Set your sights higher than the Museum of Flight or the redwoods for lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and ice-smothered volcanoes – just the opening scenes of this west side story. From Seattle to Portland and all the way to the Golden Gate of San Francisco, the dramatic views of both city and seaside astound on this nine-day Pacific Coast vacation. While Oregon’s fabled lighthouses cast their beams to reveal the wonder of the West, your Tour Director will shed light on what makes this side of the country so uniquely spectacular – from its waterfalls to its fresh catches of the day. If the Seattle coffee scene doesn’t wake you up, a dune buggy ride along the Oregon coast, a jet boat ride across the wild Rogue River, and a journey down Redwood National Park’s Avenue of Giants certainly will.

While you let your body float effortlessly in the seemingly magical waters of the Dead Sea, it’s your heart that will soar on this religious tour of Israel. The stories of Scripture don’t just come to life on this spiritual journey through the Holy Land – they truly jump off the page. See the location where Jesus was born, the field where the angels announced his birth, and the sites of some of the most repeated stories of the New Testament – including where Jesus walked on water, recruited four of his apostles, calmed the storm, and fed the multitude. From visiting the site of the first miracle in Cana to seeing the room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion, this religious journey will fuel your faith and feed your soul.

Experience life in the fast and slow lanes as you venture to where the automobile was born and where it’s been banned since 1898. This tour of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes gets your engines revving with a visit to Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum to explore where past innovations have fueled the imagination of today’s innovations. Switch gears as you board a ferry for Mackinac Island, the Jewel of the Great Lakes and one of the nation’s most popular summer resorts. With horse-drawn carriages and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, you’ll have no choice but to fuel up on lunch at the famous Grand Hotel, military history at the restored Fort Mackinac, and the decadent fudge the charming island is known for. Other sweet detours include the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, the coastal resort of Petoskey, and the faster-paced cities of Grand Rapids and Chicago.

All roads may lead to Rome, but we know the scenic avenues to reach all the enchanting cities on your Italy bucket list. That serene passageway in Assisi, that chic leather boutique in Florence, that off-the-beaten-path bridge in Venice—we know the way! We’ve mapped out the iconic experiences of Italy, leading you through the historic streets and piazzas of the “Eternal City,” the vine and olive-clad hills of Tuscany, and the romantic canals of the “Floating City” so you can experience the art, architecture, vino, and espresso you’ve long imagined. On this dreamy tour of Italy’s great cities, stroll through the medieval-walled city of Siena, ponder the curious tilt at the Tower of Pisa, and happily lean into the delicious plates of pasta, pizza, and pastries along the way.

“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!

You’ve been looking for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen in all the wrong places. Pack your binoculars for Norway’s natural wonders, including its scenic Hardangervidda mountain plateau, home to Northern Europe’s largest stock of reindeer. Of course, this gorgeous expanse of land and its antlered residents aren’t the only gifts Norway bestows upon its guests—extraordinary fjords, serene lakes, gleaming glaciers, and thundering waterfalls are all part of the bow-topped package, and this breathtaking tour of Norway presents the most spectacular ways to see them. Cross the orchard-lined Hardangerfjord by ferry, witness the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord aboard a relaxing cruise, and revel in the spectacular Nordfjord views aboard the Loen Skylift, Norway’s newest aerial tramway. Beginning and ending in Oslo, this encompassing tour of Norway balances the country’s charming, timeless villages with the surprising architecture and energy of its capital city.

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.

Sugar, cream, or clouds in your coffee? On this majestic tour of the Canadian Rockies, you can relish all three. A sunny gondola ride to breakfast atop Banff’s Sulphur Mountain, a private breakfast at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and a special dinner inside the original greenhouse at Victoria’s lush Butchart Gardens are just some of the ways to devour the elevating scenery on this vacation through Alberta and British Columbia. Bold and breathtaking views are served from Vancouver to Calgary as you savor cooling breezes of Sun Peaks, the glacial wonder of the Columbia Icefield, the alluring blue hue of Lake Louise, and the magnificent canyons and gorges of Jasper National Park. A panoramic cruise along the crystal waters of Maligne Lake to remote Spirit Island – one of Canada’s most cherished and photographed places – is everyone’s favorite course on this journey through Western Canada.

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

Mornin’ sunshine! Not only are the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador the first to see the sunrise in North America, they’re also lucky enough to see floating icebergs, spouting whales, and plunging puffins on a regular basis. Pack your shades for the quaint lighthouses, rainbow- colored houses, and other bright sights this tour of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Witness the exceptional beauty and unique geological features of Gros Morne National Park, walk in the footsteps of Vikings at L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site Red Bay, and immerse yourself in the life of a 16th-century whaler at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. A ferry crossing between Newfoundland and Labrador – plus a scenic cruise around the wondrous Witless Bay Islands – offer additional vantage points of this windswept, wondrous land. Don’t forget to toast the stunning sunset with a local iceberg beer or a shot of Screech.

