Globus North America
Tour Index Tours of Central and South America

Eastern Cuba's Hidden Gems
2016/2017
1-877-510-4653
 G L O B U S  J o u r n e y s
Eastern Cuba's Hidden Gems
Every journey tells a story 

Globus Cuba
Eastern Cuba's Hidden Gems
Duration: 9 Days
Globus Central America VacationsGlobus Discounts
Land Tour w/deluxe motorcoach

Globus Cuba Vacations
EASTERN CUBA

Globus Cuba
Specially-priced Air Rates Available: YES


Unlock the secrets of Eastern Cuba on this unique 9-day people-to-people program with Globus. This rare travel opportunity facilitates memorable interactions between Americans and Cuban workers, performers, artisans, and residents, and explores this beautiful island nation’s compelling history and rich culture. You’ll be immersed in everyday life here through captivating educational activities and conversations with Cubans about a wide range of topics. Visits include a print shop that still employs traditional printing and binding methods, a mechanical music-organ factory, the Casa de la Cultura in rural Velasco, Fidel Castro’s boyhood home at Birán, the Matachin Museum in an 18th-century Spanish Fortress, the semi-indigenous Guirito community, a cocoa farm, a rum factory, Santiago de Cuba’s historic city center, the San Pedro de la Roca Castle World Heritage Site, Teddy Roosevelt’s fabled San Juan Hill, and even a local family’s home and an elementary school. You’ll also join in a farm-to-table cooking demonstration and an interactive dance lesson, enjoy a scenic cruise on Santiago Bay, and see the changing of the guards at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. All this and more await as you explore and discover “Eastern Cuba’s Hidden Gems.”

Group Voyagers, Inc.* is an organization licensed by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), CFR 515.565(b) and authorized to provide those who register as participants in our programs to visit Cuba legally for educational people-to-people interactions. Our unique itinerary for 2016: “Eastern Cuba’s Hidden Gems” provides a full-time schedule of people-to-people educational exchange activities designed to result in meaningful interactions between our travelers and individuals in Cuba. United States law requires that all participants in our programs adhere to the full-time schedule of people-to-people activities.

Globus North America

GUANTÁNAMO
Learn the origins of Cuba’s music at Casa del Changui

BARACOA
Learn about the cocoa industry and meet workers at a local cocoa farm; discussion with members of the semi-indigenous Guirito community; interact with staff at the Matachin Museum; discussion at a local paladar with owner and staff


BIRÁN

Visit the boyhood home of Fidel & Raul Castro and interact with local community members


GUARDALAVACA
Interactive dance lesson

VELASCO

GLOBUS 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.
Visit Casa de la Cultura
GIBARA
Workshop with local fisherman; mojito-making demonstration at a local paladar

HOLGUÍN

Discussion with workers at a traditional print shop; meet staff at a musical-organ factory



SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Interact with workers at Jardín de los Helechos; visit the historic city center and enjoy a discussion with a local historian; scenic cruise in Santiago Bay; discussion with local fishermen; explore San Pedro de la Roca Castle; interact with a vocal group; visit San Juan Hill; interact with local university students; meet with parishioners at La Caridad del Cobra; workshop at Casa Caribe; see the Changing of the Guards at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery; learn about the history of rum in Cuba at a rum factory


NOTES:

  • The “Eastern Cuba’s Hidden Gems” program requires walking on cobblestone streets and uneven pathways, climbing stairs, and participating in a full-time schedule of people-to-people activities.
  • Due to the special requirements to visit Cuba, participants will be required to complete visa application and travel reservation forms and sign an affidavit confirming that they are traveling under a people-to-people license and are aware of the travel rules. Participants are also required to send a copy of their passport photo page. These items must be sent to Globus within 7 days of making a reservation.
  • In Cuba, activities that have been scheduled far in advance can sometimes become unavailable for a number of different reasons, the purpose of the trip is to have meaningful interactions with the locals and if the planned people-to-people educational exchange isn’t available, rest assured that another that will be just as enriching will be substituted.
  • Small-Group Discovery – Never more than 24 participants in a group

GLOBUS 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.
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.

