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

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. Discover a deeper Peruvian experience with the Colca Canyon and Arequipa. 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.

Beloved music, literature, and poetry; lively traditions, customs, and conversation; smooth Guinness, whisky, and ale—they all flow from the banks of one legendary river to another on this immersive tour of Ireland, Scotland, and England. From the ancient villages along the Liffey to the cathedrals and castles lining the Thames, this tour of Ireland and Britain invites you to splash about in four distinctive countries and cultures. Enjoy the scenic Ring of Kerry, follow the sounds of haunting bagpipes in Edinburgh’s quirky quarters, and quote famous verse as you stroll around Shakespeare’s birthplace in the English countryside. With a compass pointed toward enlightenment and enchantment, this vacation to Ireland and Britain is overflowing with seaside scenery, Highland history, and cobblestone charisma. PLUS, your tour includes your choices of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.

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. Arrive in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina to explore the country’s turbulent and triumphant history before continuing to explore more of Southern Konjic, one of the oldest permanent settlements in Bosnia & Herzegovina, dating back to 4000 years ago. Poised amid some of the country’s highest mountains, Konjic also captivates with amazing architecture, spectacular canyons and peaks, and charming people. Discover the cobblestoned streets and stone buildings of Mostar with its graceful bridge spanning the Neretva River, evoking picturesque scenes from a fairytale. You’ll find serenity beside the flowing Kravica Waterfalls on the Trebizat River as you travel to the dramatic coastline and turquoise blue waters of Split and the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Ferry on with a visit to the island of Hvar where islands surround the harbor town. Find your purple haze on the “lavender island” of Hvar with a tour of the museum and lavender distillery. Explore the coastal fortress city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” as well as filming location of productions such as Game of Thrones. So much more beauty and bold history are waiting to be discovered on this Small Group Discovery tour on the islands of Croatia.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour! Sweet tea and the sea. Magnolias and Muscadine. Fresh, ripe peaches and inviting pillared porches. Follow the oak-lined streets to the endless delights awaiting in the genteel South. Beginning in Charleston, this Southern U.S. tour saunters through the Spanish moss-draped coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Clippity-clop down the mansion-lined lanes of picturesque Beaufort in a horse-drawn carriage. Board an open-air trolley to discover the famed squares of storied Savannah. Walk in the footsteps of Vanderbilts and Rockefellers at the once ultra-exclusive Jekyll Island Club. This Small Group Discovery tour is the perfect way to discover Southern hospitality served with a sweet side of delicious pecan praline.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. 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. You’ll gain insight to Emirati culture over lunch and gain a new perspective as you ascend to the 124th floor at Burj Khalifa for spectacular views. 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 two 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 Small Group Discovery tour of Dubai and India.

God’s Own Country…a big claim, but this is how New Zealanders—or “kiwis”—refer to their country. Why? Maybe it’s the spectacular scenery, the world’s first sunrise each morning, or the birthplace of bungee jumping. Whatever the reason, your independent spirit is right at home in New Zealand. On this 13-day Globus Independent vacation in New Zealand, 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 Globus Independent Local Host® who is available to ensure you get the most out of your free time. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Auckland. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiarize yourself 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 Rotorua, you’ll visit Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders. 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. 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. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey 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.

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 vacation. Start your exploration with a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll also have 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. End your stay in Thailand with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

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 13-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. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Your desert dreams awaken even more mystery with the treasures of Jordan—from 4-wheeling in the red landscapes of Wadi Rum where your camp feels close enough to reach out and touch the stars above, to the spectacular sandstone monolith of Petra that conjures visions of Indiana Jones and ancient rulers resting in the ancient sandstone tombs of the Treasury. Sip tea in the ancient traditions and soak in the ancient sites surrounding the Dead Sea where some of civilization’s earliest history was recorded amid the horizons where Moses saw the Promised Land. A Bedouin experience to rival ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ in color, scope, and sheer beauty.

Athens to Athens and everything in between makes this Greek adventure one for the history books. From the mysterious ruins dedicated to Greek deities, to the magnificent realms of the great philosophers, your imagination will overflow with the sights, tastes, and ancient tales of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more mind-blowing experiences—all between the blue skies and seas. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.

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 in Kusudasi. 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.

Stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the rocky coast along Monterey’s famous 17-Mile Drive. From the dramatic hills of the streets of San Francisco to the towering giants of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, you’ll be a fan for life on this nine-day tour through Northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to taste their award-winning wines. Other stellar experiences to toast on this Northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and saying goodnight from the comfort of classic stone-and-cedar national park lodges. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Yosemite so you can plan your day your way.

Filled with dazzling nuggets of wonder, this National Parks vacation takes you deep into the golden wilderness of untamed South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Strike gold in America’s West with back-to-back visits to some of the country’s most renowned national parks bring you face-to-face with the monumental sculptures of Mount Rushmore, the explosive geysers of Yellowstone National Park, and the towering spires of Grand Teton National Park. Plus, visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and the gold rush towns of Cody, Jackson, and Deadwood shed light on some of the 19th century’s most famous battles and barroom brawls. After meeting herds of elk, bison, and other area locals, city slickers can get their fix with a visit to lively Salt Lake City. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Cody so you can plan your day your way.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Southeast Asia. What’s the most important thing to bring on a journey to Vietnam and Cambodia? Your bargaining skills! The art of haggling is a must at the bustling markets of Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City where you can negotiate everything from luxurious silk to brightly painted ceramics to a tasty bowl of pho. The number one rule of thumb—always be willing to walk away. Luckily, there’s so much to walk toward on this extraordinary tour of Southeast Asia, including the fascinating wartime tunnels of Cu Chi, a fishing lesson on the Thu Bon River, and a breezy cyclo ride around the vibrant city of Hanoi. The picturesque pagodas of Hue and Hanoi are just a taste of what’s to come at the mystical temples of Angkor. Inside the “City of the God Kings,” you’ll find the architecturally magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat delightfully much more than you bargained for on this Small Group Discovery tour!

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. A relaxing lunch cruise down the Mississippi is 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.

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.

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

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. 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. Start your journey in bustling Mumbai. Experience 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 observe the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. 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. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India.

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.

Head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, significant battlefields 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. Explore more by adding two more nights in the nation’s capital to your historic East Coast vacation. Hop on the included Big Bus for easy access to the monuments and museums, the galleries and gardens, and the bistros and bars where you can find every type of cuisine and a heaping, helping of topical discussion.

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.

Feet on the ground or head in the clouds? Set your sights on both on this heady tour of the Canadian Rockies. A sunny gondola ride to Banff’s Sulphur Mountain, a private breakfast at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and a special dinner inside the original greenhouse at Victoria’s lush Butchart Gardens are just some of the ways to take your travel dreams to new heights through Alberta and British Columbia. Bold and breathtaking views are served from Vancouver to Calgary on the breezes of Sun Peaks, the glacial wonder of the Columbia Icefield, the alluring blue hue of Lake Louise, and the magnificent canyons and gorges of Jasper National Park. A panoramic cruise along the crystal waters of Maligne Lake to remote Spirit Island – one of Canada’s most cherished and photographed places – elevate this journey through Western Canada. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.

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