Do you consider yourself an “independent traveler?” If so, then Backroads International has “smart tours for independent travelers”–two to the Basque Country and two to Mayan Guatemala–that should satisfy the most adventurous of spirits.
The 13-day “Basque Adventure” visits all three provinces of the Basque Country in both Spain and France. You’ll see everything from mountain villages to seaside towns, medieval castles and cathedrals, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe.
The “Basque Adventure” costs $2,950 per person double occupancy (single supplement $300), from Madrid, and includes breakfast and each day’s main meal with local wine. Tour dates in 1998 are April 21-May 3, May 5-17, May 26-June 7, June 9-21, Sept. 1-13, Sept. 29-Oct. 11 and Oct. 13-25.
The nine-day “Wine & Gastronomy” tour visits a number of Europe’s top restaurants in the Basque homeland. You’ll dine on fresh seafood, savory cheese, wild mushrooms and riojas while relaxing in a region not yet overrun by tourists. The tour costs $2,750 per person double (single supplement $235), from Madrid, and includes breakfast and each day’s main meal with local wine. Tour dates in 1998 are April 13-21, May 18-26, Aug. 31-Sept. 8 and Oct. 5-13.
In the Mayan Guatemala tours, the emphasis is on tradition and language. “Traditional Maya” traces the stories told by the weavings and folk art in patterns inspired by nature and distinctive to each village. It starts in Antigua with a tour examining classical Mayan history, including visits to private homes, mona-teries, a coffee plantation and a small, independent Mayan music museum. During the week visits will be made to market towns, traditional villages and the national palace in Guatemala City. At the end of the week, you’ll fly to Tikal to explore the ancient city in the heart of a rain forest.
The “Traditional Maya” tour costs $2,175 per person double (single supplement $370), from Antigua, and includes breakfasts and eight other meals. Tour dates for 1998 are Feb. 15-26, May 17-28, Oct. 11-22 and Nov. 15-26.
The 16-day “Guatemala Interactive,” for students of any age or proficiency, begins with a weeklong orientation and 100-percent immersion in Spanish at Antigua’s leading language school. Once the classes are over, you’ll visit Guatemala’s archeological sites, market villages and cultural centers.
“Guatemala Interactive” costs $1,795 per person double (single supplement $120), from Antigua, and includes breakfasts and 10 other meals. Next year’s tour dates are May 30-June 14 and Aug. 1-16.
For more information, call Backroads International at 800-227-7889.
Florida fest
The sixth annual Key West Theatre Festival will feature seven plays and six play readings at various venues in the Florida resort isle Oct. 2-12. There is theatrical fare for all ages ranging from David Christner’s “This Blood’s for You,” a dark comedy about an interview with a death-row inmate who is conned into donating organs, to “Gigi, the Story of a Merry-Go-Round Horse,” a play for children.
The five other plays featured this year are “Where There’s Smoke . . .” by Lesley Abrams, “The New Orleans Story” by Michael McKeever, “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” by Julie Jensen, “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of . . .” by Frank J. Adler, and “Six in the Garden” by David Fleisher.
The plays cost $12 per person except for “Six in the Garden,” which is $8. Five-ticket booklets are available for $50. All play readings, the playwright workshop and a closing-night gala are free and open to the public. The opening-night gala will cost $20. Call 800-741-6945.
Rim rail
There are many ways to see the Grand Canyon, and among the most comfortable is the Grand Canyon Railway. Passengers depart from the historic depot in Williams, Ariz., aboard a vintage train offering five classes of service ranging from coach on a restored 1923 Harriman railcar to the Coconino Dome class that features panoramic views from a glass-enclosed upper-level observation area.
During the 2-hour-15-minute journey to the Grand Canyon, you’ll see and hear a natural history of the canyon as well as be entertained by strolling musicians and Western characters. You’ll have three and a half hours to explore the canyon on your own or on a motor coach tour before the train returns to Williams for the evening. You also have the option of overnighting on the canyon rim and returning another day.
The Grand Canyon Railway departs Williams depot daily at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at the Grand Canyon at 11:45 a.m. The train leaves the canyon at 3:15 p.m. and arrives in Williams at 5:30 p.m. Adult round-trip coach tickets are $49.50 plus tax and applicable National Park Service entrance fees. Children 15 and under ride for $19.50 plus tax. Upgrades to the Club, Coconino Main, Coconino Dome and Chief Class are $14.50, $49.50, $64.50 and $64.50 per person round trip, respectively. Motor coach tours of the Grand Canyon are not included. Call 800-843-8724.
