Eleven Family Adventures That Rock (Right In Our Own Backyard)

Closer-to-home destinations offer vacation value in North America's Great Outdoors

La Jolla, CA (April 2011) – A full slate of summer adventure tours in the U.S. and Canada is Classic Journeys' answer to the traveling family's dream.

On 11 North American family vacations departing in June, July and August, parents, kids and grandparents can enjoy six glorious days filled with nature hikes, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and cookouts under the stars. Full-time local guides keep things spontaneous, flexible and fun...so much fun, in fact, that kids don't even realize how much history, geography and native culture they're actually soaking up.

"If grown-ups are looking for a vacation where they can kick back and relax without worrying every minute whether the kids are entertained, we've got it covered," observes Edward Piegza, president of Classic Journeys. "Our itineraries provide enough outdoor action to satisfy family members from seven to 70."

Here's a look at the company's family trips on tap for this summer:

* Montana's Glacier Park Departs July 4-9 and July 24-29; begins and ends in Whitefish, MT

* Bryce, Grand Canyon & Zion Departs July 3-8 and July 31-Aug. 5; begins and ends in St. George, UT

* Canadian Rockies Departs July 3-8 and Aug. 7-12; begins and ends in Banff, Alberta

* Canadian Rockies Deluxe Camping Departs June 26-July 1 and July 31-Aug. 5; begins and ends in Banff, Alberta

* Nova Scotia Departs June 19-24 and July 31-Aug. 5; begins and ends in Halifax, NS

* San Juan Islands Departs July 24-29; begins in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA, ends in Victoria, BC

Prices for family trips in North America start at $2695 per person (land only) with significant discounts for kids. When sharing a room with two full-paying guests, kids ages 11-16 receive a $500 discount; ages 7-10 a $750 discount; ages 3-6 a $1250 discount; and ages 2 and younger a $1750 discount. When sharing a room with one full-paying guest, kids receive a $250 discount across the board.

Everybody knows that family reunions are better on the road. But when family members are scattered all over the map, it can be a real trick to coordinate multiple schedules. Classic Journeys' solution? Create a custom trip based on the dates their guests select.

A case in point: 13 members of a Georgia family joining Classic Journeys in early July on a private trip to Nova Scotia. Fresh from a short flight, they'll arrive ready to hit the ground running on coastal paths and forest trails, with sea kayaking and whale watching thrown in.  In this maritime province where native Mi’kmaq Indians and European settlers left their mark, every step is a 360-degree photo op.

Readers can find day-by-day itineraries and pricing for all of Classic Journeys' North American family vacations at www.classicjourneys.com/family, or contact a Guest Services Coordinator directly at (800) 200-3887.


About Classic Journeys:

Classic Journeys offers cultural walking adventures, culinary tours and family journeys in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Guests enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet meals that reflect the best of each region, coupled with soft adventure activities, daily interactions with locals, and native guides who make countries and cultures come alive. Tours are six to 12 days long with two to four hours of easy-going walking per day. Land-only tour prices range from $2595 to $8895 per person (with discounts for small groups and children traveling with parents). Average tour size is 10, limited to a maximum of 18 guests per departure. Full details and links to itineraries are available at www.classicjourneys.com.

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