God’s Own Country…a big claim, but this is how New Zealanders—or “kiwis”—refer to their country. Why? Maybe it’s the spectacular scenery, the world’s first sunrise each morning, or the birthplace of bungee jumping. Whatever the reason, your independent spirit is right at home in New Zealand. On this 16-day Globus Independent vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast (plus two lunches), sightseeing, land transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. A one-of-a-kind special feature is your Local Host® who’s available to ensure you get the most out of your free time. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Before starting your exploration of New Zealand, your vacation begins the moment you arrive in cosmopolitan Sydney, Australia for a three-night stay. Your visit includes a half-day city sightseeing tour including photo stops at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus a visit to Bondi Beach, one of the city’s famous beaches. Your Sydney Local Host is available to help you with additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping recommendations. Then you’ll fly to Auckland, where your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiar with the city. The next day, we've arranged guided sightseeing with a local expert, including Queen Street, the city’s business district, Auckland University and the Domain, an inner-city park. From Auckland, we've arranged your transportation to Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. In Wellington, capital of New Zealand, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the local, insider stories and takes in the must-see sights. And did we mention that in Rotorua we've included visits to Te Puia, home to 500 geothermal wonders. Then, you're off to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Your Local Host will be waiting for you in Christchurch with materials to help you become acquainted with the area. We’ll take you on an excursion to Akaroa for a cruise to see native wildlife. Continue on to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Here, we’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Sometimes called the “Sound of Silence,” you’ll be awed by its abundant flora and fauna, as well as its raw beauty. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

With their long histories, interesting cultures, and sprawling landscape, the exciting cities of Southeast Asia offer something for everyone. Sightseeing tours in Vietnam feature the must-see sites, including Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, and a cruise on the Thu Bon River, where you’ll pass unspoiled countryside. A highlight of the trip is your cruise on Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the world's most amazing limestone formations. You'll sail by islets, caves, beaches, and floating villages. Continue to Siem Reap to explore the rich history of the Khmer Empire. Explore the spectacular ruins of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Angkor Thom; 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, known for its intricate decorations; and more. Then it’s onwards to Laos for the old-world charm of beautiful Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi, and Kuang Si Waterfalls. Sail the Mekong by riverboat, and journey to the Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images. But that’s not all! Fly to Thailand, the land of smiles. In Chiang Mai, explore two famous temples, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Doi Suthep, and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. You’ll then fly to Bangkok to explore Thailand’s capital city. Cruise through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok to see its homes, temples, and the way of life here. Be amazed at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with its signature spire reaching 260 feet in the air. Explore the Grand Palace and Bangkok’s incredible temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest in the city. The perfect conclusion to your southeast Asia experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. From the historic sites to the stunning scenery, this tour designed for savvy, value-minded travel lovers is a vacation of a lifetime!

Take an epic trip across America from sea to shining sea on a 24-day adventure to experience a treasure trove of iconic U.S. destinations. This epic vacation begins in the Big Apple, exciting New York City, featuring the sights of Broadway, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and more in “the city that never sleeps.” Explore the birthplace of Independence—Philadelphia—and visit the nation’s capital in Washington DC to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Ford’s Theater (site of Lincoln’s assassination). Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill, then have time to visit some of the many world-class (and free) Smithsonian museums. Travel through Williamsport, home of Little League Baseball, and cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and magnificent Niagara Falls for an exhilarating sightseeing cruise that takes you up close to the thundering falls! Cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to arrive in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan to explore the fascinating Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to learn the history of the American automobile and other innovations. Continue to the “Windy City” of Chicago on Lake Michigan, with time to admire the iconic architecture, stroll along the Magnificent Mile, visit the Art Institute of Chicago or sink your teeth into an authentic Chicago style deep-dish pizza! Visit Minneapolis, Minnesota—“Land of 10,000 Lakes” and home to the country’s largest shopping mall—the Mall of America. Roll through the farmlands of South Dakota, home of the Sioux Indian Nation and visit Badlands National Park, a dramatic landscape of steep canyons and towering rock spires carved by wind and water amid vast grasslands. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit Mount Rushmore, a massive granite monument to four iconic American presidents. Cross legendary cattle ranchlands and the Bighorn Mountains to Cody, Wyoming—home of Buffalo Bill—en route to Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Take in stunning views of the Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, see the spectacular wilderness, the abundant wildlife, and the amazing thermal features, including famous Old Faithful geyser. Visit the Wild West town of Jackson at the foot of the Grand Tetons, then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. Travel to breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park with its unique colorful pinnacles called hoodoos and Zion National Park, with its dramatic landscape of steep sandstone canyons, high cliffs and mesas. See one of the Natural Wonders of the World at Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park with awe-inspiring views from the canyon rim. Then travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for an exciting visit to the “Strip”—lined with bright lights, extravagant hotels, and casinos. Try your luck at blackjack or the slot machines, shop, or see a show. A drive through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains takes you to Los Angeles, California for sightseeing that includes Hollywood and Beverly Hills with free time in to explore “The City of Angels.” From New York to L.A., and the historic frontiers in between, this affordable U.S. vacation is a once in a lifetime adventure!

