Here's a way to take a great vacation and help Wildlife Prairie State Park at the same time. The park and Collette Vacations are promoting a nine-day tour of Arizona, Utah and Nevada in March.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit park programming.

The tour departs March 18. The itinerary includes Scottsdale, Oak Creek Canyon, Kaibab National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and two nights in Las Vegas.  The group returns March 26. The price includes accommodations, transportation from Peoria International Airport, seven breakfasts and five dinners, hotel transfers, entry into the national parks, a breakfast cruise on Lake Powell and a Jeep ride through Monument Valley. Call Jennifer Bertolet at 309-495-6706.

Just grand

The Grand Canyon is one of Arizona's top attractions, but officials at Explore Arizona Tours hope visitors don't overlook other grand destinations the state offers.

Suggestions include: Sedona, Ariz., for hiking, camping and Jeep trips; Phoenix for hiking day trips, desert tours, rock climbing and rafting/ kayaking trips on the Salt River; and Page, Ariz., for river rafting or rowing.

For more information, check out www.explorearizonatours.com.

Tuscan villa

Now may be the best time to visit Tuscany, Italy. Dooley Vacation's Tuscan Villa Vacation starts from $699 per person based on quad occupancy and the offer includes round-trip airfare from New York to Florence, a rental car with standard shift and six night's accommodations in Chianti. Stay at the historic Villa Belvedere Campoli, originally built by the Medici family in the 16th century.

Upgrade to an automatic-shift auto and unlimited mileage for just $100 more per person. Taxes can be as high as an added $148 per person.  Dates are Dec. 1-Dec. 9 and Jan. 7-31 with the exception of departures on Dec. 26,which are from $999 per person.

For reservations or to see complete pricing schedule from other cities, contact Dooley Vacations at 877-331-9301.

All aboard

Just in time for holiday travelers, Amtrak is launching a new version of its Web site with new features to booking tickets online easier.

The re-design includes a new fare-finder feature that wraps reservations, train status, schedule search and the "My Trip" section into one menu.  Find the train you want through sorting by departure time, lowest cost and trip time. You also can check out availability of seating options from first class to sleepers. An inventory alert icon lets you know when seating is limited and of other concerns that might affect travel.

Check out www.amtrak.com.

Girls only

Book a girls-only retreat to Garth Woodside Mansion in Hannibal, Mo., on a 39-acre country estate. The 1870s mansion is the former home of one of author Mark Twain's oldest friends. The main house has eight restored guest-rooms. The Woodside View Cottage holds five and the Woodside Trail Cottage can hold seven.

In addition, enjoy a massage, reflexology sessions coupled with a footbath or cooking or baking classes. Movie night is in the parlor. Freshly made treats and cocktails or wine are served.

Visit www.garthmansion.com or call 888-427-8409.