Tours & cruises: Death Valley, Europe and Southeast Asia

DEATH VALLEY, CALIF.

Death Valley Days

If you’re up for a local excursion, consider the “Explore Death Valley in the Early Spring” offering from California Discovery Tours. A motor coach takes you through the beauty of the desert in bloom and to Badwater, the Western Hemisphere’s lowest point. The outing also includes a tour of Scotty’s Castle and stops at Ubehebe Crater and Stove Pipe Wells.

Dates: April 11-13

Price: From $520 (double occupancy; single supplement $655), including two nights at Furnace Creek Ranch, tour director, motor coach tour, two breakfasts, one lunch, snacks, luggage handling, national park entrance fee, admission to Scotty’s Castle and a ranger tour. The price does not include tips. Contact: California Discovery Tours, Ventura; (805) 641-3131, www.californiadiscovery.com

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

River Cruising

This 13-day river cruise, “Waterways of the Czars,” hits all that most travelers want to see in Moscow and St. Petersburg, plus an array of provincial villages. Along the way are famous Russian Orthodox churches and national landmarks.

Itinerary: Moscow to St. Petersburg, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritzy, Kizhi, Mandrogy and back to St. Petersburg

Dates: Various departure dates, including May 29, June 10 and 22, July 5, 17 and 29 and Aug. 9 and 10. See website for more options.

Price: From $2,396 (double occupancy), including accommodations, all meals, shore excursions, tours and port charges. Book by Feb. 26 and mention code 08W to get sale pricing, including 2-for-1 cruise rates and airfare discounts.

Contact: Viking River Cruises; (800) 304-9616, www.vikingrivercruises.com

FRANCE

Bike Touring

Tour de France fans get VIP status during the race on this eight-day cycling tour. Participants will ride the course’s closed roads -- and cross the finish line -- just before the pros do. Then they’ll meet the athletes and hang out in the Tour Village.

Itinerary: Aix en Provence to Sisteron, Mont Ventoux, Revel, Carcassonne, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Pau, Lourdes and Toulouse.

Dates: July 14-21

Price: $4,590 (double occupancy; call to inquire about single supplements), including all accommodations, most meals, cycling guides and a support vehicle and access to Tour de France events.

Contact: Discover France Adventures, Scottsdale, Ariz.; (800) 960-2221, www.discoverfrance.com

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Asian Immersion

The “Exclusive Mekong Experience: 6 Countries, One River” journey doesn’t depart until October, but it’s worth planning ahead. You’ll visit China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Itinerary: Bangkok, Thailand, to Jinghong, China; Chiang Rai, Thailand; Ta Chi Lek, Myanmar; Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse and Don Khong, Laos; Kratie, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Chau Doc, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and back to Bangkok

Dates: Oct. 28-Nov. 26

Price: $6,995 (double occupancy; single supplement $750), including intra-Asia flights, hotels, most meals, Western tour leaders and English-speaking local guides, river and road transit, entry fees, tips and a donation to regional charities. Contact: Journeys Within, Truckee, Calif.; (877) 454-3672, www.journeys-within.com

-- Avital Binshtock

itinerary@latimes.com