Bon voyage

The tranquil, scenic destinations of the ISBA fall travel program selected by President-elect Irene F. Bahr have inspired artists, poets and composers for centuries.

Lake Lucerne, created by glaciers in central Switzerland, reflects the Alps in deep, blue waters that are crisscrossed by old-fashioned steamers and surrounded by charming towns.

The city of Lucerne, on the western shore of the lake, is dotted with church spires, medieval wooden bridges, historic monuments and flowering promenades.

Lake Como in northern Italy, circled by mag-nificent peaks of the Alps, lies amid a colorful tableau of exotic flowers and terra cotta roofs.

Abounding in history, the region was ruled by the Hapsburgs of Austria in the 18th century, and by Napoleon in the early 1800s. Dictator Benito Mussolini was executed in April 1945 at Dongo on Lake Como.

Bahr's nine-day tour, scheduled from Sept. 22 to 30, includes four nights in the Lake Como region and three nights in the Lake Lucerne area, all in first-class hotels.

Global Holidays, an ISBA-affiliated travel coordinator, has outlined an itinerary at the affordable price of $1,849 per person, double occupancy (plus taxes), with departure from Chicago, and $1,949 from St. Louis.

Highlights include round-trip trans-Atlantic air transportation to Zurich and return from Milan, ground transfers, professional guides, a welcome reception, daily buffet breakfasts and a farewell dinner.

Participants may choose to plan their own individual journeys in and around the two destinations, or take advantage of custom-designed optional excursions.

At Lake Lucerne, they are: Lucerne City and Lake Cruise, and Spectacular Swiss Peaks. At Lake Como, they are: Treasures of Lake Como; Lake Maggiore and Borromean Island, and Milan.

For more information, call Global at (800) 842-9023. Brochures will be available soon in ISBA offices.

Global Holidays, the ISBA-affiliated travel coordinator, is currently offering several opportunities. Call (800) 842-9023 for information, or pick up brochures at state bar association offices.

Departures for the following tours are available from Chicago and St. Louis. Quoted prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to change, and may not include government taxes.

Hong Kong (8 days, 6 nights, $1,599) – Four-star Hotel Nikko Hongkong on Victoria Harbor, city orientation tour and daily excursion options; departure March 16.

Rome, the Imperial City (9 days, 7 nights, $1,599) – Jolly Hotel Leonardo da Vinci, daily excursion options; departures March 16, March 23 and March 30.

April in Paris (9 days, 7 nights, $1,599) – Sofitel Paris Forum Rive Gauche Hotel, daily excursion options; departures April 1 and April 8.

Treasures of China and Yangtze River Cruise (13 days, 11 nights, from $3,199) – Shanghai 2 nights, Xi'an 2 nights, Beijing 3 nights, aboard Victoria Cruises 4 nights, 31 meals; departures April 27, May 25, June 1 and June 8.