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“Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” Who can resist uttering these words in medieval Verona, the romantic setting for Shakespeare’s tragic love story? But thoughts will soon turn from romance to Roman ruins, medieval towns, floating cities, and gastronomic delights. All of these treasures and more are right here on this sparkling tour of Italy. Filled with the country’s famous jewels and hidden gems, this dazzling tour leads you from Rome to Venice and back again, with time in the sultry Italian Riviera, vineyard-dotted Tuscany, and picturesque Umbria, Tuscany’s “gentler sister.” Savor a boat ride along the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline with its pastel-hued fishing villages, stroll through the serene streets of Assisi, and sip Chianti in a Tuscan cantina. Michelangelo’s David, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the perfectly preserved medieval town of San Gimignano are more reasons this tour of Italy truly shines.

Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.

Want to learn the scintillating samba—or the tantalizing tango? Sip sweet caipirinhas—or dry Argentine wines? Sunbathe on famous beaches—or soak in the beauty of neoclassical architecture? This getaway just south of the usual visits two of South America’s most sizzling cities so you can do it all. With time in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, this sultry tour of South America combines the best of Brazil and Argentina, plus the opportunity to witness the thundering Iguassu Falls from the perspective of both countries. Guided sightseeing to the legendary sights is complemented by numerous opportunities to live like a local. This South America getaway includes an empanada cooking class, a private tango lesson, and a day on an authentic Argentine ranch where you can enjoy authentic cuisine, tap your foot to regional music, and even take the reins of a horse and channel your inner gaucho.

Layered like a slice of decadent tiramisu, Italy’s classic coffee and cocoa dessert, this satisfying tour of Italy is filled with its sweetest cities for a rich and rewarding vacation. How do you top the history, wonder, and charisma of Rome? With the world-class art of Florence, the alluring romance of Venice, the quiet serenity of Assisi, the historical fascination of Pompeii, and the pure indulgence of Capri. The satiating fun continues as you enter the vine-clad Tuscan hills famous for its signature Chianti wine—and speed across the glittering Bay of Naples to the citrus-scented town of Sorrento renowned for its locally produced Limoncello liqueur. You’ll have the opportunity to snap creative photos at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and devour more magnificent architecture—and artful cuisine—throughout this multi-tiered tour of Italy.

Just because the Canadian Rockies is home to some of the most rugged terrain in North America doesn’t mean you have to rough it! Under brilliantly lit skies, you’ll relish three of the region’s most coveted five-star resorts on this pampering tour of the Canadian Rockies. With overnight stays at the renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the “Castle of the Rockies,” you can expect nothing less than the royal treatment. Majestic views await as you enjoy a guided walk along the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, a peaceful cruise on the gleaming Maligne Lake, and a thrilling Ice Explorer ride through the vast Columbia Icefield – while exceptional creature comforts welcome you back from the wilderness. Balancing the great outdoors with the grand indoors, this Canadian Rockies vacation is the perfect marriage of peaks and pools, conifers and concierge, and sparkling lakes and spas.

Oh, say can you see the nation’s birthplace, capital, and significant battlefields from your easy chair? Of course not! Pack up your patriotism and head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, and presidential estates of the historic East. America’s greatest chapters in history come to life as you stroll down the quaint streets of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, march in the steps of American Revolution and Civil War soldiers, and stand inside the remarkable Palladian walls of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Prepare to be moved as this East Coast vacation leads you to the marbled memorials of D.C., the sacred site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, and the symbolic Liberty Bell in the City of Brotherly Love. Combining national treasures with small town gems – plus a visit to see the wonder and expansive views of Shenandoah National Park – this vacation through America’s historic East promises discovery and wonder for all. Let freedom ring a little longer by adding two more nights in the nation’s capital to your historic East Coast vacation. Hop on the included Big Bus for easy access to the monuments and museums, the galleries and gardens, and the bistros and bars where you can find every type of cuisine and a heaping, helping of topical discussion.

Mother Nature meets our Founding Fathers on this electrifying fall foliage tour through historic and bucolic New England. As you witness the blazing reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn’s turning leaves, you’ll also be introduced to the country’s early trailblazers and most curious of characters. Trace the steps of Paul Revere, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin through the storied streets of Boston. Walk the halls of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s opulent Newport mansion. Feast your eyes on the world’s largest collection of Rockwell originals at the Norman Rockwell Studio & Museum in Stockbridge. Yet no palette is as bright as the fiery leaves of the oaks, poplars, and maples that line the striking Maine coastline, adorn the rocky headlands of Acadia National Park, and shelter the quaint, covered-bridge countryside of Vermont and New Hampshire. This is leaf peeping and sightseeing at its absolute finest.

Sugar, cream, or clouds in your coffee? On this majestic tour of the Canadian Rockies, you can relish all three. A sunny gondola ride to breakfast atop Banff’s Sulphur Mountain, a private breakfast at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and a special dinner inside the original greenhouse at Victoria’s lush Butchart Gardens are just some of the ways to devour the elevating scenery on this vacation through Alberta and British Columbia. Bold and breathtaking views are served from Vancouver to Calgary as you savor cooling breezes of Sun Peaks, the glacial wonder of the Columbia Icefield, the alluring blue hue of Lake Louise, and the magnificent canyons and gorges of Jasper National Park. A panoramic cruise along the crystal waters of Maligne Lake to remote Spirit Island – one of Canada’s most cherished and photographed places – is everyone’s favorite course on this journey through Western Canada.

God’s Own Country…it might sound conceited, but this is how New Zealanders—or “kiwis”—refer to their country. Why? Maybe because it offers stunning beauty. Maybe because it’s one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise. Maybe because bungee jumping first began there. Don’t worry—we won’t make you go bungee jumping, unless you choose to do that on your own! Instead, we’ll show you the amazing beauty and fun cities. On this 13-day vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast (plus two lunches), sightseeing, land transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. A one-of-a-kind special feature is the Independence by Globus Local Host®, someone who is there for you to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and you get the most out of your trip. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Auckland, as we can help after the long flight by getting you from the airport to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiar with the city. The next day, we've arranged guided sightseeing with a local expert, including Queen Street, the city’s business district, Auckland University and the Domain, an inner-city park. From Auckland, we've arranged your transportation to Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. In Wellington, capital of New Zealand, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the local, insider stories and takes in the must-see sights. Then, you're off to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Your Local Host will be waiting for you in Christchurch with materials to help you become acquainted with the area. We’ll take you on an excursion to Akaroa for a cruise to see native wildlife. From Christchurch, continue on to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Here, we’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Sometimes called the “Sound of Silence,” you’ll be awed by its abundant flora and fauna, as well as its raw beauty. In Rotorua, you'll visit Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders.

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

Beloved music, literature, and poetry; lively traditions, customs, and conversation; smooth Guinness, whisky, and ale—they all flow from the banks of one legendary river to another on this immersive tour of Ireland, Scotland, and England. From the ancient villages along the Shannon to the cathedrals and castles lining the Thames, this tour of Ireland and Britain invites you to splash about in four distinctive countries and cultures. Enjoy traditional tea at a 150-year-old Irish farmhouse, follow the sounds of haunting bagpipes in Edinburgh’s quirky quarters, and quote famous verse as you stroll around Shakespeare’s birthplace in the English countryside. With a compass pointed toward enlightenment and enchantment, this vacation to Ireland and Britain is overflowing with seaside scenery, Highland history, and cobblestone charisma.

Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece.

Mornin’ sunshine! Not only are the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador the first to see the sunrise in North America, they’re also lucky enough to see floating icebergs, spouting whales, and plunging puffins on a regular basis. Pack your shades for the quaint lighthouses, rainbow- colored houses, and other bright sights this tour of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Witness the exceptional beauty and unique geological features of Gros Morne National Park, walk in the footsteps of Vikings at L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site Red Bay, and immerse yourself in the life of a 16th-century whaler at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. A ferry crossing between Newfoundland and Labrador – plus a scenic cruise around the wondrous Witless Bay Islands – offer additional vantage points of this windswept, wondrous land. Don’t forget to toast the stunning sunset with a local iceberg beer or a shot of Screech. In most parts of North America, budding daffodils are the first sign that spring has sprung. In Newfoundland and Labrador, floating icebergs are the cue to break out the pastels. This special Newfoundland and Labrador departure includes time at the annual Iceberg Festival in St. Anthony to celebrate the season and the arrival of the icebergs. Enjoy a scenic cruise in search for wildlife and icebergs, a delicious Viking feast, and many other tasty cultural events the festival has to offer.

