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How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Independence by Globus vacation in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!

Enjoy a 3-night stay in Dubai to experience the city’s Old-World markets and world-class shopping, sweeping sand dunes and dazzling beaches, and traditional Bedouin villages and futuristic vibe. Among the world’s tallest buildings await the world’s loftiest experiences. Witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World. Here, 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. 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. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of Dubai and India.

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 in Singapore, one of the world’s great melting pots. Your guide will show you all the highlights, taking you to visit the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, where you ascend to Sands Skypark to admire beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. During your I-time, continue exploring Singapore on your own or book an optional excursion to the zoo or a Malay village.

When you hum along to California Dreamin’ on the radio, what wistful wonders come to mind? Giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park? Big reds in Sonoma? Mega stars in Los Angeles? Colossal mansions that dot the entire Pacific coastline? From the City by the Bay to the City of Angels, this thirteen-day tour of California reveals every heavenly sight that earned the Golden State its name. Yosemite’s Cathedral Spires, 17-Mile Drive’s Lone Cypress, and San Simeon’s Hearst Castle are just a few you’ll want your camera ready for. Between the high energy of Silicon Valley and the high style of Beverly Hills, this encompassing California vacation weaves in plenty of kickback time with visits to a Sonoma vineyard, the quiet Danish village of Solvang, and the tony resort zip codes of Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Don’t forget your shades. Surf’s up at the 70 miles of beaches along Southern California’s most laid-back city. Hang ten or simply hang out in San Diego’s renowned zoo, museums, and eclectic neighborhoods. Half the fun of this extension to your California vacation is the scenic train ride here from La-La Land.

From mountains to mammals, everything is bigger in Alaska. In the 20+ hours of summer sunlight a day, even the produce grows to fair-winning proportions. Of course, the 70-pound Matanuska Valley cabbage is just the beginning of the big sights this sun-soaked tour of Alaska has to offer. Just wait until you cruise along the three-mile face of the Columbia Glacier, sail by the calving tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park and ascend into Denali National Park – home of North America’s highest peak – by way of the world-famous Alaska Railroad. Other big moments include panning for gold at Fairbanks’ Gold Dredge #8, seeing a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion, and witnessing the grandest of wildlife from Alaska’s majestic coasts to its monumental crests. While spotting a giant whale, caribou, moose, or grizzly might be “no biggie” to the locals, we think you’ll agree, this Alaska vacation is huge.

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!

Icelandic folklore maintains there are clans of elves and trolls living in the country’s extraordinary hills, rocky outcrops, and lava fields. Will you meet these “Huldufólk” or “Hidden People” said to dislike churches, daylight, and electricity? Hard to say. But here’s what you will see on this breathtaking tour of Iceland—active volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, jagged glaciers, floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, and brilliant-blue geothermal springs. Unique, local experiences await in the “Land of Fire and Ice,” including tasting piping hot bread baked by the heat from the hot springs, sipping Geysir schnapps served at freezing point, and standing in awe before the spectacular Lake Jökulsárlón, home to Europe’s largest glacier and the site of some of the most dramatic scenes from the James Bond movie Die Another Day. The gargantuan sights in the land of the elves will surely leave you stirred, not shaken.

Come gee! Come haw! Come out for Alaska’s best known sporting event. “Alaska’s Last Great Race” takes place every March as mushers bark commands to teams of sled dogs in hopes of being the first to cross 1,000 treacherous miles of frozen, rugged terrain. On this thrill-filled Alaska vacation, you’ll stop by the Iditarod headquarters, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, and attend the annual Mushers Banquet where you can meet, mingle, and even witness the draw for starting positions. Cheer on your favorite mushers at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and again at the official restart in the quaint community of Willow. Of course, the K9 athletes are not the only animals you’ll see on this tour of Alaska. Have your camera ready for moose, musk ox, and more as you enjoy visits to Anchorage’s renowned wildlife centers and the Girdwood ski resort where you can put your own paws in the snow. Complement “Alaska’s Great Race” with “The Greatest Light Show on Earth” when you add Fairbanks & the Northern Lights to your Alaska tour. Two opportunities to witness the ethereal green glow of the amazing aurora borealis, a ride on the world-famous Alaska Railroad, and leisure time in outdoorsy Anchorage present the perfect kick start to your Iditarod vacation.

You won’t need to summon Mr. Sandman on this tour through the American West. This national parks vacation is what dreams are made of. With overnight stays in the West’s legendary lodges, you’ll saw logs within the forested wonder of the nation’s most alluring landscapes. Enjoy two nights within the timber and stone beauty of the State Game Lodge at Custer State Park, two nights under the roofs of the cozy lodges of Yellowstone National Park, and two nights swathed in the rugged elegance at the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole. Additional dream sights through South Dakota and Wyoming include Mount Rushmore, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Teton National Park. After visiting the Old West towns of Deadwood and Cody – and spotting the buffalo, moose, elk, and other area locals – you’ll have no reason to count sheep on this classic lodges and national parks tour.

