Essential Europe by Globus Tours

Essential Europe

1-877-510-4653

G L O B U S J o u r n e y s

Every journey tells a story

Essential Europe

Duration: 9 Days

Land Tour w/deluxe motorcoach

ITALY | SWITZERLAND | FRANCE

Specially-priced Air Rates Available: YES

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.

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

Look for the ***SGD*** symbol behind each individual tour departure date.

ROME
Welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica

FLORENCE
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria Square

VENICE
Private boat ride; visit St. Mark’s Square; glassblower demonstration; pasta dinner at local restaurant; private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal

BELLINZONA
Visit the Castelgrande courtyard and enjoy a light lunch with wine

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

BASEL–PARIS
By high-speed TGV train (first-class)

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, enjoy a Seine cruise, farewell dinner at a local restaurant

PARIS-LONDON
By high-speed Eurostar train

LONDON
Guided sightseeing; visit St. Paul’s Cathedral

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
Historic Centre of Florence
Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City
Paris Banks of the Seine
Venice and its Lagoon

LOCAL FAVORITE
Globus helps you get out there and really experience your destination! We take you behind the scenes to spotlight what makes this exciting destination unique - and to introduce you to its local flavors.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION MODES:

Ride in Comfort

Each Globus motorcoach has upholstered, reclining seats with headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity sound system broadcasts professional Tour Director's commentary to every seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.

Motorcoach; private water-taxi in Venice; TGV train Basel-Paris; Seine cruise in Paris; high-speed Eurostar train. Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies.

HEADSETS throughout the tour

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

Rome Mediterraneo (F)
Florence Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (F)
Venice Leonardo Royal (F) or NH Laguna Palace (F)
Lucerne Astoria (F)
Paris Les Jardins du Marais (SF)

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

Globus Trains

Trains
Experience the ultra-modern Eurostar train from Rome to Florence and the exciting high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Seville. In the Canadian Rockies, you might take one of the sleek, ultra-modern BC Ferries or, if traveling by railcar in Canada or Alaska, enjoy travel operated by VIA Rail ®.

NOTE: In the rare event that the Eurostar train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 light lunch in Bellinzona; 3 three-course dinners at a local restaurant in Rome, Venice and Paris

Day 1 Arrive in Rome, Italy

At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Dinner

Day 2 Rome

When in Rome

ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica and the Colosseum. Free afternoon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

Breakfast

Day 3 Rome–Florence

Fine Art in Firenze

FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time to browse.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km

Breakfast

Day 4 Florence–Venice

Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE Take a private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including, St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. Free time to browse before dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal.

Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km

Breakfast

Dinner

/ LOCAL TASTES
Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!

Day 5 Venice–Bellinzona, Switzerland–Lucerne

Spectacular Switzerland

BELLINZONA Take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande and enjoy a light lunch with local specialties and Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne.

Today’s Distance: 342 mi / 550 km

Breakfast

Lunch

/ HISTORIC SPOTS
Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.

Day 6 Lucerne

Sweet Sights of Switzerland

LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.

Breakfast

Day 7 Lucerne–Basel–Paris, France

French Connection

BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.

Today’s Distance: 404 mi / 650 km

Breakfast

Day 8 Paris

C’est Magnifique in the City of Light

PARIS Free time this morning. Guided sightseeing this afternoon includes orientation drive and Seine River cruise. Dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9 Paris

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast

Essential Europe

9 Day Tour

From $3359USD
(Less applicable GLOBUS PROMO(S) and Gardner Travel Discounts)

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Exceptional Vacations

Celebrating over 90 Years of Touring!

YOUR TOUR DIRECTOR

CHRIS HEATHERLEY

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

After a brief foray into teaching, my love of travel coupled with a keen interest in history and languages drew me to the role of Tour Director. I find it immensely satisfying to see each individual traveler come to his or her own understanding of the European scene, whilst enjoying the camaraderie of the group experience. Don't forget, travel is one of the few things you buy that makes you richer, with new experiences, insights, understandings and fresh perspectives. As members of the tour, not only do we discover the traditions of the countries we travel through, yet also we learn more about ourselves and our common humanity.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are land only. We also offer competitive group-based airfares from your home city airport that fit with this particular touring program.

Toll Free Call
1-877-510-4653
USA and Canada

We provide an additional agency point-of-sale discount for all Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways tour programs. Offer subject to availability and change without notice.

TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED

As a full-service travel provider, we can help you in finding your perfect tour at the best price available, today. We've been representing the GLOBUS Family of Brands for over 40 years as a Premier Agency Partner - a designation only awarded to the top tier agencies that are authorized to represent the full Globus Family of Brands. We can take you all the way from your own hometown to some of the most beautiful touring experiences in Europe and then back again - all with the expertise of a seasoned GLOBUS professional representative. When it is important to get it right, you can trust the services of our own professional GLOBUS Certified travel specialists.

REQUESTING AVAILABILITY

We will check your requested tour program and accommodations for the date range that you may specify in the questionnaire above and reply back to you as soon as possible. Of course the more information that you can provide us, the closer we will be in matching your needs and preferences. We will not knowingly sell or pass along your information that you provide to any third party for any reason (see Liabilities and Privacy Policy). And we use SSL Technology to safeguard your information on our tour request forms that we have posted throughout our website.

We are available to answer your inquiries in person Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30am until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653 | 817-788-5210). We are available from time to time on the weekends via email to answer your questions. Our typical response time for your email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending upon the availability of onsite resources and those of the tour companies and resorts/lodging establishments, as well as any variations you may request from our listed programs. We will respond to your requests as quickly as possible and as soon as we have all components of your package confirmable. All tour program rates are based upon double occupancy unless otherwise specified.

Thank you for your interest in this quality tour by The GLOBUS Family of Brands!

Randy C. Gardner
President
Gardner Travel Service, Inc.

and The Globus Family of Brands

IT ALL BEGAN MORE THAN 90 YEARS AGO

In 1928, a young man purchased a rowboat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single rowboat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies?

Today, the Globus family of brands is a global company reaching every corner of the world, yet remains family-owned and steeped in the values Antonio had when he set out across Lake Lugano—to enlighten travelers by showing them the very best of the destinations we know so well.

Antonio's frequent trips across the scenic lake led him to consider opportunities in a different market - tourism. His entrepreneurial instinct pushed him to gradually acquire some motorcoaches to transport tourists around the Lake Lugano area. In 1928, Antonio opened a company specializing in motorcoach touring called Globus Viaggi. The company began with a fleet of 12 coaches which operated local excursions for European tourists in Switzerland.

By 1950, Globus Viaggi had grown to a fleet of 33 coaches and featured overnight excursions to Rome, Venice, the Dolomites and the French Riviera. Gradually, these became regularly scheduled tours and grew longer to cover more ground. Later that decade, under the leadership of Werner Albek, Antonio's business partner, Globus pioneered the concept of Grand European Touring by offering first-class European tours to North Americans. By 1961, the company launched its Cosmos arm, which featured affordable, value-priced European touring for the cost-conscious British traveler.

The coach tours were so successful that Cosmos soon introduced another form of travel for the British market: air holiday packages to the sunny destinations of southern Europe. By 1968, Cosmos air holidays became so popular the company formed its own airline, Monarch Airlines. Monarch Airlines started out modestly with two used Britannia aircraft and eventually blossomed into one of the most successful European charter companies with a large fleet of modern jets and its own engineering division.

Under the flagship of Sergio Mantegazza, current president and son of Antonio, Globus began expanding its markets beyond Great Britain and North America. Since 1974, travel packages have been sold in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most recently in Southeast Asia. Starting in the 70s, the company also aggressively expanded its offerings, introducing travelers to more countries than any other tour operator with packages to Africa, South and North America, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia.

Today, the Globus family of brands is marketed and operated by a network of more than 32 independent tourism and aviation businesses, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals worldwide. Combined, Globus, Cosmos, and Monograms carry over 500,000 passengers a year, making the organization the leading operator of guided vacations worldwide. Globus attributes its success to the ideals of founder Antonio Mantegazza. For three generations, his vision, hard work, love for travel, and commitment have guided the company. These values are the cornerstone on which Globus was built and will continue to grow.

Touring Is Just Another Way To Say "Perfectly Planned"

Think about all the great things you plan to do on your vacation. Now picture it going perfectly. That's what it feels like to tour. Bypassing the waiting lines at attractions, enjoying the company of your fellow travelers instead of driving on your own, walking into your hotel lobby and loving it every time. Not a moment of your priceless vacation wasted.

With Globus, it goes beyond planning perfection. After more than 90 years we've come to know vacations like no one else. And we can't wait to share its stories with you. Those unforgettable details about the colorful characters and places that will transform your visit into a lasting memory. Throughout your Globus tour your destination will be brought to life by expert Tour Directors who will share those stories and their intimate knowledge of every location and landmark.

With more than 225 guided vacations to more than 70 countries on six continents, Globus gives you choice to ensure you'll see the world the way you want.

VIP Access - skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.

Central Hotels - we've done the work to find just the right hotels in the heart of the city.

