They're an upscale niche in the travel world, and these escorted tours take parents and kids around the globe: the Grand Canyon, the Loire Valley, safaris in Africa...

Often the focus is on terrific outdoor experiences: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon are prime spots for a Family Adventure Vacation; some tours go farther, to the Galapagos, or Australia. "Multisport" activities on a trip might include biking, horse riding, kayaking, rafting, or maybe a walk on a glacier.

Other tours have a cultural/historical focus: prehistoric cave paintings in France; medieval towns in Tuscany; an emperor's tomb in Southeast Asia. The educational and edifying is always balanced with fun and exercise.

• small groups with congenial people
• personal attention from your guides
• top-quality experiences
• fine dining and lodging options
• all details handled
• no hassles, line-ups to check-in, etc.
• price range over $2000 per adult for 5-6 days

One trip we've sample was a Yellowstone Family Adventure vacation by Austin-Lehman, which featured hiking, rafting and horseback-riding.

Our exploration of this amazing National Park was tops. We viewed wildlife with a naturalist; visited amazing hot springs, steaming cauldrons, belching dragons, and other "geothermal features"; stayed at wonderful places. Our group of eleven was helped in every possible way by three guides.

We also sampled, with a larger group, a Viva Italia! tour by Adventures by Disney, with fantastico itinerary: Rome; medieval hill town; Tuscan countryside Florence day-trip; Venice... All done with the quality expected of a "family adventure", plus some extras, and again, ultra-helpful and friendly guides.

The Family Adventure Vacation isn't for the faint of pocketbook. But sometimes you get what you pay for: and what these companies promise is a quality vacation with no time wasted on hassles or anything mediocre. Someone has already done the groundwork and the legwork, sussed out the best experiences, and booked you in, so all your time is spent on enjoyment. Keep in mind that most companies offer a discount for kids, but usually only 10%; 20% if you're lucky.