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.

Canada’s spectacular national parks and scenic drives highlight this wonderful Canadian Rockies tour that overnights in Vancouver, Kelowna, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Sun Peaks, Whistler, and Victoria. You’ll spend time in Banff National Park—Canada’s first national park—with its valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and meadows, and Jasper National Park, with its majestic mountains and abundant wildlife. Other Canadian national parks on this tour include Glacier National Park, with its rugged mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, and Yoho National Park, with its vertical rock walls, waterfalls, and beautiful peaks. In addition to national parks, you’ll also visit some of Canada’s most popular resort towns, such as Kelowna, attractively set on the shores of Lake Okanagan and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. And the mountain resort of Sun Peaks, where you’ll overnight after a beautiful drive that includes passing Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain at 12,972 feet. Spend two nights in the alpine town of Whistler, surrounded by stunning glaciated mountains. Here you can hike, explore the village, or take an optional excursion, like flightseeing by floatplane for awe-inspiring views. A tour highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies where you’ll ride the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice that is 750 feet thick! You’ll also journey to the Pacific Coast, where you’ll sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria for two overnights. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour, and a visit to Butchart Gardens, rated as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, and then have free time to discover some of Victoria’s most popular attractions like having high tea at the Empress Hotel or taking an optional Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition. For the value-minded traveler, this tour exploring the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable vacation not to be missed!

Unpack once and Dublin will be your home base for discovering Ireland’s fun side, including plenty of music and ventures to Ireland’s sporting world.

Experience the best of “the Big Apple” in this spectacular tour. From Rockefeller Center to Greenwich Village, New York City is a destination that will dazzle even the most seasoned traveler. Spend four nights in the heart of Midtown close to Central Park and Times Square. Take your seat and watch the curtain rise for two exciting Broadway shows. Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. See the Empire State Building and Central Park. Visit the poignant 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy plenty of free time to shop and explore this fabulous city on your own. Get ready to “start spreading the news!”

Experience exciting big cities, charming seaside towns, amazing natural wonders, and a coastline like no other on this value-minded tour highlighting the best of California. Starting in San Francisco, see its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf and then have free time to enjoy this lovely ‘City by the Bay.’ Travel across the Central Valley to Yosemite National Park, where giant granite peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and lush forests and meadows will leave you in awe. Visit Monterey and see historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. While there, take an optional whale-watching excursion to look for humpback whales that call Monterey Bay home from late April through November. Go on the stunning 17-Mile Drive with its scenic ocean views, the famed Lone Cypress, and Pebble Beach Golf Course, then visit the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Drive Big Sur, one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline with its rugged cliffs, giant redwoods, and spectacular vistas. Arrive in Los Angeles, where guided sightseeing includes the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and the star-studded sidewalks of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Take a stroll along Santa Monica Pier and then have time to explore ‘Tinseltown’ on your own. Continue south and tour Mission San Juan Capistrano, called the “Jewel of the Missions’ due to the beauty of its buildings and gardens, before arriving in San Diego. This southernmost city in the Golden State is known for its idyllic climate, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions. Sightseeing includes city highlights and Coronado Island and the historic Hotel del Coronado, featured in numerous films. Then have time on your own to discover why some call this “America’s Finest City.” Return to Los Angeles where this journey ends, but you’ll be taking home memories that will last a lifetime!

There’s a whole lotta shakin’ going on when you embark on this boot scootin’ tour of two of the country’s most melodious cities. Follow the tunes through Tennessee to the music-producing meccas of Nashville and Memphis for the sights and sounds that defined country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. High notes in Nashville include a guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, and a visit to the country Music Hall of Fame. In the home of the blues and birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, you’ll tap your toes around the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, and Sun Studios, the famous recording studio that launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and countless other crooners. Sublime harmonies and southern hospitality await in both cities as you bebop down Broadway and Beale Streets on this marvelous musical heritage tour.

Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches and elegant allure that attracts the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover the opulence of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Gardens. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life.

