For those who can make last-minute trips, the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) assembled some trips of interest to anyone who wants to visit Galapagos, the Middle East or even youngsters and families who want to attend Bar and Bat Mitzvah tours in Israel.
—Jewish boys and girls, their family and friends, can experience a Bar Mitzvah atop the legendary mountain and ancient fort of Masada in Israel. Isram individually tailors a 15 day/13 night tour, including a local rabbi to conduct the ceremony, and accommodations for those attending. Prices are customized, depending on arrangements selected.
—Archeology and art history buffs on the 17 day/16 night “Yangtze Sojourn” tour from General Tours World Traveler join curators from the Shaanxi History Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at priceless artifacts excavated from nearby archaeological sites. The hands-on experience actually provides guests with an opportunity to touch and examine some of the artifacts. Priced from US$5,499 per person through April, 2011, the tour visits Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guilin, and Hong Kong and also includes a Yangtze River Cruise.
—A Middle East History tour of 21 days/19 nights provides local guides who have insight into the history and heritage of Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. Goway’s “Treasures of the Middle East” trip is priced from $7,899 including international air fare.
For more information and a list of member companies offering travel throughout the world, visit: www.USTOA.com, or www.USTOA.travel.
By David Wilkening