Tour Directors - take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.

Transportation - leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Inside visits to major and must-see sites are included in the vacation price.

A variety of travel styles and specialty travel includes Cruise & Tour, Family Travel, Religious Vacations, and more.

As you encounter famous sights, you don't just view or drive by—you visit, taking the time to go inside and learn the stories that bring them to life.

The ideal combination of free time and planned activities results in the perfect getaway.

Portage is included! Not handling your own bag really enhances your vacation experience.

A dynamic blend of transportation includes deluxe motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise—we make getting there part of the fun!

Many great meals are included in the package price—for a great value plus freedom to experience the local fare as you wish.

As the most recognized Tour Operator in the industry, our vacations receive five times the recommendation rate as our nearest competitor, and we're the escorted travel provider of choice by Travel Weekly, Recommend magazine, and Travel Age West.

Globus escorted travel receives a 97% satisfaction rating on our customers' post-vacation surveys.

More than 90 years experience showing people the world.

When you travel with Globus, even the places you lay your head at night have their own intriguing histories and captivating stories to uncover—because many Globus hotels are legendary places in their own right. At our superior, conveniently located hotels, you'll always feel well looked after because we know that relaxing in comfortable, clean, attractive accommodations at the end of a busy day of sightseeing is essential. The hotels we carefully select have mastered the fine art of handling group check-ins and baggage, and of balancing efficiency with the individual attention you deserve. You won't be surprised by any hidden check-out charges, either. And with your hotels often within mere steps of the world's greatest sites and attractions, you'll never waste precious vacation time getting to the sights you want to see most.

Superior Accommodation

Globus uses chains such as Crowne Plaza, Forte, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Jolly, Queens Moat Houses, Marriott, Mövenpick, Radisson SAS, Renaissance, Scandic, Sheraton, Sofitel, Thistle and Westin.

The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed separately for each tour. The vast majority of our hotels are rated deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In overnight places where there is no hotel in these categories or where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available superior tourist-class (ST) or tourist class (TC) hotels.

Most hotels have amenities such as satellite TV, mini-bar, a cocktail lounge, a restaurant, room service and concierge services. Many also have a swimming pool, health club, shops, and dry cleaning and laundry services.

Globus hotel ratings follow standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. The specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our quality controllers.

We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Globus travel documents you’ll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation.

Why Globus is Better

Even though our main competitors use hotels with comparable quality, none of them has mastered the art of creating vacations that will enthrall you and enrich you, with lots of side trips, adventurous optionals, and many other memorable experiences.

Dining in Style

With Globus, even meals are designed for your convenience and to help you make the most of your vacation. Start each day with a hearty included breakfast; take advantage of free time to sample the local fare on your own; and discover culinary highlights through food and wine tastings, and traditional meals at local restaurants.

Extra Nights Before and After Your Vacation

If you require extra nights at the first and/or last vacation hotel, we will make reservations for you at the rates quoted, provided you request them at the time you book your vacation. Rates are per person, per night, and include room with private bath, breakfast, service charges, and taxes.

Extra nights are only available immediately prior to or after your vacation. Every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. When this is the case, the transfer from and to the vacation hotel is at our expense.

As hotel space is limited, we cannot reserve more than two extra nights before and/or after your vacation, unless they are needed to bridge the gap between two Globus vacations. During particularly busy periods, hotel space in certain cities can become so tight that we may be unable to sell extra nights.

Experience the World

Through the Eyes of a Local Expert!

One of the biggest benefits of a Globus escorted vacation is getting to experience the very essence of your destination in the company of Tour Directors and Local Guides who are actually from the region. Year after year, these experts are rated the best in the industry by travelers and travel agents—and our perfectly planned itineraries incorporate their feedback so that you can get the most out of every stop. All along the way, they share their vast knowledge of the areas, offer special recommendations, and tell colorful stories about each historic landmark to help bring your journey to life in a powerful, memorable, and enriching way.

NO TIME WASTED with VIP ACCESS

A Minute Saved Is a Minute Earned

We've spent more than eight decades creating and finely honing vacations that strike the perfect balance between included planned activities…and leisure time to explore on your own. We actually take you inside the world's most awe-inspiring places, where your expert Tour Director and Local Guides reveal the little-known facts and colorful tales about the destination. This very special VIP access means you'll have a richer overall experience, and will spend less time waiting in lines so you can enjoy the unique flavors and customs of each stop along the way. Plus, Globus offers more included features than our nearest competitor—at no additional cost to you. And all of our planning adds up to great value—a Globus tour can save you up to 40% versus traveling on your own.

