Italy’s movers and shakers

Stalking volcanoes

Volcano researcher and author Donna O’Meara will lead a Mountains of Fire tour that explores volcanoes that shaped Italy’s landscape and history: Mt. Vesuvius, Mt. Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli.

Dates: Sept. 14 to 23

Itinerary: Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Sicily, Mt. Etna, Vulcano Island, Lipari Island, Stromboli Island, Catania.

Price: $4,565 per person, double occupancy (single supplement $900), including accommodations for nine nights, some meals, transportation, guides. International transportation from LAX to Italy is not included.

Info: TravelQuest, (800) 830-1998, www.travelquestinternational.com/

CALIFORNIA

High Sierra trail rides, pack trips

A variety of trail rides and pack trips are available, including three- to four-day trips spent tracking wild mustangs in the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe national forests.

Dates: May through October

Itinerary: Riders gather in Bishop and are transported to River Springs, where they get their horses, and then ride into a meadow camp at Pizona Springs. Days are spent in the saddle, evenings around a campfire.

Price: $495 to $595

Info: Rock Creek Pack Station, (760) 872-8331, www.rockcreekpackstation.com

GUATEMALA

Art, handicrafts and architecture

Discover the colorful textiles, crafts and art of Guatemala on a tour with art historian Mary Drobny of Long Beach City College.

Dates: May 24 to June 3

Itinerary: Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the highlands of Guatemala, including Mayan market town Chichicastenango. An optional extension to the ruins at Tikal is available.

Price: $1,400 per person, double occupancy (single supplement $375), including accommodations, cruises on Lake Atitlan, transportation and sightseeing. International air transportation from LAX to Guatemala City is not included.

Info: Mary Drobny, (562) 439-2828

GREECE

Sail the islands

Cruise the Greek Islands by yacht, sailing four to five hours each day; afternoons and evenings are spent on shore exploring, shopping and enjoying the night life.

Dates: Departures every Friday, May to October

Itinerary: Mykonos, Santorini and the Cyclades

Price: Seven-day tour, $1,595 per person, double occupancy (single supplement $300), including cabin, transfer to the boat, transportation costs and some meals. International transportation is not included.

Info: Michael Cocconi,

Viking Yacht Cruises, (800) 341-3030, www.vikings.gr

-- Rosemary McClure