Turkey is a unique country with a unique identity straddling both Europe and Asia. Your 8-day Turkish Escape starts in Istanbul, a city of great diversity and a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little has changed for centuries. During its 3,000 years of turbulent history, it has been home to the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and the Turks themselves- all leaving their marks. Highlights of your sightseeing are inside visits to the 6th century Hagia Sophia, the largest ever church and for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth and to the amazing Topkapi Palace which was the seat of the government of one of the greatest Empire of the Medieval age. Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of healing; and Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments. Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Strait and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavors. This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and atmosphere, the mysterious East with the familiar West.

Make your escape with an off-season Welsh vacation to discover the beauty and history of The Land of Castles on this Globus Escapes tour of Wales. Begin with a stay in London before departing for the green landscapes of England’s countryside, visiting Stonehenge and Bath en route to Wales. Spend two nights in Cardiff, with plenty to see around Welsh capital city, including fascinating St. Fagans National Museum of History and fairytale Cardiff Castle. On the way to North Wales, drive through beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and stop in the pretty towns of Brecon and Builth Wells. Meet locals who have a strong culture and heritage and still speak a Celtic language natively. Enjoy time in Llangollen where you might wish to take a stroll along the Victoria Promenade. Overnight in Wrexham, whose football club was bought by two Hollywood stars and was featured in the award-winning TV series, 'Welcome to Wrexham'. You’ll travel through Snowdonia National Park via Betws-y-Coed and on to Caernarfon, famous for its enormous medieval castle and have some time to spend in its vibrant shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. En route to England’s Manchester, stop in Chester and take photos of its 16th-century Tudor buildings traditionally constructed from oak with the timbers stained with black tar. Spend the last night of your escorted tour in Manchester to gather with your traveling companions and raise a glass to this Welsh adventure. Your Globus Escapes tour through the beauty and history of Wales is made even better without the crowds and costs of the high season!

Escape to the beauty and history of the “Emerald Isle” on your guided tour of Ireland. Enjoy your getaway into the green valleys and sweeping seashores without the large crowds or costs of the “busy” travel season. You’ll begin in the fair city of Dublin. Admire statue-lined O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare, and elegant Georgian squares with their red-brick townhouses and colorful doors behind the wrought-iron fences. You’ll also see Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral along the way. Leave the bustle of Dublin for the green landscapes of Ireland’s countryside, and visit Rathbaun Farm. You’ll learn about Ireland’s sheep-farming practices, and try your hand at scone baking in the farmhouse kitchen. You’ll travel on to western Ireland’s colorful harbor city of Galway, with its vibrant shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. On your way to Northern Ireland, pass through Westport, Donegal, and Letterkenny. Then, enjoy a guided walk on Derry’s Old Town walls, and visit the amazing natural formation of the Giant’s Causeway—massive interlocking basalt columns that dramatically extend across the seashore. Spend two nights in Belfast, with plenty to see in Northern Ireland’s capital city, including the fascinating Titanic Experience. On your way back to Dublin, stop in Carlingford. This Cooley Peninsula town is famous for its oyster farms, medieval buildings, and 12th-century King John’s Castle overlooking the city. Spend the last night of your escorted tour of Ireland where you began, in Dublin. You’ll see why this escape through Ireland’s beauty and history is made even better without the crowds of the high season on your affordable, guided Ireland vacation.

The mysteries of the Sphinx await on this off-season vacation in Egypt! Enjoy an escorted vacation in Cairo and Alexandria. Visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and marvel at the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza—the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit the 4th-century Mediterranean harbor founded by Alexander the Great in Alexandria. Guided sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shogafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the lush Montazah Gardens. Travel through the El Beheira desert en route to Wadi el Natrun to visit the Coptic Monastery. This 6-day guided vacation in Egypt is even better with fewer crowds and more savings during off-season—a wondrous escape to be sure!

On this guided vacation of Central Europe, experience the rich history and most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. This Central Europe escorted tour is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire offering romantic castles, churches, villas and modern architecture, vineyards, breweries, first-class shopping, art, and culinary delights. Both vibrant and relaxing, your adventure begins in magical Budapest, and combines another two of Central Europe’s most popular cities: Vienna and Prague. Enjoy sightseeing of the must-see sights with a Local Guide in all cities: in Budapest, enjoy the treasures of the city with a panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion and admire the 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs; in Vienna, among the many sights you will see, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna; and in Prague, visit the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, the largest castle complex in the world. Marvel at the Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and once the envy of all Europe. From the exciting cities and historical sights to the special experiences, this Central Europe escorted vacation has something for everyone, including a low-season price that you won’t want to miss! Let Globus handle the details while you sit back, relax, and enjoy this amazing Imperial Escape!

Escape to the lush landscapes, charming cities, and friendly people of Ireland during the low season so you can experience it all without the crowds and, most importantly, without the high-season prices. This Ireland tour is an ideal introduction to the Emerald Isle for first-time visitors who have limited time. You’ll relish in some of Ireland’s most magnificent scenery as well as its most famous towns. You’ll start and end in Dublin, and you’ll also have overnights in Ennis, Killarney, and Waterford. Highlights of this tour include the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast, where you’ll savor breathtaking views of these sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean, and the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive through rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes. Words cannot capture the magnificence of this natural beauty; it must be witnessed in person! You’ll also have time to enjoy bustling Dublin, the “Fair City”; Adare with its pretty thatched cottages; medieval Waterford, home to the famous crystal; and Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s prettiest and liveliest cities. From the scenic beauty to the unique interactions and experiences with the down-to-earth locals, this Ireland tour is sure to delight all of your senses, and at a price you just can’t miss!