Experience the holiday spirit in Austria and Germany, where the tradition of the Christkindlesmarkt began over 600 years ago. Explore Christmas markets alive with festive cheer and cultural treasures. Uncover the history and tastes of these incredible regions spending five relaxing nights in Innsbruck, where the spirit of Christmas is undeniable. Venture to the Alpine village of Seefeld via train; partake in the traditional taste of schnapps before you’re whisked away on an actual horse-drawn Christmas sleigh. Head to Salzburg for an expert-guided walking tour and delight in dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s restaurant. Embark on the journey of a lifetime in this winter wonderland, where twinkling lights illuminate entire regions, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

Experience the holiday spirit in Austria and Germany, where the tradition of the Christkindlesmarkt began over 600 years ago. Explore Christmas markets alive with festive cheer and cultural treasures. Uncover the history and tastes of these incredible regions spending five relaxing nights in Innsbruck, where the spirit of Christmas is undeniable. Venture to the Alpine village of Seefeld via train; partake in the traditional taste of schnapps before you’re whisked away on an actual horse-drawn Christmas sleigh. Head to Salzburg for an expert-guided walking tour and delight in dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s restaurant. Embark on the journey of a lifetime in this winter wonderland, where twinkling lights illuminate entire regions, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

Starting from picturesque Lisbon, visit some of the world’s most treasured Marian shrines, pilgrimage sites, and spiritual places of Portugal, Spain, and France. Hear about the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to the shepherd children in Fátima, learn about the journey taken by pilgrims from all over the world into Santiago de Compostela and visit Loyola and Manresa to get inspired by St. Ignacio’s Jesuit mission. In Braga, walk the monumental steps of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and in Burgos, marvel at the majestic Cathedral. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession in Lourdes. Spend one night by the inspiring Montserrat Sanctuary, where you will also attend Mass. End in Barcelona with time to celebrate life, reflect, and rejoice.

From the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, to the sunny cliffs of the Algarve and Portuguese Riviera, venture along Portugal’s stunning shoreline. In Evora, step inside a medieval city with Roman ruins. Enjoy a leisurely 3-night stay in the Algarve region. Explore soft, sandy beaches and classic fishing villages. Take advantage of a free day to soak in the Portuguese sunshine and savor local flavors. Visit the charming village of Monchique with its Moorish inspired architecture. Encounter picturesque resort towns, winding cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenades, and quaint villages.

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, Marsala wine, and a tasting at Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, only sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano, nestled in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.

Discover the spirit of the American West and come to know the legends of the past. Discover the stories of the Lakota and Sioux through a Native American chronicler and a visit to a Oglala Lakota Living History Village. See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Visit iconic Mt. Rushmore. Journey through the natural beauty of Badlands National Park and stop to browse at Wall Drug. Explore historic Deadwood, the former home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Choose how you delve into the local history, with a tour of the Adams Museum in Deadwood or at the exhibit Tatanka: Story of the Bison. Travel the backcountry of Custer State Park on a Jeep safari. Marvel at Devils Tower, the country’s first National Monument. Rapid City is your gateway into wild landscapes and historical landmarks.

Enjoy a small group-culinary journey to Rome, Sorrento, and Capri on this grand Southern Italy vacation. Spend three nights in Rome and two nights each in Capri and in the Sorrento area. Explore Italy’s southern charms at a leisurely pace to discover ancient historic sites, spectacular scenery, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Start your foodie adventure in Rome with an included cooking masterclass, where you’ll learn how to prepare an authentic sumptuous Italian meal—and get to enjoy it with your travel companions. On your way from Rome to Sorrento, visit a family-run wine cellar and indulge in an included lunch with wine tasting. In the laid-back town of Sorrento, take part in a gelato making experience and tasting in a local gelateria and see how real Italian ice cream is made. Enjoy an excursion to scenic Positano, on the Amalfi coast, and feast on the spectacular views of the gulf. Following the natural course of the coastline, the winding road to Positano features coastal mountains plunging into the sea, dramatic cliffs, inlets, and bays interspersed with picturesque towns—all with the deep-blue water as the background. A short ferry ride separates Sorrento from the legendary island of Capri, where you will spend two nights. In the famous piazzetta (little square) of Capri, you may bump into some celebrities! Spend time discovering the island or gazing at the mesmerizing water and enjoying the Mediterranean climate. You may be able to steal the hotel chef’s secret “torta caprese” recipe to impress your friends back home. Leaving Capri by ferry, on the quest for the most authentic pizza and legendary espresso coffee, visit Naples and enjoy a pizza lunch before returning to Rome. This affordable Cosmos Gourmet Italy tour offers value-minded travel lovers a unique and unforgettable vacation along with the opportunity to learn about Mediterranean cuisine.

Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this vacation through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Visit the capitals—Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Bucharest—as well as some of the fascinating towns and cities along the way. Discover Novi Sad, famous for its citadel; Plovdiv, with its picturesque old town centre; Veliko Târnovo, Bulgaria’s capital during the Middle Ages; and Sinaia, a lovely ski resort town. Explore Brasov, a charming Transylvanian town featuring Saxon walls and bastions and an expansive square. Sighisoara is one of Romania’s prettiest towns with 11 medieval towers within the city walls, cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches. Visit Sofia’s Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Plovdiv’s Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres, and Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, built in 1637 and housing an outstanding collection of frescoes. Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a history dating back 10 centuries. Marvel at Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German neo-renaissance architecture built in the 1880s and nestled at the foot of the mountains. It is considered one of the most stunning and romantic European castles. In Bucharest, visit the open-air Village Museum, showcasing traditional village life with a collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Last, but not least, visit Bran Castle, built in 1377 with imposing towers and turrets, and once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler—the Count who gave Bran Stoker the inspiration for his novel’s character, the vampire known as Dracula. This Balkans and Transylvania tour is designed for value-minded, savvy travel lovers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

Although Italy is full of wondrous gems across “the boot,” some of its greatest treasures are hidden closer to its heel. In the Apulia region, known for its centuries-old farmland, whitewashed towns, and miles of scenic coastline, the water is bluer, the produce is fresher, and the pace is delightfully slower. This Undiscovered tour of Southern Italy invites you to kick back and live la dolce vita as you travel from heel to ankle, vineyard to grove, and clifftop to cave. From colorful Naples to the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana, you will experience Southern Italy’s hottest sights—and coolest. At a special wine tasting at the Manduria wine museum, you’ll raise your glass to the many highlights of “the heel,” including its castles and conical houses, ancient ruins and fresh ricotta, and its eternal sunshine and sunny disposition.

Travel back in time – and explore the fascinating present – as you tour through stunning Croatia. Discover the Pula Arena, a wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheater, as well as the massive Diocletian’s Palace, built as an emperor’s retirement villa. Take a walk along the cascading lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park and enjoy a three-night stay at Opatija, a celebrated seaside town known for its mild climate. Wander through a Dalmatian village and learn about its heritage and traditions, and experience light and sound in a whole new way at Zadar’s popular art installations. Throughout your tour, get a taste of regional cuisine with beautifully prepared meals featuring fresh local ingredients.

Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Globus Independent tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Explore Tortuguero National Park to navigate the pristine waterways where turtles nest amid nature at its best. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Land in Guanacaste to laze and gaze upon the beautiful beaches of the North Pacific. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!

Everything is bigger in Texas! With its spacious size and cultural diversity, Texas is described by locals as “a whole other country.” On this tour through the Lone Star State, you’ll discover its major cities—Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—and some of its historic landmarks, museums, and must-see sights. Take a city tour of the ‘Big D’, including Pioneer Plaza with its bronze sculpture recreating a cattle drive that commemorates the trails that brought settlers to Dallas. In Austin, visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” See the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park in Texas Hill Country and hear the story of President Johnson’s life. In nearby Fredericksburg, stroll the historic district with its one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums. In San Antonio visit the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States and take a self-guided tour of the famous Alamo. Enjoy a private, narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. Highlights in Houston include a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, home to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. See flown spacecraft, learn how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station, and discover what it takes to travel to Mars! Leave the Lone Star State and travel to the Louisiana city of Lafayette to take a cruise through moss-draped cypress trees in the Atchafalaya Basin—keeping an eye out for alligators! That evening, get a true taste of Louisiana on a casual optional outing with Cajun & Creole music and food. Then travel across Bayou Country to New Orleans, the Big Easy, and take a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide that includes viewing famous French Quarter landmarks and other sites. All of this and much more await you on this value-minded Texas and Louisiana vacation!

If you were the type of kid who always marched to your own drum, this bold tour of Costa Rica is just the escape for you. Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit. As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Frolic among hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class. With visits to an active volcano and exotic fruit plantations, plus several meet-and-greets with the native macaws and monkeys, this vacation to Costa Rica is bananas!

Give us a week, and we'll tour the best of Ireland with you. Thrill at the amazing Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Dingle Peninsula on this perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle.

This leisurely Irish tour covers the spectacular scenery of the countryside and seaside, with plenty of stops in the Emerald Isle's vibrant towns to stop and explore.

Irish pubs are the hearts of their communities—a source of camaraderie, stories, and song. Raise a glass (or two!) to rich pub culture and history on this guided tour of Ireland, which offers plenty of stops at legendary pubs and historical highlights of the Emerald Isle.

Unpack once and take in the vineyards, villas, peaks, and prosecco of Veneto. Settle into a centrally-located hotel in Treviso, the historic mainland outpost for the island-city of Venice. Savor the Venetian inspiration on terrafirma, solid ground, so you have the flexibility to explore on land and by water, with time to dive into Venice, Verona, and the Dolomites. Take in the artist haven of Asolo and get a taste of Italy’s Prosecco region. Immerse yourself in local culture at a historic villa near Bassano del Grappa, retracing the history of a noble family of Venice. Your opportunity to dive in and truly experience Northern Italy is here.