Experience the passion of Italy with a Globus Escape…without the crowds or high-season prices. You’ve heard about Italy—its mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, and remarkable architecture—now it’s your turn to experience it all! On this Italy escorted tour, get a taste of what the country has to offer and explore its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Have your camera ready as you discover the historical sights of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling paintings. Also visit the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater used for deadly gladiator contests. Take a step back in time as you get up close to ancient buildings and ruins to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. Enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Assisi, and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, before arriving in Florence, known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and often referred to as the art capital of Italy. Here, enjoy a light lunch and a guided walking tour that includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Spend time shopping for local Florentine goods. In Pisa, marvel at the spectacular Square of Miracles with its world-famous Leaning Tower. In romantic Venice, a private boat ride awaits. Visit the must-see sights, such as St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also have time to explore the maze of streets and discover their hidden treasures. Or relax at an outdoor café in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot. Throughout this Italy escorted tour, Globus has arranged VIP access, so rather than waiting in long lines, you’ll get right to the front at all the famous attractions. This gives you more time to experience the sights and more time to taste Italy’s sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous Italian guided vacation at a price that’s as enticing as a glass of wine and tiramisù!

Escape to Peru with a 7-day adventure from its valleys to mountaintops. Get up close and personal with llamas and alpacas in the Sacred Valley and get more than you bargained for in textiles and treasures at Pisac’s famous market. Journey by train through the Urubamba Valley to explore the lofty “Lost City of the Incas”—Machu Picchu. Dig deeper into ancient Peru with visits to the Incan temple of Sacsayhuaman, as well as cathedrals of Spanish conquistadores. Enter this Incan empire of the past and please the palate with a taste of Peruvian classics in Cusco. Meet the locals who weave magic upon their looms and be won over by the warmth and hospitality of the Peruvian people.

You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape. History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets. You’ll also be treated to two wonderful nights in Santorini to explore the history and beauty of this Mediterranean jewel! From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, the Greek Escape has it all!

You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape. History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets. Continue your Greek Escape with two fantastic nights in Crete with guided sightseeing in Heraklion as well as the free time to discover on your own or with an optional excursion. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!

Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Independence by Globus tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Land in Guanacaste to laze and gaze upon the beautiful beaches of the North Pacific. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!

On this Best of Greece tour, discover the highlights of historic and mythical—as well as modern—Greece. As the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece has some of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites, and now is your chance to explore the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula. Your affordable tour of Greece starts and ends in Athens with overnights along the way in Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka. Step back in time as you visit some of Greece's ancient sites where the Mycenaean civilization thrived between 1600 and 1200 BC. Enjoy the included guided sightseeing tour of the Mycenae archaeological site and learn about its history and legends. In Athens, visit the Acropolis, still standing after 2,500 years. Your Local Guide will give you many insights on this ancient masterpiece. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Acropolis sits high on a rocky hill and is a symbol of the wealth and power of Athens at its apex. In Epidaurus, climb the limestone steps of the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre and marvel at the perfect acoustics. You'll step back into the Middle Ages when you walk around the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, a castle founded in 1249. You’ll also love the mystic mountain landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries set in almost inaccessible sandstone peaks. On this affordable Greece tour, you’ll travel to Olympia, legendary home of the Olympic Games, and Delphi, where people visited in ancient Greece to seek the advice of the Oracle. But that’s not all…you’ll experience modern Greece as well, as you cross over one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge, the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge, linking the Peloponnese peninsula to the Greek mainland. From ancient ruins to contemporary engineering —with beautiful landscapes in between—this affordable Greece tour is perfectly designed for value-minded travel lovers. You’ll agree that your Greece vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

