Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour and by foot. Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Enjoy a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment. Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Walk the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO) and soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys. Visit Ireland’s bustling capital city of Dublin and tour historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

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. 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 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.

Enjoy Kenya's scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife as you traverse the African plains on an intimate safari adventure. In Swahili, “Safari” means Journey; to you, it will mean that – and so much more. Explore Kenya, home to incredible wildlife, from cheetahs to wildebeests. Discover the thriving cultures and innumerable natural wonders that make this one of the most popular African countries to visit. Go in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards – collectively known as the “Big 5” and other animals on 11 game drives. Meet a member of the Samburu tribe who opens you up to the culture, folklore, and African traditions. Visit with Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Sanctuary. Visit the beautiful Masai Mara Game Reserve, and top off a full day game drive with a traditional dinner in the bush and a Masai dance performance. These are the plains of Africa, where unparalleled experiences greet you at every turn.

Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Meteora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.

Embark on an invigorating journey through Europe’s towering Alps and idyllic towns. Ascend 4 unique mountains via cable car and cogwheel train. Join a mountain guide for a hiking experience. Visit Jungfraujoch and stand at the “Top of Europe.” Visit the cheese aging cellars of L’Etivaz and the Italian vineyards of Prosecco – enjoying a tasting at both. Spend time in the idyllic storybook towns of Lucerne, Innsbruck, and Cortina crowned by towering Dolomite mountains. Across France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, discover breathtaking beauty and inviting local charm.

Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Learn the art of the tea ceremony, and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip sake at a local brewery. Delve into Kyoto, the marvelous cultural capital of Japan. Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.

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 Ephesus, 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.

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 16-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, Queenstown, and Sydney. 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. And did we mention that in Rotorua we've included visits to Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders. Before starting your exploration of New Zealand, stop 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 city’s famous beaches. Your Sydney Local Host is available to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations.

Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria, and you’ll enjoy a 7-night Alaska cruise. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, explore on your own, or take optional outings. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer to Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and turbulent Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. But that’s not all…watch for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife on your Alaska cruise. Marvel at glaciers and witness the amazing spectacle of thunder and spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Some things are just better together—ouzo and ice, tzatziki and pita bread, Sun Gods, and pure sunshine. We combined our enlightening tour of Classical Greece with our rejuvenating Island Hopper vacation to create the ultimate Greek getaway. History and harbors, ruins and resorts, and wisdom and waves come together as you trace the steps of ancient philosophers and athletes in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more before digging your toes in the sand at two of the most glamorous islands in the Aegean. Magnificent Mykonos, with its iconic 16th-century windmills, and serene Santorini, with its picture-perfect whitewashed villages, warmly welcome guests to experience the vibrant cuisine, fiery sunsets, calm waters, and pulsating nightlife. Pack your swim cap and your thinking hat for this tour of Classical Greece where cities and seas collide.

See the England of your dreams on this sweeping tour, discovering castles and cathedrals, scholarly Oxford and Cambridge, Bath’s Georgian splendor, the Lake District, and so much more.

Encounter a world of untamed beauty as you discover Iceland’s adventurous landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travel the stunning Golden Circle and visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir thermal field, and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall. Interact with friendly Icelandic horses. Go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay with specialized RIB zodiac boats. Savor Icelandic delicacies during a visit to a local goat farm. Ascend the Langjökull glacier in a super truck surrounded by uninterrupted mountain scenery. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon. From ethereal lava fields to thundering waterfalls and coastal villages, this tour reveals the island’s dramatic contrasts.

