The Real Deal: This guided paddling adventure includes kayaking on Lake Nantahala and Nantahala River; five nights at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Mountain Cabins; five breakfasts, four lunches, and five dinners; training by experienced instructors; guided field trips and excursions, such as a hike to Wesser Bald and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest; ground transportation; emergency assistance coverage through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan; and all taxes and gratuities; for $630 per person.
When: Depart Sept. 5, 2010.
The fine print: Includes all taxes and fees. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $150. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Road Scholar, 800/454-5768, roadscholar.org.
Why it's a deal: If you were to book the components of this package independently, you'd pay about $446 per person, including taxes, for five nights in a mountain cabin at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in early September and $184 per person for four half-day guided rafting tours, which adds up $630. For that same price, this whitewater rafting package includes the five nights' accommodations and rafting tours, plus most meals, guided kayaking, hands-on paddling lessons, classroom training sessions, guided sightseeing, transportation, and all taxes and gratuities.
More: Additional nights in a mountain cabin at the Nantahala Outdoor Center start from $144 per cabin per night.