Originally chanted at the toreros during bullfights, “Olé!” is now a term used to congratulate anyone’s exceptional performance in sunny and live-in-the-moment Spain. Prepare for those two happy syllables to roll off your tongue as you discover the past and modern-day feats of everyone from artists and architects to chefs and winemakers throughout this lively tour of Spain. Our most in-depth look at the land of the nonstop fiesta, this 14-day tour leads you from city to city and coast to coast for Picasso and paella, fortresses and flamenco, and Gaudi and the great Rioja wines. Equally satisfying is seeing the legendary backdrops used for some of classic literature’s finest prose—from Granada’s Moorish Alhambra complex to Pamplona’s famous Calle Estafeta, the famous street where the annual “running of the bulls” takes place. Olé!

If you didn’t cruise through North American history as a student, now’s the perfect chance. This enlightening tour through the great cities of New England and Eastern Canada – including a 7-night cruise – is the ultimate hands-on field trip. Explore the revolutionary city of Boston, the exhilarating White Mountains of New Hampshire, and an idyllic maple syrup farm in Stowe, Vermont before the sweet experience of cruising through Eastern Canada’s most scenic cities, straits, and sounds. Sail through the greatest chapters of the past aboard a Holland America cruise ship, including the lighthouse-lined St. Lawrence River, the French-infused cities of Montréal and Québec, the green and Gaelic Cape Breton Island, and the pleasing provincial capital cities of Charlottetown and Halifax where walkable Victorian streets await. Cruising through centuries of history, this East Coast tour perfectly balances learning and laughter with one last recess at Bar Harbor, Maine’s oldest summer resort.

Bratwurst and beer, castles and cathedrals, and centuries of history and skilled craftspeople. The time has come to pack your lederhosen for the wonderful views and brews of Germany. From world-class cities to half-timbered towns and romantic river valleys to fairytale forests, we’ve compiled the country’s highlights for the ultimate Germany vacation. This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts.

Get outward-bound on an 8-day adventure in the Rocky Mountains. How will you indulge your inner mountaineer? Rafting on a river with a big smile on your face or riding on a chairlift in Big Sky country? Mixing up herbs like a medicine man or mixing with the locals for local beers? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you decide how to set your spirit free. Why This Trip Rocks Our World: •An amazing adventure into the wild places of America’s northwest National Parks. •Rocky Mountain highs and breathtaking sighs under Montana skies. •Included YourChoice Excursions in Big Sky and Whitefish. •Altitude adjustment!

Are you a little bit country? A little bit rock ‘n’ roll? Then 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 and 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. Jump, jive, and wail through the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the blues and beignets. You’ll also face the music as you follow the path of the Mississippi River to the famed Delta Blues Museum, the B.B. King Museum, and Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Both a musical and southern heritage tour, this vacation through the Deep South leads you to elegant antebellum mansions, historic cotton plantations, and the not-so-soft sounds of country, rock, and rhythm and blues.

They say you can’t stop time. Prague is intricate and theatrical Astronomical Clock, striking every hour for the past 600 years, is ticking proof. Yet when you travel to the “City of a Hundred Spires” as well as the beguiling cities of Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, and Vienna on this six-country tour of Eastern Europe, it can also feel like time has stood still. Centuries-old palaces, castles, and cathedrals transport you to another era, as do beautifully reconstructed war-damaged cities. Tracing the steps of kings, queens, emperors, presidents, generals, soldiers, and prisoners, history buffs will relish revisiting the most gripping chapters of the past. In addition, with a whole day at leisure in harmonious Vienna and a private Chopin concert in the maestro’s hometown of architecturally alluring Warsaw, music lovers will be equally elated.

Whoever said “Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows” never visited the enchanting state of New Mexico or attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Artists, writers, and poets have long been inspired by the hues of hot pinks, deep purples, and flaming oranges that dance daily across the mystical southwestern sky. But for one week in October, chasing rainbows becomes even easier as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may be the largest balloon event in the world, yet its Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other beloved rituals aren’t the only highlights on this vibrant New Mexico vacation. Visits to artsy Santa Fe, and the pilgrimage Miracle Stairway are equally uplifting. Want more tamales? More turquoise? More peppers? More pottery? Who doesn’t?! Extend your New Mexico vacation with two extra days in sunbaked Santa Fe and linger a little longer in the cafés, galleries, missions, and museums this is adobe haven is known for.

