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 16-day Globus Independent vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast (plus two lunches), sightseeing, land transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. A one-of-a-kind special feature is your Local Host® who’s available to ensure you get the most out of your free time. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Before starting your exploration of New Zealand, your vacation begins the moment you arrive in cosmopolitan Sydney, Australia for a three-night stay. Your visit includes a half-day city sightseeing tour including photo stops at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus a visit to Bondi Beach, one of the city’s famous beaches. Your Sydney Local Host is available to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations. Then you’ll fly to Auckland, where your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiar with the city. The next day, we've arranged guided sightseeing with a local expert, including Queen Street, the city’s business district, Auckland University and the Domain, an inner-city park. From Auckland, we've arranged your transportation to Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. In Wellington, capital of New Zealand, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the local, insider stories and takes in the must-see sights. And did we mention that in Rotorua we've included visits to Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders. 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!

Calendar? Astronomy? Alien artwork? None of the above. But the discovery of Peru’s Nazca Lines gave a whole new meaning to drawing a line in the sand. Flightseeing is the best way to see these massive geoglyphs etched into the desert— where the ancient Nazca people likely performed spiritual ceremonies. From the Lost City of the Incas surrounded by the peaks of the Andes to the floating Uros Islands on the highest lake in the world, this vacation to Peru leads you to great heights while also going to greater depths to illuminate its archaeological, historical, and cultural wonders. In addition to two days of exploration at the mysterious and magical ruins of Machu Picchu, you’ll also visit the Sillustani pre-Incan burial ground, cruise to the wildlife paradise of the Ballestas Islands, and frolic through the wonders of colonial and culinary Lima as well as the Inca capital, Cusco.

Like the world’s most beloved tapestries hanging in Europe’s most famous museums, this 14-day tour of Europe intertwines stunning scenery, centuries-old culture, and the timeless stories of several captivating countries to present an unforgettable experience. From the canals of Amsterdam to the boulevards of Paris, we’ve stitched together an exciting array of sights and scenes to truly capture the big picture of Europe. In addition to the stunning imagery of the castle-dotted Rhine Valley, the snow-dusted Swiss Alps, and the olive-clad Tuscan hills, you’ll be introduced to the artful subjects who help tell the tales of time—the woodcarvers of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers from Rhineland. A perfectly woven itinerary of fascinating cities, charming countryside, and creative cuisine, this multi-country tour threads together the most memorable sights and experiences of Europe. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome 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. Begin in Madrid, where Hemingway was inspired to pen great novels and explore Málaga where Picasso was born to revolutionize art history. Continue to Granada where brave bullfighters entered the ring as they had been since 1784, then marvel at the Alhambra Complex as one of the largest aristocratic treasures of Western Muslim history. In Valencia, sip Horchata or mint tea and explore the rich Moorish influences on architecture and culture. Sail on the waterways of Albufera National Park where water birds of every size flock to its sanctuary. Dig into the perfect pan of Valencia paella and tap into conversation over afternoon tapas in Barcelona. Any way you slice it, this Small Group Discovery tour of Spain is the perfect size to go big from Madrid to Barcelona!

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, and immerse yourself in the life of a 16th-century whaler at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station at the National Historic Site Red Bay. 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. In most parts of North America, budding daffodils are the first sign that spring has sprung. In Newfoundland and Labrador, floating icebergs are the cue! This special Newfoundland and Labrador departure includes time at the annual Iceberg Celebration in St. Anthony to welcome the season and arrival of the icebergs. Enjoy a scenic cruise in search for wildlife and icebergs, a delicious Viking feast, and many other tasty cultural events St. Anthony has to offer.

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 the 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. End your exploration of Japan in Osaka with visits to Osaka Castle and Minami, the famous entertainment district and where the locals go for fun.

What’ll it be? Black risotto made with squid ink? Grilled sardines with garlic and lemon? Lamb and potatoes “under the bell”? This introductory tour of Croatia allows you to sample its local delicacies as well get a taste of the country’s greatest attributes. Modern coastal cities, magnificent medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. Get your fill of the lively cobblestone squares in the capital city of Zagreb, the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the seaside city of Split, the walled beauty of baroque Dubrovnik, and the magical waterfalls of Krka National Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and discover Konavle, known for its lush vineyards. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Trogir! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.

