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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; the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus; the pilgrimage site of Patmos; the Bronze Age settlement of Knossos; 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.

Colombia is a country filled with diversity: from green hills, waterfalls, ravines, rainforest, volcanoes, and deserts to white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on the Caribbean coast. The biodiversity haven boasts exotic fauna and flora, the world’s highest palm trees, and some of the best coffee. Discover its extraordinary culture as you learn about ancient civilizations and the country’s mystic past. Appreciate cities’ historical architecture that creates a colonial and vibrant charm or explore the dreamy little villages that are nestled in the mountains and that are just as photogenic.

Oh, say can you see the nation’s birthplace, capital, and significant battlefields from your easy chair? Of course not! Pack up your patriotism and head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, 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 national treasures with 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. Let freedom ring a little longer 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.

They say you can’t stop time. Prague is intricate and theatrical Astronomical Clock, striking every hour for the past 600 years, is ticking proof. Yet when you travel to the “City of a Hundred Spires” as well as the beguiling cities of Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, and Vienna on this six-country tour of Eastern Europe, it can also feel like time has stood still. Centuries-old palaces, castles, and cathedrals transport you to another era, as do beautifully reconstructed war-damaged cities. Tracing the steps of kings, queens, emperors, presidents, generals, soldiers, and prisoners, history buffs will relish revisiting the most gripping chapters of the past. In addition, with a whole day at leisure in harmonious Vienna and a private Chopin concert in the maestro’s hometown of architecturally alluring Warsaw, music lovers will be equally elated.

Sugar, cream, or clouds in your coffee? On this majestic tour of the Canadian Rockies, you can relish all three. A sunny gondola ride to breakfast atop 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 devour the elevating scenery on this vacation through Alberta and British Columbia. Bold and breathtaking views are served from Vancouver to Calgary as you savor cooling 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 – is everyone’s favorite course on this journey through Western Canada.

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 complemented 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.

“Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” Who can resist uttering these words in medieval Verona, the romantic setting for Shakespeare’s tragic love story? But thoughts will soon turn from romance to Roman ruins, medieval towns, floating cities, and gastronomic delights. All of these treasures and more are right here on this sparkling tour of Italy. Filled with the country’s famous jewels and hidden gems, this dazzling tour leads you from Rome to Venice and back again, with time in the sultry Italian Riviera, vineyard-dotted Tuscany, and picturesque Umbria, Tuscany’s “gentler sister.” Savor a boat ride along the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline with its pastel-hued fishing villages, stroll through the serene streets of Assisi, and sip Chianti in a Tuscan cantina. Michelangelo’s David, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the perfectly preserved medieval town of San Gimignano are more reasons this tour of Italy truly shines.

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 Shannon 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 traditional tea at a 150-year-old Irish farmhouse, 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.

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 to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. 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.

The mining boom may have been more than a century ago, but it’s never too late to strike gold in America’s West. Filled with dazzling nuggets of wonder, this National Parks vacation takes you deep into the golden wilderness of untamed South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. 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. Kick off your national parks vacation by kicking around Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital. The list of things to do in the “Mile High City” is easily a mile long. Museums and music, breweries and boutiques, and performing arts and parks await.

Are you a little bit country? A little bit rock ‘n’ roll? Then 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 and 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. Jump, jive, and wail through the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the blues and beignets. You’ll also face the music as you follow the path of the Mississippi River to the famed Delta Blues Museum, the B.B. King Museum, and Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Both a musical and southern heritage tour, this vacation through the Deep South leads you to elegant antebellum mansions, historic cotton plantations, and the not-so-soft 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.”

Southern California may be known for its stars, but northern California is the home of true legends. Despite the absence of paparazzi, you’ll hear countless shutters click as you enjoy a scenic tram ride through stunning Yosemite and coast along Monterey’s jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the towering-tree-lined slopes of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, there are endless highpoints included in this nine-day tour through northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to see how their award-winning wines are made. Other stellar experiences to toast on this northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and bidding the moon goodnight in two signature stone and cedar national park lodges. Sweet dreams.

From the Salem Witch Trials to the Headless Horseman, New England is home to some of the nation’s oldest settings and stories. Fact, fiction, and fantastic scenery abound on this vacation to New England and the Hudson Valley. Boston and Lexington’s most significant sights of the American Revolution are balanced with the peaceful vistas of coastal Maine, rural New Hampshire, and mountainous Vermont. Charming seaport villages, bucolic covered bridges, and rolling maple syrup farms sweeten the storylines across America’s historic East Coast. The plot thickens as you ferry across Lake Champlain to immerse yourself in the scene-stealers of New York and Massachusetts, including the lakeside resort of Lake Placid, the picturesque Berkshire Mountains, and the riverbanks dotted with orchards and vineyards of the Hudson Valley. Stand up straight as you visit the waterfront U.S. Military Academy at West Point. You wouldn’t want to miss the spectacular views.

God’s Own Country…it might sound conceited, but this is how New Zealanders—or “kiwis”—refer to their country. Why? Maybe because it offers stunning beauty. Maybe because it’s one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise. Maybe because bungee jumping first began there. Don’t worry—we won’t make you go bungee jumping, unless you choose to do that on your own! Instead, we’ll show you the amazing beauty and fun cities. On this 13-day 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 the Independence by Globus Local Host®, someone who is there for you to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and you get the most out of your trip. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Auckland, as we can help after the long flight by getting you from the airport to your selected hotel. 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. 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. From Christchurch, 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. In Rotorua, you'll visit Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders.

If the closest thing to time travel is train travel, then you’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This off-the-beaten path tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; and through the rugged splendor of the Rockies aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll also pick up steam with visits to Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings, Chimayo’s famous pilgrimage site, and Glenwood Spring’s historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt’s. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum. All aboard!

