Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. 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 two 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. 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 Small Group Discovery tour of India and Nepal.

No rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, or four-leaf clover can bring the good fortune that awaits on this grand and mostly undiscovered vacation to Ireland. On our most in-depth tour of this rolling green paradise, you’ll experience the luck of the Irish at every scenic turn. Making a full loop around the Emerald Isle—including Northern Ireland—you’ll see the cliffs, castles, and thatched-roof countryside Eire is known for as well as its coastal ports, medieval villages, and soulful cities. Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience where the ill-fated ship was built, and soak in the atmosphere in the lively pubs of Dublin where Irish history is still the topic du jour. Your stroke of luck continues as you stop to bake scones at a quaint Irish farm, take a private boat to beautiful Garinish Island, and meet the legendary crystal makers in Waterford. The fun that awaits is crystal clear. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Belfast so you can plan your day your way.

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.

The locals say that the best way to drink a glass of ouzo, the Greek anise-infused liquor, is with a cool splash of water. This refreshing Greek vacation creates a big splash with an enlightening tour of Athens followed by a 7-night cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey. Sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of Ephesus, coastal Turkey, and the Greek Isles. Walk in the footsteps of celebrated philosophers, run down the same paths as ancient Olympians, and then dive into the ancient ruins and resorts of the Aegean where legendary harbors, charming villages, and pristine beaches await. From the vibrant volcanic island of Milos to the whitewashed villas of Santorini, from historic Rhodes to wonder-filled Crete, to the modern getaway of Mykonos, it’s hard to say which sparkles more - the crystal-clear water of the Aegean or the hidden jewels along its storied shores.

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. Discover the marvelous sights of Malta to explore the ancient archaeological sites and amazing seaside sights along the way. Join us to experience these two countries' exquisite beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Sicily and Malta you’ll treasure forever. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.

This Globus Independent tour 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 free time you crave on a Globus Independent tour. 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 free time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. In Chiang Rai, travel to the “Golden Triangle” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, tour a local tea plantation, and explore Wat Rong Khun. 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.

Discover a rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more on this fantastic tour of Thailand. In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. Travel to one of Thailand’s most beautiful provinces – Kanchanaburi. Take a long tail boat ride through vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating market. Ride a train over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a walking trail and interpretive center detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and visit a local tea plantation. Your vacation in Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

Like the blue Azulejo-tiled walls on Portugal’s beautiful buildings, homes, and churches, we’ve pieced together the best experiences of two sun-washed countries for those looking for an enlightening getaway. On this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal, you’ll spend two nights each in four legendary cities spanning from the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the golden coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Barcelona’s distinctive architecture, Madrid’s artistic energy, Seville’s medieval past, and Lisbon’s tiled and cobbled charm await your arrival and exploration. With immersive sightseeing, you’ll dive into the history, culture, and cuisine of each city during the must-see, must-taste, and must-hear experiences, from Portugal’s sweet red port and mournful fado music to Spain’s dry Rioja wine and lively flamenco performances. The adventure continues with a flight to 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. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour! From the alluring canyons and cultural traditions to the historic pueblos and vibrant art districts, you’ll be enchanted at every turn on this vacation in New Mexico. Taste the tradition of the Albuquerque desert in the kitchen and visit cliff dwellings that preserve the ancestral cultures of Native Americans and early settlers. Wander the artisan streets of Santa Fe and experience harmony with the painted desert landscapes of Georgia O’Keeffe. Satisfy your curiosity at Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos. Enter a rugged world of spectacular sandstone canyons that dress in the changing light of each new day. On this stunning Small Group Discovery tour of Southwest America, you’ll find a feast for the senses.

Everything in life has its ups and downs, including this fascinating tour of Arizona and Nevada that directs your eyes to ancient cliff dwellings, towering spires, the deepest of canyons, and the deepest of mysteries. Exactly how did the Sinagua Indians reach their cliffside, five-story, high-rise at Montezuma Castle? Explore these enigmas and more as you visit the lost canyons and cultures of the American Southwest. Guided jeep tours through Canyon de Chelly National Monument and the red rock scenery of Sedona get you closer to the secrets within the region’s sandstone formations, as does an adventuresome train ride on the Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad. From Phoenix to Vegas, you’ll enjoy sightseeing in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Jerome – plus a visit to Boulder City’s Hoover Dam Museum. Visits to Petrified Forest National Park and Meteor Crater Natural Landmark are additional sights sure to leave an impact. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Phoenix so you can plan your day your way.

Tantalizing petiscos. Thrilling natural wonders. Timeless traditions. Portugal is calling with a wealth of wonders to amaze and enchant. From Porto to Lisbon, your senses are filled with visions of natural wonder, wonderful wines, tempting tastes, and amazing artistry on this escorted tour of Portugal. 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. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Coimbra so you can plan your day your way.

Head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, significant battlefields, 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 the nation’s birthplace with national treasures and 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.

Cross the continental divide and explore the diverse landscape of colorful Colorado on a spectacular 10-day adventure! Your tour through Colorado begins with an overnight stay in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver—5,280 feet above sea level. Discover the stunning landscapes of all four stunning national parks in Colorado, including majestic Rocky Mountain National Park and the ancient indigenous dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. You’ll also explore the natural treasures of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and ride through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad.

