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.

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.

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. The perfect conclusion to your Thailand experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. Your vacation in Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

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.