This Globus Escape vacation in Spain and Portugal brings together the sights and cultures of their most famous cities—Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Lisbon—and weaves them into one marvelous vacation. Barcelona has so much to offer, during your guided sightseeing see the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi’s still unfinished masterpiece and explore the charming Barrio Gotico. In Madrid, visit the famous Prado Museum, one of the world's most prestigious art museums. A guided walking tour in Cordoba showcases the sights, including a visit to the magnificent 8th-century Mosque of the Caliphs. In Seville, visit the Casa de Pilatos, with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. In Seville, enjoy dinner with local specialties and Flamenco entertainment, and in Lisbon, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Throughout this Spain and Portugal vacation, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director and Local Guides who will bring these destinations to life with in-depth, first-hand knowledge of the cities' histories, sights, cultures, and insider secrets. Magnificent churches and cathedrals, local specialties, and wine, and much more...what else could you ask for in a dream vacation and guided tour of Spain’s famous cities and Lisbon?

See the beauty of the fjords with fewer crowds on this off-season escorted tour of Norway. You’ll arrive in Oslo to begin a 7-day adventure into some of the world’s most beautiful and mysterious landscapes. Start with a guided sightseeing tour of Oslo that features the National Theater—home of Ibsen’s plays; the unique Storting building, which houses the Parliament; as well as the Royal Palace. Stroll through the famed Frogner Park with the remarkable Norwegian sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Visit the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall. From Oslo, you’ll drive northwest through Hallingdal—a large valley, rich in the traditions of iron production, cattle trade, folk art, music, and dance. You’ll pass through the world’s longest road tunnel to Aurland on your way to the beautiful village of Flåm, situated at the head of Aurlandsfjord. Your stay in Flåm includes a ride on the scenic Flam train. Continue on to Bergen, the “City of Seven Mountains,” where you’ll take a drive to see Bergenhus Fortress, the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen’s harbor, and the famous fish market. Take a step back in time through the cobblestone streets lined by multi-hued wooden houses that are quintessentially Norwegian. Celebrate Norway’s stunning natural beauty, its art, and cultural history with a farewell dinner—to celebrate the memories that will stay with you for years to come!

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.

Embark on an odyssey of epic proportions on this 8-day vacation in Greece. How will you unleash your inner god or goddess? Sailing on sapphire waters? Exploring ancient treasures? Mixing it up with the locals or stirring up Greek specialties? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose when, where, and how to say, “Opa!” Why This Tour is Epic from A to Zeus: •An immersive Greek odyssey on land and sea. •A flexible itinerary that offers oceans of legendary sights and myth-breaking stories. •Included YourChoice Excursions in Athens and Volos. •You Odyssey It!

Tantalizing petiscos. Thrilling natural wonders. Timeless traditions. Portugal is calling with a wealth of wonders to amaze and enchant. From Porto to Lisbon, your senses are filled with visions of natural wonder, wonderful wines, tempting tastes, and amazing artistry on this escorted tour of Portugal.

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.

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. Walking tours of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and Konavle, known for its lush vineyards, are also on the menu of this tasty tour of Croatia.

What will you need to pack for this enlightening tour of Classical Greece? A sun hat, your thinking cap, and your competitive spirit for starters. Thought-provoking scenery and stories await in the land of powerful Sun Gods, ancient philosophers, and legendary Olympians. From the world-famous Acropolis in Athens to the sacred Temples of Olympia, and the mountainside excavations of Delphi to the monastery-topped rock formations of Meteora, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Greece’s most renowned and mystical figures—and dance in them, too. A glass of traditional ouzo will loosen your joints to learn the lively steps of the sirtaki, made famous in the classic movie Zorba the Greek. A toe-tapping, hands-on adventure, you’ll also learn the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and how to make traditional tzatziki cucumber dip. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, too!

Although you might be enthralled with the idea of the Spanish siesta—the customary post-lunch nap to escape the midday heat—you’ll want to think twice about catching any afternoon Zzzs on this dreamy introductory tour of Spain. Otherwise, you’d miss all the sunny sights this 9-day vacation to Spain has in store. From Madrid’s art-filled Prado Museum to Barcelona’s tree-lined La Rambla, we show you the country’s top must-see sights, indulging in pans of zesty paella, and pitchers of tangy sangria along the way. While you’ll treat yourself to the fresh catches from the sea, the olives from the hills, and the wine from the lush river valleys; it’s sights such as Granada’s opulent Alhambra complex, Seville’s over-the-top Plaza de España, and Barcelona’s unparalleled Sagrada Familia Basilica that are a feast for the eyes.

