If you were the type of kid who always marched to your own drum, this bold tour of Costa Rica is just the escape for you. Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit. As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Frolic among hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class. With visits to an active volcano and exotic fruit plantations, plus several meet-and-greets with the native macaws and monkeys, this vacation to Costa Rica is bananas! If there’s ever a time to imitate the slow-moving sloth, it would be in its native country. A change of scenery and speed await on Costa Rica’s lush, northwestern shore. Add the seaside resort of Guanacaste to your tour of Costa Rica to catch marlin, mahi, or just some mellow rays on the beach.

Don’t think you can see the top sights of Britain and Ireland in 10 days? Sharpen your pencils to cross off your bucket-list destinations in five fabulous countries. A jolly good time awaits in England, Scotland, and Wales, plus both territories of Ireland, as you explore the lively capital cities of each and the thatched-roof-dotted countryside in between. Coast through rolling hills, ferry across legendary waterways, and skip down cobblestone streets to discover the wonders of Stonehenge, Waterford, York, and more on this essential tour of Britain and Ireland. Along the way, you’ll drink in the sights of fairytale castles and storybook settings as well as the locally brewed ales, strong Irish coffees, and perfectly aged Scotch whiskies passionately poured in every pub. Factor in time to shop for bits and bobs and taste local favorites like fish and chips, and you’d be off your trolley not to come along! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Waterford so you can plan your day your way.

When you hear the call “Txotx!” (pronounced “choach”) shouted in the traditional Sidrerias of Northern Spain, it’s time to gather ’round! Standing five feet back from the tapped barrel, patrons line up to catch the shooting cider into glasses—then toast the age-old tradition that adds the right amount of carbonation to the tart beverage. Lucky for you, there’s much to toast as you explore the sparkling seaside from Lisbon to Barcelona on this mostly coastal tour of Portugal and Northern Spain. This sunny vacation makes a splash with visits to the popular pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, the famous seaside resort of San Sebastian, and in Pamplona, the legendary Calle Estafeta where the famous “running of the bulls” takes place. You’ll also want to make a beeline to the delicacies of each country, from the zesty paella of Spain to the sweet port of Portugal. Cheers! Salud! Txotx! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Porto so you can plan your day your way.

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, and Marsala wine serve to sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.

That calendar you live by—the one with 365 days divided into 12 months—you can thank the ancient Egyptians for the handy invention that helps you manage your time. In this 9-day vacation, you’ll marvel at many other amazing accomplishments of this remarkable civilization. The daunting Great Pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx and the extraordinary temples of Luxor and Karnak are well worth the journey as are the sparkling treasures inside Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum, including the fascinating burial items from the opulent tomb of “King Tut.” As you sail down the legendary Nile from Luxor to Aswan on this enthralling tour of Egypt, you’ll also stand in awe at the Kom Ombo Temple, barter for goods at the bustling bazaars, and sway to the rhythmic drums on a relaxing felucca ride down the Nile.

Even if you’re not keen to try bubble and squeak, haggis and tatties, or cockles and laverbread, this perfect sampling of England, Scotland, and Wales will surely whet your appetite for adventure! Our most popular tour of Britain, this tri-country introductory vacation has something for everyone. History buffs will treasure prehistoric Stonehenge, the Roman ruins of Bath and the medieval cities and towns such as York and Ludlow. Music lovers will cherish the music-festival town of Llangollen and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool. Literary fans will relish the countryside homes of William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott. And beer and whisky connoisseurs will delight in the dimly lit pubs from London to Edinburgh and back where if you just can’t bring yourself to taste the black pudding, there’s always delicious fish and chips!

This relaxed 10-day tour combines many lesser visited parts of Ireland with some of the must-see iconic locations. The delights of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, and Galway are combined with more remote and unique experiences. Hear from an expert about the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling and take the chance to hit a few “sliotars” yourself; take a boat ride over to the tiny island of Cape Clear where one of its 110 inhabitants will tell all about their life; make (and eat) your own scones and watch a sheep dog at work at a typical Irish farm; have lunch in an Irish pub; hear about the ancient art of whiskey distilling at a modern distillery at the cutting edge of 21st century sustainability; and visit one of the world’s premier horse studs. You’ll leave with your Irish Heart filled! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Waterford so you can plan your day your way.

A cuppa tea or a petit café? A sugar-dusted scone or a savory-filled crêpe? A pint of shandy or a flute of Champagne? The beauty of visiting two of the world’s most fascinating cities in one vacation is that you can indulge in the delights of both. On this 7-day tour of London and Paris, you’ll enjoy in-depth guided sightseeing along the cities’ famous roads and rues, as well as from the perspective of the legendary Thames and Seine rivers as you take in the historic skylines on relaxing, story-filled cruises. The fun continues to flow as you admire panoramic views aboard the London Eye Ferris Wheel and indulge on a French specialty in Paris’ lively Montmartre art district. With plenty of free time in each city, you can immerse yourself in the famous sights you’ve long envisioned, the storied streets you’ve often imagined, and the sidewalk cafés you’ve always dreamed of. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Paris so you can plan your day your way.

Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders: glaciers, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. On this escorted tour of Iceland, start and end in Reykjavik, and witness these natural wonders while enjoying unique experiences. Take an evening excursion by motorcoach to enjoy the spectacular experience of witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland’s night sky (weather permitting). Globus has also included some spectacular experiences to make your Iceland vacation special. In Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk through the rift valley that marks the separation between two of the world’s major tectonic plates. In Geysir, experience the geothermal areas and taste freshly baked bread, cooked using the heat from the hot springs. Pair it with a glass of Geysir schnapps. Marvel at the Gullfoss waterfall; drive through the national park at Skaftafell; and stop at Lake Jökulsárlón, where some of the most spectacular scenes of the James Bond movie Die Another Day were filmed. Join us to experience the exquisite natural beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Iceland you’ll treasure forever.

From the seemingly miraculous waters of the Dead Sea to Cana of Galilee where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle of turning water into wine—this fascinating tour of Israel is full of incredible sights, scenery, and stories. The historical and biblical tales begin in Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where it is believed Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount and culminate at the lowest (yet most uplifting) point on the surface of the Earth—the Dead Sea where you’ll effortlessly float at 430 meters below sea level. Discover the fascinating city of Jerusalem and dive into numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the golden-domed Baha’i Shrine in Haifa and the ancient clifftop fortress of Masada—not to mention some of the most delectable dishes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

What’s the best way to see one of the world’s great melting pots? A Globus Independent vacation, of course! Your guide will show you all the highlights taking you to visit the Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and Marina Bay, where you ascend to Sands Skypark to admire beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. The following day you’ll have some well-deserved free time to continue exploring Singapore on your own or book an optional excursion to Kampong Glam or a Malay village. Then, fly to Bali, a magical blend of culture, nature, cuisine, and sun. Visit fascinating villages in the hillside town of Ubud. Take in beautiful views of Mount Batur, Bali’s second highest volcano. Enjoy free time in the coastal town of Sanur.

The over-the-top homes. The complicated relationships. The relentless quest for power. Ruling Austria—and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire—for nearly 650 years, the Habsburgs formed one of history’s greatest, yet often overlooked, European dynasties. This fascinating tour of Central Europe traces the family’s steps—and missteps—as you enjoy the imperial sights of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna with additional overnights in melodious Salzburg and lively Munich. Ornate castles and cathedrals, stunning palaces and parks, and gorgeous gardens and grounds provide a glimpse into the intriguing lives and lavish lifestyles of one of history’s most powerful and controversial families. In-depth sightseeing and a cruise along the legendary Danube offer varied vantage points to witness the magnificent marks this royal family left on Central Europe. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Budapest so you can plan your day your way.

Beauty, awe, and wonder resound throughout Arizona and Utah on this sojourn through three fascinating national parks, Lake Powell, and the sandstone landscapes of the Navajo Nation. From spectacular sunrise to sunset of the Grand Canyon, you’ll also be dazzled by the desert hues of Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Antelope Slot Canyon. Travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel for scenic and easy access to Zion National Park. Unleash your explorer’s spirit with a Navajo guide aboard a 4-wheel drive through the monoliths, buttes, and mesas of Monument Valley. Color your world in the cactus-studded, red panoramas of Sedona and Phoenix. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in the Grand Canyon so you can plan your day your way.

Looking for a vacation to Greece that includes sightseeing, sailing, learning, lounging, discovering, and dancing? Eureka, this is it! Just as the Greek mathematician Archimedes shouted this exclamation after his great discovery, so will you as you float through the ancient ruins of Athens and then set sail for a 4-night Aegean Sea cruise to the historic coast of Turkey and the sunny Greek Isles. In between poolside chilling, you’ll discover the hottest sights of the Greek Islands—the towering windmills of Mykonos, the fortress-lined Old Town of Rhodes, Crete’s Bronze Age settlement of Knossos, and Santorini’s serene whitewashed and blue-roofed villages. Get ready for ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and ouzo and oodles of fun on this relaxing land and cruise tour of gorgeous Greece.

Deep-blue fjords, breathtaking mountains, glimmering glaciers, and flowing waterfalls… these are natural wonders you expect to see in Norway, and on this Norway tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. A highlight of this Norway tour is a breathtaking ride on the Flåm railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides, which passes through 20 tunnels and climbs to an elevation of 2,833 feet (864 meters). Marvel at the hypnotic waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snowcapped mountains, rivers winding through deep gorges; farms on the side of steep slopes, and views of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. Travel on the Hardanger National Tourist Road, carefully developed to take you through some of Norway’s most stunning scenery, and stop at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading falls without getting wet. In addition to breathtaking scenery, Norway also offers you a country steeped in history. In the Middle Ages, Norwegians built churches out of wood. Only 28 of these stave churches now remain in Norway, and in Borgund, you’ll admire one of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches dating back to 1180. Stay two nights in Bergen, founded in 1070, where guided sightseeing features the main sights and a walking tour of Bryggen. From the magnificent scenery to the vibrant cities—including a train ride back to Oslo and an extra night—this tour through Norway will delight all of your senses. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Bergen so you can plan your day your way.

