LITTLETON, Colorado – October 18, 2006 – European countries continue to be on Americans’ top 10 lists of places they’d like to visit, and 2007 is apt to be a record year in Europe for the Globus family of brands. To meet increasing demand for European vacation offerings, this industry leader has increased its packages to the region by 10 percent. 

“At Globus, we believe that every journey tells a story and Europe is chalk-full of stories just waiting to be told,” said Phillip Gordon, president and chief executive officer of the Globus family of brands.  “Travelers not only want insight into the regions they’re visiting and time to explore on their own, but also enjoy hearing hidden stories from each destination – stories only our Tour Directors and Local Hosts, who are the best in the business, can provide.”  

The Globus family offers travelers countless ways to experience Europe, be it via an independent vacation (from four to 11 days) with Monograms, a river cruise with Avalon Waterways or a tour with Globus,  Brennan Vacations or Cosmos ranging from eight to 27 days. 

In addition to augmenting vacation options in Europe, Globus is making the decision to book a European getaway even easier.  Travelers who book any air-inclusive European 2007 Globus, Brennan Vacations, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways vacation between October 18 and November 30 will receive $150 off per person.*

Below are highlights from the Globus family’s newest European offerings for 2007: 

• The Best of Italy & Croatia – 14 days (Globus Regional Discovery)
  This vacation begins in Rome, providing travelers a plethora of opportunities to explore Italy’s culture, including visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica and the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where Roman Legions marched in triumph.  The Florence stint of this journey is filled with arts and culture, including a tour of the Academy of Fine Arts, allowing travelers the opportunity to see Michelangelo’s celebrated David.  Time in Venice boasts a private boat ride and guided sightseeing including visits to St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.  In addition to the Italian delights, travelers will enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coast with a visit to the 4^th-century Diocletian’s Palace, a well-preserved fortress in Split, before embarking on a journey to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Here, they will be blown away with the city’s beauty, as a local guide takes travelers to the impressive ramparts, erected during the Crusades, and to the 15^th-century Rector’s Palace.  This journey ends in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.  Priced from $2,499 (land-only).

• Iceland Adventure – 8 days (Globus Regional Discovery)
  This new Globus journey takes travelers around the country of Iceland, visiting more than a dozen cities, providing an in-depth look at the country’s culture and history.  This vacation begins with visits to historical attractions including the old Parliament site at Pingvellir National Park, Deildatunguhver, one of the world’s most powerful hot springs, Reykhold, a tiny village and former farm site of the 13^th-century writer/scholar and chieftain Snorri Sturlusan as well as a trip to the Lava Waterfalls – and that’s just the first day!!  The rest of the trip is just as fascinating, including a visit to the Blue Lagoon.  Priced from $2,689 (land-only). 

• Bordeaux Wine Country, Lourdes & Provence – 11 days (Globus LeisureStyle)
  Perfect for wine connoisseurs, this vacation provides travelers the opportunity to explore Paris – everything from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower – before commencing on a journey through France’s wine country.  Travelers can expect wine tasting in Bordeaux, leisurely walks through St. Bernadette’s Grotto in Lourdes, a drive through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and exploring Nice’s Old Town and flower market.  Priced from $1,879 (land-only).

• Essential Britain & Ireland – 10 Days (Globus Regional Discovery)
  During this 10-day journey, travelers will enjoy some of the United Kingdom’s most impressive villages and sites, beginning with a day at Stonehenge.  In addition, history lovers will enjoy the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths.  And, a trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory.  This vacation ends with a day in York and Stratford, visiting Anne Hathaway’s cottage and Shakespeare’s birthplace.  Priced from $1,679 (land-only).

Consumers can book a Globus family of brands vacation or request 2007 brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free numbers: Globus, Brennan, Cosmos and Monograms: 1-877-245-6287; Avalon Waterways: 1-877-380-1535.  For more information, please visit www.globusfamily.com or www.globusjourneys.com. 

Travel agents can request 2007 brochures by visiting www.globusfamily.com/agents.   Reservation agents for the Globus family of brands can be reached at the following toll free numbers: Globus, Cosmos and Monograms: 1-800-221-0090; Brennan Vacations: 1-800-237-7249; Avalon Waterways: 1-877-380-1544.