Like a classic Irish coffee made with hot java, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and fresh whipped cream, this introductory tour of Ireland blends the most stimulating sights, soothing scenery, and sweet accents of the Emerald Isle. Journeying on a loop from Dublin to the west coast and back, first-time visitors will be awakened by the revelry of the lively capital city, jolted by the dramatic scenery along the storied coast, and calmed by the verdant rolling hills throughout the lush green countryside. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly inspired to craft limericks as you try your hand at baking scones on an Irish sheep farm in Galway. With authentic local experiences and visits to the sights you’ve always dreamed of—including the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, and the famous House of Waterford Crystal—this tour of Ireland is the perfect break from the daily grind.

On this Escape, you can experience Europe’s most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling European tour. Guided sightseeing tours will highlight the must-see attractions, including the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum the ancient arena of the Gladiators in Rome; the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where you will see Michelangelo’s famous David statue; the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century; and a Seine cruise in Paris, where you’ll want your camera ready to capture the magnificent views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe are a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”

Deep-blue fjords, breathtaking mountains, glimmering glaciers, and flowing waterfalls… these are natural wonders you expect to see in Norway, and on this Norway tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. A highlight of this Norway tour is a breathtaking ride on the Flåm railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides, which passes through 20 tunnels and climbs to an elevation of 2,833 feet (864 meters). Marvel at the hypnotic waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snowcapped mountains, rivers winding through deep gorges; farms on the side of steep slopes, and views of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. Travel on the Hardanger National Tourist Road, carefully developed to take you through some of Norway’s most stunning scenery, and stop at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading falls without getting wet. In addition to breathtaking scenery, Norway also offers you a country steeped in history. In the Middle Ages, Norwegians built churches out of wood. Only 28 of these stave churches now remain in Norway, and in Borgund, you’ll admire one of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches dating back to 1180. Stay two nights in Bergen, founded in 1070, where guided sightseeing features the main sights and a walking tour of Bryggen. From the magnificent scenery to the vibrant cities—including Oslo—this tour through Norway will delight all of your senses.

If you’re looking for the perfect town and country getaway, by Jove, this is it! This 7-day tour of London and the surrounding countryside is just the right balance of city and scenery, royalty and ruins, and landmarks and landscapes. With six nights in London, you’ll relish plenty of time along the Thames as well as exciting day trips that trade Big Ben for the small, quaint villages of England. Beyond London’s legendary parks and palaces, you’ll explore Shakespeare’s roots in lovely Stratford-upon-Avon, walk the medieval streets of scholarly Oxford, study the cryptic remnants of prehistoric Stonehenge, and ponder the mystery of the curious stones as you enjoy a cuppa in one of Salisbury’s half-timbered tearooms. Serving up the right balance of guided, must-see sightseeing with ample free time to explore London on your own, this tour of London and country is the bee’s knees.

A cuppa tea or a petit café? A sugar-dusted scone or a savory-filled crêpe? A pint of shandy or a flute of Champagne? The beauty of visiting two of the world’s most fascinating cities in one vacation is that you can indulge in the delights of both. On this 7-day tour of London and Paris, you’ll enjoy in-depth guided sightseeing along the cities’ famous roads and rues, as well as from the perspective of the legendary Thames and Seine rivers as you take in the historic skylines on relaxing, story-filled cruises. The fun continues to flow as you admire panoramic views aboard the London Eye Ferris Wheel and indulge on a French onion soup in Paris’ lively Montmartre art district. With plenty of free time in each city, you can immerse yourself in the famous sights you’ve long envisioned, the storied streets you’ve often imagined, and the sidewalk cafés you’ve always dreamed of.

Rolling hills and rugged coastlines, mythical creatures, and elusive monsters, quiet fairways, and boisterous bagpipes, this tour of Scotland is a study in stark contrasts among the most beautiful of classrooms. Hitting the highpoints of the Highlands from Glasgow to Edinburgh, you’ll cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond, ferry to the dramatic Isle of Skye, and visit the home of golf, St. Andrews. More lush landscapes await as you search for the mysterious Nessie along the banks of Loch Ness, stand before the famous Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films, and swoon over the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle nestled on a tidal island and featured in numerous films. If green means go, you have the go-ahead to pack your tams, tartans, and knickers for vibrant and verdant Scotland.

Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, centuries of fascinating history, and more sausage stands than you can count await on this delicious introductory tour of Germany. As you follow the delectable scent of sizzling bratwurst and freshly baked pretzels from bustling Berlin to Bavarian Munich, your eyes will be as pleased as your taste buds. The elegantly restored city of Dresden, the charming medieval town of Rothenburg, the Passion Play pilgrimage town of Oberammergau, and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle present picture-perfect backdrops for your memory books. While Munich’s theatrical Glockenspiel clock may announce the time three times a day, the lively Biergarten throughout Germany will happily tell you it’s always “beer thirty.”

