Globus Tour Types Compared: Which Touring Style Is Right for You?
Published February 27, 2026
Updated February 27, 2026
Travel Experts
at The Cruise Web
Not all travelers are the same, so why should every tour be the same?
Globus has spent nearly a century perfecting guided travel, offering multiple touring styles designed to match the way you want to see the world. Whether you crave iconic highlights, off-the-beaten-path adventures, or the freedom to explore independently, there is a Globus tour built for you.
Here is your guide to every way Globus can take you there.
Globus Tour Types at a Glance
Classic Tours | Small Group Discovery | Undiscovered Tours | Independent City Stays | Globus Escapes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Group Size | Standard (varies) | Avg. 15 (Europe), 18 (beyond) | Small groups | No group | Standard (varies) |
Travel Style | Fully guided, curated | Immersive, hands-on | Off the beaten path | Self-guided with support | Fully guided, off-season |
Pace | Structured with free time | Flexible, relaxed | Exploratory | Entirely your own | Structured with free time |
VIP/Skip-the-Line Access | Yes | Yes | Select sites | No | Yes |
Tour Director | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (on-the-ground support) | Yes |
Hotels Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Meals Included | Many | Many | Many | Some (typically breakfast) | Many |
Transportation | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Choice Excursions | Yes (nearly 80% of tours) | Select tours | Select tours | No | Select tours |
Best For | Iconic sights, stress-free | Authentic local experiences | Hidden gems, fewer crowds | Flexibility, couples, solo | Value seekers, off-season |
Price Point | Mid to premium | Mid to premium | Mid-range | Mid-range | Budget-friendly |
Private Tour Option | Yes (Europe) | Yes (Europe) | Yes (Europe) | N/A | N/A |
1. Classic Tours – The Iconic Globus Experience
Globus Classic Tours are the reason Globus became a household name in guided travel. Designed for travelers who want the world's top destinations without the planning headaches, every trip features hand-selected hotels, expert Tour Directors, VIP access to landmarks like the Sistine Chapel and the Louvre, included meals, and smooth transportation connecting each stop along the way.
With Globus Choice Excursions, you can personalize your journey, from cooking classes with local chefs to bike rides through historic streets or wine tastings.
Best for: Travelers who want maximum depth with minimal stress. Experience iconic sights, curated adventures, and peace of mind knowing every detail is handled.
2. Small Group Discovery Tours – Intimate Groups, Big Experiences
Globus Small Group Discovery Tours offer deeper immersion with small groups averaging 15 guests in Europe and 18 elsewhere. Smaller groups allow access to private wine tastings, cooking classes, and local estates that larger tours cannot reach.
Over 60 itineraries span Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific, ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Best for: Travelers who want freedom, connection, and more room to roam. Enjoy meals and experiences with locals instead of tourist crowds.
3. Undiscovered Tours – Off the Beaten Path Adventures
Globus Undiscovered Tours takes you to hidden gems and local surprises that most travelers miss. Explore tucked-away towns, secluded seafronts, and cultural traditions far from crowds.
Best for: Travelers seeking lesser-known destinations, meaningful cultural connections, and unforgettable moments beyond the typical tourist path.
4. Independent City Stays & Tours – Your Trip, Your Way
Globus Independent City Stays provide all the logistics, hotels, transportation, and on-the-ground support without a group schedule. Explore cities, linger over meals, or discover hidden corners — your trip is built around your rhythm.
Best for: Travelers who want flexibility with a safety net. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone seeking guided planning with independent exploration.
5. Globus Escapes – Off-Season Travel, Big Savings
Globus Escapes lets you visit top destinations in Europe, South America, North America, and the Middle East during the off-season. Enjoy smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and savings that may include waived single supplements.
Best for: Travelers who want iconic destinations without peak-season prices or crowds.
The Cruise Web Advantage: Our personal travel advisors can help you weigh out the pros and cons of each style to match your preferences, as well as find you exclusive offers.
What Are Other Ways To Travel With Globus?
In addition to Classic, Small Group, Undiscovered, Independent City Stays, and Escapes, Globus offers specialized tours for unique interests. Choose from:
- Religious Tours for spiritually enriching journeys
- Rail Tours for scenic, stress-free adventures
- Cruise & Tour vacations to combine land and water
- Special Event Tours for unforgettable experiences
- Private Tours for a personalized guided trip.
No matter your travel style, Globus has a way to make your journey unforgettable.
Private Tours
Any European tour can become a Private Tour for 1–24 travelers. Enjoy private transportation, a dedicated Tour Director, and exclusive guided experiences.
Perfect for couples, families, or friends. Contact The Cruise Web to design a private Globus experience tailored to your group.
Free Vacation Planning with The Cruise Web vs. Planning It Yourself?
Anyone who has waited three hours in line at the Vatican only to rush through the Sistine Chapel knows the feeling: you spent half your vacation just waiting.
The Cruise Web and Globus eliminate that frustration.
