Whether it’s seeing the world from a mule, a train or just catching the action on foot, travelers can mix adventure with savings this summer with Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
Xanterra is a travel and hospitality company providing varied trip offerings throughout the world, including national park vacations, cruises and walking and bicycling tours.
“Xanterra offers active travel experiences around the world,” said Betsy O’Rourke, vice president of sales and marketing for Xanterra. “We have developed a line-up of vacation itineraries that delve into the deep corners of a destination, revealing secrets and surprises that travelers might not experience on their own.”
Special deals, packages and itineraries available this summer include:
Biking and Walking in Vermont’s Champlain Valley
In Vermont, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations features six days of cycling through the valleys of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks with stops at the Champlain Islands, Burlington, Shelburne, Shoreham and Fort Ticonderoga.This trip includes five nights in historic inns, a welcome reception, a kayaking excursion on Lake Champlain, visits to Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms and/or Fort Ticonderoga, 12 meals, a custom bicycle and helmet and transfers.
www.vbt.com/Tours/Vermont-Champlain-Valley
Yellowstone Family Adventure
Austin Adventures is offering a six-day program into the backcountry at Yellowstone National Park. Hike through the rainbow spray of thundering waterfalls and gushing geysers. Raft a playful stretch of the beautiful Yellowstone River, perfect for beginners. Saddle-up and trail ride high into the Montana Rockies alongside real-deal fourth generation cowboys. And when night falls, relax and recharge with a soak in a soothing hot spring. With mountain lions, bison and bears, Yellowstone is the richest and most diverse wildlife habitat this side of the Serengeti. Trips depart from Bozeman, MT and include five nights lodging in distinctive inns, all park entrance fees, kid-friendly guides, equipment, and ground transportation.
www.austinadventures.com/packages/yellowstone-family-vacations
Bed & Breakfast at the Hottest Place; Golf at the Lowest Course on Earth
The rustic 224-room Ranch at Furnace Creek, popular for its easy access from Las Vegas, features a natural spring-fed swimming pool and the 18-hole Furnace Creek Golf Course, which at 214 feet below sea level is the world’s lowest course. Through September, the ranch is offering a bed and breakfast package including accommodations, breakfast buffet and use of sports courts.
www.furnacecreekresort.com/dealsandpackages/Bed-and-Breakfast
History, Amusement Parks & More in Williamsburg
Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., home of the LPGA’s Kingsmill Championship, has launched the Ultimate Family Fun package, which includes lodging for three nights in a resort guest room, daily breakfast and a Flex Ticket pass. The Flex Ticket provides admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg/Water Country USA (for up to seven consecutive days), Colonial Williamsburg, and also offers discounted greens fees on the resort’s Plantation Course. Flex Ticket guests can also use the tennis club, all indoor and outdoor pools, the fitness center, and the non-motorized water sports equipment, such as paddle boards, sea bikes, kayaks and fishing poles. Shuttle service to and from Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Williamsburg is also available.
www.kingsmill.com
Wildlife Discovery
Yellowstone National Park Lodges is offering guests two ways to track wildlife, with the Fall Wolf & Elk Discovery and with the Roosevelt Rendezvous learning programs. Fall Wolf & Elk Discovery follows the history and, when available, the trails of the park’s wolves and elk. The package includes four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, three breakfasts and lunches and one dinner. Rates start from $729 per person, double occupancy. The Roosevelt Rendezvous, which has been called “a summer camp for grown-ups,” features the run of Roosevelt Lodge after it closes to the general public for the summer season. Each day, participants choose a half- or full-day excursion such as animal tracking or photography. Included are breakfasts, lunches and buffet dinners and evening programs.
www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com
Grand Canyon by Steam Train
Grand Canyon Railways celebrates the history of rail travel in the American Southwest. Called the “Greenest Train in America,” the Grand Canyon Railway steam train is powered by waste vegetable oil. Steam train excursions run through Sept. 17.
www.thetrain.com
The Details
Xanterra Parks & Resortswww.xanterra.com
