River Tours in the United States

The greatest rivers in the U.S. are often best experienced on the water itself, instead of seeing them through a car windshield. Traveling by boat with one of the many river tour operators in the country gives tourists a greater opportunity to see the ecology of the river up close. They'll also experience many of the sensations that the first explorers saw as they navigated their way through uncharted waters.

Experience the Hudson River

• Accidentally discovered by explorer Henry Hudson in 1609, the Hudson River was once considered an inhospitable and dangerous journey by early explorers. Hundreds of years later, tourists can safely travel in river boats along the 300-plus miles of the river, to historic towns such as Troy, West Point and Peekskill. Cruising the Hudson River is an opportunity to learn about the historic Hudson River Valley, or simply sit back and relax in a tranquil environment. Tour operators on the Hudson River offer a variety of trip themes, including; New Orleans-style party and dance tours operating out of the town of Newburgh, military history tours leaving from the West Point Army Academy, or murder mystery and comedy tours originating from the state capital of Albany. Some tour operators offer multi-day trips spanning the length of the river, complete with lodging accommodations and dry land coach tours of different historic towns in the Hudson River Valley.

  Hudson River Cruises
  hudsonriver.com/hudson-river-cruises

Cruise the Columbia River

• As one of the most important waterways in the Western U.S., the 1,200 mile long Columbia River travels through seven states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Columbia River Basin has 400 dams -- more than any single waterway in the world, all of which can generate more than 21 million kilowatts. There are many river cruise operators offering a variety of themes showcasing the Columbia's many uses. Popular cruise themes include wine and cuisine tours that highlight the fertile wine and farm regions of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as sport fishing tours seeking the region's world famous salmon, walleye, and sturgeon, among others.

  Columbia River Cruise West Adventure Cruises
  cruisewest.net/pages/discovery.html

  Columbia River Fishing Guide
  columbiariverfishingguide.com

Tour the Mississippi River

• The historic Mississippi River traverses through 10 different states, beginning in Minnesota's Lake Itasca at a depth of just three feet and ending 3,000 miles later in New Orleans, at a depth of approximately 200 feet. The types of cruises offered by tour operators are endless and include wildlife expeditions, gambling cruises, fishing tours and dinner jazz parties. One of the most popular cruises is offered on the Steamboat Natchez, the only authentic steamboat operating from New Orleans. This cruise offers jazz parties with regional cuisine specializing in seafood.

  Steamboat Natchez
  steamboatnatchez.com

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Group Tours for Women

Women-only group tours cater to both single and married women, young and old, solo or accompanied travelers. Some tours focus on a country's art and culture, while others emphasize food, fashion and pampering. Experienced women-only tour operators recognize the special needs of female travelers, especially concerning safety. Spend a week or two exploring different countries or cultures with girlfriends, or make new friends on a tour.

Paris du Jour LLC

• Visit the City of Light on an all-female tour. This company offers week-long Parisian all-women tours in April, September and October. Highlights include a private French cooking class, a personal guided tour of the Louvre, tea in a Parisian mansion, dinner cruise along the Seine and picnic in the Champs de Mars. Side trips include Monet's home at Giverny or the Normandy countryside. Small group tours require a minimum of six women. Private Parisian birthday parties may be arranged for travelers.

  Paris du Jour LLC

  Austin, TX 78746

  512-415-4836

  parisdujour.com

The Women's Travel Club

• Since 1992, the Women's Travel Club has conducted tours ranging from four days to two weeks all over the world. Tour guides live locally, and specialists in various fields often lecture during trips. The majority of tours are all-inclusive, with a maximum of 21 women per trip. Accommodations are in four- or five-star hotels, and room-sharing may be arranged. Private group trips are available for organizations and friends. Club membership include travel discounts.

  The Women's Travel Club

  300 Broadacres Drive

  Bloomfield, NJ 07003

  800-480-4448

  womentravelclub.com

Well Arranged Travel, Inc.