Planning a Globus Tour with The Cruise Web | Planning It Yourself | |
|---|---|---|
Hotels | First-class and vetted, often in prime/central locations | Hours researching, reading reviews, hoping for the best |
Transportation | Included deluxe, private, air-conditioned motor coach with free wi-fi | Booking trains, rental cars, rideshares, and airport transfers separately |
Sightseeing and Landmarks | VIP and skip-the-line access at top attractions | Waiting in long general admission lines (often 2-3+ hours at popular sites) |
Local Tours and Guides | Expert local guides and Tour Directors included | Booking each tour individually at full price |
Meals | Many meals included, with local dining recommendations for free time | Every meal is out of pocket, every restaurant is a gamble |
Daily Planning | Everything is arranged so you just show up and enjoy | You are the tour director, navigator, and translator |
Hidden Costs | One price, transparent inclusions | Booking fees, surge pricing, last-minute markups |
If Something Goes Wrong | On-the-ground support and a dedicated Tour Director | You are on your own |
Booking Experience | The Cruise Web's travel experts handle it all: personalized recommendations, exclusive offers, and seamless booking from start to finish | You research, compare, and book everything yourself with no expert guidance |
Support | Dedicated support before, during, and after your tour from experienced travel advisors | No one to call if plans change or something goes wrong before or during your trip |
Expertise | Access to travel specialists who know Globus itineraries inside and out and can match the right tour to your style and budget | Limited to your own research and online reviews |
Total Cost | Competitive or lower, with more included | Often more expensive once you add it all up |
Real World Costs: Globus Tour vs. Italy on Your Own
Let's put real numbers to it. Say you want to spend 7 days exploring Italy, hitting Rome, Florence, and Venice.
When you add up the real cost of doing it yourself, the math often favors the guided tour.
The following numbers are averaged estimates for 7 nights in Rome, Florence, and Venice during peak season.
Globus Italy Tour | Planning with The Cruise Web | Planning It Yourself |
|---|---|---|
Hotel for 7 Nights (Vetted properties like the Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice) | INCLUDED | $2,100 ($200-400/night avg.) |
Transportation Between Cities (Private motorcoach, all transfers) | INCLUDED | $200 (Trains, taxis, rideshares) |
Airport Transfers | INCLUDED | $80 |
Guided Sightseeing and Admissions (Vatican, Florence, Venice, and more) | INCLUDED | $350 (Individual tours and tickets) |
Skip-the-Line Access (VIP entry at top landmarks) | INCLUDED | $120 (Upgrade fees where available) |
Expert Tour Director (Full Trip) | INCLUDED | (You are on your own) |
Local Guides | INCLUDED | $180 |
Meals (Breakfast daily + select dinners) | INCLUDED | $350 ($50/day avg.) |
Daily Planning and Logistics | INCLUDED | Hours of research |
The Cruise Web Support (Expert guidance before, during, after) | INCLUDED | (No one to call) |
TOTAL FARE* (per person) | ~$2,300 | ~$3,380+ |
SPEND PER DAY (per person) | ~$328 | ~$483 |
*Not guaranteed on all sailings.
Globus tour pricing varies by departure date. Independent estimates based on average peak-season costs in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Hotel estimates reflect mid-range to upper-mid-range properties comparable to Globus selections.
The bottom line: when you factor in skip-the-line access, meals, vetted hotels, transportation, and expert guides, a Globus tour through The Cruise Web gives you more for less.
View Globus ToursLooking for More Value? Meet Cosmos
Cosmos is Globus’s budget-friendly sister brand. It offers guided tours with comfortable hotels, including sightseeing, and built-in free time — all at a lower price point.
Best for: Travelers who prioritize experiences over luxury details and want affordable guided tours across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and beyond.
View Cosmos ToursReady to Start Your Globus Adventure?
If you want to:
- Explore itineraries
- Further compare tour styles with an expert
- Design a seamless guided travel experience built around the way you want to see the world
Then contact The Cruise Web today by calling 1-800-377-9383 or visiting cruiseweb.com
Your perfect tour is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Globus Tours
What is included on a Globus tour?
Hotels, transportation, Tour Directors, guided sightseeing, and many meals. Exact inclusions depend on tour style.
Can I customize my Globus itinerary?
Yes. Many tours offer Globus Choice Excursions like cooking classes, bike rides, or wine tastings.
Are Globus tours solo-traveler friendly?
Yes. Some tours waive single supplements, especially off-season Escapes. Independent City Stays also work well for solo travelers.
What is the difference between Classic Tours and Small Group Discovery Tours?
Classic Tours focuses on iconic sights for larger groups. Small Group Discovery Tours are intimate and immersive.
Can I convert a Globus tour to a private tour?
Yes. Any European tour can be made private for 1–24 travelers.
How do Globus Escapes differ?
They are off-season tours with smaller crowds, lower prices, and sometimes waived single supplements.
7. How does Cosmos differ from Globus?
Cosmos is budget-friendly but backed by the same planning expertise. Perfect for travelers prioritizing experience over luxury.
8. Are flights included?
Flights are usually not included. Cruise Experts at The Cruise Web can help bundle flights, transfers, and pre/post stays.
9. What about free time?
Independent City Stays and Small Group Discovery Tours include built-in free time to explore independently.
10. How do I book a Globus tour?
Work with Cruise Experts at The Cruise Web for personalized guidance, early booking perks, and custom add-ons.