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 is 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.

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. Your vacation in Portugal continues with a flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada—to soak in some of Mother Nature’s finest work on the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the views of volcanic masterpieces from the top of Pico da Barrosa Mountain and visit Europe’s only tea plantation on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Start your journey in bustling Mumbai. Witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. 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. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India.

Like your coffee with two creams and two sugars? That’s a “double-double” in neighboring Canada and don’t you forget it! Doubling the fun from Washington D.C. to Québec City, this unforgettable panorama tour of the Eastern U.S. and Canada explores the cultural and historical differences between two fascinating North American regions. From New York City to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you’ll take a bite out of the Big Apple, taste the freedom of Philadelphia, and savor the monuments and museums of Washington, D.C. You’ll also enjoy the refreshing mist of breathtaking Niagara Falls before immersing yourself in the varied Canadian cityscapes of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City. The final course? A journey through the marvelous mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire with guided sightseeing in Boston. An authentic Italian handmade cannoli in Beantown are your just dessert!

Discover the island nation of Cuba - a place filled with friendly people, eager to share their lives, heritage, and culture with you...and equally curious to hear about the customs and traditions of the neighboring United States. Globus invites you to join us on this special Support for the Cuban People program, designed around daily interaction with local residents that deliver insight into past, present, and future. Through open-minded conversations and respectful exchanges of ideas with the Cuban people, you’ll experience the trip of a lifetime with a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of this captivating country. Due to the special requirements to visit Cuba, participants will be required to complete and sign a travel affidavit confirming that they are traveling under the Support for the Cuban People general license and will participate in a full-time schedule of activities. Participants are also required to read and acknowledge the Notice of Cuba Program information. These items must be completed and acknowledged within 7 days of making a reservation. “Group Voyagers, Inc.* offers this program under the auspice of a General License 31 CFR 515.560 for Support for the Cuban People CFR 515.574 authorized by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Those who register as participants in this program, are authorized to visit Cuba legally under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel CFR 515.574. Our itineraries provide a full-time schedule of activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people and result in meaningful interactions between our travelers and individuals in Cuba. United States law requires that all participants in our program adhere to the full-time schedule of Support for the Cuban People activities.

Love a good mystery? This 11-day vacation to Peru is the perfect escape to delve into the world’s most intriguing lost and found story. Featuring not one, but two days behind the misty gates of Machu Picchu, this below-the-equator tour takes you high into the Andes and deeper inside the Lost City of the Incas to unearth its centuries-old secrets. Navigating the cryptic maze of trails, temples, and terraces in the world’s most famous forgotten city is one for the memory books. Other great finds on this tantalizing tour of Peru? Up-close encounters with llamas, alpacas, and other Sacred Valley locals; vibrant, handwoven textiles in the former Inca Empire capital of Cusco; bold, multicultural cuisine in the foodie capital of Lima; and a warm welcome inside a traditional family home for an authentic taste of Peruvian hospitality. Craving a deeper Peruvian experience? Add the Colca Canyon and Arequipa to your Peru vacation. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. Enjoy the spectacular views below while the giant condor soars above. A visit to the “White City” of Arequipa, built from white volcanic rock, promises more dramatic views.

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 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. 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.

Peaks. Glaciers. Whales. Wildlife. You couldn’t see more of the great state of Alaska in one week if you were an Iditarod sled dog. Your route on this tour of Alaska takes you by coach to see the highest peak in North America at the 6-million-acre Denali National Park; by train to see the untamed wilderness en route to the unique town of Talkeetna; and by ship to cruise through the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park to hear the thunderous roar of glaciers calving into the sea. You’ll also see a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion and stop at the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse for an Alaskan treat. A sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks, a breathtaking drive along the shore of Turnagain Arm, and a wilderness expedition to sniff out bears, caribou, and moose in Denali National Park will also get your tails wagging. Want to howl at more sea otters, orcas, and humpback whales? Add a leisurely cruise through the breathtaking Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage to your Alaska vacation to see more wondrous wilderness and charming settlements. Enjoy scenic cruising around Glacier Bay National Park and time in the frontier capital of Juneau, the tranquil town of Haines or Skagway, and totem-pole-dotted Ketchikan.

