Take a snowy peek into Alaska. Visit the friendly local towns of the last frontier and bond with energetic sled dogs. Experience a winter glacier cruise among drifting icebergs and playful otters. Spend one night at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, taking in unparalleled views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. Glimpse into the past at Musk Ox Farm. Search for the northern lights in Fairbanks’ star-filled sky. Step into another time at the Antique Auto Museum, where vintage cars sit between timely artifacts and fashionable designer dresses. Travel via Alaska Railroad, take in a landscape of natural beauty, and connect with a deeply rooted heritage.

Be charmed by the colors of New England from the heart of historic Boston to the farms, mountains, and coast of the North. Begin your journey in historic Boston. Explore Woodstock, Vermont, a quintessential New England village. Watch apples transform into cider before your eyes at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Learn about the maple sugaring industry of New England on a farm tour of the Rocks Estate. Relax as you cruise along Lake Winnipesaukee and admire the splendid views. Dig in at a traditional New England lobster dinner. Travel up the winding Auto Road to see the stunning views from the summit of Mount Washington. Marvel at Maine’s dramatic coast and discover the seaside communities of Portland and Kennebunkport. This is New England at its finest.

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 mystical side of Scotland, with its legends, whisky, clans, and historical towns. Explore the vibrant city of Glasgow. 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.

In Greece, discover a place where age-old legends and monuments intertwine with warm sunshine and island-style living. Tour Athens with a local guide. Explore the Acropolis, home to the famous Parthenon and the city’s best lookout. Enjoy three days at leisure on the island of Mykonos, an Aegean paradise of sandy beaches and bustling energy. Uncover the past at the excavation site of Akrotiri. Make the most of a free day on the picture-perfect island of Santorini. From to the ruins of Athens to the bright rooftops of Mykonos and Santorini – embrace the country at its best.

From the legendary Colosseum to the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, take in the best of southern Italy. Uncover Classic Rome’s myriad treasures and embark on an in-depth guided visit of the spectacular Colosseum. Explore the breathtaking scenery of Italy’s coastline, from the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast to the charms of seaside Sorrento. Visit the renowned monastery of Montecassino. Discover Pompeii’s ruins. Stop at a local winery at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, learn how mozzarella cheese is made, and sip on some real-deal limoncello. From 2 of Italy’s most beloved locales, experience the country’s renowned food, culture, history, and landscapes.

Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Visit Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Take a cruise along the legendary Danube. Stroll the quaint streets of Salzburg, the "City of Music." Spend two nights in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every decade. Witness the beauty of Linderhof Palace and its perfect decorated gardens. From Vienna and the Black Forest to the Swiss Alps and Lucerne, explore the heart of Europe.

Take a snowy peek into Alaska. Visit the friendly local towns of the last frontier and bond with energetic sled dogs. Experience a winter glacier cruise among drifting icebergs and playful otters. Spend one night at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, taking in unparalleled views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. Glimpse into the past at Musk Ox Farm. Search for the northern lights in Fairbanks’ star-filled sky. Step into another time at the Antique Auto Museum, where vintage cars sit between timely artifacts and fashionable designer dresses. Travel via Alaska Railroad, take in a landscape of natural beauty, and connect with a deeply rooted heritage.

From bustling cities to peaceful stays on the Mediterranean coast, get a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula. Explore Málaga on a walking tour, where you can taste some of the delicacies of this southern Spanish region. Visit Frigiliana and Nerja, two of the Andalusian white villages that leave memories of quiet, simpler days. Visit Ronda, a clifftop marvel. Gaze at Cordoba’s Mezquita and colorful patios. In Seville, learn about the history of Flamenco with a hands-on lesson. In Lisbon, travel by tram to the cobbled narrow streets and visit Belem, home to the Jerónimos Monastery. Relax on Portugal’s Riviera during a 3-night stay in Cascais. Experience the history of Spain and Portugal while enjoying the region’s sunshine and local flavors.

Glide along the enchanting Rhine and Moselle rivers on a leisurely journey to France, Germany and the Netherlands. Spend the morning in Bernkastel and sip wine in one of the famous cellars. Join a local expert for a tour of Amsterdam. Cruise past charming panoramas as you get to know the culture and deep history of the region.

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the chic charm of the Sorrento Coast, embark on a spectacular Italian getaway. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, the charming coastal town of Sorrento, Florence, Venice, and Stresa in the Lake District. Discover the treasures of Classical Rome, including the Colosseum. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. Take a boat to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and stroll the streets of Verona. Stop at a Tuscan winery and farm for a lunch of regional specialties and wines. Tour Venice and walk the Castello district. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Delve deeper into its history and culture as you visit some of the world’s most beautiful locales.