Like the world’s most beloved tapestries hanging in Europe’s most famous museums, this 14-day tour of Europe intertwines stunning scenery, centuries-old culture, and the timeless stories of several captivating countries to present an unforgettable experience. From the canals of Amsterdam to the boulevards of Paris, we’ve stitched together an exciting array of sights and scenes to truly capture the big picture of Europe. In addition to the stunning imagery of the castle-dotted Rhine Valley, the snow-dusted Swiss Alps, and the olive-clad Tuscan hills, you’ll be introduced to the artful subjects who help tell the tales of time—the woodcarvers of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers from Rhineland. A perfectly woven itinerary of fascinating cities, charming countryside, and creative cuisine, this multi-country tour threads together the most memorable sights and experiences of Europe. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome so you can plan your day your way.

Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. With more room to roam in Rome and space to savor the pleasures and treasures of Umbria and Tuscany, you’ll never miss a sight, bite, or decadent delight from the Eternal City to the timeless traditions of culture, cuisine, and captivating romance in Venice and Florence. Share the sweet life with your small group companions while dipping into chocolate, discovering secret recipes, daydreaming by gondola, or drinking wine with a few of your closest amici. And find more amore in the avenues and venues that are perfect for small groups on this Small Group Discovery tour in Umbria and Tuscany. Che bello!

Discover some of South America's greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Lima—and some of its most spectacular sites on this South America tour to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. You'll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Highlights of this South America tour include time at Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s most impressive sites. Experience the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, hear the thundering roar, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows created by the clouds of spray, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls spanning nearly two miles! You’ll also be amazed at Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history and culture as you enjoy this stunning and mystical place. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, where stones weighing up to 350 tons piece together to form a complex housing up to 10,000 men. Time in Peru's Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the indigenous people, gives you a chance to experience the world's highest navigable lake and to learn about local practices. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Your time in Buenos Aires includes a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial place for Eva Perón. In Lima, sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage with a visit to the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery. All of this and more are included on this South America tour designed for the value-minded travel lover who wants to experience it all!

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

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 the blink of an eye.

Explore Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste organic olive oil and learn how sustainable production methods support opposing the Mafia. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Enjoy two nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Spend two nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along Sicily and two of its beloved isles.

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

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 breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, mighty rivers, and magnificent national parks. Enjoy two nights in Banff National Park, gateway to the Canadian Rockies with free time to hike, stroll by the river, enjoy the hot springs, or take an exhilarating optional helicopter ride for incredible aerial views. Spend two nights in Jasper National Park where you can join an optional excursion to see beautiful Maligne Lake and Spirit Island or take an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Between Banff and Jasper, stop to see the amazing turquoise waters of Lake Louise then take a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier. Sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria where sightseeing includes the stunning floral displays at world-famous Butchart Gardens, then enjoy free time to explore this charming city on your own. Perhaps enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel or take the optional marine wildlife & whale-watching expedition to seek out the resident pods of orca whales. Ferry across the picturesque Gulf Islands to vibrant Vancouver where sightseeing includes beloved Stanley Park and other famous landmarks. 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. Cruise gorgeous 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, this Canada vacation with the Calgary Stampede and an Alaska cruise is the trip of a lifetime!

Laugh and the kookaburras laugh with you. Cry and the kookaburras still laugh. That’s the beauty of a journey to happy-go-lucky Australia where sunny days are accentuated by its even sunnier inhabitants. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are among the many locals eager to greet you on this breezy tour of Australia. With visits to four wondrous waterfront cities, you’ll easily see why the world gushes about the land Down Under. Go behind the scenes at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo, snorkel above the dazzling coral at the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns and devour the panoramic scenery and a delicious lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House. With two days in eclectic Melbourne, you can also gobble up all the goodies this hipster city and surrounding areas have to offer. Perhaps take in the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island or chill with a nice chardonnay at a Yarra Valley winery. This 12-day tour shows you all the Great Sights of Australia!

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!

This fast-paced Scotland and Ireland tour focuses on their rich history, with plenty of castle tours and museums to help bring the past to life. It's the perfect trip for those interested in exploring Scottish and Irish heritage.

Explore Iceland's incomparable waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and landscapes, but take in so much more as you focus on its fascinating culture and heritage. Discover life in early Viking settlements, the land of the sagas, the distinctive Icelandic horses, and the modern people of Iceland.