The mining boom may have been more than a century ago, but it’s never too late to strike gold in America’s West. Filled with dazzling nuggets of wonder, this National Parks vacation takes you deep into the golden wilderness of untamed South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Back-to-back visits to some of the country’s most renowned national parks bring you face-to-face with the monumental sculptures of Mount Rushmore, the explosive geysers of Yellowstone National Park, and the towering spires of Grand Teton National Park. Plus, visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and the gold rush towns of Cody, Jackson, and Deadwood shed light on some of the 19th century’s most famous battles and barroom brawls. After meeting herds of elk, bison, and other area locals, city slickers can get their fix with a visit to lively Salt Lake City.

No rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, or four-leaf clover can bring the good fortune that awaits on this grand and mostly undiscovered vacation to Ireland. On our most in-depth tour of this rolling green paradise, you’ll experience the luck of the Irish at every scenic turn. Making a full loop around the Emerald Isle—including Northern Ireland—you’ll see the cliffs, castles, and thatched-roof countryside Eire is known for as well as its coastal ports, medieval villages, and soulful cities. Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience where the ill-fated ship was built, and soak in the atmosphere in the lively pubs of Dublin where Irish history is still the topic du jour. Your stroke of luck continues as you stop to bake scones at a quaint Irish farm, take a private boat to beautiful Garinish Island, and meet the legendary crystal makers in Waterford. The fun that awaits is crystal clear.

Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders: glaciers, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. On this escorted tour of Iceland start and end in Reykjavik and witness these natural wonders while enjoying fun and unique experiences. Globus has included some spectacular experiences to make your Iceland vacation special. In Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk through the rift valley that marks the separation between two of the world’s major tectonic plates. In Geysir, experience the geothermal areas and taste freshly baked bread, cooked using the heat from the hot springs. Pair it with a glass of Geysir schnapps. Another unique and unforgettable experience Globus offers is a boat cruise to see whales in their natural habitat. Marvel at the Gullfoss waterfall; drive through the national park at Skaftafell; stop at Lake Jökulsárlón, where some of the most spectacular scenes of the James Bond movie Die Another Day were filmed. Join us to experience the exquisite natural beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Iceland you’ll treasure forever.

Peaks. Glaciers. Whales. Wildlife. You couldn’t see more of the great state of Alaska in one week if you were an Iditarod sled dog. Your route on this tour of Alaska takes you by coach to see the highest peak in North America at the 6-million-acre Denali National Park; by train to see the untamed wilderness en route to the unique town of Talkeetna; and by ship to cruise through the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park to hear the thunderous roar of glaciers calving into the sea. You’ll also see a mushing demonstration at the home of an Iditarod champion and stop at the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse for an Alaskan treat. A sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks, a breathtaking drive along the shore of Turnagain Arm, and a wilderness expedition to sniff out bears, caribou, and moose in Denali National Park will also get your tails wagging.

Let the sun and games begin on this lively land and cruise tour to Classical Greece, ancient Turkey, and the breezy Greek Isles. After following in the footsteps of profound philosophers and legendary Olympians, your mind and body will set sail from Athens for three triumphant nights on the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Trade the discus throw for dancing and the chariot games for a chair by the pool as you peacefully float to the glamourous island of Mykonos; the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus; the pilgrimage site of Patmos; the Bronze Age settlement of Knossos; and the dreamy, whitewashed isle of Santorini (weather permitting). With brilliant sights and sunsets on the itinerary from the mainland to Crete, you’re destined to bring home the golden this winning tour of Greece.

Colombia is a country filled with diversity: from green hills, waterfalls, ravines, rainforest, volcanoes, and deserts to white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on the Caribbean coast. The biodiversity haven boasts exotic fauna and flora, the world’s highest palm trees, and some of the best coffee. Discover its extraordinary culture as you learn about ancient civilizations and the country’s mystic past. Appreciate cities’ historical architecture that creates a colonial and vibrant charm or explore the dreamy little villages that are nestled in the mountains and that are just as photogenic.

Who says you have to cross the Atlantic to dive into European culture? Croissant-scented cobblestone avenues are much closer than you think. Follow your nose to the café-lined promenades of Québec City, your ears to the music-filled streets of Montréal, and your eyes to the sweeping views of the Gaspé Peninsula on this eleven-day tour of French Canada. Along the way, say bonjour to tiny fishing villages, giant beluga whales, and the grandest of views as you cruise around the imposing Percé Rock and the sensational Saguenay Fjord. From the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the gulf, your taste of the Old World awaits. Sip strawberry wine made from the fields by the sea, savor a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, and visit a family-owned fromagerie in the rolling-hill region of Charlevoix. On this flavorful vacation to French Canada, you’ll say “cheese” in more ways than one.

Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.