Embark on a journey through the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Kauai and Maui, where adventure meets tranquility. Drift down the serene Wailua River, explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, and immerse yourself in the history and heritage of the Iao Valley. Sample seasonal fresh fruit, discover the sustainable practices on a macadamia nut farm, and experience the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality at a traditional luau. Enjoy luxurious stays at premier resorts on Kauai and Maui, where you can relax on pristine beaches or embark on thrilling adventures. From the sight of the iconic Iao Needle to the lore of the hula, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural connections, and relaxation.

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 three Hawaiian Islands.

Discover a world of color, culture, and the cherished spiritual heritage of India. Your guided tour of India and Ganges River cruise begins in the bustling city of Delhi. You’ll tour the city with your expert Tour Director and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar—brimming with a wealth of treasures from silver and spices to saris of every color. You’ll visit Qutub Minar—the world’s largest brick minaret and see Delhi’s largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), before traveling to Agra—site of the legendary Taj Mahal. You’ll encounter more stunning sights with a sunset excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial built by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, where you’ll also have the opportunity to experience this iconic site at sunrise. You’ll continue to the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your cruise on the Ganges River—the holy river of Hinduism as it slowly courses through one of the world’s most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters where you’ll get a glimpse of life apart from India’s big cities. From fascinating muslin weaving in Nabadwip and pottery making in Guptipara, you’ll explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur and visit the stunning Hooghly Imambara upon your return to Kolkata. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of India with a Ganges River cruise.

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!

This combination of our popular faith-based vacations, “Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain” and “Spiritual Highlights of Italy,” is ideal to experience the most treasured shrines of Europe. Start your journey with the visit of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon; experience the peacefulness of the Fátima sanctuary, and the monumental stairway of the Bom Jesus du Monte Sanctuary in Braga. Continuing to Spain, take in the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela and of the Burgos Cathedral. Hear the story of St. Ignacio, founder of the Jesuit Order, in Loyola and Monresa, where he lived and worked. Take advantage of the opportunity to collect in prayer at the Marian Sanctuaries of Lourdes, France and Montserrat, Catalonia, before witnessing the lively beauty of Barcelona and flying to Rome, the center of Christianity. Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) and see Rome’s four major basilicas, along with the Holy Steps and the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Follow in the footsteps of the most celebrated Italian saints: St. Francis in his hometown, Assisi, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. Spend time at the Marian Sanctuary of Loreto and discover the hillside town of Cascia, St. Rita’s hometown. Mass will be celebrated at most shrines with many opportunities for reflection and prayer.

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.

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!

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!

Journey through America’s last great frontier to discover awe-inspiring beauty, inviting locals, and rich cultural heritage. Learn the art of gold panning from two local sisters in Fairbanks. Tour Fairbanks and see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline up close. Meet mushers and the dogs of the Trail Breaker Kennel. Travel the scenic Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali in a domed railcar. Head into Denali National Park on a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour. Experience small-town Alaskan life in Talkeetna. Meet new furry friends at Musk Ox Farm. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to delve into the region’s indigenous culture. Embark on a glacier cruise of Prince William Sound, narrated by an expert guide. This is Alaska – a land without parallel.

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 and Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge. 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; iconic Bayon Temple, famed for its serene stone faces; 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 consider an optional excursion to 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. 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!

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.

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.

Like the beautiful mosaics gracing the floors and walls of ancient Roman villas, we’ve brought together the most brilliant parts of Italy to create an impact with this visually stunning vacation. Hand selecting experiences from multiple regions of “the boot,” we’ve assembled an imaginative getaway with the brightest pieces of Rome, Florence, and Venice, plus the sultry Italian Riviera, the breezy Lake District, and the sunny coast of Campania. The pastel-tinted Cinque Terre fishing villages, the sparkling blue waters of Capri, and the lemon-tree-lined streets of Sorrento offer a vivid picture of Italy, while the pilgrimage destination of Assisi, the Roman ash preserved city of Pompeii, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa provide just the right accents. Traveling north, south, coastal, and inland, this multi-hued tour of Italy is a picture-perfect montage of memories. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome and Venice so you can plan your day your way.

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.

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.

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.

