Tours & cruises: India, Palau, British Columbia and more

Shakti Tours’ “Kumaon Village Experience” transports travelers to a land of resplendent views and rich cultural heritage. You’ll leave bustling Delhi behind for an intimate walking tour that laces together the villages of the Himalayan foothills and concludes each day with an authentic overnight home stay.

Itinerary: Delhi to Sarai Rohilla, Kathgodam, Deora, Alai, Jwalabanj and back to Delhi

Dates: Multiple departure dates between Oct. 1 and April 30

Price: Starting at $1,245, double occupancy ($1,995 for single travelers), the three-night package includes lodging in village homes, most transportation (but not airport transfers), guides, gratuities, taxes, fees and the services of a private chef, porters and a private automobile. The price excludes airfare and visa fees.

Info: Shakti Tours, Gurgaon, India; (877) 637-5665, https://www.shaktihimalaya.com

Palau, a land of ecological and historic importance — and infinite beauty — is the subject of Boundless Journeys’ “Oceania Odyssey.” Highlights include a dip in teeming Jellyfish Lake, rainforest hikes to majestic waterfalls, kayaking along the Rock Islands and underwater dives to behold the vast coral reef. Tours emphasize the nation’s World War II strategic significance and history, and make stops at related sites.

Itinerary: Koror to Babeldaob, the Rock Islands, Carp Island, Peleliu Island and back to Koror

Dates: Oct. 10; Jan. 21, March 19, April 5 and Oct. 16, 2011

Price: $4,695, double occupancy (single supplement $600), including transfers, accommodations (three nights deluxe hotel, four nights camping, three nights lodge), guides, meals, and equipment for kayaking, snorkeling and camping. The rate does not include airfare, a Palau departure tax ($35 at the airport) or gratuities.

Info: Boundless Journeys, Stowe, Vt.; (800) 941-8010, https://www.boundlessjourneys.com

Fitness expert Jillian Michaels is the focal point of Sixthman’s “Ultimate Wellness Cruise.” The four-night excursion, operated by Norwegian Star, promises an active itinerary with health-related offerings such as group workouts, healthful meals, lectures, entertainment, athletic contests and children’s activities.

Itinerary: Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau and back to Miami

Dates: Oct. 21-25

Price: Starting at $699, double occupancy (single supplement about $500), including lodging, meals while at sea and fitness activities. The price does not include airfare, gratuities ($12 a day), meals in port, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, ground transportation, shore excursions or taxes and fees ($179).

Info: Sixthman, Atlanta; (877) 749-8462, https://www.jillianmichaels.com/cruise.aspx

Explore the Salish Sea and taste some 50 Pacific Northwest microbrews aboard a 92-foot sailing vessel during Maple Leaf Adventures’ “Tall Sails & Ales” trip. Chefs prepare local cuisine to accompany the beer, while guides explain the drink’s history in the region; during excursions, they also point out places of natural beauty and historical interest.

Itinerary: Sidney, British Columbia, to Saanich Inlet, Protection Island, Galiano Island, Saturna Island, Salt Spring Island and back to Sidney.

Dates: Oct. 25-30 or Oct. 26-31, 2011

Price: From about $2,250, including onboard accommodations, all meals, alcohol during tastings, lectures, shore excursions, sailing instruction and necessary gear. The price does not include airfare, taxes (about $300), sustainability fees (about $100) or gratuities.

Info: Maple Leaf Adventures, Victoria, B.C.; (888) 599-5323, https://www.mapleleafadventures.com

—Avital Binshtock

itinerary@latimes.com