Beatles fans can spend 11 nights immersed in Fab Four lore in August during a Magical History Tour of Liverpool, London and other landmark Beatles sites.
The tour, from Aug. 17 to 28, will take participants to the homes of the Beatles, as well as to their schools, clubs, early hangouts and such well-known locations as Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Tour members will attend a session in Abbey Road Studios in London, where the singing stars recorded most of their classics.
Other highlights will be participation in Beatles Week in Liverpool, featuring the International Beatles Convention, the Mersey Street Music Festival and the annual Liverpool Beatles Auction. Tour participants will be invited to a party at the Casbah Club in Liverpool hosted by Pete Best, the Beatles' lead drummer before Ringo joined the group.
Beatles landmarks in Amsterdam also will be on the itinerary.
Cost: $2,799, including air fare from LAX, accommodations, transfers, breakfasts, admissions and activities.
Contact: International Tours and Events; (866) LIVERPOOL (548-7665), www.toursandevents.com.
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Canada: The Rockies
A rail-and-drive plan that makes it easy to see Canada's spectacular Rocky Mountains at a leisurely pace is available this summer from Rocky Mountaineer Railtours.
The 10-day program combines a two-day trip by rail from Vancouver, Canada, to Jasper, Banff or Calgary. From there, travelers pick up a rental car for seven days of independent exploration. They can choose between a visit to Whistler resort area or Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, which is known for its vineyards, golf courses and lakes. Hotel stays are arranged in advance.
Departures are available three times a week through September.
Cost: from $959, double occupancy, including nine nights of hotel accommodations, a full-size rental car for seven days, two days of rail transportation, and breakfasts and lunches aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Transportation to Vancouver is not included.
Contact: Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; (800) 665-7245, www.rockymountaineer.com.
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Italy: Study Abroad
Community college students can attend courses in Florence this fall with a study-abroad program sponsored by Riverside Community College.
The 12-week program, which begins Sept. 12, features courses in art, language, Italian politics and math. Students will live in furnished apartments in Florence and will take part in excursions to Venice and Rome. College units are transferable.