• This upscale tour company features women-only travel to Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland. According to its website, the tours are arranged by an experienced female traveler "who understands your needs for safety and comfort." Most tours have a limit of 14 women guests. Stay at four- or five-star hotels, with breakfast and many meals included. Visit museums, go on guided walking tours, enjoy fine dining and opportunities to shop in top establishments.

  Well Arranged Travel, Inc.

  1036 Liberty Park Drive #39

  Austin, TX 78746

  866-513-3968

  wellarrangedtravel.com

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Tours of Mobile Bay

Mobile Bay cuts a large slice out of the southern tip of Alabama. The warm shallow water is home to dolphins, abundant fish and blue crabs; anglers and boaters frequent the area. It's bordered by beaches and wetlands, with the lively city of Mobile bordering the northwestern shore. Visitors can experience the bay through waterside restaurants, car trips across bridges and boat tours.

Tour Companies

• Three local tour companies show visitors around the Mobile Bay area. Tour Wild provides five- or 10-hour tours that include a visit to an alligator farm, beaches, a water park, and bayside shops and restaurants. Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company's boat trips take you on tours of the bay and surrounding waterways; shorter tours last two hours and others run as long as eight hours. There's also a three-hour sunset cruise option. Visitors can also choose a cruise on the Southern Belle, which leaves from Bellingrath Gardens and motors down the Fowl River toward Mobile Bay.

The Ferry

• The Mobile Bay Ferry runs from Dauphin Island on the southwest end of the bay to Fort Morgan on a barrier island near the south-central part of the bay. The ferry runs year-round and gives passengers the opportunity to take in the surrounding islands and spot dolphins and porpoises. On the Dauphin Island side, beaches and a bird sanctuary await; near Fort Morgan, a historic Civil War fort and the sugar sand of Gulf Shores are the main attractions.

Restaurants

• Several restaurants sit on the Causeway, officially called Battleship Parkway. The Causeway, as locals know it, spans the northern reaches of the bay. Eateries on the bridge include Ed's Seafood Shed, which pairs local seafood dishes with Southern favorites such as cheese grits and hush puppies; the Original Oyster House, specializing in oysters, crabs and fried green tomatoes; and the Bluegill, which serves seafood dishes and often hosts live music. Each restaurant has expansive views of the bay.

Driving Route

• To see the shore from the car, visitors can drive the scenic loop of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. The trail passes through the small towns on the bay's Eastern Shore, crosses the Causeway, and loops through Blakely Island. Drivers can stop to look for native birds including brown pelicans, kingfishers, laughing gulls, Caspian terns and barred owls. Two must-see spots for bird lovers are the Village Point Park on Highway 98 and Meaher State Park, both home to many bird species.

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Multi-Country Tours of Europe

Europe is a vast and diverse continent and choosing which country to visit can be daunting. Multi-country tours give travelers the opportunity to see the highlights of more than one destination within a relatively short period of time. Tours vary widely in terms of accommodation and mode of travel. Most offer a range of inclusive and optional excursions to travelers, depending on their specific interests.

Globus Escorted Tours

• Globus is a worldwide travel company that offers multi-country European tours all year round. Their Continental Introduction tour lasts for 15 days and takes in Paris, Rome, Venice and Amsterdam. Guided sightseeing trips in all the major cities are included and travelers can visit the Coloseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Accommodation is in superior or first class hotels and travel is by coach. Travelers may book directly with the company or via a travel agent.

  Globus Escorted Tours

  1800 425 3575

  globusjourneys.com

Contiki

• Contiki holidays are exclusively for those in the age range of 18-35. The company offers a range of tours to suit different interests and budgets. Their European Inspiration tour lasts for 19 days and takes in Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome and Paris. Highlights include Wenceslas Square and the leaning tower of Pisa. The price includes all travel and some meals together with excursions. All tour guides speak English. Accommodation for this tour is in a hotel, although the company also offers camping tours.

  Contiki Holidays Limited

  Picquet House

  St Peter Port, Guernsey

  Channel Islands, GY1 1AF

  011-44-845 075 0990

  contiki.co.uk

Go Ahead Tours

• Go Ahead Tours offers a "Jewels of Europe" Alpine Tour through Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. The trip lasts for 13 days and includes an optional excursion to the top of Mont Blanc and a boat trip on Lake Annecy. Accommodation is in three star hotels and transport is by motor coach. Much of the sightseeing is on foot, and suitable footwear and clothing is recommended.