Explore some of the most historic cities and towns of Scotland and Ireland . Be enchanted by the Isle of Skye, St Andrews, Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry.

Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in Africa, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Africa with a 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 game drives in 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. A Small Group Discovery tour for the wild mannered!

What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliffhangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins—stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert—this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Inverness so you can plan your day your way.

All aboard for a spectacular 9-day adventure through the American Southwest! Your tour through Colorado and Utah begins with an overnight stay in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver—5,280 feet above sea level. In Colorado Springs, board the Pikes Peak cog railway to reach the summit that inspired ‘America the Beautiful.’ Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and the ancient indigenous dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Embark on a two-day scenic rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train from the outdoor mecca of Moab through Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and over the Continental Divide to return to Denver. You’ll also explore the natural treasures of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Moab so you can plan your day your way.

This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and is filled with stunning scenery, spectacular national parks, and some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. Enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta aboard VIA Rail®’s refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your included 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 Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding glacial peaks. Visit Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Also travel through stunning Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park. From the Pacific Coast, sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Spend two nights in this charming city then ferry to vibrant Vancouver. Majestic mountain scenery, pristine glacier-fed lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities – experience it all on this unforgettable rail adventure across Canada!

Explore magnificent national parks and reserves on this exciting Kenya and Tanzania safari. Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area. Here embark on morning and afternoon game drives in the “Mara”—home to lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, wildebeest, and zebra. Next, explore Amboseli National Park—known for its spectacular views of 19,341-ft Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of elephants, Cape buffalo, and more. Cross the border into Tanzania and journey to Lake Manyara National Park. Explore this ecologically diverse park on a morning game drive. Your escorted African safari continues to the amazing Ngorongoro area—the astonishing crater measures 2,000 feet deep and spans 102 square miles. Revel in the fantastic game-viewing vantage point to spot lion, hippo, elephant, and flamingo. Next, you’ll enter Serengeti National Park—site of the seasonal great migration of wildebeest, and a great game-viewing area year-round. Covering 5,700 square miles, the Serengeti will thrill you with both morning and afternoon game drives with the chance to see Nile crocodiles, big cats, giraffes, and gazelles. This escorted Africa safari through Kenya and Tanzania is a dream-come-true for the adventurous of spirit.

You’ll find plenty of get-up-and-go moments beyond the hammocks, hulas, and hand-made Mai Tais on this 10-day Hawaiian getaway. Discover turquoise waters, black sand beaches, and the spectacular rainforests, canyons, memorials, and museums of three magnificent islands. Across the “Valley Island” of Maui, the “Big Island” of Hawaii, and “The Gathering Place” of Oahu, this island-hopping tour of Hawaii leads you to the valleys and peaks of this spectacular state, balancing uplifting visits to a sea salt farm, coffee plantation, and scenic national parks with the right amount of downtime to taste the sweet life of the islands. On this Hawaiian getaway, life’s a beach and then some! Enjoy spectacular scenery with oceanview upgrades in Honolulu and oceanfront upgrades in Kona and Maui.

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

Experience the beauty of Ireland’s southwest on a small-group walking and hiking tour, limited to just 16 guests. Discover the wild beauty of West Cork and Kerry on this light active tour, featuring daily guided hikes through the Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula. Along the way, explore iconic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Muckross House, visit hidden gems such as Garnish Island, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences like turf-cutting and breadmaking. Evenings bring time to unwind in charming towns like Glengarriff and Dingle, perfect for enjoying traditional music in a cozy pub. Ideal for active travelers, with up to 5 hours of scenic walking daily (2–6 miles) on mostly gentle paths and hill trails. Expect occasional muddy or rough sections and climbs up to 1,500 feet.

You’ll love this musical heritage vacation that follows the influential sounds of chart-topping history from Nashville to Memphis with a crescendo in New Orleans for all that jazz. Strut your way down Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row to reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry. Swivel your hips through Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate and the famous studios and streets of Memphis. Listen to the Muscle Shoals sound and follow the path of the Mississippi River to the famed Delta Blues area and Cajun Country. Jump, jive, and wail through the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the blues and beignets. Both a musical and southern heritage tour, this vacation through the Deep South leads you to elegant antebellum mansions, historic sights, and the sounds of country, rock, and rhythm and blues. Eat, drink, and be merry in the city that does it best! When you extend your stay in the “Crescent City” on this Southern U.S. tour, there’s plenty to be over the moon about, including two more days of jambalaya, jazz, and resounding joy during the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival. A one-day pass to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival plus a relaxing lunch cruise down the Mississippi are also included in your extended stay in “The Big Easy.” PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in New Orleans so you can plan your day your way.