BY Chicago Tribune

Renowned for its food, wine and scenery, Tuscany is a natural for a June 14-21 tour that pairs motorcycling rides with gourmet cuisine. Daily jaunts through the hills of Chianti or along Maremma's rocky coastline are sandwiched between wine tasting and hands-on culinary sessions such as artisan bread-making and a castle wine tour with lunch.

"Motorcycling Around Tuscany, Italy" is priced at $5,300 per person, including lodging near San Gimignano, most meals, activities, airport transfers and use of one motorcycle for each twosome, with an extra $1,250 covering a second bike if desired.

Each spring and fall, Camp Dogwood lets canines and their human companions take to the woods for getaways that feature Frisbee, flyball, herding and dock diving, as well as dog-treat making, canoeing and the every popular "Camp Costume & Talent Show." Attendees typically number more than 100 dogs and a near-equal number of companions.

Slated for May 23-26 and Oct. 17-20, Camp Dogwood takes place on a 180-acre property near Fox Lake. Fees range from $475 for tent camping to $675 for accommodations in the new lodge, including activities for one person and up to two canines, with each dog after two costing an additional $50. Rates include human meals; doggy chow is BYO. Early bird (early dog?) discounts for the fall session are in effect until June 1. (312-458-9549; www.campdogwood.com)

Here's an appealing girlfriends' get-together at the Tides Inn, located on Chesapeake Bay in Irvington, Va. "Girlfriends Weekend" covers two nights' waterfront accommodations, daily breakfast and a $100 spa credit each day for each person, with rates starting at $996 for two.

The Tides Inn is a 106-room resort with fine dining, its own yacht, a sailing school and marina, as well as golf, tennis, croquet and volleyball. The girlfriends' package is valid both weekends and weekdays until Dec. 30, with tax and resort fee additional. (800-843-3746; www.tidesinn.com, click on Specials & Packages)

As its name suggests, Pan Pacific Vancouver's " Alaska Cruise Package" is geared to passengers whose cruise starts or ends in Vancouver. It provides one night's accommodations, breakfast for two and late check-out, plus transfers to or from the Canada Place Pier or Ballantyne Place Pier, if required.

Valid through Oct. 31, the "Alaska Cruise Package" starts at $372-$401 plus tax, depending on the date.

The Pan Pacific Vancouver is located on the waterfront atop the Canada Place Ship Terminal, a mere elevator ride from ships that dock at this facility. (877-324-4856; www.panpacificwest.com, click on Pan Pacific Vancouver, then on See More Special Offers)

Prices generally are per person double and are based on availability.tripsandtips1204@yahoo.com

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