Cultural retreat in Umbria

REJUVENATE mind and body during a week of fitness training and meditation in the Umbria region of Italy.

The Sept. 30 tour visits the hill towns of Deruta, Spello and Assisi.

“Umbria is called the green heart of Italy,” said tour leader Tannis Kobrinsky. “It’s a more authentic experience. Tuscany has become so touristy.” The group will stay in a 12th century villa near Gubbio, where cooking classes, yoga, Pilates and massage are available.

“It will be restful, but we’ll be going to museums and on guided tours and there will be leisure time to explore on your own,” Kobrinsky said.

Other activities include hiking, archeological tours and visits to artisan workshops.

Cost: $1,800 per person, double occupancy ($721 single surcharge), including lodging, meals, classes, excursions, taxes and tips. International airfare and massages are not included.

Contact: Health Habitravels, L.A.; (213) 482-3150, www.healthabitravels.com.

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INDIA

Delving into spiritual traditions

EXPERIENCE the healing arts of India on a 12-day tour from Delhi to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) that begins Nov. 18.

“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to venture into such an exotic land as India,” said William Karz, of Sita Tours. “We developed this specific itinerary to offer travelers a ... unique perspective of the country’s varied traditions.”

Among the stops on the itinerary are Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi, participants tour the old and new city, visiting the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate.

In Varanasi, they tour the city, meet with a numerologist and take a cruise on the Ganges River. Other highlights include visits to the temples of Khajuraho, the medieval city of Orcha, on the way to Agra and Jaipur. Travelers tour the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

During the trip, participants will be introduced to alternative therapies and spiritual practices, including ayurvedic treatments, numerology, yoga and meditation.

Cost: $3,295 per person, double occupancy ($1,250 single surcharge), including hotels, most meals, internal airfare, ground transportation, entrance fees and clinic sessions. International airfare is not included.

Contact: Sita World Tours, Encino; (800) 421-5643, www.sitatours.com.

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IRELAND

Dublin theater festival and artisan tours

ATTEND the Dublin International Theater Festival on an eight-night journey that includes a tour of southern Ireland.

During the tour, which begins Sept. 30, the group will attend three of the plays featured at the festival and other performances in the city.

“It’s wonderful stuff. People come from all over the world,” said tour leader Laura Hitchcock.

Participants also will visit the studios of wool, crystal and ceramics artisans in Dublin and travel to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the port city Cobh in County Cork.

Cost: $2,797 per person, double occupancy ($776 single surcharge), including castle and hotel accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, tickets, entrance fees and taxes. International airfare to Ireland is not included.

Contact: Theatours, Los Angeles; (323) 656-6309, www.theatours.com.

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BAJA CALIFORNIA

Lobster lunch and shopping

LUNCH on lobster during a day trip down the coast of Baja California.

The bus leaves San Diego at 9 a.m. July 13, stopping in Rosarito Beach for shopping and pastries.

A leisurely lunch of lobster and margaritas will start around noon in Puerto Nuevo.

The group returns by way of Tijuana for more shopping.

Cost: $69 per person, including transportation from San Diego, bilingual guide, lunch and one drink. Transportation to San Diego is not included.

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

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CHILE

Go skiing high in the Andes

HONE your skiing skills in the Andes on an eight-night trip to Portillo, Chile, sponsored by the North American Ski Training Center.

The trip, which begins Aug. 19, includes eight days of instruction by professional ski instructors and a day of sightseeing in Santiago. Instruction ranges from basic to tactical.

The group stays in a hotel at the 9,000-foot level.

“It’s the only hotel up there,” said Chris Fellows, of the North American Ski Training Center. “It’s cradled by these 18,000-foot peaks. The beauty of those mountains is astounding.”

Swimming, sauna and massage are available at the hotel.

Participants will have one day to ski independently to Inca Lake, ski in the back country or heli-ski.

Cost: $4,695 per person, quadruple occupancy, $5,505 per person, double occupancy ($1,260 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, hotels, meals, instruction, ski lift tickets and hotel amenities.

Contact: The North American Ski Training Center, Truckee; Calif.; (530) 582-4772; www.skinastc.com.

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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.