You’ve dreamed about Italy—its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés—and now it is your time to experience it. On this affordable Italy tour, explore the most famous cities and discover the unique sights as you visit Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and Venice. This affordable Italy tour offers the opportunity to step back in time. Imagine what life was like in Rome 2,000 years ago, as the city was the political, social, and trading center of the Roman Empire. Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing. Visit Florence—the Renaissance gem—with a walking tour featuring beautiful Piazza Signoria, the hub of Florence’s social and political life since the 14th century. On this affordable tour of Italy, you’ll discover some of its magnificent cathedrals. In Vatican City, wonder at the masterful St. Peter’s Basilica and square. In Orvieto, the Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture in Italy. In Assisi, where St. Francis was born, the world-famous Romanesque and Gothic Basilica is a permanent exhibition of Giotto’s frescoes. See Pisa’s Square of Miracles—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its three famous buildings (Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery) that have historically been central to religious life. From a more secular viewpoint, experience a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and visit Venice, including a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square. Witness Venetian glassblowers create works of art just as they did centuries ago, and spend free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the legendary gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas. All of this and more—including views of the most scenic Italian landscapes—are included on this fabulous Italy vacation designed for the value-minded travel lover.

Maximize your vacation days on this introductory tour of the Emerald Isle. You'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, view the scenic Ring of Kerry and majestic Cliffs of Moher, enjoy a medieval banquet, and so much more.

Say, “Hola,” to Spain on this escape to the land of Flamenco music and dance, inviting beaches, and enticing cuisine. Life is a fiesta here, and you can experience it without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. From its world-class art, historical sights, and magnificent cathedrals to its sunny climate and scrumptious cuisine, this is the best way to see the highlights of Spain in a short time! On this Spain tour, you’ll stay overnight in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona. Guided sightseeing and walking tours present you with Spain's must-see attractions. History buffs will be delighted by a visit to Seville’s magnificent Casa de Pilatos with its splendid collection of Roman sculptures. In Granada, visit the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife, the oldest decorative garden in the Western world. An orientation drive in Valencia highlights Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history. If you’re interested in art and architecture, you’ll be thrilled by a visit to Madrid’s Prado Museum, which houses one of the finest collections of European art over the last 8 centuries. In Barcelona, visit the amazing Sagrada Familia Basilica, the masterpiece of architect Gaudì. But that’s not all…you’ll also enjoy a special farewell dinner with Sangria at a local restaurant in Barcelona. These are just a few of the experiences and sights included on this tour. From the historical sights and beautiful art and architecture to the delectable treats and special experiences, this Spanish Escape is sure to leave you with plenty of memories to share with loved ones back home. So pack your camera and get ready for a marvelous guided Spain vacation at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano, nestled in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.

On this inspirational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Catholic icons of Rome, such as the four major Basilicas, the Scala Sancta and the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo; attend the Papal Audience, learn about some of Italy’s beloved Saints, and celebrate Mass. Learn about St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern-day saint, visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, gather in prayer at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, reflect in the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and admire the timeless beauty of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi. Italy is a must for Catholic travelers and art lovers.

Savor a true taste of "Irish Splendor." Explore the historical city of Dublin including a tour of medieval Christ Church Cathedral and its imposing crypt. Gaze upon the historic Rock of Cashel. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. Explore the spectacular Dingle Peninsula and drive the Slea Head road for majestic coastal views. Meet a local family and enjoy tea and scones at their farm. Stand in awe on the Cliffs of Moher. Spend the night in a stately castle and enjoy the atmosphere of the magnificent reception rooms. Sip on the “Water of Life” at a whiskey distillery. From Dublin’s charming Grafton Street to the breathtaking sights of County Kerry, gaze across the countryside and beauty of Ireland.

Discover the gems of India’s Golden Triangle and safari in Ranthambore National Park without spending a fortune on this 9-day budget-friendly vacation in India. In Delhi, visit the India Gate and the pink Presidential Palace. You’ll travel through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar before departing Delhi for Agra. Here, you’ll marvel at the splendid Taj Mahal at sunset as the sun rays reflect changing hues of the spectacular marble monument to love. 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. Continue with two nights in the pink city of Jaipur—home to the legendary Amber Fort. Explore its alabaster Hall of Victory and incredible Chamber of Mirrors. Visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace Museum to browse ancient art and artifacts. This value-minded tour to see India’s famed Taj and Tigers is a treasure not to be missed!