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

Like the blue Azulejo-tiled walls on Portugal’s beautiful buildings, homes, and churches, we’ve pieced together the best experiences of two sun-washed countries for those looking for an enlightening getaway. On this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal, you’ll spend two nights each in four legendary cities spanning from the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the golden coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Barcelona’s distinctive architecture, Madrid’s artistic energy, Seville’s medieval past, and Lisbon’s tiled and cobbled charm await your arrival and exploration. With immersive sightseeing, you’ll dive into the history, culture, and cuisine of each city during the must-see, must-taste, and must-hear experiences, from Portugal’s sweet red port and mournful fado music to Spain’s dry Rioja wine and lively flamenco performances. The adventure continues with a flight to Lisbon to Ponta Delgada—to soak in some of Mother Nature’s finest work on the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the views of volcanic masterpieces from the top of Pico da Barrosa Mountain and visit Europe’s only tea plantation on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.

This tour of the Canadian Maritimes and Cape Breton has cooked up plenty of unique experiences in this picturesque part of the world. Get your camera ready for Canada’s most photographed lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove, your windbreaker zipped for the highest and widest tides at Hopewell Rocks, and your taste buds ready for a traditional fish cake breakfast, sugar camp lunch, and fresh lobster dinner. Visit the world of a red-headed girl in a straw hat and braids to meet one of Canada’s most loved fictional characters, Anne of Green Gables. Throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, tiny fishing villages, giant whales, and the grandest of scenery will be calling your name, as will Cape Breton’s historic Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Hello, coastal Canada! Say goodnight to coastal Canada and good morning to French Canada as you board the overnight Ocean train in Halifax for Montréal. Aboard the oldest continuously operated named passenger train in North America, you’ll sleep in comfort before awakening to the dream sights of Québec’s largest city. An included hop-on/hop-off trolley tour will put a spring in your step on this extension to your tour of Eastern Canada.

Sample the best of Southeast Asia on this fascinating journey with Independence by Globus. 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 a cruise on stunning Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000 limestone islands carved by time into spectacular landscapes rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine on this overnight cruise and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches. 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 more than 200 faces carved in 54 towers. Interact with children at a local school, and venture on to Ta Prohm—virtually untouched and wrapped in ancient tree roots around its ruins. Start your exploration of Bangkok with a boat ride through the city’s famous 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! End your independent journey with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

Layered like a slice of decadent tiramisu, Italy’s classic coffee and cocoa dessert, this satisfying tour of Italy is filled with its sweetest cities for a rich and rewarding vacation. 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 its 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.

This journey 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 I-Time you crave on an Independent 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. 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!

Explore the highlights Southeast Asia on this fascinating journey with Independence by Globus. 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 a 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 on this overnight cruise and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches. Take a walking tour in ancient Hoi An town and sample the region's famous Cao Lau noodle dish. You’ll have plenty of I-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. Interact with the children at a local school and venture on to Ta Prohm—virtually untouched and wrapped in ancient tree roots around its ruins. End your independent journey with a three-night stay in exciting Bangkok! Start your exploration with a boat ride through the city’s famous 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.

So long, predictable. Aloha, paradise! It’s time to trade the humdrum for hammocks, the mundane for Mai Tais, and your day-to-day rut for rocking evening luaus. This 10-day Hawaiian getaway is just the break you need to stop and smell the roses. And the plumeria. And the pikake. The aromatic air of the 50th state will easily transport you to an elevated state of mind – as will the 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 coffee plantations 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!

Embark on this gripping tour through the dramatic landscapes of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Moments destined to become memories abound as you stroll through Lisbon’s music-filled Alfama quarter, pick up the speed on a four-wheel drive tour through the sand dunes of the Sahara, and slow it back down to catch some rays celebrity-style on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol. Keeping the plot line interesting, more action, adventure, and thrilling scenery await from the perpetual oasis of Marrakesh to the former sanctuary of Granada’s opulent Alhambra complex. With so many sights to gush over from Tangier to Toledo, it’s impossible to be “quiet on the set” on this tour of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey proclaimed to the locals in Sydney, “You’re so darned friendly, you must go to friendly class!” If Oprah says it, it must be true! And now Independence by Globus makes it easy for you to experience this friendliness yourself! On this 13-day Australia and Fiji vacation, we’ve arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and private transfers to/from the airports from/to your hotels for your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: the Globus Local Host®, someone who is there throughout your stay (in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and the Coral Coast) to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and to help you make the most of your vacation. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive. Globus can pick you up at the airport and whisk you seamlessly to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a smile and information to help you get settled. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. You’ll hear inside stories behind the must-see sights, like the Opera House and Bondi Beach. And never fear...we’ve scouted the city for the best place to capture a photo of Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, your guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide includes the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market. On the third day in each city, you have a free day to explore on your own (with your Local Host support, of course). You may want to follow in Oprah’s footsteps and climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled; or participate in a game of lawn bowling. In Melbourne, visit one of Australia's leading opal companies or take an excursion to see the little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach in the world-famous Penguin Parade. It's not just the cities you'll experience on this Australia vacation. In Cairns, we’ll take you to the Outer Great Barrier, where you can snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. You'll be amazed by the clarity of the water and the variety of fish that will swim all around you. You may even see a green sea turtle glide by! You will also have a day at leisure so perhaps take an excursion via the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the quiet mountain village of Kuranda or explore one of the markets to try locally grown mangoes and bananas. Before heading home, stop in tropical Fiji for a three-night stay. Enjoy white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and the friendliest of locals. Your visit to Fiji includes a half-day Sigatoka River Safari and a Local Host to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations