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.

Explore the highlights of Southeast Asia on this fascinating Globus Independent tour. 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 an overnight 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 and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches during your cruise. Take a walking tour in ancient Hoi An town and sample the region's famous Cao Lau noodle dish. You’ll have plenty of free 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. Meet 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 free time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Treasures galore are yours to discover in Sicily and Malta. From the sacred sites of churches and cathedrals that have stood the test of time to timeless recipes passed down through the generations—now yours to master! Explore by catamaran, ferry, farming traditions, and fine art and architecture along the way to unwrap the gems of Sicily and Malta on this Small Group Discovery Tour for the ages!

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore “Little Lisbon” in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

On this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll see Britain and Ireland’s highlights, from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the magnificent palaces and castles to the ancient ruins. Travel through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, you’ll begin and end in London and pass through Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. You’ll visit some of the splendid castles and palaces for which Britain and Ireland are famous. In Edinburgh visit Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels. In Woodstock, Oxfordshire enjoy a visit to majestic Blenheim Palace, built in the early 18th century and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. On this tour through Britain and Ireland, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in many of the cities with Local Guides — experts from the area who will give you in-depth, insider knowledge of the cities and their attractions. In London, your sightseeing includes a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral; and in Edinburgh you will see both the “New Town” and “Old Town.” Additionally, at the National Irish Stud in Kildare, you’ll be shown some of the most magnificent horses in the British Isles, and you'll hear about Shakespeare’s life and times in Stratford-upon-Avon. You will also learn how to make a traditional Irish coffee, and ride on board a horse-drawn jaunting car to take a tour of beautiful Killarney National Park. All of this and much more, including a visit to prehistoric Stonehenge and medieval York Minster, included on this fabulous Britain and Ireland tour. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Stratford-upon-Avon so you can plan your day your way.

The hills are alive with the sound of music, the aroma of strudel, and the taste of schnitzel. In addition to the fables, falsettos, and tastes of two of Europe’s most scenic countries, a symphony of sights awaits your arrival on this scenic tour of Austria and Switzerland. Palaces and castles, peaks and glaciers, moving scenery, and famous movie scenes are all on the itinerary. As you make the stunning journey from melodious Vienna to metropolitan Zurich, you’ll experience the breathtaking scenery in a variety of ways. Board the Glacier Express train for the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt, and frolic in the same Austrian locations as Julie Andrews did in the hit movie The Sound of Music. At the end of your eye-opening and ear-pleasing vacation, “So long, farewell” will be the hardest words to utter. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Vienna so you can plan your day your way.

Feeling blue takes on a different meaning on this tour of Greece and Turkey. The striking contrast of whitewashed walls beside the blue Aegean Sea is sure to lift the spirit by mythic proportions! On this tour of Athens, the Greek Isles, and Istanbul, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white island gems of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, pristine beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and the heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos. Your tour continues to Istanbul to behold the bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

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, and immerse yourself in the life of a 16th-century whaler at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station at the National Historic Site Red Bay. 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! This special Newfoundland and Labrador departure includes time at the annual Iceberg Celebration in St. Anthony to welcome the season and arrival of the icebergs. Enjoy a scenic cruise in search for wildlife and icebergs, a delicious Viking feast, and many other tasty cultural events St. Anthony has to offer.

Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train travel to Interlaken for sheer beauty rising in the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Ride the rails through unbelievable beauty on to Lucerne to explore the history, culture, and rich delicacies of the Swiss Alps. This Small Group Discovery tour is a truly peak experience!

Some things are just better together—ouzo and ice, tzatziki and pita bread, Sun Gods, and pure sunshine. We combined our enlightening tour of Classical Greece with our rejuvenating Island Hopper vacation to create the ultimate Greek getaway. History and harbors, ruins and resorts, and wisdom and waves come together as you trace the steps of ancient philosophers and athletes in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more before digging your toes in the sand at two of the most glamorous islands in the Aegean. Magnificent Mykonos, with its iconic 16th-century windmills, and serene Santorini, with its picture-perfect whitewashed villages, warmly welcome guests to experience the vibrant cuisine, fiery sunsets, calm waters, and pulsating nightlife. Pack your swim cap and your thinking hat for this tour of Classical Greece where cities and seas collide.

Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery Tour! Say bonjour to tiny fishing villages, giant beluga whales, and the grandest of views as you cruise around the imposing Percé Rock and the sensational Saguenay Fjord. From the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the gulf, your taste of the Old World awaits. Sip strawberry wine made from the fields by the sea, savor a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site and visit a family-owned farm in the rolling-hill region of Charlevoix on the Flavour Trail. Awaken your senses on this Small Group Discovery Tour as you meander on the cobblestone paths and café-lined promenades of Québec City, experience the harmony in nature on a cruise to Bonaventure Island National Park, enjoy cosmopolitan Montréal, and behold the sweeping memorable views of the Gaspé Peninsula on this Small Group Discovery tour of French Canada.

Hello, coastal Canada! This tour of the Canadian Maritimes and Cape Breton Island 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 wildest tides at Hopewell Rocks, and your taste buds ready for a traditional Maritimes 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. 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. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Halifax so you can plan your day your way.

Small groups translate to intimate experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Ireland! Covering the best scenic beauty Ireland has to offer as well as plenty of iconic Irish attractions and off the mainstream experiences. From scone making at Rathbaun Farm to the apple orchards of Highbank, from the hustle and bustle of Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to the remote tranquility Cape Clear Island, this itinerary is the one for those that want to dig a little deeper into Irish culture. On the famed Ring of Kerry stop for an Irish Coffee demonstration and tasting and learn about the qualities of wild Irish seaweed. Get the gift of the gab at Blarney Castle and enjoy joyous fun at Bunratty Castle banquet and Taylors Irish Cabaret. With your small group companions, your Irish encounter will last forever in the memory!

Scenes from Scripture, scenes of the desert, and even scenes from the movies await on this historical and biblical tour of Israel and Jordan. As you travel from Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” to the calming waters of the Dead Sea, you’ll come alive as you float in the salt-laden lake, immerse yourself in fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and dig into out-of-this world plates of mezze—the Middle East’s version of Spanish tapas. Between the moving sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, you will be inspired by a variety of breathtaking natural wonders. Feel exhilarated on a four-wheel drive through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, visit Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon,” and channel your inner “Indy” as you navigate the narrow gorge of the Siq at the rock-cut archaeological site of Petra—made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

You’ll find plenty of get-up-and-go moments beyond the hammocks, hulas, and hand-made Mai Tais on this 10-day Hawaiian getaway. Discover turquoise waters, black sand beaches, and the spectacular rainforests, canyons, memorials, and museums of three magnificent islands. Across the “Valley Island” of Maui, the “Big Island” of Hawaii, and “The Gathering Place” of Oahu, this island-hopping tour of Hawaii leads you to the valleys and peaks of this spectacular state, balancing uplifting visits to a sea salt farm, coffee plantation, and scenic national parks with the right amount of downtime to taste the sweet life of the islands. On this Hawaiian getaway, life’s a beach and then some!

Journey through Japan on this fascinating Globus Independent tour. 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 full day private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest, and a visit to one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor. 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 your 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 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 free time for a visit to nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market. End your journey of Japan in Hiroshima with visits to Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour, beginning with a 3-night stay in Dubai, where Old-World markets and world-class shopping mingle with sweeping sand dunes, dazzling beaches, and a futuristic skyline. Gain insight into Emirati culture over lunch, then ascend to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa for spectacular views from the world’s tallest building. Continue to India to witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal—one of the New7Wonders of the World—where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white-marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless mine of experiences. 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 two thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Finally, travel to fascinating Kathmandu to explore the historic Hanuman Dhoka and the residence of the Living Goddess, before completing your journey through the valley by marveling at the sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites of Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this Small Group Discovery tour of Dubai, India, and Nepal.

Pack your bags for countless adventures because we’ve packed the best of British Columbia and Alberta into one unforgettable vacation in Canada. From international cities to national parks, snow-dusted summits to vineyard-dotted valleys, dramatic glaciers to soothing hot springs, and the calmest of lakes to the wildest of creatures, Western Canada presents the greatest range of sights and cities, not to mention mountains! On this grand tour of Western Canada, you’ll spend time in the multicultural metropolis of Vancouver and the British-infused city of Victoria before trading the pubs of the “garden city” for the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Devour the majestic scenery of four national parks – Glacier, Yoho, Banff, and Jasper – get a taste of resort life in renowned Whistler, sip local wine at a charming lakeside resort in Kelowna, and clink your glasses to mountains of fun. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.

