Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy

14 days from Rome to Palermo


Vacation Overview

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

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Day 2 ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO AREA

Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Area.
193 mi / 310 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explore the Papal Palace and beautiful Barberini Gardens. Stroll the spectacular grounds of the grand papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, where Holy Fathers and world dignitaries walked and talked about faith and the world at large.


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Day 3 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI

Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri.
CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch.
SORRENTO AREA Free time.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking island and the sapphire sea below.


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Day 4 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES

A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time to browse.
NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and a slice of Neapolitan pizza.
68 mi / 110 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Pizza was first delivered to the world after Neapolitans put tomatoes on flatbread. Baker Raffaele Esposito baked a pie with the hues of the Italian flag for Queen Margherita's visit to Naples with mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and basil, giving to the world the Neapolitan pizza we love today.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 SORRENTO AREA–BARI

Chilling on the Coast SORRENTO AREA Free morning before departing for Bari.
186 mi / 300 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA

Sweet Strolls in Apulia BARI Guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church.
LECCE Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee.
186 mi / 300 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.


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Day 7 ALBEROBELLO AREA

Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA

Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings MATERA Orientation walk with panoramic view of the picturesque sassi house (cave houses). Take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto.
PIZZO CALABRO Enjoy a traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting.
REGGIO CALABRIA Join a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures).
280 mi / 450 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The only thing better than a taste of gelato is having a few different tastes inside a chocolate-shelled truffle! Indulge in a tartufo dessert that will melt in your mouth during a visit to Pizzo Calabro.


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Day 9 REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.
TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore.
81 mi / 130 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA

The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.


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Day 11 TAORMINA RIVIERA

Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.


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Day 12 TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO

Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo.
211 mi / 340 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 PALERMO

Cathedrals & Human Heroes PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Hear about the important role that the organization "La Casa di Paolo" plays to help local children and their families followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant which employs young people with a difficult past.

LOCAL FAVORITE
FOREVER REMEMBERED "La Casa di Paolo" is a special place. Once the pharmacy of judge Paolo Borsellino's parents and now an invaluable point of reference where children can do their homework in a safe environment with the help of volunteers. Paolo Borsellino and his convoy were killed when a bomb went off just in front of his mother's house on July 19th 1992. His brother and niece decided to commemorate the memory of a human judge who put the lives of others before his own, helping those who would be easy preys of the organised crime if left on their own.


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Day 14 PALERMO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Vacation Highlights

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.

Hotels

Rome

Starhotels Michelangelo

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class

Modern hotel catering to business and leisure travelers located a short walk to St. Peter's Square; staff is multilingual.

Rome

Degli Aranci

Hotel as shown or similar

Overlooking Villa Borghese, hotel Degli Aranci is housed in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building surrounded by a lush orange tree garden. This boutique hotel offers a fitness center with sauna and hot tub, a restaurant with outdoor dining area where to enjoy delicious Italian specialties, and a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day. All 58 air-conditioned guest rooms are elegantly furnished in a classic style with oriental influences, and are equipped with soundproofed windows, minibar, in-room safe, flat screen TV with international channels, and free Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel is located in the elegant district of Parioli, a quiet residential area perfect for a relaxing stay in the capital. Restaurants and shops are within easy access.

Sorrento Area

Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Built on the grounds of a former cement factory which takes its name from the two replica factory towers, this upscale 150-room hotel is located in a tranquil spot on the beautiful Sorrento peninsula with views of Mt. Vesuvius, a gleaming private stretch of beach and a sparkling (seasonal) outdoor swimming pool. Mediterranean cuisine is served in the restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples and drinks can be enjoyed at the terrace bar. A large spa area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.

Bari

Excelsior

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Hotel Excelsior is just 100 meters from Bari's shopping area and a 3-minute walk from the rear entrance of the train station. All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture, parquet floors, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi. The Excelsior's rooms are spread throughout eight floors, all offering windows overlooking the courtyard and a private road. Each guestroom features a marble bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer.

Alberobello Area

Grand Hotel Olimpo

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class

The Grand Hotel Olimpo is surrounded by typical Trulli and offers 40 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with a flat-screen, cable channel TV, safety deposit box, a minibar, desk and hairdryer. The Eden restaurant serves a refined à la carte menu with tasty, delicious combinations which respect the local gastronomic traditions and there is also a great selection of fine wines on offer.