From the coast of the Mediterranean to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a flood of emotions is to be expected on this moving religious tour through Israel and Jordan. What better way to immerse yourself in the treasured stories of Scripture than by standing at the very sites where Jesus walked on water, turned water into wine, and was baptized by John the Baptist? Follow in every footstep as you travel from the site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem to the site of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Tears of joy are balanced with bellows of laughter as you float effortlessly in the salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea, go four-wheeling through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, and channel “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.

Want to learn the scintillating samba—or the tantalizing tango? Sip sweet caipirinhas—or dry Argentine wines? Sunbathe on famous beaches—or soak in the beauty of neoclassical architecture? This getaway just south of the usual visits two of South America’s most sizzling cities so you can do it all. With time in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, this sultry tour of South America combines the best of Brazil and Argentina, plus the opportunity to witness the thundering Iguassu Falls from the perspective of both countries. Guided sightseeing to the legendary sights is enhanced by numerous opportunities to live like a local. This South America getaway includes an empanada cooking class, a private tango lesson, and a day on an authentic Argentine ranch where you can enjoy authentic cuisine, tap your foot to regional music, and even take the reins of a horse and channel your inner gaucho. Get even more familiar with the fantastic flora and fauna along the “Meeting of the Waters” where the chocolate-hued Rio Negro flows alongside the yellowish Rio Solimões without ever mixing. You’ll also enjoy Naturalist-guided walks to see flora and fauna and spend time with a Caboclo local when you begin your tour of South America with a vacation package to Brazil’s Amazon.

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. With more room to roam in Rome and space to savor the pleasures and treasures of Umbria and Tuscany, you’ll never miss a sight, bite, or decadent delight from the Eternal City to the timeless traditions of culture, cuisine, and captivating romance in Venice and Florence. Share the sweet life with your small group companions while dipping into chocolate, discovering secret recipes, daydreaming by gondola, or drinking wine with a few of your closest amici. And find more amore in the avenues and venues that are perfect for small groups on this Small Group Discovery tour in Umbria and Tuscany. Che bello!

Laugh and the kookaburras laugh with you. Cry and the kookaburras still laugh. That’s the beauty of a journey to happy-go-lucky Australia where sunny days are accentuated by its even sunnier inhabitants. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are among the many locals eager to greet you on this breezy tour of Australia. With visits to four wondrous waterfront cities, you’ll easily see why the world gushes about the land Down Under. Go behind the scenes at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo, snorkel above the dazzling coral at the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns and devour the panoramic scenery and a delicious lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House. With two days in eclectic Melbourne, you can also gobble up all the goodies this hipster city and surrounding areas have to offer. Perhaps take in the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island or chill with a nice chardonnay at a Yarra Valley winery. This 12-day tour shows you all the Great Sights of Australia!

Forget everything your mother taught you about table manners. In Japan, it’s perfectly acceptable to slurp! Get ready to joyously drink in traditional hot sake, green tea, big brothy noodle bowls and the delicious views from neon-lit Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Peaks, palaces, pavilions, and pagodas provide picture-perfect backdrops for your photos, but don’t expect to stand still for very long on this enthralling tour of Japan. A hands-on calligraphy class, a special kimono fitting, an interactive cooking demonstration, and a gold-leaf design class—where you’ll make your own keepsake bento box—are all part of the fun. Browse the produce at a Takayama farmer’s market, stroll through Kanazawa’s famous Kenroku-en gardens and experience the thrill of a ride on the famous bullet train. Prepare to be floored in more ways than one!

Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in Africa, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Africa with a lion’s share of captivating cities, private game reserves, natural wonders, and wondrous wildlife? Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the candy-hued streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood set the stage for the sweet sights to come. Six open-air game drives in Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you’ll explore Soweto, the city’s largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement. Your South Africa vacation crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops. A Small Group Discovery tour for the wild mannered!

What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliffhangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins—stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert—this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Inverness so you can plan your day your way.

All aboard for a spectacular 9-day adventure through the American Southwest! Your tour through Colorado and Utah begins with an overnight stay in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver—5,280 feet above sea level. In Colorado Springs, board the Pikes Peak cog railway to reach the summit that inspired ‘America the Beautiful.’ Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and the ancient indigenous dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Embark on a two-day scenic rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train from the outdoor mecca of Moab through Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and over the Continental Divide to return to Denver. You’ll also explore the natural treasures of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Moab so you can plan your day your way.

