Fancy seeing the very best of Ireland and Scotland in 9 days? This is the vacation for you, starting with 4 days in Ireland taking in the lively capitals of Dublin and Belfast, with plenty of scenic action in between. Learn the art of scone baking and sheep herding at a typical Irish farm visit that will be a memory that will never fade and visit the ultimate Titanic experience to understand fully why the ship holds such an iconic place in history. The Celtic connection sails across the seas to Scotland with visits to castles in Inveraray, Stirling and Edinburgh, a whisky distillery and even a remote village community that supplied roof slate to thousands of houses. Along the way the scenery will astound you as you glide through lochs and glens to the capital of Edinburgh, known as “Auld Reekie” from days gone by when the city was filled with smoke from coal and wood fires. This trip will warm the cockles of your Celtic heart!

Experience the majesty of the Colorado Rockies, three national parks and two historic trains that celebrate the can-do spirit of the Old West. Marvel at the steep, dramatic majesty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Journey aboard the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9-mile trip to the top of Pike’s Peak. Climb aboard an 1881 steam train for a journey through the San Juan Mountains. Drive through the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO). Enjoy an authentic farm-to-table dinner on a 450-acre, family-owned ranch. From towering peaks to deep canyons and Old West towns to dynamic cities, a region of contrasting beauty and charm awaits.

This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, delicious cuisine, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more! In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes in the mountains near Chiang Rai. The perfect conclusion to your Thailand experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. Your trip to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

This tour of the Canadian Maritimes and Cape Breton has cooked up plenty of unique experiences in this picturesque part of the world. Get your camera ready for Canada’s most photographed lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove, your windbreaker zipped for the highest and widest tides at Hopewell Rocks, and your taste buds ready for a traditional fish cake breakfast, sugar camp lunch, and fresh lobster dinner. Visit the world of a red-headed girl in a straw hat and braids to meet one of Canada’s most loved fictional characters, Anne of Green Gables. Throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, tiny fishing villages, giant whales, and the grandest of scenery will be calling your name, as will Cape Breton’s historic Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Hello, coastal Canada!

Love a good mystery? This 8-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.

From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Western Mediterranean Coast, designed by a team of Tour Directors, features vibrant cities, historic sites, and amazing scenery. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Venice, and Rome, and experience the stunning Cinque Terre, named after its five medieval fishing villages by the sea. This area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea and for its breathtaking views. Spend time on glamorous French Riviera, where you have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze. Plus, enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you drive through the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, Cassis and iconic cities like Verona and Barcelona! Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your city tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rome. See Rome’s iconic landmarks on the guided orientation tour, such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. Get a taste of Venice with a boat ride to world-famous St. Mark's Square. In Assisi, marvel at St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint and home to beautiful medieval frescos by Giotto. This tour to Spain, France, and Italy is perfectly planned for value-minded travel lovers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.

“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 Independent 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!

On this Best of Britain & Ireland tour, see Britain’s and Ireland’s highlights—from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the breathtaking scenery to the ancient ruins. Traveling through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, begin and end in London and pass through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. On this Britain and Ireland tour, stop in some historic towns and cities, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; York, England's most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare; Chester, where a walking tour highlights its Roman remains and black and white half-timbered buildings; Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages; and Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago. Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes. Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park. All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant vacation in Briain and Ireland!

Blue skies—nothin’ but blue skies. Oh, and blue roofs, blue windows, and the bluest sea you will ever see. “Blue” days simply take on a different meaning in the sunny Cyclades. Here, witnessing the striking contrast of whitewashed walls cascading toward the deep azure sea stirs feelings of pure joy. On this tour of Athens and the Greek Isles, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Three nights on each allows for guided sightseeing plus plenty of time to enjoy the scenery—and the scene—as you please. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, and join the “who’s who” of celebrities, yachties, and foodies indulging in the extraordinary beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos.

Delve into Ireland and its past on this tour, which mixes in plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights among the tried-and-true favorites.

Journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque cities as you experience three Alpine countries. Spend four nights each in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bern and the charming Alpine city of Innsbruck. Get a taste of Switzerland when you meet a local alphorn maker and yodelers and enjoy a fondue lunch. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Visit Mozart's birthplace and the Mirabell Gardens, featured in The Sound of Music, during your time in Salzburg. The hills are alive on this enchanting journey across Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria.

This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch during an informative presentation. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, heritage, or both, this moving tour of Poland and Eastern Germany traces the steps of army officers, privates, and prisoners, but also of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents through some of the most notable sites of World War II. From Warsaw to Munich, you’ll visit significant wartime cities, concentration camps, and memorials, hearing the touching stories of unwavering courage, resilience, and heroism along the way. The Oskar Schindler Factory made famous in the movie Schindler’s List, the courthouse of the Nuremberg Trials, and the former concentration camps of Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Dachau, highlight the tragedies of the deadliest war in history. Visits to Dresden, Berlin, Weimar, and Nuremberg, get you up close to the beautiful cities once fiercely destroyed and painstakingly restored.