The over-the-top homes. The complicated relationships. The relentless quest for power. Ruling Austria—and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire—for nearly 650 years, the Habsburgs formed one of history’s greatest, yet often overlooked, European dynasties. This fascinating tour of Central Europe traces the family’s steps—and missteps—as you enjoy the imperial sights of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna with additional overnights in melodious Salzburg and lively Munich. Ornate castles and cathedrals, stunning palaces and parks, and gorgeous gardens and grounds provide glimpse into the intriguing lives and lavish lifestyles of one of history’s most powerful and controversial families. In-depth sightseeing and a cruise along the legendary Danube offer varied vantage points to witness the magnificent marks this royal family left on Central Europe.

Parmesan and prosciutto. Ferraris and Fiats. Ruins and the Riviera. Some of Italy’s greatest indulgences can be found up north. Italy’s “Fabulous Five,” the pastel-hued cliffside fishing villages along the Mediterranean, start the count of the numerous joys you’ll experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Northern Italy. In addition to finding the freshest seafood along the coast, you’ll relish a balsamic vinegar tasting in the epicurean city of Modena, a parmesan cheese tasting near Verdi’s hometown of Busseto, a risotto lunch at a Vercelli rice factory, and a wine tasting in vineyard-dotted Gabiano. To spice things up, you’ll speed over to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and strut your stuff down the streets of Milan. Leading you to the fabulous, the famous, and the fashionable, this tour is the way to see Northern Italy in style.

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. From the granules of golden sand to the rich nuggets of history, this enlightening tour of Portugal introduces you to the brightest sights of the country as you make a loop from lively Lisbon and back.

From Turkish treasures to Grecian delights, this tour takes you from the magical monuments and mosques of Istanbul to the mysteries and mythologies of Athens! Your tour of Turkey and Greece begins in the incredible city of Istanbul in a country of two continents. The bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Embark on your journey to Greece through Turkey’s northwest region of Marmara. Marvel at the archaeological remnants of Kings in Philippi and Vergina. Explore Thessaloniki the cultural capital of Greece with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Be amazed by the floating monasteries of Meteora, and the heroic tales of Spartan battles on your way to Athens, where history comes to life as you discover the city that was at the heart of Ancient Greece.

Explore hidden cobblestone streets, watch the world go by from a sidewalk cafe, sail across beautiful blue waters and delight at the local specialties on this incomparable Italian vacation. If you’ve envisioned it, you’ll see it, hear it, experience it, and taste it on this scenic and scintillating tour of Italy—from the historic Colosseum of Rome to the song-filled canals of Venice, the quiet back alleys of Assisi to the bold storefronts of Milan, and the sweet views of Lake Como to the bittersweet Aperol liqueur of Padua. Warm locals welcome you in each ancient city, medieval village, and indulgent resort, sharing with youth stories behind the architecture, the tales behind the sculptures, the meaning behind the brushstrokes, and if you’re lucky, the secret ingredients on your plate!

Famous for creating the Olympic Games, inventing theatrical arts, and founding democracy, the industrious and innovative Greeks have also been known to vote for the art of doing nothing at all. On this tour of historic Athens, coastal Turkey, and the sun-baked Greek Isles, you’ll witness the feats of great architects, cross the same finish lines as legendary athletes, walk in the footsteps of famous philosophers, and then completely clear your mind on a relaxing 3-night Aegean Sea cruise. Lounge, laze, and learn the national sirtaki dance as you set sail for the most intriguing Greek islands, from the jet-set-approved Mykonos to the pilgrimage popular Patmos to wonder-filled Crete, the cradle of Minoan civilization. Ruins, resorts, rich history, and total relaxation are all on the itinerary on this breezy land and cruise tour of Greece.

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.

Even if you’re not bold enough to try bubble and squeak, haggis and tatties, or cockles and laverbread, you’ll still enjoy this perfect sampling of England, Scotland, and Wales. Our most popular tour of Britain, this tri-country introductory vacation has something for everyone. History buffs will treasure prehistoric Stonehenge, the Roman ruins of Bath and the medieval cities and towns such as York and Ludlow. Music lovers will cherish the music-festival town of Llangollen and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool. Literary fans will relish the countryside homes of William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott. And beer and whisky connoisseurs will delight in the dimly lit pubs from London to Edinburgh and back where if you just can’t bring yourself to taste the black pudding, there’s always delicious fish and chips!

Tiptoe through the tulips, tread through famous battlegrounds, and sprint to the irresistible bonbons on this aromatic tour. Three nights in Amsterdam, two nights each in Luxembourg and Brussels, plus one night in the medieval town of Bruges is the perfect introduction to the sights and delights of the Benelux countries. Springtime departures include the exploding kaleidoscope of Holland’s famous bulb fields and the extraordinary Keukenhof Gardens, while summer and fall departures lead you to the bold tastes of barley and hops at the Heineken Experience where you’ll hear—and sample—the tradition of the world-famous beer. With intricate canals flowing as freely as the lager from lively Amsterdam to perfectly preserved Bruges, get ready to float up to some of Europe’s most impressive museums, markets, palaces, cathedrals—and confectionaries!