Here are some of the more interesting events, deals, websites and other travel tidbits that have come across our desk recently:
*Great Value Vacations offers eight well-priced packages in classic cities in Europe and Central America. An example is the Rome City Explorer, which can be customized for four to six nights. From Chicago for January departures, it’s priced from $1,004 per person, double occupancy, which includes air and four nights’ lodging. Packages are also available to Panama City; Dublin; Paris; London; Edinburgh, Scotland; Barcelona, Spain; and Florence, Italy. 800-896-4600, http://tinyurl.com/jyrof4y
*Sunnyland Tours has a five-day/four-night Dubai New Year package that’s priced from $1,199 per person, double occupancy. Included are lodging, a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi, a half-day Dubai city tour, a cruise and dinner on a dhow, a desert safari and New Year’s Eve dinner. International air is extra. 800-783-7839, http://tinyurl.com/ja799y4
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*The Global Scavenger Hunt will take place April 14 to May 6. It’s limited to 15 teams of two, and the per-team entry fee is $25,000, which includes all international airfare, first-class hotels and 40 percent of meal costs. More info and entry form at www.globalscavengerhunt.com.
*Uniworld is offering up to 20 percent off select river cruises in Europe at http://tinyurl.com/jl7oaph.
*Oceania Cruises lists its 2018 collection for Europe and the Americas at http://tinyurl.com/zs8txhn.
*The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis is presenting its annual holiday model train exhibit, “Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.” On display through Jan. 16, the exhibit features eight model-train setups with more than a thousand feet of track. The display showcases highlights of the American West as well as notable locations in Indianapolis. 317-636-9378, http://tinyurl.com/j7lwjst
*Three million lights decorate Rock Spring Park in Alton, Ill., during Christmas Wonderland, which runs through Dec. 27. Among the displays in the drive-through light show are Disney’s “Frozen,” an updated Snoopy display and “The 12 Days of Christmas.” 800-258-6645, www.christmaswonderlandalton.com
*The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t waiting for the Indy 500 in order to shine. Lights at the Brickyard is a new holiday attraction that decorates the 1.7-mile race course with 2 million lights forming 40 scenes. Tickets for the drive-through display, which runs through Dec. 31, may be purchased at the gate or online. http://tinyurl.com/hf9wkff
*The Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford, Ill., will be in a festive mood Dec. 17-18 when the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Mendelssohn Chorale, presents a Holiday Pops Concert. Both popular and sacred pieces will be performed. Tickets may be purchased online. www.rockfordsymphony.com
*The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is presenting the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 24. Depending on the date, there may be both evening and matinee performances. Tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the box office. 414-224-9490, http://tinyurl.com/glapm4p
*”Shen Yun” will be staged Dec. 22-27 at the Detroit Opera House. Thousands of years of Chinese culture and traditions are presented through dance and music. The show features animated backdrops, intricate handmade costumes, high-flying leaps, thunderous drums and live orchestra music. http://tinyurl.com/hqozk6c
*The Winter Solstice is celebrated Dec. 21 with Lighting the Serpent at Great Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio. Luminarias are lit to outline the snake effigy mound that was constructed by prehistoric cultures. In case of bad weather, the celebration may be held Dec. 22. 937-587-3953, http://tinyurl.com/j2d4oys
Deals and websites have been checked for availability as of press time. Listings are not endorsements. Send tips at least a month in advance to ChicagoTribTravel@gmail.com.
Phil Marty is a freelancer.
