Wolves 101 offered in national park

WATCH wolves stalk their prey and listen to them howl during a three-day wolf behavior and ecology seminar in Yellowstone National Park that begins May 20.

Students observe wolves in the field mornings and evenings and spend afternoons in class learning about wolf behaviors such as howling and their pecking order. “What’s great about this seminar is that it is based at our field campus,” where wolves were introduced to the park in 1995 and 1996, said Jeff Brown, director of education for the nonprofit Yellowstone Assn. Institute. “Many people describe it as the best place to see wild wolves.”

And spring is a time when the wolves are very active, Brown added. “They have pups to feed at their dens,” visible by sighting scope from lookouts near the campus.

Students share cabins at Lamar Buffalo Ranch near Mammoth Hot Springs and prepare their own meals in a group kitchen. College credits are available. The course is among dozens offered by the institute annually. Other wildlife, geology and history courses are available.

Cost: $200 per person, double or triple occupancy, including lodging, instruction and fieldwork. Transportation from Los Angeles and meals are not included.

Contact: Yellowstone Assn. Institute, Yellowstone National Park; (307) 344-2294, www.yellowstoneassociation.org.

*

ARGENTINA

Art in the day, tango at night

MEET the artists of Buenos Aires on five-night tours offered April 9, July 2, Sept. 3 and Nov. 5.

Participants tour museums and galleries, meet with artists in their private studios and visit cafes and hot spots. One night will be devoted to the tango, which is native to Argentina, with a performance, lessons and dinner.

Participants tour Buenos Aires and take a trip to a cattle ranch near Lobos, staying in a castle, eating traditional Basque barbecue, riding horses or visiting the J.D. Peron Museum and Library nearby.

Cost: $2,199 per person, double occupancy ($190 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from LAX, accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, sightseeing and entrance fees. Airport taxes, insurance and tips are not included.

Contact: Feliz Travel, Los Angeles; (323) 644-0550; www.feliz-travel.com.

*

CALIFORNIA

Napa offers a taste of Spain

SAVOR the flavors of Spain without leaving California during a weekend Napa Valley fiesta.

The event, scheduled March 25 and 26, is sponsored by COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, and by the government of the Balearic Islands.

Guest chefs will prepare dishes featuring fish, shellfish or pork coupled with the produce of Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera, including almonds, olives, capers, figs and cheeses. Cost: $12.50 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 20, free for children 12 and younger, including tastings, films, performances and craft activities. Transportation from L.A., lodging and meals are not included.

Contact: COPIA: The Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, Napa; (888) 512-6742, www.copia.org.

*

CHINA

Insider insight in famed land

TRAVEL to Tibet and southern China on a 15-day tour escorted by the author of a book on China.

The May 6 trip visits Chengdu, China, for a tour of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Other stops include Tiger Leaping Gorge of the Yangtze River; the 96,000-acre Stone Forest of Kunming; and Gyangze, Tibet. Accompanying the group will be Craig Dietrich of the University of Southern Maine, author of “People’s China.”

Cost: $3,990 per person, double occupancy, ($575 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from LAX, internal airfare, hotels, meals, sightseeing tours, lectures, transfers and taxes.

Contact: EastWest International Tours, Laguna Beach; (800) 359-6719, www.eastwest-tours.com.

*

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Heading south with the whales

SEE the giants of the marine world in action on an 11-day whale-watching expedition down the coast of Baja to Cabo San Lucas.

The trip, which begins March 24, is aboard the 88-foot Spirit of Adventure, which sails from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas and San Ignacio Lagoon -- a favorite breeding area for California gray whales.

Cost: $2,930 per person, double occupancy, including cabin accommodations, meals, excursions and fees. Return airfare from Cabo San Lucas is not included.

Contact: Pacific Sea Fari Tours, San Diego; (619) 226-8224, www.hmlanding.com.

*

The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. Please 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.