Culture, head to toe

ARGENTINA

LEARN the tango -- among other lessons -- on a four-week academic tour of Argentina that begins Jan. 16.

The study tour, sponsored by Glendale Community College, offers optional credits for conversational Spanish, literature or culinary arts.

“This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the food, wine, literature and culture of Argentina,” said program director Darren Leaver.

The trip, which includes rafting to the base of Iguazu Falls, begins and ends in Buenos Aires, with visits to Bariloche, Mendoza, Cordoba and Iguazu.

The tour visits wineries in the Mendoza region, including Altagracia.

Participants visit historical and cultural sites in Buenos Aires, including Plaza de Mayo, the Congress building and Teatro Colon. The group travels to Isla Victoria from Bariloche and flies to Iguazu.

Cost: $3,369 per person, double occupancy ($775 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, internal airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, some meals, airport transfers, guides and specified excursions.

Contact: Glendale Community College, (818) 240-1000, Ext. 5718.

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CALIFORNIA

Eagle-spotting from a barge

SEE bald eagles in the wild on a boat tour at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, northeast of Fresno.

The 3 1/2 -hour winter weekend tours are offered in January and February.

“No two tours are the same because the birds are always moving,” said park employee Karen Vreeland. “But we always see eagles.”

The tours begin at 8 a.m. with a presentation documenting the raptor’s behavior. Then participants board the 25-passenger tour barge To’quill for three hours of bald eagle viewing accompanied by park naturalists.

Coffee and hot chocolate are served midway. Life jackets are provided for adults and children older than 6. Children under 6 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, child-sized life jacket. Weekday tours can be arranged for groups of 25.

Cost: $15 per person. Campsites are $20 and $29 per night.

Contact: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, Friant; www.parks.ca.gov, (559) 822-2332.

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HAWAII

Maui tour for disabled adults

WATCH whales off the coast of Maui on a tour for travelers with special needs that begins April 2.

The fully escorted, six-night trip for developmentally disabled adults will be based in the historic whaling town of Lahaina in western Maui. Activities include shopping and hiking at Haleakala National Park. The group will visit pineapple fields and take a whale-watching cruise in the calm Auau Channel near Lahaina.

Cost: $1,700 per person, including lodging, meals, escorts, tour guides and airport transfers. A tour company escort will accompany groups of three or more on flights. Airfare from Los Angeles is not included.

Contact: Sundial Special Vacations, Seaside, Ore.; (800) 547-9198, www.sundialtour.com.

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AUSTRIA

An old-world Christmas

SHOP the Christmas markets of Salzburg on holiday tours of the city and surrounding countryside.

The tours, beginning Dec. 15 (nine nights) and Dec. 24 (11 nights), include visits to cathedrals and museums. Participants also attend concerts, an operetta and a performance at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre. The group browses the Christmas and farmers markets and feasts on Christmas dinner in a private home.

Cost: $3,495 to $4,495 per person, double occupancy ($250 single surcharge), including hotels, some meals, ground transportation, guide, concert tickets and entrance fees. International airfare is not included.

Contact: Austria Travel, Joshua Tree; (760) 366-4832, www.austriatravel.ws.

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WYOMING, IDAHO, MONTANA

Snowshoe in Yellowstone

BUNDLE up the kids and head to Yellowstone National Park for a winter holiday.

The four-night family package, a Lodging & Learning program offered by the Yellowstone Assn. Institute and Xanterra Parks & Resorts, is scheduled Dec. 26, Jan. 19 and Feb. 26.

Kids ages 8 to 12 and their parents can track animals with a park naturalist and hone their shutter skills in outdoor photography sessions. Activities include skiing and snowshoeing in the park and unlimited skating at the ice rink at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins.

Cost: $575 per adult, double occupancy ($274 single surcharge), $405 per child, including lodging, most meals, transportation in the park and one hour in the lodge hot tub. Transportation from Los Angeles is not included.

Contact: Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Yellowstone National Park; (307) 344-5566 or (866) 439-7375, www.travelyellowstone.com.

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