MAINECruise past islands and coast on a...

MAINE

Cruise past islands and coast on a historic ship

Haul anchor, hoist the sails and hit the high seas off the coast of Maine on windjammer tours that will take you to secluded islands and historic New England seaports.

Three- and six-day voyages on the graceful tall ships embark from mid-May to mid-October, with special events scheduled during the summer. The 14 ships that take part belong to the Maine Windjammer Assn., the largest fleet of traditional sailing vessels in North America.

“Your destination is determined by wind and weather,” said Windjammer Assn. representative Jon Leahy. “It’s a remarkable way of replenishing the soul -- therapy in the form of a 100-foot-long historic ship.”

The ships are based in midcoast Maine, operating out of Camden, Rockport and Rockland. They cruise Penobscot Bay to Acadia National Park. Most of the windjammers were built at the turn of the century; many are registered as National Historic Landmarks.

Participants can help sail the vessels, stand watch for whales and other wildlife or explore the islands and fishing villages where the ships drop anchor. Nights are spent in quiet coves along the coast.

Cost: Cruises range from $350 to $850, including a cabin with shared bath, three meals daily and sightseeing. Transportation to Maine is not included.

Contact: The Maine Windjammer Assn.; (800) 807-WIND (9463), www.sailmainecoast.com.

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MEXICO

Celebration of ancient dance on Oaxacan streets

ROAM the narrow streets of the Spanish-built city of Oaxaca on a six-night tour that coincides with the fiesta of Guelaguetza, a swirling dance celebration with pre-Columbian roots.

The escorted tour, which departs July 25, includes visits to archeological sites, artisan villages and reserved seating for Guelaguetza performances. The fiesta brings in young dancers from the seven regions of the state of Oaxaca. They participate in the annual event in traditional costumes.

Oaxaca has a large indigenous population and is known for its fine cuisine and rich cultural heritage. It has flourishing markets and colonial architecture.

Cost: $1,529 per person, double occupancy, including transfers from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico, round-trip airfare from Tijuana to Oaxaca, accommodations, 10 meals, four guided tours, performances and Mexican tourist documents.

Contact: La Jolla-based Baja California Tours Inc.; (858) 454-7166 or (800) 336-5454, www.bajaspecials.com.

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COLORADO

The Rockies are alive with the sound of music

Hear the hills of Aspen come alive with music this summer during a San Diego State University trip to the Aspen Music Festival, July 7 to 14.

The trip, organized by the school’s College of Extended Studies, focuses on Aspen’s classical music festival, a training ground for young musicians. The nine-week summer festival has more than 200 events, including orchestral concerts, chamber music, opera, contemporary music, master classes, lectures and kids’ programs.

The San Diego State group will attend six performances, including a chamber music concert, two symphonic concerts and a performance of Puccini’s “La Boheme.”

Cost: $1,375 per person, double occupancy, including home pickup and drop-off, round-trip airfare from San Diego International Airport to Aspen via Denver, accommodations and concert tickets.

Contact: Bee St. Clair, Continuing Education Center, (858) 487-0464.

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CALIFORNIA

Hit the trail in

the Santa Monica Mountains

See rolling hills covered with wildflowers as you explore your own backyard on a weeklong hiking and camping trip over the Backbone Trail of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The May 3-to-10 trip is sponsored by Coastwalk, a nonprofit organization that promotes coastal access, and the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council.

The trip will begin near Thornhill Broome Beach State Park in Ventura and will traverse 70 miles (about 10 miles daily), ending at Will Rogers State Historic Park. In between, participants will hike along trails that provide exceptional views of the Malibu coastline and flowered canyons rimmed by rugged mountains.

Cost: $350 per person, including meals, guide service and camping. Gear is transported by Coastwalk.

Contact: Coastwalk registrar Annie Solerno; (818) 419-9192, www.coastwalk.org.

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IRELAND

Enjoy Emerald Isle on an eight-day escorted tour

Kiss the Blarney Stone, sing ballads in a neighborhood pub and feast at a medieval castle banquet during an escorted eight-day tour of the southern coast of Ireland.

The tour departs weekly on Sundays, May 11 through Oct. 19. It begins in Dublin with visits to Trinity College and Dublin Castle, then moves on to the Waterford Crystal factory, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, 15th century Bunratty Castle and Shannon.

Cost: $1,419, including round-trip airfare from LAX to Shannon, accommodations for six nights, 11 meals, transportation, tour guide, sightseeing, service charges and local taxes.

Contact: New Jersey-based CIE Tours; (800) CIE-TOUR (243-8687), www.cietours.com.

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The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. These should be confirmed with travel agents, cruise lines or tour operators.