HEADSETS throughout the tour
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

 Globus First Class Hotels
MIAMI Miami Airport Marriott (F)
BARACOA Porto Santo Hotel (MF)
GUARDALAVACA Playa Pesquero Resort (MF)
SANTIAGO DE CUBA Melia Santiago de Cuba (SF)


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

  

DINING HIGHLIGHTS
Breakfast daily including a continental breakfast in Miami, 7 lunches, 6 dinners including a farewell dinner in Santiago de Cuba


Globus Tour Itinerary

Day
1 Miami


Arrive in Miami and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your Globus Group Leader for a 6 pm welcome drink and briefing. This is a good time to meet your fellow program participants, ask questions, and get prepared for your trip to fascinating Cuba.

Day 2 Miami–Santiago de Cuba, Cuba– Guantanamo –Baracoa

This morning, fly to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second-largest city, located on the island’s southeastern shores. Upon arrival, continue to Guantánamo and visit CASA DEL CHANGUI, where you’ll learn about the origins of Cuban music and will interact with the cultural center’s members and musicians. Travel through lush mountain scenery and climb the stunning mountain road of La Farola, arriving in Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city and the site where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Cuba. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Baracoa. Excursion to Guirito

As this is known as the “Land of Cocoa,” our first stop is FINCA DUABA to learn about the world of cocoa production and the strong cocoa bean traditions in this region. Meet workers and discuss the process still used by farmers in the area. Next is an interactive exchange with the semi-indigenous GUIRITO community to experience traditional Kiriba and Nengon music and dance. Over a light lunch with the locals, sample some of the most typical foods that are found only in this part of Cuba. Visit the MATACHIN Museum, located in an old fortress. Interact with the city historian and staff, and hear tales of Baracoa’s past and some of the village’s unique citizens. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local paladar (special, privately owned restaurant). Over dessert, discuss the free enterprise system in Cuba and the U.S. with the owner and staff. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Baracoa–Biran–  Guardalavaca

Today, visit the farming village of BIRÁN, Fidel and Raul Castro’s birthplace and boyhood home. Learn about the Castros’ early years, their family, life in this rural community and interact with local residents. Arrive at your beautiful waterside resort for a 2-night stay. Enjoy an interactive DANCE LESSON before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Guardalavaca. Excursion to Velasco & Gibara

Travel to the rural village of Velasco and interact with members of the community at CASA DE LA CULTURA. Discuss the variety of programs offered to local children, adults, and seniors. Learn the history of the unique building and the lengths it took to complete. Next, on to Gibara, where you’ll meet with local FISHERMEN to discuss how they make a living from the sea. Lunch today is a “farm-to-table” experience at a local paladar. Visit the restaurant’s garden, and discuss the different herbs grown and how they’re used in cooking. Enjoy a mojito-making DEMONSTRATION before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Guardalavaca –Holguin –Santiago De Cuba

Today includes time in Holguín, with a visit to a traditional PRINT SHOP. Interact with staff and learn about the process used to make paper, print, and bind their one-of-a-kind books. Continue to a mechanical MUSIC-ORGAN FACTORY to see these impressive instruments from yesteryear. Discuss with workers how these organs came to Cuba, what it takes to maintain and repair them, and listen to the familiar whistle sounds. Continue to Santiago de Cuba, where we visit Jardín de los Helechos, the GARDEN OF FERNS. Here, you’ll interact with workers to learn about the various ferns and orchids found in this garden and will also discuss what is needed to maintain this unique garden. Check into the modern Melia Santiago de Cuba Hotel for a 3-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Santiago de Cuba

