Riding an elephant to a mountaintop castle in India and visiting an ancient fair, sailing on the Rembrandt to see masterpieces by Rembrandt and van Gogh, dining where the first ten U.S. presidents ate, and retracing World War II memorials. These are just some of the experiences awaiting culturally-minded clients on tours and vacation packages, according to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

“Tours and vacation packages themed around history, art, and culture are gaining in popularity,” observes Bob Whitley, USTOA president, whose member companies create vacations for more than 10 million people annually. In support, he cites a Travel Industry Association and Smithsonian study showing that more than 81% of U.S. adults who traveled in 2002 (the last year statistics were available) -- or 118 million travelers -- considered themselves historic/cultural travelers, and included historical or cultural activities in their trips. “Witness the popularity of the History and Discovery Channels, and you have an idea of how history holds our imagination,” he says.

Below is a sample of historic/cultural tours clients can find this fall and into next year. Prices on all tours are per person, double occupancy. For more choices, travel agents can visit www.ustoa.com, where they can select tours and vacation packages from 120 of the top brand names by activity, destination, or even by clients’ personality preferences.

This Fall
Commemorate World War II Sites. The Greatest Generation and their families can visit Western Europe’s small villages, and retrace historical World War II sites on a 15-day escorted Memorial Tour. The itinerary showcases the grand cities of Germany, Holland, Belgium and France while visiting American military cemeteries, monuments and historical centers including both the landing beaches of Normandy and the Dachau concentration camp. Departs through October 8, 2004. Prices, including air fare, all transportation in Europe, accommodations, tour manager in Europe, 25 meals, airport transfers, and more begin at $2,840 from New York, or $2990 from Los Angeles; land only (if available), from $2220. (Image Tours)

Experience a Hindu Tradition. Get a firsthand look at Indian lore and culture as you ride a painted elephant to the mountain fortress of Amber, see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture; explore the “Pink City” of Jaipur, and experience one of India’s most colorful events – the Pushkar Fair. At Pushkar, stay overnight in a tented camp as thousands of pilgrims gather every year on the full moon of November to bathe in a sacred lake, and to attend the famous Pushkar Fair, known for camel trading and races, as well as for the bangled and jeweled finery displayed everywhere. All inclusive prices including airfare, accommodations and meals are priced from $5,330, New York; $5,755, Los Angeles; $5,655 Chicago. Land only prices if available, $4,135. Departs November 17. (SITA World Travel).

For 2005
Follow the Civil War Trail. This eight-day tour covers historic Civil War sites including Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg, Harper’s Ferry, New Market, Appomattox, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and more. Highlighting the tour is a visit to The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, where the largely untold story of the common soldier unfolds. Tour members will also enjoy a meal at the Coach House Tavern where each of the nation’s first ten presidents dined. The package is valid through April 30, 2005, and includes airfare, hotels, sightseeing and 12 meals. Priced from $1,749 (Chicago), $1,849 (Los Angeles); $1,349 land only (if available). (Collette Tours).

Uncover the Dutch Masters. Take the Rembrandt, a 78 passenger river cruiser round trip from Amsterdam to view works such as van Gogh’s Self Portrait, Vermeer’s The Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and many others. Ports include Haarlem; Gouda; Leiden; The Hague; Schoonhaven; and Utrecht. Travelers can take guided excursions or independently explore top museums including the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum de Lakenhal, the Rembrandthuis, Rijksmuseum, and more. Departs May 1, and 8, 2005. Rates include all cruise and land transportation, meals, sightseeing, port charges and more. Prices begin at $2,095. Round-trip airfare is additional. (Intrav)