TOURS & CRUISES

CHINA

Ancient, modern Shanghai

EXPLORE Shanghai’s contemporary and traditional art scenes on a tour organized by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The nine-night trip, which begins April 15, will focus on art, architecture, museums and trendy new clubs.

Excursions include the ancient water town of Tongli, the classical gardens of medieval Suzhou and the new Suzhou Museum designed by I.M. Pei.

Cost: $5,430 per person, double occupancy ($1,690 single surcharge) including hotels, most meals, excursions and guides. Airfare from Los Angeles is not included.

Contact: Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara; (805) 884-6476, www.sbmuseart.org.

CALIFORNIA

Watch whales spouting off

WATCH whales close to home on day trips off the coast of Southern California sponsored by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

The lecture and sailing on March 11 begin with a slide show at 9:30 a.m. describing whale migration patterns followed by a cruise out of San Pedro at 11 a.m. aboard Spirit Cruises’ 90-foot motor yacht Spirit.

“Usually we head up north on the first trip and look for the ‘blows,’ ” said Carrillo program director Larry Fukuhara. “Hopefully we’ll see whales, but there are also sea lions and dolphins. It’s just great to get out there.”

Fukuhara will be on hand to help passengers identify Pacific gray whales and other marine life.

Cost: $20 per person, $18 for aquarium members.

Contact: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro; (310) 548-7562, Ext. 223, www.cabrilloaq.org.

NEVADA

Lights and

a grand dam

SEE the bright lights of Las Vegas and visit Hoover Dam on a trip for developmentally challenged adults.

The four-night trip, which begins April 2, includes comedy and magic shows; visits to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage; a ride on the roller coaster at New York New York Hotel & Casino; and an excursion to Hoover Dam.

Participants are escorted from the time of their arrival in Las Vegas.

Cost: $1,000 per person, double occupancy, including hotels, meals, transportation, entrance fees and escort. Transportation to Las Vegas is not included.

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

ARGENTINA

Ancient ruins at a quick trot

EXPLORE vineyards, ancient ruins and agricultural terraces by horseback on tours of the Colome Valley, Argentina.

The six-night trips, planned April 4, June 9, Aug. 4, Sept. 16 and Dec. 25, are based at a private estate and vineyard in Salta.

Karen Alexander of Cross Country International said that almost anybody could participate. “These horses [Peruvian Pasos] are so easy to ride,” she said. “They have a gait that is smooth ... like gliding.”

Included in the four days on horseback are a daylong ride through the vineyards to the winery for tastings and a tour of a new James Turrell museum at the visitor center. Next is a ride to Brealito Lake followed by a lakeside Argentine beef barbecue.

Other activities include swimming, tennis and mountain biking or massage.

Cost: $1,900 per person, double occupancy ($515 single surcharge), including lodging, internal airfare, meals and beverages, horse, tack, taxes and guides. Airfare to Buenos Aires is not included.

Contact: Cross Country International, N.Y.; (800) 828-8768, www.equestrianvacations.com.

SWEDEN

A very, very cool vacation

CHILL out at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.

The six-night tours, scheduled March 10 and April 7, are for women only and include visits to Stockholm and Kiruna.

From Kiruna the group travels by snowmobile to the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi for three nights in the hand-built, ice-sculpture hotel or in heated hotel rooms.

Participants take a sleigh ride to a Sami village and go dog sledding, returning to Stockholm for shopping and an afternoon at the Vasa Museum.

Cost: $3,975 per person, double occupancy ($750 single surcharge), including hotels, internal airfare and transportation, most meals and excursions. Airfare from Los Angeles to Stockholm is not included.

Contact: Woman’s World Travel, Encinitas; (800) 651-5008, www.womansworldtravel.com.

The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. Write via e-mail to travel@la times.com.