Like the beautiful mosaics gracing the floors and walls of ancient Roman villas, we’ve brought together the most brilliant parts of Italy to create an impact with this visually stunning vacation. Hand selecting experiences from multiple regions of “the boot,” we’ve assembled an imaginative getaway with the brightest pieces of Rome, Florence, and Venice, plus the sultry Italian Riviera, the breezy Lake District, and the sunny coast of Campania. The pastel-tinted Cinque Terre fishing villages, the sparkling blue waters of Capri, and the lemon-tree-lined streets of Sorrento offer a vivid picture of Italy, while the pilgrimage destination of Assisi, the Roman ash preserved city of Pompeii, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa provide just the right accents. Traveling north, south, coastal, and inland, this multi-hued tour of Italy is a picture-perfect montage of memories.

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 cliff-hangers. 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.

Equal parts fresh air, fresh cuisine, and joyous laughter, the enviable Mediterranean lifestyle is based on the simple concept of balance. Seven nights on land and seven nights at sea strike the perfect equilibrium between ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and mythical gods and sun worshipers on this airy Mediterranean land and cruise tour. After journeying from temple to fascinating temple on our Classical Greece tour, you’ll sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of Ephesus, coastal Turkey, and the Greek Isles. The island cruising begins on the cultural coast of Rhodes and continues to the glittering isles of Crete, Santorini (weather permitting), Milos, and Mykonos, all while the sirtaki—the lively dance made popular in the classic movie Zorba the Greek—is a joyous constant throughout this big fat Greek vacation.

This is Jeopardy! Answer: Astronauts can see this coral reef system from space. Question: What is the Great Barrier Reef? But have no fear! You don’t have to start training to become an astronaut to see the largest coral reef system in the world! Independence by Globus has you covered with this 9-day vacation, where you not only get to see the Great Barrier Reef, but your journey will also take you to Australia’s Outback. We’ve arranged for you to have a Local Host, someone who is there to answer questions, offer suggestions, and help make your vacation the trip of a lifetime. But that’s not all. We’ve also arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights, and visits to help you really understand life in Australia's Outback. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Cairns. We can pick you up at the airport and whisk you to your selected hotel, where your Local Host will offer you a warm greeting and information to help you get settled and personalize your trip. The next morning, after your included breakfast, you'll cruise on a catamaran to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth! We've arranged for you to either snorkel or take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or you can attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be amazed at the beauty all around you. A photo cannot capture it; you must experience it for yourself. After a full day in Cairns to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host, of course), you'll fly to the Outback, where you’ll see the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy drinks & canapés while watching the sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). While in the Outback, we've also arranged for you to visit the Uluru-Kata Cultural Centre with its amazing collection of Aboriginal arts. Then it’s on to Sydney, where we will have a Local Host waiting to welcome you to this bustling city. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for guided sightseeing with a local expert. Hear the insider stories around the must-see sights, such as the Opera House and Bondi Beach. A full day in Sydney gives you time to explore on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions we offer. Perhaps climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, shop for a special souvenir, or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains. Your Local Host will have plenty of suggestions. 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 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.

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.

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 casinos of Monte Carlo, 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. Don’t miss a stitch after your European Tapestry tour as a high-speed train weaves its way to London. Walk down the aisle where the endless train on Princess Diana’s wedding gown followed her to the altar at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Raise a pint in a pub or lift your gaze on the lofty London Eye with free time to spare as Big Ben chimes. A jolly good time!

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 16-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, Queenstown, and Sydney. 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. And did we mention that in Rotorua we've included visits to Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders. Before starting your exploration of New Zealand, stop in cosmopolitan Sydney, Australia for a three-night stay. Your visit includes a half-day city sightseeing tour including photo stops at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus a visit to Bondi Beach, one of city’s famous beaches. Your Sydney Local Host is available to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations.

From the Salem Witch Trials to the Headless Horseman, New England is home to some of the nation’s oldest settings and stories. Fact, fiction, and fantastic scenery abound on this vacation to New England and the Hudson Valley. Boston and Lexington’s most significant sights of the American Revolution are balanced with the peaceful vistas of coastal Maine, rural New Hampshire, and mountainous Vermont. Charming seaport villages, bucolic covered bridges, and rolling maple syrup farms sweeten the storylines across America’s historic East Coast. The plot thickens as you ferry across Lake Champlain to immerse yourself in the scene-stealers of New York and Massachusetts, including the lakeside resort of Lake Placid, the picturesque Berkshire Mountains, and the riverbanks dotted with orchards and vineyards of the Hudson Valley. Stand up straight as you visit the waterfront U.S. Military Academy at West Point. You wouldn’t want to miss the spectacular views. Adding two nights in the “City That Never Sleeps” to the beginning of your Eastern U.S. tour makes this vacation an absolute dream. Enjoy a narrated, skyline harbor cruise with close-up views of Manhattan’s iconic sights before floating down Fifth Avenue, through Central Park, under the marquees of Broadway, or wherever else your cosmopolitan compass takes you.