Sample the best of Southeast Asia on this fascinating journey with Independence by Globus. You’ll begin in Hanoi, Vietnam, with guided sightseeing and a cyclo ride through the ancient Old Quarter where merchants trade as they have for centuries. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s humble cottage, as well as the mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the 900-year-old Temple of Literature. Embark on a cruise on stunning Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000 limestone islands carved by time into spectacular landscapes rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine on this overnight cruise and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the city’s many famed landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Take an excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels—an extraordinary network of passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. In Siem Reap, visit the largest temple complex in the world—including incomparable Angkor Wat. See the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with more than 200 faces carved in 54 towers. Interact with children at a local school, and venture on to Ta Prohm—virtually untouched and wrapped in ancient tree roots around its ruins. Start your exploration of Bangkok with a boat ride through the city’s famous canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll also have I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya! End your independent journey with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

Like a Lazy Susan generously plated with cured herring, breaded schnitzel, rich fondue, and beef bourguignon, this aptly named European Sampler invites you to sink your teeth into four delectable countries and cultures. Designed to introduce you to the best of Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and France, this 9-day tour of Europe is an awakening for more than just your taste buds. All of your senses will perk up as you leisurely cruise along Amsterdam’s bridge-covered canals, dreamily float down the romantic Rhine, and journey through Germany’s picturesque Black Forest, Burgundy’s rolling green vineyards, and the white-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you can expect a heaped helping of cities and villages, castles and palaces, and hand-carved cuckoo clocks to enhance your time in the most remarkable regions of Europe. Hungry for more European adventure? Board the high-speed Eurostar Train to London for fish ’n chips, bangers and mash, and bubble and squeak. When you add a 2-day London extension to your tour of Europe, we’ll also serve up guided sightseeing and plenty of optional excursions to make the most of your visit.

Are you a little bit country? A little bit rock ‘n’ roll? Then you’ll love this musical heritage vacation that follows the influential sounds of chart-topping history from Nashville to Memphis with a crescendo in New Orleans for all that jazz. Strut your way down Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row and to reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry. Swivel your hips through Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate and the famous studios and streets of Memphis. Jump, jive, and wail through the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the blues and beignets. You’ll also face the music as you follow the path of the Mississippi River to the famed Delta Blues Museum, the B.B. King Museum, and Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Both a musical and southern heritage tour, this vacation through the Deep South leads you to elegant antebellum mansions, historic cotton plantations, and the not-so-soft sounds of country, rock, and rhythm and blues. Eat, drink, and be merry in the city that does it best! When you extend your stay in the “Crescent City” on this Southern U.S. tour, there’s plenty to be over the moon about, including two more days of jambalaya, jazz, and resounding joy. A relaxing lunch cruise down the Mississippi is also included in your extended stay in “The Big Easy.”

How do you express your eternal devotion to the love of your life? Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. A sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World, is just the beginning of your love affair with India. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, you’ll travel to fascinating Kathmandu, Nepal. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka. Visit the residence of the Living Goddess at Temple of Kumari, and travel to Bouddhanath—one of the world’s largest stupas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Marvel at the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India and Nepal.

This journey through Cambodia and Thailand introduces you to the best of each country. Start in Siem Reap with visits to the magnificently preserved temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple—with some 200 faces carved into 54 towers. You’ll also visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm, where ancient jungle tree roots wind through the temple ruins. “Thailand” translates to “land of the free” and we think it’s about time that you free yourself from the typical to explore this fascinating destination with the I-Time you crave on an Independence by Globus vacation. Start your exploration with a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll also have I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Travel to Chiang Rai and visit the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and tour a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes and learn about their culture. In Chiang Mai, explore the most popular temples and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. End your stay in Thailand with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

Explore the highlights Southeast Asia on this fascinating journey with Independence by Globus. You’ll begin in Hanoi, Vietnam, with guided sightseeing and a cyclo ride through the ancient Old Quarter where merchants trade as they have for centuries. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s humble cottage, as well as the mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the 900-year-old Temple of Literature. Embark on a cruise on stunning Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000 limestone islands carved by time into spectacular landscapes rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Taste traditional Vietnamese cuisine on this overnight cruise and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches. Take a walking tour in ancient Hoi An town and sample the region's famous Cao Lau noodle dish. You’ll have plenty of I-time to relax at the beach or on a day trip to historic Hue. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the city’s many famed landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Take an excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels—an extraordinary network of passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. In Siem Reap, visit the largest temple complex in the world—including incomparable Angkor Wat. See the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with some 200 faces carved in 54 towers. Interact with the children at a local school and venture on to Ta Prohm—virtually untouched and wrapped in ancient tree roots around its ruins. End your independent journey with a three-night stay in exciting Bangkok! Start your exploration with a boat ride through the city’s famous canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll also have I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