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 three of South America’s most sizzling cities so you can do it all. With time in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, this sultry tour of South America combines the best of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, plus the opportunity to witness the thundering Iguassu Falls from the perspective of both countries. Guided sightseeing to the legendary sights is enhanced 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. Skip and sip your way through more storied scenery with time in Santiago – Chile’s European-influenced capital between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Your Local Guide will show you how to drink in the culture, heritage, and legendary wines of this modern and sophisticated city.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour! Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. From the City of Angels to the City by the Bay, California is calling from coastlines to central valley wines. Begin your California tour in Marina del Rey with guided sightseeing on Olvera Street and Hollywood. Head up the coast to the Spanish charm of Santa Barbara to explore the “American Riviera” to explore the Channel Islands and Colonial architecture of this Mediterranean jewel on the Pacific. Get a taste of Denmark amid the windmills of charming Solvang—with authentic Danish streets and pastry treats in the Santa Ynez Valley. Discover art and wine in California’s central valley, then wake up and smell the lavender in a San Miguel farm on the central coast. Feel a breeze in the Monterey Bay where Cannery Row inspired Steinbeck’s famous novel. Be inspired yourself on the waterfront where sea otters and a myriad of marine life flourish. Get in the swing of California life with a visit to Pebble Beach Golf Course and pass the iconic Lone Cypress tree as it clings to the rocky outcrops. Travel the rugged beauty of coastal views on the 17-mile drive to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea—a hamlet to steal your heart with storybook cottages and cobbled lanes beside the bracing ocean air. Go inward to the Central Valley to discover a wealth of agricultural treasures with tours and tastings. On to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley where California wines hold their own in comparison to the finest French wines. Dig into the wine and culinary scene of Sonoma in the cool Pacific air to explore, eat, and enjoy a glass or two. This Small Group Discovery tour of California is always a good reason to celebrate!

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 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. Listen to the Muscle Shoals sound and follow the path of the Mississippi River to the famed Delta Blues area and Cajun Country. Jump, jive, and wail through the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the blues and beignets. Both a musical and southern heritage tour, this vacation through the Deep South leads you to elegant antebellum mansions, historic sights, and the 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 during the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival. A one-day pass to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival plus a relaxing lunch cruise down the Mississippi are also included in your extended stay in “The Big Easy.” PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in New Orleans so you can plan your day your way.

Like the world’s most beloved tapestries hanging in Europe’s most famous museums, this 14-day tour of Europe intertwines stunning scenery, centuries-old culture, and the timeless stories of several captivating countries to present an unforgettable experience. From the canals of Amsterdam to the boulevards of Paris, we’ve stitched together an exciting array of sights and scenes to truly capture the big picture of Europe. In addition to the stunning imagery of the castle-dotted Rhine Valley, the snow-dusted Swiss Alps, and the olive-clad Tuscan hills, you’ll be introduced to the artful subjects who help tell the tales of time—the woodcarvers of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers from Rhineland. A perfectly woven itinerary of fascinating cities, charming countryside, and creative cuisine, this multi-country tour threads together the most memorable sights and experiences of Europe. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome so you can plan your day your way.

What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliffhangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins—stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert—this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Inverness so you can plan your day your way.

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey remarked the locals in Sydney, “You’re so darned friendly, you must go to friendly class!” But you don’t need to be a celebrity to get the star treatment and warm welcome of Aussies. Experience the meaning of “G’day, mate!” on this 16-day Globus Independent Australia & New Zealand 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 available throughout your stay (in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Queenstown) to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and to help you make the most of your vacation. This Globus Independent tour packs plenty of free time to explore, relax, and discover on your own. 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 in Sydney 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, you can 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 big 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. After seeing the highlights of Australia, fly over the “ditch” to Queenstown, New Zealand, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” We’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound which boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Continue to Rotorua where you’ll visit the Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and Te Puia to explore a geothermal wonderland. End your vacation in vibrant Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

Ancient wonders. Modern cities. Timeless traditions. Like a classic Chinese dumpling, this tour of China is filled with flavor, zest, and delectable elements of surprise. From the hutongs of Beijing to the longtangs of Shanghai, you’ll savor every Far East experience you’ve ever craved, including a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s narrow alleyways, a walk along the Great Wall, and a 3-night cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges of the winding, wondrous Yangtze, Asia’s longest river. This truly hands-on vacation will teach you the ancient art of tea making, the calming practice of tai chi, and the delicate art of making traditional dim sum, the dumpling whose name means “to touch the heart.” Expect additional flutters when you enter the Forbidden City, stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and observe the daily habits of the native pandas of Chengdu.