Architectour, organized by Architects Abroad, explores the architecture and design of places from Scandinavia to Mexico, but the company’s first U.S. program sounds plenty intriguing. Oct. 10-23, Architectour will focus on innovative design in California and Las Vegas, visiting artists’ studios, private homes, museums and cutting-edge restaurants. The tour starts in San Francisco and visits Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego before heading to Las Vegas. Once in Vegas, they’ll examine the extravagance of the strip and take a behind-the-scenes casino tour. The land-only tour starts at $2,990 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes accommodations, ground transportation and daily breakfast. A bonus: Architects and interior designers can earn continuing education credits. Two more bonuses: Newcomers to Architectours get a $200 discount, and anyone who books by July 31 also saves $200. (800-272-8808) . . . A more ancient form of building will be the subject of the Ohio Moundbuilders Tour run by the non-profit Archaeological Conservancy Sept. 18-22. Archeologists will lead visits to the mounds built by the Hopewell and Adena cultures, who lived in the Ohio River Valley from 800 B.C. to 500 A.D. Tour price of $745, based on double occupancy (add $150 for a single supplement), includes hotel accommodations, lunches and admittance fees. It does not cover travel to Columbus, Ohio, or other meals. (505-266-1540)
FAMILY FARE
Stagecoach tours offer a novel way to experience Yellowstone National Park that the young’uns won’t soon forget. Coaches leave Roosevelt Lodge on half-hour excursions through the sagebrush flats five times a day through Sept. 12. Tours cost $6.50 for adults, $5.25 for children 2-11. (307-344-7311) . . . Steam power propels the Julia Belle Swain out of La Crosse, Wis., and up and down the Mississippi River. One- and two-day tours (overnight accommodations are on land) on this paddlewheeler run through October. Prices start at $44 for adults and $19 for children on four-hour cruises that include lunch or dinner. (800-815-1005)
MICHIGAN GOLF
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City, Mich., gives midweek golfers a price break on its two- and three-night Midweek Golf Packages through Aug. 27. Accommodations at the resort, unlimited golf on Spruce Run, a one-hour golf clinic and daily breakfast are included in the package, priced at $369 for two nights and $563 for three nights. (800-748-0303)
FREE STUFF
From farm visits to the Red Flannel Festival, who knew there were so many things to do in West Michigan? A 130-page, 1999 travel guide tells all. Also available: A Lake Michigan Circle Tour & Lighthouse Guide and a West Michigan 1999 Golf Guide. (800-442-2084, Ext. 1) . . . The Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania is home to the Crayola Factory in Easton and a roller coaster in Allentown so tall that the Statue of Liberty could fit underneath. Ask for the Lehigh Valley 1999 Map & Guide. (800-747-0561)
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Tour prices generally are per person, based on double occupancy.
