The Globus family of brands comprises Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms. Each of these companies brings its own twist to escorted travel – and together they are backed by the huge scope and strength of the Globus organization. In business for over 85 years, with 32 offices around the world, offering you over 400 itineraries in over 70 countries – this is a giant of the tourism world. It is a company with vast experience, huge resources on the ground and everything in place to make your Globus journey special.

Globus seeks to achieve just the right balance of included features and free time, and along the way, tell the stories that bring your destination to life. It all comes together to give you the feeling of being a true local – not just a visitor.

Globus can take care of every aspect of your travel – flights, pre and post tour stop overs, plus an unmatched choice of destinations and touring styles. Globus and Cosmos offer you escorted tours. Avalon Waterways has 13 beautiful river cruise vessels in Europe. And Monograms offers 143 world-wide independent packages that cover all the details for you, including hotels and transportation.

Whether you have a Globus or Cosmos Tour Director or an Avalon Waterways Cruise Director – you will be in good hands with a knowledgeable guide travelling with you every step of the way. On average Globus Tours Directors have 23 years’ experience and speak four languages. And even though you are travelling independently with Monograms - your Monograms Local Host is a friend in every city.

Globus offers more than 225 guided vacations to more than 70 countries on six continents. There are a variety of travel styles (from small group to multi-country tours) plus specialty travel options including Cruise & Tour, Family Travel, Religious Vacations, and more.   A dynamic blend of transportation includes deluxe motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise – Globus makes getting there part of the fun! Did you know the average number of people on a Globus motor coach is 36? You don’t have to worry about driving, baggage handling, hotel reservations and the like – you are free to enjoy your journey to the fullest.

You will stay in hotels that are First-class and above, selected to be central locations, right where you want to be. Many great meals are also included in the package price –  plus you have the freedom to experience the local fare as you wish. In this, as in all aspects of your tour, Globus strives for the ideal combination of free time and planned activities.

You won’t waste your precious time in line – Globus VIP access means no waiting to see the major sites. Visits which are enhanced by your Tour Director and local guides, and which, incidentally, are included in the cost of your tour.

Thanks to more than 85 years experience showing people the world, Globus is the most recognized Tour Operator in the industry and recommended by Travel Weekly, Recommend magazine, and Travel Age West. The 97% satisfaction rating amongst Globus customers in post-vacation surveys says it all.

On an Avalon Waterways river cruise, "included" is the name of the game. From spacious outside staterooms with expansive views to Wi-Fi access in your suite. From sparkling wines, regional beers and wines to unlimited lattes and premium coffees. From your choice of enriching shore excursions to VIP access to the must-see sites.  It's all included! The on board experience is superb. At every meal, you'll have the ability to choose from a multitude of dining experiences.

All meals feature the highest-quality local ingredients, hand crafted by true culinary artisans. And all are included at no extra cost - from casual Bistro style dining to the elegant Main Dining Room. From continental breakfast delivered to your own room to Afternoon Tea.

Relax and glide peacefully along Europe’s great waterways with 360-degree views of Europe. Avalon Waterways river cruisers offers the most spacious staterooms in Europe with Panorama-style Suite Ships. Most staterooms and suites have a floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with a French Balcony that opens right out to the vista before you.

One of the joys of river cruising in Europe is that you arrive right in the centre of some of Europe’s great cities. Unlike other cruise operators, Avalon Waterway’s preplanned discoveries are included at no extra charge. Thanks to the touring experience of sister company Globus, you are privy to the best, all-inclusive land programs available.

Plus there is great selection of optional excursions to help you further personalize your cruise. Whether it's a classical music concert in Vienna, a visit to a French winery, time at the colossal Romanian Parliament building in Bucharest, or a guided bicycle tour through town – you decide how much you want to do, and at what pace, at each stop on your journey.

If you are looking for “assisted” rather than “directed” travel -- if you want independent travel without the hassle of having to make every little arrangement for yourself -- if you want to have a Local Host to point you to the places that only the locals know: you want to travel with Monograms. At its core, a Monograms vacation is a single city or multi-city travel package. Monograms has   taken the world's most incredible regions, done all the work to find the must-see destinations within them - and put together amazing itineraries for you to choose from.

Monograms can take you to Europe, South and Central America, the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. From Paris to Peru. From Cambodia to Costa Rica. From Alaska to Alice Springs. From Botswana to Brazil. And from Quebec to Queensland.

Monograms knows the hotels with the best views, the hotels closest to ancient history - even the hotels with the crispest sheets and the tastiest mints. Most packages give you a choice of carefully screened and selected hotels, right in the heart of your destination.

Monograms isn’t part of the Globus family for nothing. Not only will they help you arrange the world's greatest travel experiences, you can also benefit from VIP access - minimizing lines and wait times. Uniquely with a Monograms vacation, your Local Host is also there to help you - a friendly, knowledgeable insider in each destination to offer hints and recommendations, steer you off the beaten path, and help you maximize every moment of your time.

And it doesn’t stop there! Monograms will get you from Point A to Point B. Whether it's flight arrangements, transfers from the airport to your hotel, sightseeing, or travelling between cities, they take care of your transportation needs and can include it in your package price.

So you focus on having fun on vacation - while Monograms leverage the Globus network and experience to make all the arrangements for you. It doesn’t get more seamless than that for an independent traveller!

Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes! Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information! Click on the Travel Notes icon to download a pdf file that you can read, print out and even take with you on your travels!