Italy Is Back! World's Leading Tour Operator Predicts Uptick In Italy Travel For 2014

LITTLETON, Colo., Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing powerful new price points, a strong repeat traveler factor and a diverse product portfolio, the Globus family of brands is predicting that Italy will see a resurgence in 2014.

"Italy is a rare destination; one that offers an immense amount of diversity from Cinque Terre and Sicily to Rome and Lake Maggiore.  It's a place travelers can visit over and over again and always discover something new," said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands.  "But in recent years, the Italy value proposition has eroded a bit.  Starting now, we're bringing that value back with our introduction of new product and promotions that will return the welcome mat to Italy's doorstep."

To help put the spotlight back on Italy, Globus is unveiling a NEW, 8-day Italian Vista tour priced at less than $200 a day (approximately 25 percent less than the average Italy vacation, the tour operator says). 

"With our new Italian Vista vacation – an incredible Italian getaway at an unparalleled value – Globus is ensuring Italy is once again within reach for most travelers," said Nisbet.

On this NEW Italian Vista tour, travelers will experience the diverse cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan as well as such off-the-beaten path destinations as Orvieto, Assisi, Padua and Verona.  Included in the unbeatable price is guided sightseeing of must-see sights like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, St. Francis' Basilica, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square.  Also included are "Local Favorites" like tasting pastries in a traditional pasticceria in Orvieto, taking a boat ride to visit picturesque Bellagio – the "Pearl of Lake Como" – and enjoying a risotto dinner in Milan.

"At less than $200 a day, we're inviting travelers to savor the sweet life whether they want to enjoy Italy for the first time or go back again," said Nisbet.  "On this vacation, they will never lift a finger – or a bag.  Even better?  We'll get them in front of the lines at such must-see sites as the Colosseum and behind-the-scenes with included Local Favorites." 

To further encourage travel to Italy in 2014, Globus is offering travelers $999 air on select Italy tours:

• NEW Italian Vista – 8 days from $2,548 including airfare
• (Rome, Assisi, Padua, Milan)
• A Taste of Italy – 7 days from $2,948 including airfare
• (Rome, Florence, Venice)
• Gems of Umbria & Tuscany – 9 days from $3,248 including airfare
• (Rome, Spoleta, Assisi, Siena, Orvieto)
• Italy's Great Cities – 8 days from $2,968 including airfare
• (Rome, Florence, Venice)

In addition, the Globus family offers travelers incredible value on Cosmos tours to Italy.  "Travelers will unpack less and spend more time enjoying daily excursions to regional cities, towns and attractions from a central city for the majority of their vacation on 8-day Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy and 8-day The Magic of the Italian Lakes," said Nisbet.

And for those travelers interested in experiencing Italy without the group, the Globus family suggests Monograms' Italy getaways like: Rome & Sorrento; Rome & Sicily or Rome, Florence, Venice & Lake Maggiore.

For more information and vacation details, visit www.globusjourneys.com.  And, "like" us on Facebook for exclusive offers throughout the year (www.facebook.com/globus).

ABOUT THE GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States.  Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options.  Considered the world's largest tour operator, with more than 80 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value.  The Globus family of brands is a Bronze Certification member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).Consumers can book a Globus family of brands vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.866.313.2855.  For more information, please visit www.globusfamily.com.   Travel agents can request brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.

SOURCE the Globus family of brands