Latest Travel Blog Entries

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

It's no secret Italy is one of the world's most popular destinations, one that everyone seems to love for its cities full of renaissance masterpieces and romanesque cathedrals, its lush valleys gloriously green with vineyards and olive groves, majestic Etruscan, Greek and Roman ruins, picturesque fishing ports and sybaritic seaside resorts. But it's the delicious and unforgettable dining on incomparable pasta and regional wine and dishes found only in Italy, that brings many repeat visitors back to its shores.

Indeed, it's that unforgettable culinary and wine experience that entices more than a 40 percent repeat visitor number from North America, a teasing combination of memorable flavors and aroma that can't be duplicated in even the most favorite Italian restaurant back home. Which is why Ricardo Strano, North American director of the Italian Government Tourist Board. is committed to marketing Italy in 2011 with the accent on wining and dining, combined with food and wine touring that introduces special cuisines and signature vineyards of familiar and lesser-known regions. "While Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, and Amalfi are the familiar icons of Italy, the second- and fifth-time visitors look to expand their horizons with new sights and experiences." Reminding travelers that, "Near every great museum is a great restaurant."

In fact, he points out, Italy invented the "Slow Food" movement that focuses on locally grown, sustainably farmed products, giving visitors the opportunity to learn that, "discovering regional cuisines is a delightful and delicious way to understand that-as in fashion and lifestyle-high-quality and simplicity are the hallmarks of the special flavors of Italy."

Thankfully, for those travelers looking for that unforgettable culinary and wine adventure, there are abundant options for food and wine touring in Italy, including deluxe tours spiced with great restaurants, cooking classes for a half-day or a week, hiking and biking tours with routes to outdoor markets, specialty bakeries, olive mills, vineyards and wine cellars. Many experts, for example, consider the region of Emilia-Romagna to be a legendary gourmet center with such tasty towns as Bologna, Parma and Modena. Ristoranti, osterie and pizzerie are the dine-around menu when exploring Venice and vicinity, while Piedmont's wine-making traditions produce the world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Globus family of brands-Globus tours, Cosmos tours and Monograms vacations -offers a host of trips to Italy, some with an accent on dining, including Umbria's Treasures where clients will be able to sample this region's famous cuisine with its simple, yet flavorful ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality olive oil, and nibble on Perugia's world-renowned chocolate delights. Or, for an emphasis on cooking classes, book with Chicago-based The International Kitchen, specialists in cooking classes and culinary vacations in 12 of Italy's 20 regions, including three different programs based in Bologna.

In 2006, all eyes were on Torino (Turin) as host city during the Winter Olympic Games, and again in 2011, this capital of the northern Piedmont region will be front and center when Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italian Reunification. Celebrations and special events will take place nationwide, but Torino is the place the reunification movement was born. Today Torino is a dynamic center for industry (home to Fiat for one) and art-world-class is its Egyptian Museum & Galleria Sabauda, housing the fabulous collections of the House of Savoy. Take time out from touring for a cup of bicerin, Torino's signature blend of coffee and chocolate.

Talk to a tour specialist at Atlas Cruises & Tours about italy tours and expierence Flavors of Italy first hand.

"...discovering regional cuisines is a delightful and delicious way to understand that-as in fashion and lifestyle-high-quality and simplicity are the hallmarks of the special flavors of Italy."  Ricardo Strano, North American director of the Italian Government Tourist Board

By: Carla Hunt

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Globus family of brands has expertly designed and unveiled more than 30 “low season” vacations, including two NEW itineraries with Globus and Monograms, offering Americans a plethora of opportunities to travel abroad at unbeatable prices this fall, winter and next spring.

In addition to its already robust selection of holiday tours and cruises and winter vacation packages across Europe, Globus is introducing a NEW, nine-day Christmas in Paris & New Year’s Eve in London itinerary, priced from $1,599. And, capitalizing on America’s interest in Ireland, Monograms is providing travelers a NEW four-day Dublin Getaway, priced from $517.

“Winter is a great time for Americans to make European travel dreams come true,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands. “They can take a vacation at a reduced price, while avoiding the crowds that converge during the summer travel months.”

From holiday cruises on the Main and Danube rivers to tours across Europe ranging from seven to 29 days as well as 10 independent vacation packages, the Globus family of brands’ “European Winter Vacations” offer unparalleled savings to fit any travel style.

“Not only are we giving travelers a large selection of tours, cruises and independent vacations from which to choose a phenomenal European vacation,” said Born. “We are offering them savings of up to 40 percent on air and 15 percent on land, compared to peak season pricing.”

