VACATIONS TO BELIEVE IN
The Globus family of brands has launched its 2014 collection of faith-based holidays in Europe and the Middle East. Devout Christians have made pilgrimages to sites of religious significance for centuries. Today, with escorted tour companies Globus and Cosmos, these faith-based journeys combine piety with historic and cultural curiosity, making the experience spiritual, yet convenient and simple to book. Since 2005, Globus has featured faith-based vacations throughout Europe and the Middle-East for people who are seeking “more intimate, personal experiences”of their faith. Globus destinations comprise France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey, as well as Israel and Jordan. This year, the company added value-focused sister brand Cosmos’ faith-based vacations, featuring its guaranteed share program for solo travellers. For 2014, Globus has unveiled seven faith-based itineraries, including a new eight-day Legacy of Pope John Paul II tour of Poland. Cosmos will offer four budget-friendly options for as little as $129 per day, including a new 12-day Shrines of France & Lourdes which will feature Paris, Lisieux, Avignon, Paray-Le-Monial, Nevers and Chartres. As Europe and the Middle East continue to lure religious vacationers, Italy and Israel top the list of divine destinations. Globus’ nine-day Journey through the Holy Land and 11-day Grand Catholic Italy tours are two of the company’s most popular faith-based vacations. For just over $170 per day, Cosmos also invites travellers to these destinations on its nine-day Spiritual Highlights of Italy and nine-day Holy Land Discovery. Globus and Cosmos’ groups will also be pleased to know that there is a Get Out & Give Back fundraising program to raise money for their church. When groups book their faith-based vacation with Globus or Cosmos, Globus family of brands will contribute up to $1,000 to the church depending on the group size. “The interest in faith-based travel to enrich a person’s spiritual experience and to bring history to life continues to grow,”says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands in Canada. “These travellers may not regularly practice their religion, but they do have an abiding interest its culture and history – and they love the chance to experience these countries and enhance their faith with like-minded fellow travellers.”With the company’s early booking incentive, travellers can save 10% on the land portion of all 2014 Globus Religious tours booking by Sept. 17 this year (a saving of up to $427 p.p.); or for those travelling as part of a group, save $100 p.p. on Cosmos or $200 p.p. on Globus faith-based getaways. (http://www.GlobusJourneys.ca , http://www.CosmosVacations.ca)