See the most-beloved attractions of two countries at a lively pace. Feast in a medieval castle, cruise Loch Ness, take a jaunting car ride, watch sheepdogs on a farm.

Discover the untamed nature and rich cultural heritage of Ireland’s western coast, with its spectacular ocean vistas, enchanting towns, and craftsmanship deeply rooted in tradition.

Embark on a captivating journey that takes you from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Discover the rolling hills of the scenic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. Explore medieval hill towns and visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence. See glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in iconic Venice for 2 nights. Pause in lovers' Verona. Journey to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. Encounter a land rich in history, culture, art and romance.

This is Maine, where rocky shores, infinite nature, and endless lobster forge a coastal New England classic. Dig in to local delicacies with an oyster shucking demonstration and tasting. Immerse yourself in dramatic nature at Acadia National Park. See how lobster traps are retrieved from the ocean. Admire the picturesque Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Enjoy free time in the vibrant city of Portland. Towering mountains, delectable cuisine, and bustling harbors await you in this maritime treasure.

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.

From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.

From the iconic tigers of Ranthambore to the legendary Taj Mahal, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color. Explore Old Delhi on an exhilarating city tour, weaving through the streets on a rickshaw. Join a local family for an unforgettable home-hosted dinner. Walk on the wild side in Ranthambore National Park and seek out its most popular residents: Bengal tigers. Stand in awe before the Taj Mahal in the early morning. Ignite your spirit during the holy Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi. Welcome to India - a perfect synthesis of nature, vitality, spirituality, and regal legacy.

Take a delightful trip through the heart of Appalachia, discovering the equestrian culture of Kentucky, the pioneer spirit of Tennessee, and the mountainous beauty of North Carolina. Get a taste of Bourbon, baseball, and Thoroughbreds in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest as you make your way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From your home base of Gatlinburg, explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travel on to Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoy the city’s historic architecture, engaging neighborhoods and robust arts districts. Tour the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s "little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you leave, you’ll have the warmth and charm of southern Appalachia still in your heart.

Meet us for a rendez-vous to revel in the rues of Paris, the riverside where Jules Verne dreamed of deeper waters, and the royal chateau where cognac flows. Make a French connection from the City of Light to the dappled vineyards of Bordeaux. Break away from the ordinary with dreamy days in Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera in Nice. Try your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo and get the royal treatment in Monaco with 11 fantastic days in France. From cathedral halls to fortress walls; from Medieval treasures to Mediterranean pleasures, this vacation in France is a rendez-vous you won’t want to miss.

Oh, say can you see the nation’s birthplace, capital, and significant battlefields from your easy chair? Of course not! Pack up your patriotism and head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, and presidential estates of the historic East. America’s greatest chapters in history come to life as you stroll down the quaint streets of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, march in the steps of American Revolution and Civil War soldiers, and stand inside the remarkable Palladian walls of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Prepare to be moved as this East Coast vacation leads you to the marbled memorials of D.C., the sacred site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, and the symbolic Liberty Bell in the City of Brotherly Love. Combining national treasures with small town gems – plus a visit to see the wonder and expansive views of Shenandoah National Park – this vacation through America’s historic East promises discovery and wonder for all.

From historic sites to beautiful scenery, enjoy the great cities of the Northeast and Canada on this exciting eastern Canada and U.S. tour. Your tour begins and ends in New York City with overnights in Boston, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. You’ll enjoy guided sightseeing of the must-see sights in each of the cities, such as New York City’s Rockefeller Center; Boston’s Freedom Trail; Québec City’s Palace Royale, the historic square known as the birthplace of French America; Montréal’s 19th-century Notre Dame Church; Ottawa’s Parliament Hill; Toronto’s iconic, 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower; Washington DC’s most famous landmarks; and in Pennsylvania Dutch country, learn about the history of the Amish community—including their faith, culture, and way of life without the use of telephones or electricity in the home—at the Amish Farm & House. Scenic drives also await you on this eastern Canada & U.S. tour. Travel through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern U.S. In Canada, travel along the lakeshore and through the rich farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to Niagara Falls. In Niagara Falls, enjoy a cruise to hear the roar and view the falls up-close at the base of the falls. It is nothing short of spectacular! You’ll also enjoy a cruise in Thousand Islands National Park, where you’ll pass opulent summer homes, wooded islands, and lush landscapes. Vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning scenery…this Eastern U.S. & Canada tour features all of this and more!

Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll travel to the major cities along Route 66, visit Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun! Visit Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which features memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. In Springfield, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and in St. Louis, witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. In Elk City, Oklahoma, stop at the National Route 66 Museum where antique cars and historic documents help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. See more classic cars and memorabilia at Russell’s Car Museum in New Mexico. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Then deviate from Route 66 to see the breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas. Before arriving at the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, visit the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, which displays memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus and the 1917 Model T Ford. These are just some of the many highlights of this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travelers. So, sit back, relax, and let Cosmos handle the driving and details while you enjoy the ride!