If you were the type of kid who always marched to your own drum, this bold tour of Costa Rica is just the escape for you. Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit. As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Frolic among hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class. With visits to an active volcano and exotic fruit plantations, plus several meet-and-greets with the native macaws and monkeys, this vacation to Costa Rica is bananas! It’s not just the white sand and white-faced monkeys that lure adventurers to the oceanside village of Manuel Antonio; it’s the relaxing eco resorts tucked away in the lush green hills overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters. Add an extra shade of spectacular to your tour of Costa Rica with time in Manuel Antonio and its renowned national park.

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey remarked to 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 10-day Globus Independent Australia 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, and Melbourne) 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. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

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. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Beaune so you can plan your day your way.

Love a good mystery? This 8-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.

All roads may lead to Rome, but we know the scenic avenues to reach all the enchanting cities on your Italy bucket list. That serene passageway in Assisi, that chic leather boutique in Florence, that off-the-beaten-path bridge in Venice—we know the way! We’ve mapped out the iconic experiences of Italy, leading you through the historic streets and piazzas of the “Eternal City,” the vine and olive-clad hills of Tuscany, and the romantic canals of the “Floating City” so you can experience the art, architecture, vino, and espresso you’ve long imagined. On this dreamy tour of Italy’s great cities, stroll through the medieval-walled city of Siena, ponder the curious tilt at the Tower of Pisa, and happily lean into the delicious plates of pasta, pizza, and pastries along the way. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Venice so you can plan your day your way.

Parmesan and prosciutto. Ferraris and Fiats. Ruins and the Riviera. Some of Italy’s greatest indulgences can be found up north. Italy’s “Fabulous Five,” the pastel-hued cliffside fishing villages along the Mediterranean, start the count of the numerous joys you’ll experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Northern Italy. In addition to finding the freshest seafood along the coast, you’ll relish a balsamic vinegar tasting in the epicurean city of Modena, a parmesan cheese tasting near Verdi’s hometown of Busseto, a risotto lunch at a Vercelli rice factory, and a wine tasting in vineyard-dotted Gabiano. To spice things up, you’ll speed over to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and strut your stuff down the streets of Milan. Leading you to the fabulous, the famous, and the fashionable, this tour is the way to see Northern Italy in style. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Genoa so you can plan your day your way.

Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India than this incredible Globus Independent tour. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explore the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your camera is in hand for phenomenal photo opportunities on your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. 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. Enjoy free time and optional excursions to experience these fascinating destinations in your own way.

It may take two to Tango, but it only takes you to choreograph the perfect day on a Globus Independent tour in Brazil. Walk in wonder on the wild side in the breathtaking Brazilian Amazon. Touch down in Manaus, gateway to Brazil's Amazon, for a private, guided sightseeing tour with a local expert to envision the rubber boom days. Witness the “Meeting of the Waters” where the chocolate-hued Rio Negro flows side by side with the amber Rio Solimões. Enjoy Naturalist-guided walks to see flora and fauna and spend time with a Caboclo local to discover timeless traditions of life in the rainforest. Next, see how Rio de Janeiro sizzles with Brazilian barbecue, beaches, and bustling nightlife, bringing you a little closer to heaven atop Corcovado Mountain where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stands watch. With the freedom to design your days and fill your nights with Latin flair that ignites your independent spirit, you’ll be swaying to the samba in no time! Go chasing waterfalls in Iguassu National Park, where thunderous cascades plummet 300 feet into Devil’s Throat Canyon. Cross over to Argentina and board the Ecological Jungle Train and explore numerous walkways above and beneath the falls. With the expertise of Local Guides and extra free time you crave, you’ll find the perfect steps to dance to your own rhythm through Brazil’s breathtaking beauty. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time, me time, and optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Costa Rica! From tropical rainforest canopies to captivating city sights, your Central American tour of Costa Rica is rich in countless ways. Explore the untouched beauty of jungle ecosystems, with expert Naturalist Guides, to discover mangrove trees, rivers, coastlines, and nature preserves and national parks in the country’s colorful landscapes and legendary villages. This tour of Costa Rica is by no means roughing it, however! You’ll return to the relaxation and rejuvenation of your hotel or lodge each day to find all the creature comforts of home in luxurious style! A Small Group Discovery tour to awaken the senses, naturally!

Like a rhapsody that enchants the dreams of composers, artists, writers, and romantics, this European escorted tour from Budapest to Prague promises to bring out the Bohemian in you. Hear the bells resound above Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague; see the cathedral skies and castles rise; taste the tempting foodie delights and spectacular sights of Budapest and feel the charm of Slovakia. Wrap your senses in the stunning beauty of Vienna to the Golden City of Prague on this artful 9-day European vacation that’s nothing short of captivating. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Prague so you can plan your day your way.