Voyage to bottom of the Earth

SEE the natural wonders of Antarctica on a 10-night cruise that explores three sides of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The voyage, which begins Feb. 22, embarks from Beagle Channel, Argentina, after an overnight stay in Ushuaia and a morning exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Aboard the 234-foot expedition ship Professor Molchanov, the group sails the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands, Danco Coast, Lemaire Channel, Pleneau Island and Port Lockroy, Deception Island, Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea.

“This year, we’re going in February, when the weather is warmer, [and] taking it to the Weddell seaside,” said David German of Fathom Expeditions. “We’re trying for Robertson Island, which lies far to the south in the Weddell Sea” and is usually surrounded by pack ice.

“It’s the best time of year to see whales,” he said.

The group will hike Paulet Island, an extinct 1,000-foot volcano, for a panoramic view of the Weddell Sea. The area is home to more than 100,000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins as well as emperor penguin colonies.

On board, lecturers will discuss the history, geography and wildlife of the region.

Excursions ashore are made by inflatable motorized rafts called Zodiacs, as conditions allow.

Cost: $4,995 per person, triple occupancy; $5,995 to $8,995 per person, double occupancy, including ship and hotel accommodations and meals. Airfare from Los Angeles is not included.

Contact: Fathom Expeditions, Toronto, Canada; (800) 621-0176, www.fathomexpeditions.com.

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SCOTLAND

Edinburgh salutes the new year

HERALD Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year celebration, in Edinburgh during a three-night package tour that departs Dec. 29.

The trip includes tickets to Scotland’s popular street party.

Hogmanay comes from the Gaelic “oge maidne,” which means new morning, said Joanna Niven of Dooley Vacations.

The celebration dates to the 17th century and includes torch processions, chiming bells and feasting throughout Scotland. In Edinburgh, the holiday has evolved into a four-day street party with live theater, dancing and music into the wee hours.

Cost: $2,100 per person, double occupancy ($800 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, hotels, manual-transmission rental car, four-course holiday dinner and tickets. For an automatic car, add $55.

Contact: Dooley Vacations, Lynbrook, N.Y.; (877) 331-9301, www.dooleyvacations.com.

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CALIFORNIA

A holiday glide through Yosemite

RING in the New Year and teach the kids to cross-country ski on a holiday in Yosemite National Park.

The four-night package, which begins Dec. 28, includes accommodations at Yosemite Lodge, cross-country skiing lessons and skiing or hiking tours of the area. Evening activities include slide shows and table games.

The trip ends with New Year’s Day brunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Cost: $400 per adult, $150 for the first child and $50 for each additional child, including lodging, lessons, activities, transportation within the park and brunch. Transportation to Yosemite and most meals are not included.

Contact: Family Adventure Tours, Los Angeles; (323) 377-7565; www.ifamilycamp.com.

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The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. Send information to Tours & Cruises, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 or write via e-mail to travel@latimes.com.