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You’ll want to warm up your vocal cords before testing the acoustics at the most mesmerizing canyons of Arizona and Utah. Beauty, awe, and wonder echo from Phoenix to Las Vegas as you journey to three fascinating national parks as well as the stunning cliffs of Lake Powell and the unique sandstone formations inside the Navajo Nation. In addition to seeing the sun rise and set in the magnificent Grand Canyon, you’ll also watch the brilliant rays dance across the wondrous walls of Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, and Lake Powell’s Antelope Slot Canyon. Highlights on this national parks vacation and tour of canyon country include a 4-wheel drive excursion with a Navajo guide to see the monoliths, buttes, and mesas of Monument Valley, a visit to the cactus-studded scenery of Sedona, and just enough time in “Sin City” to avoid any deep trouble. Helloooooo!

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. Your final destination is 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.

Set your sights higher than the Museum of Flight or the redwoods for lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and ice-smothered volcanoes – just the opening scenes of this west side story. From Seattle to Portland and all the way to the Golden Gate of San Francisco, the dramatic views of both city and seaside astound on this nine-day Pacific Coast vacation. While Oregon’s fabled lighthouses cast their beams to reveal the wonder of the West, your Tour Director will shed light on what makes this side of the country so uniquely spectacular – from its waterfalls to its fresh catches of the day. If the Seattle coffee scene doesn’t wake you up, a dune buggy ride along the Oregon coast, a jet boat ride across the wild Rogue River, and a journey down Redwood National Park’s Avenue of Giants certainly will.

“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 I-Time you crave on an Independence by Globus 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 I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Travel to Chiang Rai and visit the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and tour a local tea plantation. 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

When you stroll through Croatia’s leafy towns, enjoy a walk in a national park, and marvel at its sparkling emerald lakes, it’s easy to see why other countries are green with envy. With its glorious coastal cities, ancient Roman ruins, magnificent medieval architecture, and stunning natural wonders, Croatia has it all. On this Undiscovered Tour of Croatia and Slovenia, you will see what European vacationers have long tried to keep secret from the rest of the world—impressive caves and castles, spectacular waterfalls, and walled cities, picture-perfect shorelines, and famous film locations. Game of Thrones fans will recognize Old Town Dubrovnik as the medieval setting for the fictional city of King’s Landing, yet at the end of this dramatic vacation to Croatia, you’ll be perfectly happy with the start-to-finish storyline.

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 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.

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!

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.

Conquer your bucket list to walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and the Turks themselves. Begin your escorted tour of Turkey in the historic city of Istanbul. Soak in the history and diverse cultures along its tree-lined boulevards, and in its cafés, and sophisticated eateries. Continue your Turkish vacation with indelible sights and historic Byzantine monuments that evoke an era of innovation. Discover rock-carved chapels, fortifications, and monasteries from Ozkonak and Goreme to the stories of the Silk Road in Sultanhani. Feel your head spin with a visit to the Mevlana Monastery Museum where 13th-century Whirling Dervishes were founded by the mystic Persian poet Rumi. Hear the tales of Troy where Trojans marched, and a magnificent wooden horse remains a legend worldwide. And take in the countless natural wonders of Turkey with dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, rose-hued rock formations, and the serene, pristine beaches of the “turquoise coast” on the Turkish Riviera. Raise a cup of Turkish coffee, soak in the Mediterranean Sea, and toast your timeless vacation in Turkey!

You’ve been looking for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen in all the wrong places. Pack your binoculars for Norway’s natural wonders, including its scenic Hardangervidda mountain plateau, home to Northern Europe’s largest stock of reindeer. Of course, this gorgeous expanse of land and its antlered residents aren’t the only gifts Norway bestows upon its guests—extraordinary fjords, serene lakes, gleaming glaciers, and thundering waterfalls are all part of the bow-topped package, and this breathtaking tour of Norway presents the most spectacular ways to see them. Cross the orchard-lined Hardangerfjord by ferry, witness the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord aboard a relaxing cruise, and revel in the spectacular Nordfjord views aboard the Loen Skylift, Norway’s newest aerial tramway. Beginning and ending in Oslo, this encompassing tour of Norway balances the country’s charming, timeless villages with the surprising architecture and energy of its capital city.

Don’t be shy—you’re not the only daydreamer with a major crush on Scotland. With its lush rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, tiny villages, and towering fairytale castles, what’s not to love? On this Undiscovered Tour of Scotland, you’ll feel your heart skip a beat as you journey through the breathtaking Highlands, ferry to its most beautiful islands, and immerse yourself in a world of haunting bagpipes, hallowed battlefields, and hoppy brews — the perfect choice for washing down traditional fish and chips at a Scottish chippy. With visits to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the legendary golf town of St. Andrews, and a famous whisky distillery for a tour and a wee dram, this Scotland vacation offers countless opportunities to raise a glass to your many passions. Making a spectacular scenic loop from Edinburgh to Glasgow, this Scottish Highland Fling tour is indeed an affair to remember.

