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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 write via e-mail to travel@latimes.com.