  Go Ahead Tours

  One Education Street

  Cambridge, MA 02141

  1-800-590-1170

  goaheadtours.com

Grand European Tours

• Grand European Tours organizes escorted tours worldwide. In Europe, their Grand European Tour is a 17-day adventure through France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. The journeys are by motor coach and accommodation is in first class hotels. Local guides will lead excursions in the major cities of Paris, Rome and Venice. Highlights include the principality of Monaco and the Monte Carlo casino. There is also a range of optional excursions that travelers can book in advance.

  Grand European Tours

  6000 Meadows Road

  Suite 520

  Lake Oswego

  Oregon 97035

  1-800-552-5545

  getours.com

Rhapsody Tours

• This company offers combined tours in central Europe and specializes in trips for those with an interest in classical music. The company offers a Mozart Quartet Tour that lasts for 12 days. The tour travels through Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg and Prague. Travel is by first class train and accommodation is in superior or five star hotels. Rates include city sightseeing tours.

  rhapsodytours.com

  1-877-854-8687

  1-780-966-8524

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Bus Tours to the Eastern United States

Bus tours to the Eastern United States are an economical and leisurely way to see the region and the adjoining parts of Canada. A valid passport and visa is needed for tours entering Canada.

Trail Finders

• Trailfinders offers two coach tours in the Eastern United States. Originating in New York City, the nine-day Eastern Discovery Tour visits Boston, Quebec, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Amish country and Washington D.C. Their eight-day Colors of New England Tour begins in Boston and visits Cape Cod, the Green Mountains and the White Mountains.

Gotobus

• Gotobus offers a seven-day bus tour package that begins in New York City and visits Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Niagara Falls and Toronto. Optional attractions include Hershey's Chocolate World, Thousand Islands, Montreal and Quebec City.

Great America Tours

• Departing from New York City, The Great America Tours offer several bus tours through the Eastern United States. The nine-day Eastern U.S. and Canada Tour visits Boston, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Their seven-day New England Tour travels through Boston, the White Mountains, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls.

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Free Factory Tours in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, has an abundance of high-profile attractions and activities for visitors, including the historic Ybor City district, Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens theme park and nearby Gulf Coast beaches. The city also is home to a Yuengling brewery that provides a free factory tour and a behind-the-scenes look at its beer-making process.

Yuengling's Tampa History

• D.G. Yuengling & Son is America's oldest brewery, having been founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Its Tampa brewery was established 170 years later when the company bought a former Stroh's brewery in 1999 as part of the company's expansion to meet increasing nationwide demand. The Yuengling brewery is close to the University of South Florida campus and about 9 miles north of downtown.

Tour Details

• Yuengling's Tampa brewery provides free public tours to all ages three times a day on weekdays -- usually in the late morning and early afternoon -- and two times on Saturdays, when there is no beer production. The factory is closed to the public on Sundays. A gift shop is open from morning to mid-afternoon. Tours may be postponed or cancelled because of severe weather conditions. Group tours can be scheduled for parties of 15 or more, but a reservation is required and a nominal fee is charged.

Get Your Hops On

• The tour consists of a behind-the-scenes look at how Yuengling uses modern technology to brew its beer while remaining true to the company's traditions. Tour guides also share the history of the brewery and explain the brewing process. The company opened a new brewhouse in 2013 that is part of the tour. At the end of the tour, visit the biergarten, where visitors ages 21 and older can taste free samples of Yuengling products. A valid ID is required. Soft drinks are available for guests under age 21 and for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

Tour Tips

• The public tours typically last about an hour and 15 minutes. For safety reasons, Yuengling requires its tour visitors to wear completely closed shoes, with no sandals, flip-flops or clogs allowed. Pets are also not allowed on the tour. Guests can bring video cameras, recorders and cellphones, and photographs are permitted. Although the factory building is not wheelchair accessible, a computer presentation can be given upon request for disabled guests.

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