When my baby smiles at me, I go to Rio! You’ll be smiling from ear to ear on this Globus Independent vacation in Brazil and Argentina with plenty of free time in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and the Amazon Rainforest. And while it takes two to Tango, it only takes you to choreograph the perfect vacation in South America. Begin in the Amazon Rainforest with a Naturalist Guide and discover the flora and fauna that thrive in the Brazilian Amazon. From Brazilian barbecue, bathing beauties on the beaches, and the heights of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, and the roaring thunder of Iguassu Falls, a Globus Independent tour gives you the freedom to design your days and fill your nights with Latin flair. Your Local Guide is on hand with included sightseeing, while helping you make the most of your free time with optional excursions to spice things up with your own personal taste. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time, me time, and optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

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.

If you have dreamed of taking in storybook-setting vistas, breathing in fresh Alpine air, and tasting mouth-watering Swiss chocolates, this enchanting tour of Switzerland has you covered from A to Zurich. Bustling cities, chalet-dotted hillsides, and pastoral valleys welcome you to the land of lush green farmland, glorious fondue, and glitzy fun. Join the capricious and carefree in the posh playgrounds of swanky St. Moritz, sparkling Lake Geneva, charming car-free Zermatt, and Italy’s celebrated and celebrity-full Lake Como. As you near lively Lugano and the Italian border, the scenery delightfully changes from mountainous panoramas to a Mediterranean paradise complete with chestnut groves, olive and fig trees, and fruitful vineyards. Dinner at a shady and cool grotto and lunch on a traditional Swiss farm provide local, delectable dining experiences like no other.

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. 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.

Artists, writers, and poets have long been inspired by the hues of hot pinks, deep purples, and flaming oranges that dance daily across the mystical southwestern sky. But for one week in October, hundreds of hot air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may be the largest balloon event in the world, yet its Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other beloved rituals aren’t the only highlights on this vibrant New Mexico vacation. Visits to artsy Santa Fe, and the pilgrimage Miracle Stairway are equally uplifting. Want more tamales? More turquoise? More peppers? More pottery? Extend your New Mexico vacation with two extra days in sunbaked Santa Fe and linger a little longer in the cafés, galleries, missions, and museums this is adobe haven is known for. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Santa Fe so you can plan your day your way.

What do you get when you combine ancient glaciers, a legendary icefield, and all the wonders beneath the snow-capped Canadian peaks? One of the coolest vacations there is! This nine-day tour through the Canadian Rockies and Montana’s Glacier National Park is an adventure filled with wild history, wild scenery, wildlife, and wild rides. Aboard a famous vintage Red Jammer, a massive ice explorer, a glass-walled boat (and even a flightseeing helicopter should you choose) you’ll relish the best views of big skies, bighorn sheep, and even bigger bears. From rugged gold rush territory to the sparkling turquoise waters of Banff and Jasper National Parks, there are so many gems to sink your teeth into on this Canadian Rockies vacation. We suggest starting with a tender filet of Alberta beef and a heavenly slice of homemade huckleberry pie. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Banff so you can plan your day your way.

Love a good mystery? This 12-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. There’s more wonder to discover beneath the Andes and within the wilderness of the Peruvian Amazon. Canopy walks, canoe rides, and higher speed motorboat jaunts offer varying perspectives of the macaws, monkeys, and a myriad of other rainforest creatures you’ll discover when you start your tour of Peru in the Amazon.

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

Get outward-bound on an 8-day adventure in the Rocky Mountains. How will you indulge your inner mountaineer? Rafting on a river in Glacier National Park with a big smile on your face or riding on a chairlift in Big Sky country? Mixing with the locals at a brewery or nature trail in Kalispell or a leisurely hike to Ousel Falls? Discover America’s northwest National Parks on an amazing adventure. Rocky Mountain highs and breathtaking sighs under Montana skies. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Big Sky so you can plan your day your way.

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

This enlightening tour through the great cities of New England and Eastern Canada – including a 7-night cruise – is the ultimate hands-on field trip to discover North America. Explore the revolutionary city of Boston, the exhilarating White Mountains of New Hampshire, and an idyllic maple syrup farm in Montpelier Vermont before the sweet experience of cruising through Eastern Canada’s most scenic cities, straits, and sounds. Sail through the greatest chapters of the past aboard a Holland America cruise ship, including the lighthouse-lined St. Lawrence River, the French-infused cities of Montréal and Québec, the green and Gaelic Cape Breton Island, and the pleasing provincial capital cities of Charlottetown and Halifax, where walkable Victorian streets await. Cruising through centuries of history, this East Coast tour perfectly balances learning and laughter with one last recess in Portland, Maine’s seaside summer resort town.

Let the sun and games begin on this lively land and cruise tour to Classical Greece, ancient Turkey, and the breezy Greek Isles. After following in the footsteps of profound philosophers and legendary Olympians, your mind and body will set sail from Athens for three triumphant nights on the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Trade the discus throw for dancing and the chariot games for a chair by the pool as you peacefully float to the glamourous island of Mykonos; Kusudasi in Turkey; the pilgrimage site of Patmos; Minoan Crete; and the dreamy, whitewashed isle of Santorini (weather permitting). With brilliant sights and sunsets on the itinerary from the mainland to Crete, you’re destined to bring home the golden this winning tour of Greece.