We Handle the Details

Seeing the world doesn't have to be a hassle—and with Globus, it isn't! Our escorted vacations come with ultimate peace of mind as you travel without worrying about the details. Because of Globus' buying power, you enjoy unmatched value when it comes to your hotels, transfers, inside visits of must-see attractions, and flight prices. You even have the option to personalize your trip with extra days and additional excursions.

Standard Amenities & Services

Discounts available for early bookings, frequent travelers, second tours within the same year, group travel, young travelers, and triple rooms

Expert Tour Directors, Cruise Directors, Hosts, and Local Guides

Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower (hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling included)

Private deluxe touring motorcoaches equipped with air-conditioning, extra leg room, and emergency restroom

Helpful travel documents

In Europe, Hosts, Tour Directors, and Cruise Directors at airports greet and assist you with the transfer to your hotel (applicable for air inclusive vacations, and land-only clients who have purchased transfers through Globus)

In Europe, high-speed Eurostar train rides on all vacations traveling between London and Paris (or Brussels)

Transportation to Suit

Each Moment of Your Vacation!

The Best Way to Go

No other Tour Operator offers as many means of included transportation as we do! At Globus, we believe getting from here to there can really add to the fun, so we employ a wide range of transportation. From trains and luxurious cruise ships to planes and canoes, your magical journey will deliver you to encounters with fascinating people and places, where you can create lasting stories of your own.

Seeing the World in Ultimate Comfort

On your Globus escorted tour, getting around in each city is completely hassle-free. You never have to worry about searching for some ill-defined shuttle meeting place—because we pick you up at your hotel and deliver you right to each destination's world-famous attractions. Our private deluxe motorcoaches include all the comforts you'd expect, including air-conditioning, an emergency restroom, and extra leg room, comparable to the airlines' upgraded "plus" seating so there's plenty of room to stretch out and relax!

Motorcoach Standards

Ride in Comfort

Each Globus motorcoach has upholstered, reclining seats with headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity sound system broadcasts professional Tour Director's commentary to every seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes. All Globus touring motorcoaches are fully air-conditioned.

Free Wi-Fi on Your Motorcoach

Our state-of-the-art motorcoaches offer free Wi-Fi in North America and Europe, as well as video monitors. Once again, Globus has ushered touring into new territory, making it possible for travelers to stay connected with family and friends and browse online for free while touring. Most of our ultramodern motorcoaches now feature free wireless Internet connection. So, as you're enjoying your escorted tour, you can share your experience with friends and relatives back home...and it's all at no cost!

Please note that free connectivity features browsing only; downloading is not available. Some tour departures may not offer this service. Unfortunately, details regarding availability cannot be provided prior to the commencement of the tour. Some countries—such as Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Russia, and Ukraine—and certain regions of other countries do not have Wi-Fi service coverage, so free Wi-Fi is not available. When local coaches are used for transfers or occasionally for sightseeing tours, wireless service is not available.

Limited Group Size for Extra Comfort

The length and width of modern motorcoaches is standard, prescribed by law. The difference among tour operators is in the number of seats installed and actually sold. While it is customary to install and sell 53 seats, Globus installs fewer seats for extra leg room, and limits group size to a maximum of 44 tour members (Europe vacations only). The extra space contributes enormously to your comfort. For airport and port transfers in Britain we generally use motorcoaches with 53 seats.

Smoke-Free Coaches

For non-smokers and moderate smokers an otherwise perfect vacation can be spoiled if they are forced to inhale other people's smoke on a motorcoach. We therefore do not allow smoking on the coach. There are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.

Experienced & Professional Drivers

Globus drivers take pride in driving and in their vehicles, keeping them in great shape and spotlessly clean. Your driver will help you on and off the motorcoach with a smile and load your bags with care. Our travelers consistently lavish the highest praise on the person behind the wheel!

Emergency Washrooms

Motorcoaches in Europe are equipped with an emergency washroom. For transfers and sightseeing in London this amenity is not available. We deliberately use the term "emergency washroom," because this facility is not meant to be used regularly in lieu of the restrooms at our frequent comfort stops.

Sustainable Travel

Globus is committed to reduce transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Globus utilizes motorcoaches that are 5 years or newer and equipped with the latest technology in emission control and reduction. In addition, the utilization of these modern motorcoaches provide 206.6 passenger miles per gallon and on averages, seven times more energy and fuel efficient than a single-occupancy automobile. Each motorcoach replaces as many as 55 passenger cars on the roads, slashing fuel usage and pollution emissions.

