August 11, 2003 -- Fall foliage viewing is getting close, so now's the time to consider a packaged tour, particularly if you want to visit some far-off spot and not drive all the way there. Though packages come in all sorts of wrappings and with different price labels attached, here are some that cost about $150 to $200 per day per person, land-only, often with several meals included.
One of the nicest ways of seeing fall foliage is from the comfort of a train, especially one that's not moving too fast. You can experience the most gorgeous mountain scenery in North America and peep at the leaves on a Rocky Mountaineer Railtour, especially this October. The firm gives you a four-day (three-night) package that includes a two-day rail tour, priced from $629 (which they say is 15% off their summer prices), taking you on their special train from Vancouver to Jasper, Banff and Calgary (or reverse).
A "Western Explorer" trip lasts for eight days (seven nights) and includes the train trip and is priced from $1319, a savings of 16% off summer prices. The "Canadian Rockies Circle" takes you back to where you begin (either Vancouver or to Jasper/Banff, and reverse), from $1859, lasting 11 days (ten nights), a savings of 33% off summer rates. Note that all prices noted are in US dollars.
The rail portions of the trips are all by daylight and move at a leisurely pace, giving viewers a good chance to note the varying red and gold shades on aspen, birch and maple foliage.
If you buy one of their more expensive vacations (from $1479, and pay one full price airfare), the company will give you a twofer on the latter (second airfare free) for bookings made by August 31, 2003. For more information or to book, contact the firm at www.rockymountaineer.com or at 800/665-7245.
More traditional are the tours offered by Globus, which has six fall foliage vacations in the Eastern USA and Canada this autumn. Most straightforward is "Autumn Glory," priced from $1599, operating a circular route from Boston along the Mohawk Trail to Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Lake Placid, Stowe, North Conway and Kennebunkport. The trip takes eight days (seven nights), and includes a sightseeing tour of Boston, lunch at the historic Mt. Washington Hotel, cruise on Lake Placid, ferry across Lake Champlain, visit to a maple syrup farm, a gondola ride up Wildcat Mountain, and more. You see the trees in the Adirondacks, the White Mountains and the Berkshires.
The price also includes daily American breakfast, two lunches and six three-course dinners. The tour operates from September 17 through October 10, 2003. The other five journey options range from 8 to 16 days, with prices starting at $1199 or $2599, depending on the length of your journey. AARP members also receive a $50 discount.
For more information or to book, contact Globus at www.globusjourneys.com or by phoning your local travel agent or 866/313-2855.