Start the day with a stroll through the streets of historic Santiago de Cuba with a local HISTORIAN, and discuss the various architecture types, restoration projects, and damage still present from Hurricane Sandy. Next, enjoy a panoramic CRUISE in Santiago Bay, arriving at quaint Granma Island. Over lunch, join a DISCUSSION with local fishermen and learn about their fishing practices and their community project that helps sustain the environment. Then, visit legendary SAN PEDRO DE LA ROCA CASTLE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1638, it has been the site of battles against pirates, smugglers, and home to many well-known prisoners. During your visit, meet a local VOCAL GROUP that will impress you with their musical talents. Discuss the inspiration for their songs, various backgrounds, and future aspirations. A stop is made at SAN JUAN HILL, where Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and America’s Buffalo Soldiers emerged victorious in the Spanish-American War. Before returning to your hotel, join in a DISCUSSION with local university students and their professors to learn more about Cuba’s educational system. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8 Santiago de Cuba

Start the day with a visit to the church of Cuba’s patron saint, LA CARIDAD DEL COBRE (Our Lady of Charity). Located near a copper mine, the church sits on a hillside overlooking the beautiful valley below. Interact with local parishioners and discuss the history of this amazing shrine as well as some of the traditions, holidays, and special events celebrated here. Visit the sanctuary, which holds everything from the humblest of offerings to precious jewels, sports trophies, military decorations, and once held the Nobel Prize for Literature medal placed here by Ernest Hemingway. Next, visit CASA CARIBE to discuss the Santeria religion and how it has impacted Cuba and the United States. Learn about Santeria, first brought to Cuba by African slaves who worked at the sugar plantations. The religion has connections to Roman Catholicism and Native Indian traditions. This afternoon, visit SANTA IFIGENIA CEMETERY, where Cuba’s national hero, José Martí, is laid to rest. Witness the Changing of the Guards, hear the interesting folklore, and admire the magnificent architecture of this beautiful cemetery. Before returning to your hotel, stop at a RUM FACTORY to discuss the history of this factory and the importance of the rum industry in Cuba. This evening, enjoy a festive dinner, the perfect ending to your time in Cuba. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Santiago de Cuba – Miami, USA
After breakfast, depart for the airport and your return flight to Miami. Please schedule connecting flights from Miami after 2:15 pm. (Breakfast)
Eastern Cuba's Hidden Gems
Globus Travel Specialist 9 Day Tour
From $2699USD
(Less applicable GLOBUS PROMO(S) and Gardner Travel Discounts)

REQUEST RATES, AVAILABILITY AND OTHER INFORMATION HERE
Unpublished Discount Rate!
To request our LOW UNPUBLISHED RATE and availability for this tour please view our scheduled departures listed HERE. Then, email us on the form BELOW and we will provide our private rate back to you by email response or phone call as you prefer it.

PLEASE NOTE:
We have access to the U.S./Canada reservations only for this tour.
If you reside outside of the U.S./Canada please contact the closest Globus Family of Brands travel agent in your country of origin.


 Exceptional Vacations

Celebrating over 85 Years of Touring!
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Click Here for Realtime Availability
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.


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 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
Globus Tour Specialist

Globus Travel CounselAs 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 35 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. Please feel free to call us or email us or we would be happy to provide your information via email on the tour form, below.

Requesting Availability
We will check your requested tour program and accommodations for the date range that you may specify in the boxes below 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.




About Globus

and The Globus Family of Brands
About Globus

More than 75 years ago, Antonio Mantegazza bought a rowboat to transport commercial goods across Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Who could know that rowboat would launch the world's leading escorted travel company? Today Globus is a global, family-owned company reaching every corner of the world. Globus is now the first choice among individuals looking for vacations with both domestic and international travel in a variety of styles to six continents and hundreds of itineraries to choose from (see Globus History video right).


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 80 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 80 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.

Globus MotorcoachesGlobus 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.

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.


Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Requirements

Travel Protection Plus offers comprehensive protection for your travel investment. In addition to excellent trip coverage and cancellation protection, the plan also includes a Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit that allows for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to departure (or prior business day, whichever is farther out) for any reason. In the event cancellation is for a non-covered reason under Travel Protection Plus, the cancellation penalty retained by Globus, minus the travel protection payment, will be reimbursed under the Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit, in the form of Travel Certificates valid for travel within two years from the original cancelled vacation start date. This Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit does not cover Instant Purchase Air or independently purchased air.

Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

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.
  • $11 Million of Travel Protection
  • Worldwide Scope
  • Travel Protection
  • Travel Protection Plus
  • Global Travel Community
  • Awards
  • Affiliations
$11 Million of Travel Protection
Globus has provided a $10 million letter of credit* issued by a leading bank to protect payments made by its customers for all 2005 vacation departures sold in the United States. "In these uncertain times, we feel it is important to assure our customers and our travel partners that we are financially secure and that we back our products 100 percent," said Phillip Gordon, chief executive officer and president. This is in addition to the $1 million traveler's assistance program maintained by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) in favor of Globus travelers. *The $10 million letter of credit has been issued by Credit Suisse S.A. in favor of PRO-CLAIM, INC. of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, acting as trustee of a trust for the benefit of Globus and Cosmos customers who advance deposits or payments for any Globus or Cosmos tour departure sold in the United States. PRO-CLAIM INC., as trustee of the trust, is responsible for refunding deposits or payments (excluding deposits or payments made by credit cards, since chargebacks are available), for Globus and Cosmos tours sold in the United States in the event Group Voyagers Inc., d/b/a Globus and Cosmos, becomes insolvent, bankrupt or ceases business


Worldwide Scope

Globus is truly a worldwide operation with 32 offices around the world to assist travelers. Booking Globus vacations is always simple due to a network of over 13,000 knowledgeable travel agencies offering Globus vacations.

Travel Protection

You're planning your annual vacation, or the vacation of a lifetime. Either way you don't want to think about canceling or interrupting your trip. Or getting sick. Or losing your luggage. We know these things can happen and we provide travelers peace of mind with a Travel Protection Plan. The plan costs from $79-$249 per person (depending on the vacation destination and price) and offers a wide range of benefits.

Please note that the Czech Republic now requires a minimum of $35,000 medical and repatriation insurance coverage. Our basic Travel Protection policy has a $25,000 limit, however will be increased to $35,000 while in the Czech Republic in order to meet Czech Republic requirements. There is no additional cost for this extra coverage. If you choose to purchase insurance independently, please know that the you may be required by immigration to produce proof of coverage while traveling in the Czech Republic.


Travel Protection Plus
Cancellation Protection

If you purchase the Globus family of brands Travel Protection Plan, you may also purchase the optional Globus family of brands Travel Protection Plus Plan at an additional cost of only $30.00 per person. This additional Benefit* (if purchased) allows you to cancel your vacation up to 24 hours (or the prior business day, whichever is farther out) before your scheduled departure for any reason not covered by the basic Travel Protection Plan provisions. Under this Travel Protection Plus Plan Benefit, Globus family of brands will reimburse the cancellation penalty amount, as retained by the Globus family of brands, in travel certificates, minus the insurance premium. Plus, now Travel Protection Plus extends your basic Travel Protection Plan benefits to include coverage of air penalties or change fees on air purchased outside of the Globus family of brands, when canceling for a reason covered by your basic Travel Protection Plan.
*The Travel Protection Plus Plan is provided by Globus family of brands and is not an insurance benefit and must be purchased with the initial payment for your Trip.

ASK YOUR AGENT ABOUT DETAILS

Globus recognizes the importance of preserving the North American attractions that our travelers go to great lengths to experience, which is why Globus is donating generously to the Tourism Cares for Tomorrow for restoration and preservation of five "American Icons." The donations are going toward specific projects, rather than operational costs.

Awards

For thirteen years in a row, Globus has been selected by Recommend Magazine as the best Tour Operator to Europe, and a top finalist for North America, Asia, Latin America and Africa. The brand was also named in Travel Weekly's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards as Best Tour Operator - Europe and 2013 Reader's Choice Awards as Best Tour Operator - Europe, Best Tour Operator - International and Best Tour Operator - Asia and South Pacific.

 

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