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| (c) 2011 Foliage Network |
While New England is considered the “mecca” for leaf-peepers, destinations around the globe offer travelers breathtaking fall foliage, members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) report. USTOA says its members offer travelers unparalleled access to many of the world’s most spectacular - and sometimes unexpected – destinations for fall’s glorious change of seasons, often with last-minute savings.
With vibrant colored leaves against great backdrops like the Great Wall of China, autumn provides a favorable time of year to travel in China and Japan. USTOA member tour programs include:
Highlights of China
Explore the vast landscapes and epic monuments on this customized package from Abercrombie & Kent that takes travelers to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall of China, the terra cotta warriors in the ancient city of Xian and cosmopolitan Shanghai. Travelers will enjoy the vibrant fall colors on a three-night cruise through the fabled Three Gorges aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, a Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice. Rates start from $5,925 per person, double occupancy. Dates of availability include Oct. 7-18, Oct. 14-25 and Oct. 28-Nov. 8.
Visit www.abercrombiekent.com
Japan Sampler
This eight-day small group journey from Tokyo to Hakone and Kyoto by General Tours World Traveler reveals the autumnal splendor of Japan's revered Golden Route. Highlights include a special visit to Kodai-ji Temple with a Buddhist monk, including a Zen meditation experience, and Kimono demonstration. Rates regularly start from $3,744, now only $3,144 per person when booked and paid-in-full for the Oct 13 - 20, 2011 departure.
Visit www.generaltours.com
Nine-day Japan Classics/Six-day Japan Kanto
Super Value Tours is offering more than 40 percent savings on two packages that capture Japan’s spectacular fall foliage. Starting from $2,199, plus $400 tax, the nine-day Japan Classics explores the best highlights of Japan. Tours are available Oct 15, Oct 27, Nov 5 and Nov 19. Starting from $1,119, plus $300 tax, the six-day Japan Kanto provides a great introduction to Tokyo and its surrounding sites, including Mount Fuji and the oceanfront Atami hot springs. Tours are available Oct 6 and Nov 5.
Visit www.supervaluetours.com
The Best of Eastern Canada
From the European-styled, old world elegance of Quebec City to the thundering magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Best of Eastern Canada nine-day tour Collette Vacations offers an enriching cultural experience amongst the country’s most colorful fall foliage. The package is available for departure on Sept. 11, 25, 29 or Oct. 2, 5, 9, and it is priced at $1,949 per person (land only).
Visit www.collettevacations.com
Best of the Canadian Rockies
Explore the rugged Canadian Rockies and take in fall foliage with the Best of the Canadian Rockies package from Tauck. Packed with breathtaking scenery, adventure and natural history, Best of the Canadian Rockies includes explorations of Banff, Jasper and Yoho national parks. Prices start from $2,790 per person, double, plus air. Tours are available Sept. 2, 4, 9, 16, 23, 25 and 30.
Visit www.tauck.com
A Voyage Along the Columbia & Snake Rivers: In the Wake of Lewis and Clark
This seven-day journey from Lindblad Expeditions explores the vast diversity of the Pacific Northwest, from lush farmlands to dense forests and stark desertscapes to historic river routes. Weekly departures are available from September 17 to October 29. Rates begin at $3990 per person, based on double occupancy.
Visit www.expeditions.com
Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color throughout New England with travelers flocking to the area to catch a glimpse of this colorful splendor. To celebrate several USTOA members are providing special offers and discounts on select fall foliage tours.
Coastal New England Fall Foliage
Go Ahead Tours is offering $500 savings per couple on any Coastal New England Fall Foliage tour dates when booked by August 31. From the site of the Boston Tea Party to the maritime culture of Portland, this seven-day tour highlights the Northeast’s natural beauty and starts at $1,759 per person. Packages are available Oct. 1 or Oct. 8.
Visit www.goaheadtours.com
Classic Summer & Fall Foliage \ Fall Foliage Getaway
Globus is offering $200 off per couple on the Classic Summer & Fall Foliage nine-day tour from Boston to Boston and the Fall Foliage Getaway nine-day tour from New York to Boston. Priced from $1979 (not including discount), Classic Summer & Fall Foliage is available Sept. 29 and Oct. 1. Priced from $2,099 (not including discount), Fall Foliage Getaway is available Sept. 23, 27, 29 or Oct 1.
Visit www.globusjourneys.com
Autumn Colors
Brendan Vacations is offering a 10 percent discount on the Autumn Colors package for bookings made by August 29. Visiting Boston, Springfield, Ludlow/Plymouth and Woodstock, VT; Pinkham Notch, NH; and Bar Harbor, ME, Autumn Colors is priced at $1,875 per person and available with daily departures Sept. 17 – Oct. 8.
Visit www.brendanvacations.com
Visit www.ustoa.com