On this Escape, the traditions and intrigue of Britain are calling you. Experience the fascinating cities and countryside of this beautiful land without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. A concise Britain guided tour takes you to the historical must-see sites from London to Edinburgh. History buffs will delight in seeing mysterious, prehistoric Stonehenge (just imagine how those stones got there!); the Roman Baths in Bath, constructed around 70 AD and today one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world; Liverpool, once a great Victorian city and Atlantic seaport, and renowned as the birthplace of the Beatles; and Edinburgh, with its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town. Literary fans will enjoy visiting Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth. But that's not all…a London Guide will show you all the city’s famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Prime Minister’s Downing Street and Westminster Abbey; and in Edinburgh you’ll tour the castle and see Scotland’s Crown Jewels—all the better experience without the long lines and crowds. For the conclusion of your vacation, travel via first-class express train back to London for one night. From the historical landmarks to the beautiful scenery, this guided tour of England and Scotland is a great way to sample what Britain has to offer and it’s all possible at a price you can afford!

On this affordable Italy tour small group discovery package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany and getting to know its culinary and wine traditions. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries. From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond, we’ll take you through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art. Traveling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy, you’ll embark to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast. As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums, you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each destination. In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson. You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions will enjoy your culinary creations—complete with master-chef prizes. You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert making at your hotel and get to taste some of the celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines right where they are produced. You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini while making priceless discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path—perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded travel lover.

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. A gem of a vacation in the Balkans that’s worth its weight in gold.

Go where history, romance, and flowers bloom with an Independent City Stay in London, Paris, and Amsterdam! See the magnificent sights of Britain’s capital city with a blooming good time in London. Lose your heart to the romantic rues of Paris, and delight in the Dutch treats of Amsterdam along the cobblestone lanes that line the iconic canals. Triple the fun to fascinate your independent spirit with the freedom to explore these three legendary cities just as you please.

This 7-day Italy journey inspires La Dolce Vita in every way with dazzling sights, dreamy delights, and delicious bites! How will you fall in love with Italy? Hunting for truffles, digging into the life of St. Francis or delighting in olive oil? Following the footsteps of a 16th-century controversial painter or walking the storied streets of Trastevere? Florence on bike or via the fancy footwork of Salvatore Ferragamo? With our complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you can say “Ciao, Italia” any way you choose—from frescoes to fashion and fortresses to food! Why This Tour is Wander-ful! •Step back in time as you stand in the shadows of Roman ruins, in the hallways of hallowed museums and under the hilltops of postcard-perfect landscapes. •From storied scenery to epic storytelling; art to artful cuisine and this journey will invite you to leave a “pizza” your heart in Italy. •Included YourChoice Excursions in Rome, Spoleto, and Florence. •Honey, I’m Rome!

Sparkling wine or soulful Fado? Roll by bike along the river or revel by boat on the Ria de Aveiro? Pastel-hues of Sintra’s palaces or plaza-hopping, expeditions through Lisbon? No matter how you awaken your spirit in Portugal with complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose how to be moved by cinematic scenery, soul-stirring traditions and centuries-old history on this 8-day tour of northwestern Portugal. Why This Tour Is Sweeter Than Pastel de Nata: •A mix of canals and the coastal cities of northwestern Portugal. •Medieval marvels, mellow vintages, and mind-blowing music. •Included YourChoice Excursions in Lisbon and Coimbra. •You had me at bom dia!