Your off-season guided tour of Jordan begins in the capital city of Amman and concludes at the Dead Sea—one of the lowest spots on Earth. Marvel at Jordan’s many fascinating sites, but without the crowds or prices of the busy season! Visit Amman—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities with a history spanning nine millennia—to see the Roman amphitheater and Jerash, a well-preserved Greco-Roman city buried for centuries under desert sands. Enjoy a guided sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Walk down the Siq, a narrow gorge with spectacular colors between its high cliffs, and stand in awe of the famed Treasury site, carved out of the sheer sandstone cliff in the 1st century BC. Sip tea in a real Bedouin tent—a tradition of the semi-nomadic Bedouin people still inhabiting this region. Take an adventure on a four-wheel drive in the desert of Wadi Rum, virtually untouched by humanity with its incredible landscape, monolithic rockscapes, and centuries-old paintings spread on the rocky outcrops. You'll also visit Kerak, and its 12th-century Crusader Castle; Wadi Mujib, the "Jordanian Grand Canyon;" Madaba with its archaeological museum and St. George’s Church, home to a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land; Mount Nebo, the holy site where Moses saw the Promised Land; Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Christians believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; and the Dead Sea. All of this, minus the crowds and cost of high season, awaits you on this one-week guided tour of Jordan!

If two heads are better than one, this Globus Independent City Stay in Rome and Florence doubles the fun with two Italian capitals. Double “La Dolce Vita” and double the I-Time to see the landmarks of these magnificent cities. Take the time you crave to explore the Eternal City with its ancient sites and breathtaking monuments. Then, be whisked by high-speed train to Florence, a treasure trove of fine art, magnificent palaces, and elegant squares. Indulge your senses with the many local specialties that can only be found in the capital city of Tuscany!

Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights. Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.

Experience the passion of Italy with a Globus Escape…without the crowds or high-season prices. You’ve heard about Italy—its mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, and remarkable architecture—now it’s your turn to experience it all! On this Italy escorted tour, get a taste of what the country has to offer and explore its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Have your camera ready as you discover the historical sights of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling paintings. Also visit the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater used for deadly gladiator contests. Take a step back in time as you get up close to ancient buildings and ruins to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. Enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Assisi, and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, before arriving in Florence, known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and often referred to as the art capital of Italy. Here, enjoy a light lunch and a guided walking tour that includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Spend time shopping for local Florentine goods. In Pisa, marvel at the spectacular Square of Miracles with its world-famous Leaning Tower. In romantic Venice, a private boat ride awaits. Visit the must-see sights, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also have time to explore the maze of streets and discover their hidden treasures. Or relax at an outdoor café in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot. Throughout this Italy escorted tour, Globus has arranged VIP access, so rather than waiting in long lines, you’ll get right to the front at all the famous attractions. This gives you more time to experience the sights and more time to taste Italy’s sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous Italian guided vacation at a price that’s as enticing as a glass of wine and tiramisù!

Three coins in a fountain? How about three fantastic Italian cities in one week? Come to Italy with triple the tastes and traditions in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Explore by bike, boat, and tastebuds on this Independent City Stay in Italy’s most loved destinations. See the ancient sites of the Eternal City; fall in love with the romance of Venice; and indulge the senses with la dolce vita in Florence.

Visit some of Italy’s most iconic, romantic, and stunning locations on this escorted tour of Italy: from legendary Venice to Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. With fewer crowds and lower pricing, you’ll enjoy your time in Italy even more. What better way to start your Escape than with a delicious welcome dinner in Venice? Your Venetian experience also includes a private boat ride, a guided walking tour; a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also witness the age-old tradition of glassblowing performed by a local artisan. Travel to Pisa—home of the famous Leaning Tower—before continuing on to Florence, considered to be the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Florence is an art-lovers dream, and your sightseeing highlights include Michelangelo’s David statue in the Academy of Fine Arts. You’ll also travel to Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis—named after the saint who sought the virtues of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and best known for his love of God’s creatures. Spend two nights in Rome where your Local Guide takes you to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. You’ll visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica—with the artist’s marble-sculpted masterpiece, La Pietà. Drive to the Imperial Roman Forum area to visit the Colosseum—ancient arena of the gladiators. Journey along the Highway of the Sun to Pompeii—the legendary city both destroyed and preserved by erupting Mount Vesuvius. Get a sense of life during Rome’s ruling era with your expert Local Guide, then, continue to Sorrento for two nights. You’ll enjoy a full day of leisure in this charming bayside resort. Your Tour Director will share suggestions for spending free time in Sorrento. This is one Italy vacation you’ll remember not for the crowds, but for the ease of discovering these beautiful cities and sites of Bella Italia and Sorrento!

This touching tour of Normandy is ideal for history buffs and World War II aficionados eager to personally explore the sacred sites of Operation Overlord, the codename for the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. On this stirring tour, you’ll see where more than 150,000 mostly American, British, and Canadian troops stormed 50 miles of fiercely defended coastline, securing an Allied victory, and gaining a foothold in the fight against Nazi Germany. Your expert Tour Director will lead you to the many significant sites of that fateful day, including the cliffs scaled by troops at Pointe du Hoc as well as the assault shores of Utah, Juno, and Omaha Beach. You’ll have time to explore the moving memorials and museums of each site, including the emotive American Military Cemetery and Memorial. Start and end this incredible journey in magnificent Paris.

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!”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.