You’ll find plenty of get-up-and-go moments beyond the hammocks, hulas, and hand-made Mai Tais on this 10-day Hawaiian getaway. Discover turquoise waters, black sand beaches, and the spectacular rainforests, canyons, memorials, and museums of three magnificent islands. Across the “Valley Island” of Maui, the “Big Island” of Hawaii, and “The Gathering Place” of Oahu, this island-hopping tour of Hawaii leads you to the valleys and peaks of this spectacular state, balancing uplifting visits to a sea salt farm, coffee plantation, and scenic national parks with the right amount of downtime to taste the sweet life of the islands. On this Hawaiian getaway, life’s a beach and then some! Enjoy spectacular scenery with oceanview upgrades in Honolulu and oceanfront upgrades in Kona and Maui.

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 during the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival. A one-day pass to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival plus a relaxing lunch cruise down the Mississippi are 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.

Discover a rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more on this fantastic tour of Thailand and Singapore. Start your journey in Singapore, one of the world’s great melting pots. Your guide will show you all the highlights, taking you to visit the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, where you ascend to the Skypark Observation Deck to admire beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. 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 and Singapore is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

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

Sky-piercing peaks. Glistening Glaciers. Whale tails and wildlife trails. Follow your adventurous side north to Alaska where natural wonders never cease—from North America’s highest peak presiding over six million acres of wilderness glory in Denali National Park; to travel by rail aboard Alaska Railroad through untamed wilderness en route to Talkeetna; and by ship to glide through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Make new best friends with sled dogs and fjord every dream along the waters of ancient ice and age-old forests. Sharpen your instincts to spot fantastic beasts like whales, eagles, caribou, moose, and bears. Add a leisurely cruise through the breathtaking Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage with Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Follow the rush of gold prospectors hitting their first strike and get a rush of your own in North America’s last frontier where natural wonders, Native history, and never-ending discoveries never cease to amaze on this Alaska vacation with Inside Passage cruise!

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Globus Independent tour in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. 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 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. In Bangkok, cruise through its famous klongs, visit calming Buddhist temples, and experience the vibrant city life. One Night in Bangkok may have been a top hit on the radio, but you’ll enjoy three nights in Thailand’s spiritual and cultural capital city even more with the perfect addition to your Small Group Discovery tour of Southeast Asia.

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! We’ve got you covered with this 9-day Globus Independent vacation in Australia and New Zealand, 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 who’s available to help make your vacation the trip of a lifetime—with the free time you crave. But that’s not all. We’ve also arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights, and visits to help you really understand life in Australia's Outback. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Cairns. We can pick you up at the airport and whisk you to your selected hotel, where your Local Host will offer you a warm greeting and information to help you get settled and personalize your trip. The next morning, after your included breakfast, you'll cruise on a catamaran to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth! We've arranged for you to either snorkel or take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or you can attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be amazed at the beauty all around you. A photo cannot capture it; you must experience it for yourself. After a full day in Cairns to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host, of course), you'll fly to the Outback, where you’ll see the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy drinks & canapés while watching the sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). While in the Outback, we've also arranged for you to visit the Uluru-Kata Cultural Centre with its amazing collection of Aboriginal arts. Then it’s on to Sydney, where we will have a Local Host waiting to welcome you to this bustling city. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for guided sightseeing with a local expert. Hear the insider stories around the must-see sights, such as the Opera House and Bondi Beach. A full day in Sydney gives you time to explore on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions we offer. Perhaps climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, shop for a special souvenir, or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains. Your Local Host will have plenty of suggestions. After seeing the highlights of Australia, fly over the “ditch” to Queenstown, New Zealand, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” We’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound which boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Continue to Rotorua where you’ll visit the Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and Te Puia to explore a geothermal wonderland. End your vacation in vibrant Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand five to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Islands sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting geysers are only surpassed by the South Island’s soaring Southern Alps, which you’ll reach from charming Christchurch by way of the scenic TranzAlpine train. Throughout your tour of New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier, warm your toes in natural hot springs, and partake in all of the fun that Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” has to offer. With so many ways to work up an appetite, you’ll appreciate a special barbecue on a local farm and dinner at a New Zealand family’s home. On this 14-day tour, you’ll discover the best of New Zealand from top to bottom.

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. 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.