From the lively cities to the breathtaking scenery, you’ll discover the best of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland on this in-depth Britain and Ireland tour. Britain and Ireland are known for their breathtaking scenery, and this tour will not disappoint. You’ll see the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; stunning scenery on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula; the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher; Northern Ireland’s awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, formed millions of years ago; and Brecon Beacons National Park, with its dramatic landscapes. Enjoy time in the Scottish Highlands, filled with dramatic landscapes, rolling farmland, picturesque seaside towns, and beautiful lochs (lakes). Britain and Ireland are also known for their picturesque and historic towns and cities. On this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll visit many of these towns, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; Stratford-upon-Avon, where you’ll get a glimpse into life in 16th-century England in Shakespeare’s hometown; York, England's most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Berwick-upon-Tweed, a peaceful coastal town with a turbulent past; Strathpeffer, known in its Victorian heyday as a spa resort; Looe, a pretty fishing village; the seaside town of Tramore; Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago; and many more. You’ll also visit the capitals—London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, and Belfast. These are just some of the many highlights of this tour through the British Isles. For value-minded vacationers, this is the perfect way to see England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland! From the lively cities to the breathtaking scenery, you’ll discover the best of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland on this in-depth Britain and Ireland tour!

When’s the last time you laughed like a hyena? Pack your khakis, greys, and greens and get ready for the ride of your life—or rides, rather! This classic African safari vacation packs in 10 game drives to see lion, leopard, zebra, giraffe, and countless other creatures of Kenya’s most famous national parks and wildlife reserves. Come face to face with adventure in custom-made 6-person 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles staffed by expert safari guides. Take in the best views of the “Big 5,” the Samburu “Special 5,” and every impala, ostrich, and gazelle in between—all in their natural habitats. Need to slow down and put on the brakes? Sumptuous safari lodges and comfortable tented camps, breakfast in the bush, and late day sundowner drinks present the perfect opportunities to rest near the rhinos, raise a mimosa to the monkeys, and say cheers to the cheetahs.

Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a leisurely 3-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in O’ahu, Big Island (Kona) and Maui. Remember Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Take in the natural beauty of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Admire the hula dance, an ancient Polynesian art form. Visit a coffee farm in Kona and learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. Uncover the beauty, culture and traditions of all three islands.

Watch a Nordic postcard unfold before your eyes and discover the lands where Vikings reigned. Uncover why Copenhagen is dubbed the “gastro capital of Scandinavia.” Take in the best of the Swedish countryside during a relaxing stay at a family-run manor house. Join a local expert for an intimate tour of Stockholm, Sweden’s idyllic capital city. Experience Norway’s breathtaking fjord region, taking a cruise on Geirangerfjord. An incredible journey to a land of unparalleled beauty awaits you in Scandinavia, where history and culture intersect with stunning natural wonders.

Delve into the past and present of Jordan and Israel, uncovering a land of quiet deserts, modern coastlines, ancient ruins, and spiritual roots. Soak in the natural minerals of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth. Venture through the red-rock city of Petra. Traverse the desert on the back of a pick-up truck and see the ethereal moonlike landscape of Wadi Rum. Engage in a poignant discussion with a Holocaust survivor at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Dine with a local family at a home-hosted dinner. Walk through the vibrant stalls of the Jaffa Flea Market in Tel Aviv. Discover unwavering cultures and connect with the locals as you experience the best of 2 iconic countries.

Embark on an invigorating journey through Europe’s towering Alps and idyllic towns. Ascend 4 unique mountains via cable car and cogwheel train. Join a mountain guide for a hiking experience. Visit Jungfraujoch and stand at the “Top of Europe.” Visit the cheese aging cellars of L’Etivaz and the Italian vineyards of Prosecco – enjoying a tasting at both. Spend time in the idyllic storybook towns of Lucerne, Innsbruck, and Cortina crowned by towering Dolomite Mountains. Across France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, discover breathtaking beauty and inviting local charm.

The wine, cuisine, art and landscapes of France ignite the senses on a journey to romantic Paris, chromatic Provence and the sparkling French Riviera. Relax during extended stays in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Nice. Travel by high-speed train from Paris to Provence and visit a farm for a cheese tasting. Stroll the spectacular gardens of the Villa Rothschild with their stunning views of the Mediterranean. Cruise the river Seine, learn perfume making, hunt for truffles and explore charming villages and gorgeous coastlines – this is the essence of France.

Discover the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the mystical side of Scotland, with its legends, whisky, clans, and historical towns. See a sheepdog demonstration at a family-owned farm. Explore a Highland farm township. Enjoy the ocean views from a hotel in Loch Melfort. Taste the “water of life” at a local tasting experience. End the tour in the capital city of Edinburgh.

