Cosmos

Your affordable guided tour of Norway focuses on the country’s intact natural beauty with its glistening mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. Start the Norwegian adventure in Oslo and explores the idyllic Norwegian landscapes and harbor towns—rich in the folklore of pirates, Vikings, and smugglers through the Napoleonic Wars. Follow the southern coast of the country by coach and occasionally cross by ferry on the way to fascinating Bergen. Spend two nights with plenty of time to discover the bustling harbor and roam around the fish market and the Bryggen district. Highlights of your vacation include the fascinating Flåm train journey through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, followed by a relaxing cruise across the legendary Sognefjord to Loen—home to some of Norway’s oldest farms. Travel to Lillehammer, where the 1994 Winter Olympics took place, and known for its exciting art scene. Visit Hamar on the shores of Lake Mjøsa—one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Here, you’ll also visit a spectacular open-air museum and the remains of a 950-year-old cathedral. Upon your return to Oslo, your guided sightseeing tour includes an outdoor exhibition of the sculptures of famed Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. You’ll fall in love with Norway’s beauty, culture, and history on your escorted Norwegian tour. Norway’s magic will stay with you long after your affordable travel adventure.

On our Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour, experience the rich history and distinct cultures of these three glorious countries. You'll overnight in Madrid, Seville, Granada, and the Costa del Sol in Spain; Coimbra and Lisbon in Portugal; and Rabat, Marrakesh, and Fez in Morocco. The tour starts in Madrid, where you’ll discover the main sights with a local guide. On the way to Portugal, visit Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient, fortified towers and walls, and beautiful Salamanca. The Portuguese pearls you’ll discover on this affordable tour are Coimbra, Obidos, Fatima with its famous Sanctuary, and the capital, Lisbon. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent by ferry to step back in time in Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco's capital. Fez is still the cultural and spiritual hub, and its centerpiece is the Medina, colorful maze of streets with the lively bazaar and exotic palaces, madrasas, fondouks, residences, mosques, and fountains dating back to the 13th-14th centuries. The red city of Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, vibrant public squares, and souks (markets). You’ll get to know this fascinating city with a local expert on the included sightseeing tour. Stop in Casablanca, Morocco's westernmost city. Its name still resonates because of the 1942 classic film with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Once back on the European continent, you will love the included guided visit to Granada's legendary Alhambra complex*, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings in 889 AD, and you will appreciate it even more after having visited Morocco. These are just some of the many highlights on this comprehensive and affordable Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour. It's a memorable budget vacation for value-minded travel lovers. *Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed

Experience some of Britain’s fascinating towns as you travel through England, Scotland, and Wales, stopping for overnights in London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Strathpeffer, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, and Plymouth. Part of the charm of exploring through Britain is seeing the spectacular scenery, and on this Britain tour, you’ll get the opportunity to witness some of its most scenic areas. Travel through Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces and views of endless beauty; Brecon Beacons National Park, with its dramatic landscapes; Dartmoor National Park; and incomparable Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Drive through the serene Lake District, England’s largest and finest natural park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way to Glasgow, admire some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, including vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and gorgeous lochs (lakes). On this Britain tour, you’ll also travel to some of Britain’s charming towns. In Stratford-upon-Avon, explore the town that Shakespeare called home and get a glimpse into life in 16th-century England. Walk through York’s quaint streets with your Tour Director and marvel at England's most complete medieval city. In Bath, explore the elegant city famed for its excavations of the 2,000-year-old Roman baths. In Plymouth, see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. Enjoy an orientation drive in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and sightseeing in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. These are just some of the many highlights of this value-minded Britain tour through England, Scotland, and Wales. Be sure to grab your camera so all you have to do is sit back and relax as you experience these wonderful destinations.

On this affordable Italy, small group adventure, the town of Montecatini serves as home base from which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany and getting to know its culinary and wine traditions. Indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries. From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond, we’ll take you through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art. Traveling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy, you’ll embark to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast. As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums, you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each destination. In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson. You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions will enjoy your culinary creations—complete with master-chef prizes. You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert making at your hotel and get to taste some of the celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines right where they are produced. You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini while making priceless discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path—perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded travel lover.

This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more. Take a long tail boat ride through vibrant Damnoen Floating market. Ride a train over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a walking trail and interpretive center detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway. In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes in the mountains near Chiang Rai. Your trip to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

Rediscover the wonders of nature and the stillness of the mind on this scenic blend of the Portuguese and the Spiritual routes of the Camino de Santiago. The walk will cover about 75 miles. Take time to reflect, contemplate, meditate, and give this challenge the meaning you prefer, whether spiritual, religious, physical, or just an opportunity to meet like-minded people. After landing in Porto, start your journey by walking across the Portuguese-Spanish border on the bridge over the Minho River. Drive to the coastal town of Baiona and walk the Portuguese Way skirting the Atlantic Ocean to Pontevedra. From there, join the Spiritual Variant towards the Ulla River in Cambados and experience a boat cruise to Padrón. The Spiritual Variant is the name given to the route that joins the Camino Portugues, both the Coastal and Central route, with the Traslatio (or Transfer) route. It ends in Santiago de Compostela following the route taken by the remains of the Apostle James, from Jerusalem to Iria Flavia, near Padrón. Discover spectacular landscapes and seascapes, seize the opportunity to discover historical places, and enjoy the authentic cuisine of the Galician region. Evening Mass will be available in most towns for those who wish to attend. In Santiago de Compostela you can attend Pilgrim Mass. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.