This tour of the Canadian Maritimes and Cape Breton has cooked up plenty of unique experiences in this picturesque part of the world. Get your camera ready for Canada’s most photographed lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove, your windbreaker zipped for the highest and widest tides at Hopewell Rocks, and your taste buds ready for a traditional fish cake breakfast, sugar camp lunch, and fresh lobster dinner. Visit the world of a red-headed girl in a straw hat and braids to meet one of Canada’s most loved fictional characters, Anne of Green Gables. Throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, tiny fishing villages, giant whales, and the grandest of scenery will be calling your name, as will Cape Breton’s historic Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Hello, coastal Canada! Say goodnight to coastal Canada and good morning to French Canada as you board the overnight Ocean train in Halifax for Montréal. Aboard the oldest continuously operated named passenger train in North America, you’ll sleep in comfort before awakening to the dream sights of Québec’s largest city. An included hop-on/hop-off trolley tour will put a spring in your step on this extension to your tour of Eastern Canada.

Knobby knees? Skinny calves? Thick ankles? No matter here. You can show them off with pride on this tartan-filled tour through the kilted and Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland and Wales with the added bonus of England’s postcard-perfect Lake District. Whether you’re in search of heritage, haggis, rolling glens or smooth Guinness, there’s so much to discover on this Celtic tour of Britain and Ireland. Ancient castles? Check. Legendary lochs? Indeed. Sparkling seascapes and hallowed battlefields? You can bet your boots. Speaking of betting, you’ll visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, a working stud farm and the beating heart of Ireland’s esteemed thoroughbred racehorse industry. From the storied cities to the tiny towns, you’ll feel your own heart beat as you savor the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey proclaimed to the locals in Sydney, “You’re so darned friendly, you must go to friendly class!” If Oprah says it, it must be true! And now Independence by Globus makes it easy for you to experience this friendliness yourself! On this 13-day Australia and Fiji vacation, we’ve arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and private transfers to/from the airports from/to your hotels for your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: the Globus Local Host®, someone who is there throughout your stay (in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and the Coral Coast) to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and to help you make the most of your vacation. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive. Globus can pick you up at the airport and whisk you seamlessly to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a smile and information to help you get settled. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. You’ll hear inside stories behind the must-see sights, like the Opera House and Bondi Beach. And never fear...we’ve scouted the city for the best place to capture a photo of Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, your guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide includes the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market. On the third day in each city, you have a free day to explore on your own (with your Local Host support, of course). You may want to follow in Oprah’s footsteps and climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled; or participate in a game of lawn bowling. In Melbourne, visit one of Australia's leading opal companies or take an excursion to see the little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach in the world-famous Penguin Parade. It's not just the cities you'll experience on this Australia vacation. In Cairns, we’ll take you to the Outer Great Barrier, where you can snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. You'll be amazed by the clarity of the water and the variety of fish that will swim all around you. You may even see a green sea turtle glide by! You will also have a day at leisure so perhaps take an excursion via the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the quiet mountain village of Kuranda or explore one of the markets to try locally grown mangoes and bananas. Before heading home, stop in tropical Fiji for a three-night stay. Enjoy white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and the friendliest of locals. Your visit to Fiji includes a half-day Sigatoka River Safari and a Local Host to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations.

Isn’t it time you nipped monotony in the bud? From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-colored gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II. While you’re sampling soufflé and champagne, why not indulge in shepherd’s pie and shandy, too? It’s easy when you add a 3-night extension to London to your tour of France. Board the high-speed Eurostar train to London, where you’ll join a guided sightseeing and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Then, have ample time on your own to explore the palaces, pubs, and pints that await.

Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush! (P) Why This Tour is El Capitan: •A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite. •The Wild West and the Pony Express ... lake time and gold mines ... granite cliffs and wine sniffs! •Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. •Eureka!

Journey through Japan on this fascinating Independence by Globus itinerary. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. Your private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest; browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade; and visit one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. You’ll also ascend the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views over the city. During your free day, you may choose a trip to Mount Fuji. A highlight of the vacation is the shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200-miles-per-hour, this is by far the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Your private guided sightseeing tour includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple, the Samurai Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor, and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a can’t-miss photo opportunity and memorable scenic view. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take some I-time for a visit nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market. End your journey in Hiroshima with visits to Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You may consider a visit to Shukkeien Garden during your I-time.