Journey through Japan on this fascinating Independence by Globus itinerary. 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 private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest; browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade; and visit one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. 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, the Samurai Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor, 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 I-time for a visit nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market. Continue to Hiroshima where you’ll visit Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 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.

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.

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket on this ultimate bucket list vacation to six western states and the country’s most popular parks, memorials, and monuments. Grand Canyon. Grand Teton. Yellowstone. Mt. Rushmore. Arches. Bryce Canyon. Zion. Get ready to cross them all off your list as you cross through the spectacular scenery of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming on this essential national parks vacation. In between the canyons, peaks, arches, waterfalls, forests and geysers, you’ll be equally wowed by star-studded night skies, 4-wheel drive tours, backcountry cookouts, and even a buffalo safari. VIP experiences go beyond the presidential sculptures of the Black Hills to a two-night stay at the historic Game Lodge at Custer State Park, which served as the “Summer White House” to president Calvin Coolidge. This national parks tour also includes visits to the capital cities of Denver and Salt Lake City – and the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.

From the soaring Alps to the picturesque Swiss Riviera - set your sights on an active journey across Switzerland by train. Walk through centuries-old vineyards and taste unparalleled Swiss wine. Soak in views of the Matterhorn from the mountain town of Zermatt. Admire the landscape from your train window as you journey along the country’s valleys. Receive your personal Swiss Travel Pass, granting you entrance into all of Switzerland’s 500 museums. Nestled between four countries, you’ll discover a world of pastoral splendor, striking mountains, and crystalline lakes.

From the soaring Alps to the picturesque Swiss Riviera - set your sights on an active journey across Switzerland by train. Walk through centuries-old vineyards and taste unparalleled Swiss wine. Soak in views of the Matterhorn from the mountain town of Zermatt. Admire the landscape from your train window as you journey along the country’s valleys. Receive your personal Swiss Travel Pass, granting you entrance into all of Switzerland’s 500 museums. Nestled between four countries, you’ll discover a world of pastoral splendor, striking mountains, and crystalline lakes.

Every day is Hawaiian shirt day on this ultimate vacation to Hawaii and its lush, tropical islands. How else would you dress for palm-lined beaches, breezy scenic cruises, and traditional luaus with haupia and hula? Even your loudest prints will serve as camouflage as you journey through the resplendent rainforests of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. A kaleidoscope of hues for the eyes, the Hawaiian Islands equally spread the wonder across all senses. The sweet fragrance of orchids and jasmine fill the air, the sounds of crashing waves and plucking ukuleles can be heard for miles, and the taste of rich Kona coffee, and fresh Hawaiian malasadas are worth the trip alone. Leading you to verdant valleys and sky-high volcanoes, sprawling plantations and scenic parks, and historic museums and heart-warming memorials, this tour of Hawaii is as beautiful as your boldest Hawaiian shirt.

Like your coffee with two creams and two sugars? That’s a “double-double” in neighboring Canada and don’t you forget it! Doubling the fun from Washington D.C. to Québec City, this unforgettable panorama tour of the Eastern U.S. and Canada explores the cultural and historical differences between two fascinating North American regions. From New York City to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you’ll take a bite out of the Big Apple, taste the freedom of Philadelphia, and savor the monuments and museums of Washington, D.C. You’ll also enjoy the refreshing mist of breathtaking Niagara Falls before immersing yourself in the varied Canadian cityscapes of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City. The final course? A journey through the marvelous mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire with guided sightseeing in Boston. An authentic Italian handmade cannoli in Beantown is your just dessert! Two extra days in the “City That Never Sleeps” makes this Eastern U.S. tour 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.

Featuring exhilarating game drives through grasslands, woodlands, and swamplands—plus distinctive safari lodges and tented camps that blend into the living landscape, this Africa vacation was designed for those who like to take a walk—or a nap—on the wild side. Game drives through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Parks—as well as the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater—offer an opportunity for up-close views of the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo) as well as countless other majestic creatures. As you explore these mesmerizing parks, prepare to see zebra grazing, hippo bathing, elephants trumpeting and, if luck is on your side, cheetah sprinting. Marvel at Maasai Warriors jumping in celebration of life. There’s lots to fall in love with on this timeless Tanzania safari, including morning mimosas and sundowner drinks in the bush to quench your thirst for knowledge and adventure.

Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. 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 Split!

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 tours 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 Split!

Experience unmatched natural beauty on this affordable Canadian vacation and Alaskan Cruise. Arrive in Vancouver for a morning guided tour of the coastal seaport, including Stanley Park. You’ll board your Rocky Mountaineer train for a 2-day trip following the Fraser River through snowcapped peaks to Kamloops. Travel through the Selkirk Mountains before entering Yoho National Park, and wind through the Spiral Tunnels before your train climbs Kicking Horse Pass. Cross the Continental Divide before entering Alberta and Banff National Park and onto Lake Louise Village for a night. Spend two nights in Banff and see the natural bridge spanning Kicking Horse River, and visit Emerald and Moraine Lakes. Ascend Bow Pass for views of glistening Peyto Lake. Next, board the Ice Explorer on the 750-foot-thick ice of the Columbia Icefield. Travel through magnificent Jasper National Park, and arrive at the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson on your way to Sun Peaks, then Whistler. Cross via ferry to Victoria for sightseeing and a visit to beautiful Butchart Gardens. Embark on your 7-night cruise through the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaskan ports of call. Follow the coast through spectacular waterways to watch for orcas, whales, otters, and eagles. Dock in Juneau on the Gastineau Channel and visit the Alaskan capital’s rustic shops in town. Next port is Skagway, with its history of tough prospectors who passed through on their way to find Gold in the Yukon. Visit Skagway’s Trail of ’98 Museum for a glimpse into the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s. Cruise on to Glacier Bay, which has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere in the world. Your next port of call is the picturesque town of Ketchikan. This value-minded vacation in Canada with an Alaskan cruise is not to be missed and won’t soon be forgotten!

Start your journey in bustling Mumbai. Witness 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 witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. How do you express your eternal devotion to the love of your life? Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. A sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World, is just the beginning of your love affair with India. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, you’ll travel to fascinating Kathmandu, Nepal. 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 radiant tour of India and Nepal.

It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand six 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 Plenty 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.

Venture along the glittering Mediterranean coast on an immersive journey connecting the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras. Taste your way along the Mediterranean coast sampling paella in Barcelona, flavorful Provençal cuisine in Marseille and traditional focaccia in Genoa. Enjoy the iconic must-sees like La Sagrada Familia and venture to gems off the beaten path, like the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Take a step into the culture and meet the locals. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice; from glamorous Monaco to the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside, find your dream Mediterranean journey.

Experience the grandeur of the American West as you explore six fantastic National Parks on this exciting journey. Relish overnight stays in a National Historic Landmark inside the Grand Canyon and in a lodge nestled in the heart of Yellowstone. Marvel at the magnitude and color of Zion’s cliffs. Enjoy 2-night stays in Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole. Drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and the great Sioux Nations Territory before seeing Crazy Horse Monument and Mt. Rushmore. Meet a local Lakota Native American at dinner and learn about their fascinating way of life, past and present. Complete your adventure with a stay in Denver and a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Gain new appreciation of the great outdoors on this journey that takes you from the Grand Canyon to Rocky Mountain National Park and everywhere in between.

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 tour of Southeast Asia.

From the brilliant sights of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking heights of the Andes Mountains, this affordable tour of South America is packed with powerful experiences that stir the soul and ignite the imagination. Delve into the history of Argentine legends, dive into the dazzling beauty of Chile’s lakes and snow-capped summits, and glide across glistening waterways of Patagonia on a glacier-rich landscape you’ll never forget. Dip into the restorative thermal springs and sail the fjords for a chance to see whales, Magellan penguins, and other magnificent wildlife. Then have the time of your life in Santiago with wine tasting. Sample the traditional life and legendary scenery on this value-minded vacation in Argentina and Chile!

Grand Canyon or Grand Teton? Yellowstone or the Black Hills? Wild Bill or Crazy Horse? You don’t have to decide which famous canyon, park, or personality to discover on your next tour of the Western U.S. With visits to the country’s most fascinating destinations in one spectacular vacation, this national parks tour is a buffet of bucket-list adventure. Dig into the natural wonders of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks – as well as the manmade masterpieces of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial – as you digest the beauty of South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. A slice of cowboy life awaits in the Old West towns of Deadwood, Sheridan, Cody, and Jackson, where you’ll travel by horse-drawn wagons into the Cache Creek Canyon for a chuckwagon cookout. More adventure is served in the stunning landscapes of Lake Powell and the Painted Desert – and decadent Las Vegas. 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.

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 the 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. More scenery, cities, and savory cuisine are served aboard the Rocky Mountaineer as you travel in comfort from Alberta to British Columbia. A thrilling addition to your Canadian Rockies tour, the Rocky Mountaineer transports you from beautiful Banff to vibrant Vancouver with a midway overnight stay in the welcoming town of Kamloops.

This cross-country train adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this Canada train tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are not the only stunning scenery you’ll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at hypnotic Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick. Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Spend time in stunning Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, home to majestic mountains and picture-perfect scenery. Also travel through Yoho National Park, with its famous fossils, and Glacier National Park, with its abundant wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands, a diverse archipelago. In Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. Plus, enjoy a 7-night Alaska cruise through the stunning Inside Passage, one of the world’s most picturesque sea lanes. Hear the roar as ice breaks off and “calves” into the sea—it’s spectacular! Your cruise stops include Juneau; Skagway, an important town during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898; and Ketchikan. See Canada’s spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this Canadian rail tour—with an Alaska cruise!

You heart will beat just a little more quickly when you see the spectacular wildlife found in Kenya’s national parks and reserves. With your expert Driver/Guide, you’ll learn the tricks to spotting the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Feel the need for speed where cheetahs, gazelles, and giant herds run wild, and stretch your imagination in the presence of graceful giraffes and ill-mannered hyenas. Earn your stripes with a game spot of zebras, and feel the rush when searching for a rare black rhino. This Independence by Globus tour of Africa gets you in touch with your wild love of unspoiled nature, while spoiling you with luxurious safari accommodations and the free time to tap into your tranquil place in the circle of life.

Welcome to Calgary! More fun than a 10-gallon hat can hold, it’s no wonder the Calgary Stampede is “the greatest outdoor show on Earth.” The stampede brings the Old West to life throughout its grounds, with entertainment and exhibits, great food, world-famous Chuckwagon horse races, and the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Continue your adventure through western Canada’s stunning scenery, rugged mountains, breathtaking glaciers, mighty rivers, and gorgeous national parks. Your value-minded Canadian vacation takes you to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver. Enjoy two nights in Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park and gateway to the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have time to explore the alpine meadows, glaciers, lakes, hot springs, and quaint shops on your own or take an optional excursion like viewing the spectacular scenery by helicopter. You’ll also enjoy two nights in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. You can hike, peruse the shops, and take an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Between Banff and Jasper, you’ll experience a highlight of this Canadian Rockies tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Your journey between the two national parks also includes a stop in Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness. Embark on ferry crossings between Vancouver and Victoria to visit the world-famous, gorgeous Butchart Gardens. Board your Alaskan cruise ship and sail amid the emerald forests and turquoise glaciers of the spectacular Inside Passage on your way to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Choose to take in the authentic Yukon atmosphere of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park or ride the antique narrow-gauge railway. Cruise stunning Glacier Bay for the chance to witness mammoth chunks of ice calving into the sea. Keep your eyes on the water for the chance to spot whales, porpoises, orcas, eagles, and more! For the value-minded traveler, the stunning scenery, adventure, and natural wonders of this affordable vacation in Canada and Alaskan cruise is the trip of a lifetime! We believe in providing a hassle-free experience for our valued customers, which is why we’re now including gratuities in the cost of this tour. Some of our holidays offer extension options before or after the main touring itinerary. For your flexibility, gratuities are not included on additional nights, rail, or cruise extensions. Find out more in our Travel Terms.

Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India and Nepal than this incredible Independence by Globus journey. Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Udaipur, explore the Jagdish Temple and take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. On to Nepal and the treasures of Kathmandu. Soar above the Himalayas to see Mount Everest and journey to Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. Other visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. In Chitwan National Park, safari is the name of the game. Embark on game activities in search of a variety of wildlife including rhino, tiger, leopard, and elephant. You’ll also have a chance to visit a local village and take in a fascinating cultural performance.

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!

Want the 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 private game reserve drives near 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.