Love a good mystery? This 15-day vacation to Peru is the perfect escape to delve into the world’s most intriguing lost and found story. Featuring not one, but two days behind the misty gates of Machu Picchu, this below-the-equator tour takes you high into the Andes and deeper inside the Lost City of the Incas to unearth its centuries-old secrets. Navigating the cryptic maze of trails, temples, and terraces in the world’s most famous forgotten city is one for the memory books. Other great finds on this tantalizing tour of Peru? Up-close encounters with llamas, alpacas, and other Sacred Valley locals; vibrant, handwoven textiles in the former Inca Empire capital of Cusco; bold, multicultural cuisine in the foodie capital of Lima; and a warm welcome inside a traditional family home for an authentic taste of Peruvian hospitality. There’s more wonder to discover beneath the Andes and within the wilderness of the Peruvian Amazon. Canopy walks, canoe rides, and higher speed motorboat jaunts offer varying perspectives of the macaws, monkeys, and a myriad of other rainforest creatures you’ll discover when you start your tour of Peru in the Amazon. Craving a deeper Peruvian experience? Add the Colca Canyon and Arequipa to your Peru vacation. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. Enjoy the spectacular views below while the giant condor soars above. A visit to the “White City” of Arequipa, built from white volcanic rock, promises more dramatic views.

On this Peru tour, delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you overnight in Peru's Amazon, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. Along the way, visit ancient ruins, witness amazing scenery, experience the fascinating Amazon, and enjoy guided sightseeing of Peru's interesting cities. History comes alive on this tour through Peru. Imagine what life was like in the 15th century as you tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, where you'll see this famous Inca complex set in a majestic setting. More history awaits at Ollantaytambo, the archaeological site of the Incas’ resistance during the Spanish conquest, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress with some of the best examples of Inca masonry. Also enjoy guided sightseeing in Cusco. On this Peru tour, also learn about the local culture. At Lake Titicaca, you'll visit Taquile Island, where you'll see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll learn how the Uros people construct their islands from totora reed. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo, visit with locals in their homes for insight into their way of life. Spend time at the famous market in Pisaq and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture. But that's not all…you'll also spend time in the Amazon, where you'll enjoy canoe rides and walks in search of the thriving flora and fauna. Accompanied by knowledgeable Naturalists, you'll appreciate the Amazon both during the day and at night. Time at the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, lets you witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs. All of this—and more—await you on this Peru tour designed for value-minded, savvy travel lovers!

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 and Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge. 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; iconic Bayon Temple, famed for its serene stone faces; 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 consider an optional excursion to 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. 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!

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!

Sky-piercing peaks. Glistening Glaciers. Whale tails and wildlife trails. Follow your adventurous side north to Alaska where natural wonders never cease—from North America’s highest peak presiding over six million acres of wilderness glory in Denali National Park; to travel by rail aboard Alaska Railroad through untamed wilderness en route to Talkeetna; and by ship to glide through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Make new best friends with sled dogs and fjord every dream along the waters of ancient ice and age-old forests. Sharpen your instincts to spot fantastic beasts like whales, eagles, caribou, moose, and bears. Add a leisurely cruise through the breathtaking Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage with Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Follow the rush of gold prospectors hitting their first strike and get a rush of your own in North America’s last frontier where natural wonders, Native history, and never-ending discoveries never cease to amaze on this Alaska vacation with Inside Passage cruise!

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey remarked the locals in Sydney, “You’re so darned friendly, you must go to friendly class!” But you don’t need to be a celebrity to get the star treatment and warm welcome of Aussies. Experience the meaning of “G’day, mate!” on this 16-day Globus Independent Australia & New Zealand 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 available throughout your stay (in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Queenstown) to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and to help you make the most of your trip. This Globus Independent tour packs plenty of free time to explore, relax, and discover on your own. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive. 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 tour 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 in Sydney 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, you can 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 big 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. After seeing the highlights of Australia, fly over the “ditch” to Queenstown, New Zealand, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” We’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound, which boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Continue to Rotorua where you’ll visit the Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and Te Puia to explore a geothermal wonderland. End your vacation in vibrant Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Globus Independent tour in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time, me time, and optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!