Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise

Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise

19 Views
14 Days From

$4967

$4768

Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise

14 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Split, Croatia

Visiting: Tirana, Budva, Dubrovnik, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar, Split, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

RIE-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise, Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $4967 $4768 Operator discount: -$199

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the hidden gems of the Balkans on this captivating tour through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, culminating in a scenic coastal cruise. Begin your journey in Tirana with a welcome dinner and a guided city tour, including a visit to the Bunk’Art museum. Explore the natural wonders of Skadar Lake in Montenegro, and delve into the rich history of Cetinje and Kotor. In Croatia, visit the enchanting town of Perast and the iconic city of Dubrovnik, where you’ll embark on a coastal cruise. Enjoy stops at picturesque locations like Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, and Hvar, each offering unique cultural and natural experiences. Conclude your adventure in Split, with memories of stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant local cultures.

Highlights

  • Guided walking tour of Tirana featuring a visit to Bunk’Art.

  • Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake in Virpazar.

  • Guided tour of Cetinje including King Nicola's Museum and a visit to Kotor's old town.

  • Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church in Perast and a guided walking tour of Kotor.

  • Walking tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide and a farewell dinner in Konavle.

  • Cable car ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town to Srd mountain for scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands.

  • Exploration of Mljet National Park and a boat ride to St Mary Isle.

  • Visit to the Blue Cave on Bisevo and a guided tour of Hvar.

Places You'll See

Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Hotel Budva

Lapad

Royal Hotel Ariston

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Tirana,Albania

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast

TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art.
TIRANA Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city. Visit the site of Bunk’Art. Once serving as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this sprawling stone bunker is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery.

Day 3: Tirana,Virpazar,Montenegro,Budva

Location: Budva

Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. 137 mi / 220 km
TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B,D)
137 mi / 220 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just a bay off the Adriatic. However, with erosion and changes to the landscape, the former bay transformed into a lake which offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.

Day 4: Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor

Location: Budva

Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant. 106mi / 170 km
BUDVA EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.
KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.
BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)
106mi / 170 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

Day 5: Budva,Perast,Dubrovnik,Croatia

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast

PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a man-made tiny Island on the way to Kotor city for a guided walking tour that includes all the famous sights of this little town. Free time for lunch. 71 mi / 115km
BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a man-made tiny Island on the way to Kotor city for a guided walking tour that includes all the famous sights of this little town. Free time for lunch. (B)
71 mi / 115km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea- cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea- cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.

Day 6: Dubrovnik,Konavle,Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 37 mi / 60 km
DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.
KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
37 mi / 60 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.

Day 7: Dubrovnik (Embarkation)

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard.
DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION) Above the Gates DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who wants to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.

Day 8: Cruising: Dubrovnik,Slano

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.SLANO Explore the town’s long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel.
CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO Safe Harbor Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.
SLANO Explore the town’s long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.

Day 9: Cruising: Slano,Mijet

Location: Mljet

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery.
CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET Myths & Marvels MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him.

Day 10: Cruising: Mijet,Korcula

Location: Korcula

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls.
CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA Marco Polo Found KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.

Day 11: Cruising: Korcula,Vis

Location: Vis

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

VIS: Free time to explore the island.
CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS On the Waterfront VIS: Free time to explore the island. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base–until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Spend some time tasting some exquisite local wines or visiting the remains of the Roman thermal baths, City Museum, or by simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront.

Day 12: Cruising: Vis,Bisevo,Hvar

Location: Hvar

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe.
CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR Island Beauties BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)
HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands.

Day 13: Cruising: Hvar,Bol,Split

Location: Split

Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni RatSPLIT Guided tour of the city.
CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–SPLIT Blue Heaven BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni Rat
SPLIT Guided tour of the city. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.

Day 14: Split (Disembarkation)

Location: Split

Meals Included: Breakfast

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
SPLIT (DISEMBARKATION) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Tirana in Tirana, Hotel Budva in Budva, and Lapad in Dubrovnik.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast (B), several dinners (D), and some lunches (L) are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours in Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, and Split.

  • Boat Trips

    Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake and a coastal cruise from Dubrovnik.

  • Museum Visits

    Visits to Bunk’Art in Tirana, King Nicola's Museum in Cetinje, and the Benedictine monastery on St Mary Isle.

  • Special Experiences

    Visit to 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church, Blue Cave in Bisevo, and oyster tasting in Slano.

  • Transfers

    Transfers to various locations including city gates, cable car rides, and return transfers to the vessel.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.

Small Group

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.

Accommodation

Tirana: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana. Budva: Hotel Budva. Dubrovnik: Lapad.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the significance of the Bunk’Art in Tirana?

    Bunk’Art in Tirana is a sprawling stone bunker that once served as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha. It is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery, showcasing the city's diverse architectural history from Ancient Roman to Ottoman and Italian influences.

  • What can I expect during the boat trip on Skadar Lake?

    During the boat trip on Skadar Lake, you will explore the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. The lake, which was once a bay off the Adriatic, offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.

  • What will I see during the guided tour of Kotor?

    The guided tour of Kotor will take you through its beautiful, walled medieval city with twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. You will also visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the city's most recognizable symbols.

  • What is the legend behind 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast?

    The legend behind 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast is that two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on a sea-cliff in 1452. After repeatedly finding the image back on the cliff despite taking it home, they understood it as a sign to build a church there. The island was created by people from Perast who threw rocks and stones around the cliff.

  • What makes Dubrovnik a significant location on this tour?

    Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a UNESCO-protected old town surrounded by remarkable city walls. It has inspired many artists over the centuries and served as a film location for the TV series Game of Thrones. The tour includes a walking tour with a local guide and a cable car ride to Srd mountain for scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands.

  • What activities are included during the stop in Slano?

    In Slano, you will explore the town's long medieval ramparts and learn about the oysters that made the village famous, with a chance to taste this delicacy. There will also be free time before returning to the vessel.

  • What is the historical significance of Mljet National Park?

    Mljet National Park is famous for its salt lakes and the ancient Benedictine monastery on St Mary Isle. According to legend, the Greek hero Odysseus spent seven years on the island after being charmed by the nymph Calypso, which led to his shipwreck and prolonged stay.

  • What can I expect to see in Korcula?

    In Korcula, you will have a guided walking tour of the town, which is surrounded by walls and is rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, with a unique fishbone street pattern designed for natural cooling.

  • What are some activities to do during free time on the island of Vis?

    During free time on the island of Vis, you can taste exquisite local wines, visit the remains of Roman thermal baths, explore the City Museum, or simply take a walk to enjoy the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront. The island has a rich history as a former Greek colony and Yugoslavian army base.

  • What is special about the Blue Cave on Bisevo?

    The Blue Cave on Bisevo is a spectacular natural phenomenon that you can visit, weather permitting. The cave is known for its mesmerizing blue light effect created by sunlight reflecting through the water.

  • What makes Zlatni Rat beach unique?

    Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the Mediterranean. It is surrounded by crystal-clear sea that changes color from turquoise blue to dark blue within a short distance. The beach's shape and position change depending on the wind, tide, and current, sometimes forming a small pool at its tip.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

May 04, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$4967 $4768

Operator discount: -$199

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$5817 $5618

Operator discount: -$199

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$5180 $4980

Operator discount: -$199

Prices last published on 19-Sep-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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