Even more chances to save are available for those who plan ahead and book early: Travelers can save $200 per couple on Globus family of brands’ 2010/11 European Winter vacations when booking air-inclusive with Alitalia by July 27, 2010.* Sample fares start as low as $415/person.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

We're always on the look out for great deals for our clients, and this Globus tour promotion is a winner. So far we have been finding very good availbility, but like anything else, as they continue to make bookings, it will be more difficult to secure this rate, so book early to save.

Fly to London on Virgin Atlantic Airways from $498 pp on a 2010 Globus tour, Cosmos tour or Monograms vacation booked bewtween now and May 18, 2010. Special fares available onselect 2010 Globus, Cosmos and Monograms vacations that start or end in London from appicable U.S. gateways to London and are subject to availbility in a designated class of service. Call 800-942-3301 for details or click for

Globus tours deals including detailed terms and restrictions. Looking to upgrade? Upgrades available for premium economy class from just $1,046 pp (JFK/LON round trip)

Can't get the Virgin Air pomotion? Not to worry, Globus tours still has a way you can save money. Receive $150 off pp for any air inclusive Globus, Cosmos or Monograms booking. Excludes vacations starting or ending in London. Booking must be made and paid in full by May 18, 2010 for travel between April 1st and December 31, 2010. Addtional restrictions may apply. Again please call or visit our Globus tours website for more details. Globus tours is also offering up to $1,100 off per couple onselect 2010 Globus Greece cruise and tour vacations and $100 off per person on Monograms North America bookings made by May 18, 2010.

Monday, March 08, 2010

When it comes to seeing Europe, there’s no better way to go than on a pre-planned vacation. Marvel at Rome’s incomparable Sistine Chapel or admire artistic masterpieces in Paris’ Louvre Museum. Cruise the canals of Venice—or the canals of Amsterdam…and that’s just the start!

Where ever you plan to travel in Europe, the Globus family of brands can take you there. Choose from Globus tours, Monograms independent travel packages or Avalon river cruises through Europe.

Europe Vacations

Italy Vacations
Step back in time and explore a country rich with historical treasures. From magnificent churches and marble monuments to medieval piazzas with awe-inspiring fountains, you’ll feel an ambiance reminiscent of times past while in Italy.
Italy Vacations

England, Scotland & Ireland Vacations
For a travel experience befitting royalty, there’s truly nothing better than a vacation to Britain & Ireland. Whether you’re off checking out a a 2,000-year-old castle or riding through the city streets on a double-decker bus, you’ll be left with a lifetime of incredible memories.
England, Scotland & Ireland Vacations

France Vacations
Ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy spectacular views of Paris or visit the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. France is filled with the world’s most eclectic collection of artwork, mouthwatering bakers’ delights, and abundantly colorful flower and fruit markets.
France Vacations

Germany, Austria & Switzerland Vacations
Enjoy the essence of Central Europe as you experience Germany, Austria & Switzerland. Enjoy beautiful architecture, interesting museums, a tasty beer garden and, of course, the opera and classical music concerts.
Germany, Austria & Switzerland Vacations

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Considered “America’s best idea,” National Parks around the world provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see.   An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences.  And, it’s this transparent beauty, exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of North American National Parks that make them a popular vacation choice.

According to the National Park Service, trips to National Parks are on the rise.  “National Parks are idyllic vacation ‘hot spots’ perfect for relaxation and introspection, wild life exploration or adventure, depending on the traveler,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO for the Globus family of brands.

A wide range of experiences can be had at National Parks including everything from snorkeling, rafting and hiking to learning about the environment, geology and wild life.  They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature. 

“Our National Park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunities,” said Nisbet.  “With a wide range of National Park destinations, hotels and price points, coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling, we create experiences for travelers they couldn’t produce on their own.”

Together, Globus, Cosmos and Monograms offer travelers more than 35 National Park-focused tours and packaged vacations from which to choose an ideal getaway. The most popular National Park-focused escapes for 2010 are:

• National Parks & Canyon Country   (Cosmos), Denver to Las Vegas
• Canyon Country Adventure   (Globus), Scottsdale to Las Vegas
• Heart of the Canadian Rockies   (Cosmos), Calgary to Vancouver
• Parks & Canyons Spectacular   (Globus), Rapid City to Las Vegas
• Spectacular Alaska!   (Globus), Anchorage to Fairbanks
• Canyon Escape   (Monograms On the Road vacation), Zion National Park to the Grand Canyon

Specialty sites:  National Parks | Alaska | Canada