Many group tours rely on a bus — deluxe motor coach is what the brochures like to call them — for getting around. Infinite Adventures uses a bus for exploring places such as Alaska, but with quite a twist. It’s a converted school bus. Trips are offered for small groups, and the bus affords room to spread out. Large windows can be opened for better viewing and picture taking, and the top of the bus even has a viewing platform for 360-degree views of wildlife and the scenery. These are trips for the adventuresome, with camping making up much of the lodging. This year’s trips include a 12-day Alaska Denali Expedition priced from $1,540 per person. Three days are in Denali National Park, two days in the wilderness near Maclaren Glacier, three days in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and two days in Valdez. Bears, eagles and moose are among the wildlife likely to be seen. Optional activities include kayaking, rafting and glacier hikes. Info: 520-468-9774, www.infiniteadv.com
Beer and biking in The Last Frontier
As long as we’re talking about unusual ways to see Alaska, we might as well mention Craft Beers and Roadhouses, a 10-day bicycle tour that involves staying hydrated with some craft beer tastings. This outing from Tripsite puts in some serious mileage while exploring the Denali area, including both the national park and the state park of the same name. There’s also time on the Richardson Highway, the first road built in Alaska, and a night at Gakona Lodge, the state’s oldest operating roadhouse. Overall, there’ll be seven days of riding for a total of about 420 miles. The longest day is 75 miles, and the shortest is 45. Cost is $4,270 per person, double occupancy, which covers 10 nights’ lodging, most meals, beer tastings most nights, bike rental, guides and full van support. Info: 800-951-4384, http://tinyurl.com/jdazb8u
Scottish Highlands family fun
Families looking for an activity-filled trip for summer might enjoy the Scotland Family Adventure from REI Adventures. This eight-day/seven-night exploration of the Scottish Highlands has plenty of history lessons to keep young minds active, but it promises to burn off lots of energy with hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and geocaching. Some activities offer options for those wanting a more strenuous workout. There’s also a day spent meeting a reindeer herder and getting up close to his charges, as well as watching sheepdogs on the job. Another day involves archery and a ride on the Jacobite steam train, made famous by Harry Potter. Dates are available in July and August, and the cost is from $4,799 per person, double occupancy for REI members, which costs just $20. There’s a $400 discount for kids 8-17. Info: 800-622-2236, http://tinyurl.com/zu5v4ky
Phil Marty is a freelance writer.
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