Alberobello Area

Grand Hotel D'Aragona

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class

Located in a very peaceful position close to some of Apulia's most important attractions like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, this hotel is a great choice for those who want to explore the region. All its air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV and minibar. Most of the rooms also have balconies. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant serving local dishes and two swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas.

Reggio Calabria

Grand Hotel Excelsior

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class

Refined and elegant, equipped with a large Convention Centre and a rooftop garden that hosts the exclusive restaurant Gala, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is the ideal solution both for a business trip or a romantic weekend in the beautiful city of Calabria.

Taormina Riviera

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch.

Palermo

Mercure Palermo Centro

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date the vacation starts and the date you'll return.  

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers for flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare from Canada. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
2024-03-31 2024-04-13
$5,559
Not Available
2024-04-07 2024-04-20
$5,699
Please Call
2024-04-14 2024-04-27
$5,699
Please Call
Popular Departure
2024-04-21 2024-05-04
$5,779
Book Now!
Popular Departure
2024-04-28 2024-05-11
$5,779
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Popular Departure
2024-05-05 2024-05-18
$5,719
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2024-05-12 2024-05-25
$5,789
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-05-19 2024-06-01
$5,789
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Popular Departure
2024-05-26 2024-06-08
$5,789
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Popular Departure
2024-06-02 2024-06-15
$6,789
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Popular Departure
2024-06-09 2024-06-22
$5,759
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Popular Departure
2024-06-16 2024-06-29
$5,759
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2024-06-23 2024-07-06
$5,899
Not Available
2024-06-30 2024-07-13
$6,839
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-07-07 2024-07-20
$5,799
Book Now!
2024-07-21 2024-08-03
$5,799
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-08-04 2024-08-17
$6,849
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2024-08-18 2024-08-31
$5,829
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-08-25 2024-09-07
$6,789
Book Now!
Popular Departure
2024-09-01 2024-09-14
$5,799
Book Now!
2024-09-08 2024-09-21
$5,799
Not Available
2024-09-15 2024-09-28
$5,799
Not Available
2024-09-22 2024-10-05
$5,799
Not Available
2024-09-29 2024-10-12
$6,829
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-09-29 2024-10-12
$6,829
Book Now!
Popular Departure
2024-10-06 2024-10-19
$5,699
Book Now!
2024-10-13 2024-10-26
$5,699
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-10-20 2024-11-02
$5,699
Book Now!
Popular Departure
2024-10-27 2024-11-09
$6,559
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Popular Departure
2024-11-03 2024-11-16
$5,399
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2024-11-10 2024-11-23
$5,199
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2025-03-30 2025-04-12
$6,119
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2025-04-06 2025-04-19
$6,269
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2025-04-13 2025-04-26
$6,269
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2025-04-20 2025-05-03
$6,359
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2025-04-27 2025-05-10
$6,359
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2025-05-04 2025-05-17
$7,429
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2025-05-11 2025-05-24
$6,369
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2025-05-18 2025-05-31
$6,369
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2025-05-25 2025-06-07
$6,369
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2025-06-01 2025-06-14
$7,469
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2025-06-08 2025-06-21
$6,339
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2025-06-15 2025-06-28
$6,339
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2025-06-22 2025-07-05
$6,489
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2025-06-29 2025-07-12
$6,409
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2025-07-06 2025-07-19
$7,519
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2025-07-20 2025-08-02
$6,379
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2025-08-03 2025-08-16
$7,539
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2025-08-17 2025-08-30
$6,419
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2025-08-24 2025-09-06
$7,479
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2025-08-31 2025-09-13
$6,379
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2025-09-07 2025-09-20
$6,379
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2025-09-14 2025-09-27
$6,379
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2025-09-21 2025-10-04
$6,379
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2025-09-28 2025-10-11
$6,379
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2025-10-05 2025-10-18
$6,269
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2025-10-12 2025-10-25
$6,269
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2025-10-19 2025-11-01
$6,269
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2025-10-26 2025-11-08
$7,219
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2025-11-02 2025-11-15
$5,939
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2025-11-09 2025-11-22
$5,699
Book Now!
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.



Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

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, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, 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.
View full Terms & Conditions


Important Notes

  • The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; 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 Insurance premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). 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.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). An additional $300 per person 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 a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

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 travellers 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 traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.