Travel to some of the world’s most magnificent cities and through the magical countryside of Britain and Ireland. This comprehensive journey takes you through rolling farmland and across the Irish Sea, through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge. Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and the medieval “shambles” of York. Admire the ancient Roman ruins in elegant Bath. Get acquainted with Britain’s pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London.

Delve into an ancient and mysterious world of rural landscapes, bustling cities, and fascinating history in Southeast Asia. From Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hoa Lo prison, to a street food adventure through Hanoi, Vietnam’s balance of peace, modernism and prosperity engage your thoughts and senses. On a charming junk boat, bask in the serenity of Ha Long Bay. Find inspiration at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple, the world’s largest religious structure. A local Laotian family welcomes you into their home for dinner. Explore the hundreds of Buddhas found in the Pak Ou caves. This is an incomparable mosaic of culture and history that unfolds within a blink of the eye.

Uncover a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history. Personalize your time in Dubrovnik, choosing between exploring the Dubrovnik city walls or taking a cable car ride. Travel by boat to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks in Montenegro. Discover Sarajevo, home to a multitude of religious sects all living in harmony. Enjoy a home-hosted dinner in a Bosnian home, sampling klepe and burek. Experience rural life in the northeast corner of Croatia. Explore the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) with a guide. As you make your way through the Balkans, get a glimpse into generations of traditions and connect with welcoming locals.

Discover magical Venice, explore the Istrian peninsula and admire Croatia’s trendiest islands along the northern Adriatic Sea from a privately chartered ship. Sail around Kornati National Park – known as Croatia’s “nautical paradise” – and disembark on the colorful island of Cres and then the largest island, Krk. Choose how to spend your time in Opatija: will you trek through the forest to capture views from Ucka Mountain, or immerse yourself in the seaside wonders of Lungomare? Get ready for more than scenery as you taste the sweet flavor of Rab cake, experience traditional Dalmatian delicacies, and savor homemade olive oil in Istria. Uncover the hidden beauty and wondrous history of this Mediterranean gem.

Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. 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, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. 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 the 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. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

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 Independence by 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.

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.

Skirt along the entire rugged coastline to see the highlights on this Ireland tour.

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.

This Japan tour is perfect for value-minded travel lovers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Kyoto, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain; you’ll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji and Lake Kawaguchi during your cable-car ride (weather permitting). In Hiroshima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate and Peace Memorial Park to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only remaining structure from the first atomic bomb in 1945. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in beautiful gold leaf and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this tour includes visits to two of Japan’s premier gardens dating back to the 1600’s. Walk the tranquil Koraku-En to enjoy the ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and tea house and the Shinjuku Gyoen or “Imperial Garden,” formerly a feudal lord’s property and home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. You’ll enjoy a local lunch and taste the “Japanese pizza” of Osaka, the legendary okonomiyaki dish. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train or shinkansen. History, scenery, culture, cuisine, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!

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.

Isn’t it time you nipped monotony in the bud? From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-colored gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II. While you’re sampling soufflé and champagne, why not indulge in shepherd’s pie and shandy, too? It’s easy when you add a 3-night extension to London to your tour of France. Board the high-speed Eurostar train to London, where you’ll join a guided sightseeing and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Then, have ample time on your own to explore the palaces, pubs, and pints that await.

A European tour should include the most popular and exciting cities, the must-see sights, picturesque scenery, and a mix of culture, history, and just plain fun. This, and more, is what you get on the Best of Europe tour. Visit London, where you could join one of our optional excursions or just discover the city at leisure. From there, cross the Channel on the Eurostar train to Brussels and then continue by coach to discover many diverse continental destinations. Local Guides will tell you all about Amsterdam’s canals; Rome’s St Peter Square; Florence’s Renaissance old city center with a replica of the “David” by Michelangelo; Pompeii, where you’ll see what life was like during the Roman Empire; Paris’s most famous landmarks, and much more. As you journey through Europe, you’ll also enjoy spectacular scenery, such as the picturesque Rhineland with its scenic countryside, historic castles, and charming villages, and breathtaking views of the Italian and French Rivieras. Sit back and relax as you drive past the Burgundy vineyards in France and through gorgeous alpine landscapes from Switzerland to Italy. Marvel at the beauty of Tuscany with its rural villages, rolling hills, vineyards, rows of cypress trees, and olive groves, and stand in awe as you witness the blue sea and amazing views on the Sorrento coast and the legendary island of Capri. Last but not least, you’ll love the green hills and valleys as you travel through Umbria to visit medieval Assisi. Travel back to London on the high-speed Eurostar train from Paris and spend one additional night in London. This will allow you to maybe go out and catch up on anything you missed out at the beginning of your vacation. All of this and more await you on this dream European vacation designed for value-minded keen travelers!