Embark on an odyssey of epic proportions on this 12-day vacation in Greece. How will you unleash your inner god or goddess? Sailing on sapphire waters? Exploring ancient treasures? Mixing it up with the locals or stirring up Greek specialties? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose when, where, and how to say,?“Opa!”? Keep the adventure afloat and the wind in your sails on an Aegean Sea cruise to ancient digs in Turkey and the gardens of the gods on the Greek isles. Why This Tour is Epic from A to Zeus: An immersive Greek odyssey on land and sea. A flexible itinerary that offers oceans of legendary sights and myth-breaking stories. Included YourChoice Excursions in Athens and Volos. You Odyssey It!

Get outward-bound on an 8-day adventure in the Rocky Mountains. How will you indulge your inner mountaineer? Rafting on a river with a big smile on your face or riding on a chairlift in Big Sky country? Mixing up herbs like a medicine man or mixing with the locals for local beers? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you decide how to set your spirit free. Why This Trip Rocks Our World: •An amazing adventure into the wild places of America’s northwest National Parks. •Rocky Mountain highs and breathtaking sighs under Montana skies. •Included YourChoice Excursions in Big Sky and Whitefish. •Altitude adjustment!

It may come as a surprise that the beloved Irish tune “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was written by a trio of American songwriters. That’s the moving influence of this enchanting and captivating land. So, when are Irish eyes smiling? At every moment on this undiscovered tour of Ireland – as you stroll down the lively streets of Dublin, sip Guinness in a boisterous pub on the Dingle Peninsula, take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the Killarney countryside, and even bake scones on a quaint Irish sheep farm near Galway. By way of the most dramatic coastal and pastoral scenery, this tour of Ireland leads you to the lesser-known gems of the Emerald Isle as well as the cliffs, castles, and famous crystal you’ve long heard of. As you hum along the winding Ring of Kerry and the rocky Aran Islands, this tour of Ireland “will steal your heart away.”

Mornin’ sunshine! Not only are the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador the first to see the sunrise in North America, they’re also lucky enough to see floating icebergs, spouting whales, and plunging puffins on a regular basis. Pack your shades for the quaint lighthouses, rainbow- colored houses, and other bright sights this tour of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Witness the exceptional beauty and unique geological features of Gros Morne National Park, walk in the footsteps of Vikings at L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site Red Bay, and immerse yourself in the life of a 16th-century whaler at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. A ferry crossing between Newfoundland and Labrador – plus a scenic cruise around the wondrous Witless Bay Islands – offer additional vantage points of this windswept, wondrous land. Don’t forget to toast the stunning sunset with a local iceberg beer or a shot of Screech.

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.

You can leave your rose-colored glasses at home when you pack your bags for America’s favorite New Year’s celebration. Everything is coming up roses on this special tour of Los Angeles, starting with a pre-countdown gala complete with beats, bites, and bubbly. The celebration continues New Year’s Day at Pasadena’s famous Tournament of Roses Parade where you’ll enjoy reserved grandstand seats, an official commemorative program, and prime viewing of the spectacular floral floats and marching bands from around the world. Truly stop and smell the roses at the post-parade viewing area where you can get up close to the fragrant, fantastic creations. Other quintessentially Californian experiences include guided sightseeing in Los Angeles, a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, a special New Year’s Day lunch, and a farewell dinner at a locally loved restaurant.

Meet us for a rendez-vous to revel in the rues of Paris, the riverside where Jules Verne dreamed of deeper waters, and the royal chateau where cognac flows. Make a French connection from the City of Light to the dappled vineyards of Bordeaux. Break away from the ordinary with dreamy days in Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera in Nice. Try your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo and get the royal treatment in Monaco with 11 fantastic days in France. From cathedral halls to fortress walls; from Medieval treasures to Mediterranean pleasures, this vacation in France is a rendez-vous you won’t want to miss.

We’re on the top of the world on this 10-day escorted tour of Scandinavia—the Arctic Circle to be exact. Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun as you travel into the exquisite beauty of from Finland to Norway. Along the way, you’ll be warmed by the traditions, tastes, and legends. Begin in Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki poised on the country’s gulf peninsula, where Nordic cuisine is as hearty as the generations of tradition here. Visit Santa at the village of Rovaniemi, just across the Arctic Circle, once you’re sure to be on the “good list,” head through Lapland to the North Cape of Norway to discover the Sámi culture alive today in Karasjok. Call in a husky farm to learn about the life of mushers and sled dogs. Continue to Tromsø where the glow from the Arctic Cathedral adds a shining light to the end of your amazing arctic adventure!

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.