Experience the grandeur of the American West as you explore five fantastic national parks on this exciting journey. In Arizona, contemplate the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, and in Yellowstone, relish iconic sights like Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake. Marvel at the magnitude and color of Zion’s cliffs and the hoodoos and spires at Bryce Canyon. Enjoy 2-night stays in Springdale, Utah (Zion) and Jackson Hole. Drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and the great Sioux Nations Territory before seeing Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. Meet a local Lakota Native American at dinner and learn about their fascinating way of life, past and present. Gain new appreciation of the great outdoors on this journey that takes you from the Grand Canyon to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and everywhere in between.

Dutch windmills, cozy streets, bubbling champagne, and the “City of Light” – experience the essence of 3 European countries. Explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam on a private boat. Stand in awe before the powerful windmills of Kinderdijk. Spend 2 nights in the storybook town of Bruges. Traverse the World War I Flanders battlefields and travel along the Route du Champagne stopping for a visit to a Champagne winery. See Parisian boulevards, make the most of a free day in Paris and finish with dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Connect with deeply rooted cultures as you make your way through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

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 casinos of Monte Carlo, 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. Don’t miss a stitch after your European Tapestry tour as a high-speed train weaves its way to London. Walk down the aisle where the endless train on Princess Diana’s wedding gown followed her to the altar at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Raise a pint in a pub or lift your gaze on the lofty London Eye with free time to spare as Big Ben chimes. A jolly good time!

Take a trip across America from sea to shining sea on a 24-day adventure to discover many of the iconic destinations of the United States. This affordable U.S. vacation begins in the Big Apple, New York City. Enjoy guided sightseeing of NYC’s famous attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more. From New York, travel to the birthplace of Independence—Philadelphia, then to Washington DC, the nation’s capital. Your expert Local Guide will show you the historic sites, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. Head north through the home of Little League Baseball in Williamsport, and onto the Rainbow Bridge to Canada for a stay at awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Explore the falls via a sightseeing cruise and drive along Niagara Parkway, then cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to arrive in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit the Henry Ford Museum in this Detroit suburb to learn about the history of the American automobile. Next, travel to Chicago, Illinois, for sightseeing in Lake Michigan’s “Windy City,” then on to Minneapolis, Minnesota—“Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Visit the largest shopping mall in the country, Mall of America, then venture through the farmlands of South Dakota and home of the Sioux Indian Nation. Visit Badlands National Park, with its dramatic landscape carved by wind and water into steep canyons and towering rock spires amid its vast grasslands. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit Mount Rushmore to see the granite monument to four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Traverse the legendary cattle ranchland and the Bighorn Mountains to Cody, Wyoming—home of Buffalo Bill. Visit Yellowstone National Park with stunning views of Yellowstone Canyon and magnificent Lower Falls in America’s first National Park. Take in the spectacular wilderness in Yellowstone, abundant wildlife, and amazing thermal features, including the famed Old Faithful geyser. Visit the Wild West town of Jackson at the foot of the Grand Tetons, then continue into Utah to visit Salt Lake City. Continue into breathtaking Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, with sandstone and limestone cliffs of ever-changing colors. Experience one of the Natural Wonders of the World at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Take in the views from the canyon rim, then travel on to Las Vegas, Nevada, for an exciting visit to the “Vegas Strip”—lined with bright lights and casinos. Try your luck at blackjack or the “one-armed bandit” slot machines, then drive through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to Los Angeles, California. Enjoy sightseeing in the “The City of Angels,” with an included sightseeing tour of Tinseltown’s famous sites in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. From New York to L.A., and the historic frontiers in between, this affordable U.S. vacation is a trip for the history books!

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. Adding two nights in the “City That Never Sleeps” to the beginning of your Eastern U.S. tour makes this vacation an absolute dream. Enjoy a narrated, skyline harbor cruise with close-up views of Manhattan’s iconic sights before floating down Fifth Avenue, through Central Park, under the marquees of Broadway, or wherever else your cosmopolitan compass takes you.