Spectacular natural scenery, historical sights, and exciting cities await you on this fantastic tour through Mediterranean Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Slovenia. If you’re fascinated by beautiful landscapes, this Eastern Europe tour will delight as you surround yourself in the greens and blues of this exhilarating vacation. In Croatia, you'll visit Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its lakes, waterfalls, and forests. You'll experience Croatia's Dalmatian coast, with a beautiful coastline and dramatic limestone cliffs. You'll also visit the Postojna Caves in Slovenia, with its web of tunnels and stalactites. The underground train ride and walking tour allow you to see what are arguably Europe’s most extensive and best-known caves. If you’re interested in historical sights and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll be thrilled on this tour through the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Visit Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery, with a history dating back to the 1300s, and Rector's Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance palace from the 15th century. In Split, visit Jupiter Temple, built for worshipping the Roman God and the Roman emperor Diocletian, and the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Mostar, see the Old Bridge, the city's symbol built in the 16th century, and Turkish House, one of the best-preserved residential structures from the Turkish period. Finally, in Sarajevo, visit Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, the most important architectural monument from the time of Ottoman rule. This value-minded Eastern Mediterranean tour through Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina is simply a magnificent vacation!

Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Independence by Globus tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Explore Tortuguero National Park to navigate the pristine waterways where turtles nest amid nature at its best. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!

Breathtaking scenery and historic sites will inspire you as you travel around Ireland coastline. Visit must-see attractions including Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and Giant’s Causeway while experiencing local life in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Galway and Derry.

CATHOLIC ITINERARY The roots of your faith will come to life on this extraordinary journey through Israel. Starting from Tel Aviv, visit some of the main archaeological, historical, and biblical sites, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you learn more about His life and ministry. To stand in the very places where history unfolded is a true highlight as you visit important sites of the Gospel, such as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, the Mount of Beatitudes, the River Jordan valley, Bethlehem, and last, but not least, Jerusalem. This extraordinary Israel tour is designed for value-minded travellers.

Spectacular scenery, medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, a fascinating history, and world-class beer…this is Germany! On this comprehensive tour, you'll see Germany's highlights and visit its most famous cities, as well as its medieval towns and scenic areas. Your vacation begins and ends in Frankfurt with overnights in the Rhineland, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Munich, and the Stuttgart area. Magnificent scenery awaits you on this value-minded Germany vacation. Enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River, passing castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty historic towns. In Bavaria, see King Ludwig II's 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled high in the Alps. Drive along the Romantic Road with its charming villages, cobblestone streets, walled cities, half-timbered houses, and scenic countryside, and stop in Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its medieval character. Among the tour highlights is Lübeck, a Hanseatic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century and Veste Coburg Castle, one of Germany’s largest castle complexes. Today, the fortress houses the former art collections of the dukes of Coburg. You’ll also enjoy the must-see sights in the cities, including Munich’s Marienplatz, the main square in the city. In Dresden, see the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion, where the 40 bells of the Glockenspiel sound every quarter of an hour. From the beautiful scenery and exciting cities to the historic sights and fun experiences, this Germany tour has it all!

If you are a music fan—don’t miss this Southern Sounds tour! Begin with two overnights in New Orleans, where your expert Local Guide knows the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. From New Orleans, travel to Indianola, Mississippi, the hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King, and visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about his life and 60-plus year career. Stay three nights in Memphis, where your expert Local Guide knows Memphis’ history, like no one else-including the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. In addition to guided sightseeing, your Memphis experience includes visits to the Stax Museum, dedicated to American Soul music; the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, tracing Memphis’ cultural and musical past; and Sun Studio, probably the world’s most famous recording studio where you’ll relive the studio’s history. You’ll also visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate, and walk through the same rooms he did. You’ll even board his private jet! Also visit the Meditation Garden, where Elvis went to reflect on life and where he, and his only child Lisa Marie Presley, is laid to rest. In Nashville, where you’ll spend two nights, visit Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. As one of country music’s most important recording studios, it is a must for any music fan. You’ll also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to Elvis’ “solid-gold” Cadillac, and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll see a show. For music lovers, this Southern Sounds tour designed for value-minded travelers is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!