Flights and Airfare

Flights Coordinated With Your Vacation

With Globus, think of your entire vacation as one-stop shopping. Rather than spending hours researching flights to coordinate with your vacation start and end dates, let us handle the work. And when we book your flights, if there are any changes to your vacation schedule, we make the air changes for you. As a completely independent company, we have no ties to any one airline. We negotiate the lowest possible airfares with the world's finest carriers on your behalf.

Globus offers 2 air options - Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.

Low Air-Inclusive Prices

& Free Airport Transfers

Regardless which air option you choose when you book your Globus vacation air-inclusive, the transfer to and from the airport to your start and end hotel is included (on published departure and return dates). This can be a substantial savings and give you peace of mind.

Land-only vacation clients who make their own air arrangements on regularly scheduled direct or nonstop flights (not chartered flights) into terminals may purchase our airport transfer service.

Airport transfers can be arranged when you purchase extra nights before or after the vacation. Transfers cannot be provided when you join late or leave early. Flight information for air purchased separately from Globus will be required at time of booking the extra night transfers and must be provided to Globus prior to final payment.

Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by Globus. Look for confirmation of your transfer in the travel documents.

We Also Accept Your Reservation on a Land-Only Basis

While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you all the advantages described, you can also choose the land-only option.

Book Early to Get Even Better Prices Than Those Listed

The earlier you book, the better the rates will be, as availability of the best airline rates is at its best. For up-to-the-minute air prices, look online or ask a Travel Consultant. Any changes and/or revisions to airline flights may affect your air-inclusive price.

Booking your Vacation with Air

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus $30 per person non-refundable service fee. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

How We Select Your Flights

Since seats for our low-cost airfares fill quickly, we urge you to book early. Air-inclusive reservations cannot be made later than 10 days prior to departure. Additional rules may apply. Ask our Travel Consultants for details. Although we will try, Globus cannot always honor carrier or flight preferences.

Air tickets will be received two to three weeks prior to vacation departure. For any late bookings, tickets are sent overnight after final payment is received. It is advised to contact your air carrier for special service requests, such as specific seat assignments and special meals, or, if applicable, to advise your frequent flyer number.

Upgrades

Business class and/or Premium Economy upgrades may be available for purchase. Please inquire with your Travel Agent at the time of booking for applicable price quotes. NOTE: U.S. connection flights typically do not have upgraded cabins available in conjunction with international upgraded service.

Air-Inclusive Vacations – Applicable Taxes & Fees

Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.

Not Included In Your Vacation Price

Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Taxes and fees

Taxes and fees are extra and subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.

Trust & Travel Insurance

For generations, Globus has worked hard to provide the best on-trip experiences, world-class customer service, and the best consumer protection plans available in the travel industry.

DETAILS OF THIS INSURANCE PROGRAM WILL BE INCLUDED IN ALL OF OUR QUOTES.

THE MOST AWARDED TOUR OPERATOR
In order to ensure you are satisfied, you want to travel with the most dependable company. Globus offers award-winning vacations, tours and cruises.

TRAVEL WEEKLY MAGAZINE'S READER'S CHOICE AWARDS:
2019 Best Tour Operator, Escorted/Best Tour Operator, Europe
2017 Best Tour Operator, Europe
2018 Best Tour Operator, Escorted/Best Tour Operator, Europe/Best Tour Operator, Asia Pacific
2017 Best Tour Operator, Europe
2016 Best Tour Operator, Asia-Pacific
2015 Best Tour Operator Overall, Escorted/Best International Tour Operator/Best Tour Operator, Asia-Pacific
2014 Best Tour Operator Escorted Overall/Best Tour Operator Asia-Pacific/
Best Tour Operator International
2013 Best Tour Operator Europe/Best Tour Operator Asia-Pacific/Best Tour Operator International
2012 Best Tour Operator Europe/Best Tour Operator Asia-Pacific
2011 Best Tour Operator Europe/Best Tour Operator Asia-Pacific/Best River Cruise Ship (Avalon Panorama)

RECOMMEND MAGAZINE READERS CHOICE AWARD:
2019 Best Tour Operator to Europe/Best Tour Operator to US/Canada
2018 Best Tour Operator to Europe
2017 Best Tour Operator to Europe/Best Tour Operator to US-Canada/Best Tour Operator to Africa/Best Tour Operator to the Middle East
2014 Best Tour Operator to US-Canada/Best Tour Operator to Africa/Best Tour Operator to the Middle East
2013-2014 Best Tour Operator to Latin America
1999-2014 Best Tour Operator to Europe

USA TODAY 10BEST
2019 Globus ranked in the top 10 Group Tour Companies in USA Today's 10 Best 2019 readers' choice awards.