CIE Tours International, an operator of vacations to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, is offering several top destinations recently recommended by the travel section of the New York Times. In "45 Places to Go in 2012," the Times highlighted four of the most popular destinations in CIE Tours' travel catalog, including London (ranked No. 4); Glasgow (No. 12); Birmingham, England (No. 19); and Wales (No. 31).

"We've leveraged our 80 years of expertise to deliver the most compelling and accessible travel programs,” said CIE Tours International President Brian W. Stack. Stack expects the New York Times rankings, along with the current strength of the dollar against the British pound, and the London Olympics to drive increased demand for Britain in 2012.

Among CIE Tours offerings, the Heart of Britain and Heritage Tour is a 14-day excursion featuring experiences in England, Scotland and Wales, with deluxe and superior first class hotel accommodations. Tour highlights include a Scottish Cabaret in Edinburgh; a York Tavern Dinner and Ghost Walk; Welsh Banquet at Cardiff Castle; Beatles Tour of Liverpool; and visits to the Tower of London, Shakespeare's birthplace and Windsor Castle. Like all CIE Tours vacations, this itinerary includes sightseeing by luxury coach, a professional tour director, most meals, special dinners and other special attractions. All local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage fees are included. Those booking the Heart of Britain and Heritage Tour before Feb. 29 will save up to $300 per person. Normally priced at $2,898, land-only rates are now as low as $2,598 per person.

CIE Tours' new Best of Britain luxury motorcoach tour is designed to appeal to vacationers pressed for time and includes must-see destinations in England, Scotland and Wales. The package is an eight- or nine-day deluxe motorcoach itinerary, combining overnight stays in quality accommodations in each country's city center with visits to Britain's most intriguing travel attractions. Ground-only packages begin at $1,648 per person, and include accommodation, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage fees. Itinerary highlights encompass visits to ancient ruins and medieval castles, banquets and performances at sacred grounds and legendary settings. Best of Britain showcases landmark cities, forests and countrysides. Travelers experience ancient ruins at Stonehenge and Bath, Oxford, Scottish and Welsh banquets, the Lake District, and visits to castles featured in films from “Robin Hood” to “Harry Potter.” The tour also includes an overview of the Fab Four, with a Beatles Tour in Liverpool. For more information, call 800-243-8687.