TOURS & CRUISES

AUSTRALIA

A 12-day survey from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

See wildlife and wineries, wallabies and whales on a low-cost 12-day tour that includes Adelaide, Sydney, Cairns and Kangaroo Island.

The Qantas Airlines package -- $1,799 per person, double occupancy -- is promoting tourism in South Australia, the nation’s main wine producing region and a prime spot to see animals in their natural habitat.

“Normally, a flight alone costs around $2,000,� said Trisha Cole, U.S. representative for the South Australian Tourist Commission. “And the dollar is so strong in Australia that everything you buy seems inexpensive.� (The U.S. dollar is worth about $1.82 Australian.)

The trip includes two nights in Adelaide and two nights on Kangaroo Island, both of which are in South Australia. Adelaide is home to the National Wine Centre of Australia, and Kangaroo Island is known for its diverse wildlife. Four nights are spent in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and four nights in Sydney.

Included in the package are round-trip air fare from Los Angeles, transportation in Australia and accommodations.

Contact: Qantas Vacations; (888) 50-KOALA (505-6252), www.qantas.Australia.com. For more information about South Australia, contact the tourism commission at (888) 768-8428, www.southoz.com.

TEXAS

Roping in the holidays in the Lone Star State

Celebrate the holidays deep in the heart of Texas on six-night tours to San Antonio, home of the historic Alamo and Paseo del Rio, the Riverwalk.

The tours depart LAX or San Diego International Airport for trips coinciding with the Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), Christmas (Dec. 22) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 28) holidays. Included are visits to the Texas Hill Country, with stops at the LBJ Ranch and the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg.

In San Antonio, the group will visit the Tower of the Americas, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Witte Museum and the Alamo, site of the famous 1836 siege that pitted the forces of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna against Texas Republic defenders William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett.

A highlight of the itinerary will be an evening barge trip along the lighted Riverwalk. Holiday brunches and dinners will be served.

Cost: The Thanksgiving and Christmas trips are $1,599 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip air fare, pickup from home, accommodations at La Mansion del Rio, 12 meals, admissions, activities and a tour manager. The New Year’s Eve trip is $1,699 and includes a holiday party.

Contact: San Diego-based AFC Tours and Cruises; (800) 369-3693, www.afctours.com.

SPAIN

Three weeks of on-site learning in college-credit tour

Study the classics in the land of La Mancha this winter on a 21-day educational tour to Spain led by two Santa Monica College professors.

The tour, which departs Jan. 14, offers up to six units of credit in English and history. It is being organized by English professor Daniel Cano and history professor Michael Soldatenko. One week will be spent in Madrid and two weeks in Granada. The group will also visit Segovia, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, the Costa del Sol and Cadiz.

Cost: $2,745, including round-trip air fare from LAX to Madrid, hotel accommodations, tours, entrance fees, transfers and most meals.

Contact: Daniel Cano, (310) 434-4522; Michael Soldatenko, (310) 434-4503; or Darryl-Keith Ogata, director of Santa Monica College’s international programs, (310) 434-4159.

MEXICO

In a ship off Baja, a scientific tour of natural wonders

MEet the friendly whales of Baja on a nine-day expedition to Mexico’s San Ignacio Lagoon that will get underway Feb. 25.

Sponsored by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium of Los Angeles, the tour will be aboard the 113-foot Royal Polaris of San Diego. It will visit several islands off the coast of Baja, including Islas Todos Santos, off Ensenada; Islas San Benito, breeding grounds for elephant seals; Cedros Island; and San Martin Island, a small volcanic peak.

The group will spend three days in San Ignacio Lagoon, where Pacific gray whales gather each year to mate and give birth.

Cost: $2,020 per person, double occupancy, including accommodations and all meals, round-trip bus transportation from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro to Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego, naturalist-led walks and skiff excursions, slide and video lectures, and an educational manual.

Contact: Larry Fukuhara at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium; (310) 548-7562.

SOUTH AMERICA

A cruise for the curious -- and the deep-pocketed

Explore South America on a 72-day circumnavigation of the continent that will feature experts in history, biology and the scientific search for extraterrestrial life.

The Seabourn Pride voyage, which also can be purchased in segments of seven to 56 days, leaves Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 4 and returns March 17. The fare for the full cruise starts at $26,085. Prices for the 18-day Inca Coast segment, which explores Ecuador, Peru and Chile from Jan. 4 to 22, start at $4,995 for the cruise only. Prices are per person, double occupancy.

Throughout the voyage, lecturers will provide insight and expertise about the region. During the Inca segment, for instance, Patrick Goodness, an expert in comparative mythologies worldwide, will discuss the legends of the Mayas and Incas.

Fares from LAX to Fort Lauderdale are not included.

Contact: A travel agent or Seabourn; (800) 929-9391, www.seabourn.com.

*

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