For nearly a century, the Globus family of brands – consisting of Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways – has introduced wayfarers and wanderers to a world of wonder, making waves across the travel industry, along the way.
What began in 1928 as a rowboat ride across Switzerland’s Lake Lugano has rippled into a robust portfolio of touring and cruising vacations across 70 countries.
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TOURING BEYOND. For nearly a century, Globus has taken guests beyond the guidebooks with expertly designed tours across seven continents. With front-row access to legendary landmarks, hand-picked hotels, seamless transportation and insider expertise, every trip delivers “wow” at every turn. Don’t just see the world. Tour it.
THE WORLD WITHIN REACH. For more than 60 years, Cosmos has turned dream destinations into real-life adventures with value-packed vacations across the globe. From Europe’s storybook spires to America’s National Parks, Cosmos makes priceless travel possible.
CRUISING ELEVATED. For more than two decades, Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising with modern, luxurious Suite Ships and the grandest views in cruising. From legendary rivers to unexpected discoveries, Avalon invites cruisers to be choosers with the freedom to fuel their passions and steer clear of the ordinary.
From one rowboat to nearly 100 years of fulfilling travel dreams on the roads, rivers & rails of the world.
Our History
It started with a rowboat. Antonio Mantegazza (the eventual founder of the Globus family of brands) bought a rowboat on credit and began transporting travelers across Lake Lugano, sharing stories of local sights.
Paid holidays begin to become standard, which was great news for travel providers like Mantegazza, who expanded his operation with more rowboats on Lake Lugano. Throughout the decade, he also added:
• Taxis on land• A fleet of twelve motorcoaches operating in Switzerland• Operational rights to a popular local route for the Swiss national postal and transportational service
Mantegazza's son, Sergio, joins the company. They partner with Werner Albek, who helps Globus Viaggi operate excursions to St. Moritz, Milan, Venice, Rome, and other popular European destinations.
• Globus Viaggi acquires two competing coach companies• Fleet of coaches grows to 33
In the early 50's, Globus introduces the "circular tour", offering a one price, all-inclusive vacation package. Later, Grand European Touring is launched, offering first-class tours around Europe.
• European portfolio expands to Switzerland, Italy, the French Riviera, Scandinavia, Holland, Belgium, Britain, and Ireland.• Globus enters the U.S. tourism market.
With the Mantegazza family at the helm, the company's brands begin expanding their markets into countries around the world.
• Globus launches its North American branch - Group Voyagers, Inc. to oversee U.S. operations.• Globus launches Cosmos, featuring affordable, value-priced European touring for the cost-conscious traveler. • Werner Albek's son, Mario, joins the company.
As planes, cruise ships, and travel agent associations grew in size, Globus did too. Globus and Cosmos opened distribution companies in Australia, London, and Canada.
• The United States Tour Operations Association (USTOA) is founded by Globus and a small group of California tour operators.• Circuit Travel begins operation in Australia as a registered distribution company for the Globus family of brands.• Lontours Canada Ltd. opens in Toronto.
Globus is one of the world's most popular tour operators, offering vacations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, Africa, the South Pacific, Asia, and South America.
Globus is well-known for offering its travelers more - more vacations, more travel styles, and more included features - securing its position as the worldwide leader in escorted travel.
• Globus and Cosmos grows to record volume and becomes the market leader in escorted travel.
The Globus family of brands with its sister companies is the world's leading tour operator with more than 30 tourism and aviation businesses around the world, and serviced by more than 5,000 professionals.
• Globus launches Avalon Waterways, adding river cruising to its range of travel styles.• In response to Baby Boomers' desire for more independent travel, Globus launches Monograms. • The Globus family of brands begins offering Religious vacations through Globus Faith.
Globus focused on immersive experiences with expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned itineraries. Avalon Waterways expanded its fleet with luxurious river cruise ships, featuring panoramic staterooms, fine dining, and enriching shore excursions on major European rivers.
• Avalon Waterways redefines river cruising with Suite Ships, spacious staterooms, and Open-Air Balconies.• In 2017, Avalon launched Avalon Fresh, Active & Discovery cruises, and introduced Adventure Hosts.• Globus launches Escapes for off-season travel and Undiscovered tours to hidden gems for its 90th year.• Toward the decade’s end, Avalon introduces Avalon Choice, offering a variety of included excursions.
Both Globus and Avalon Waterways remain dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences, adapting to evolving traveler preferences and ensuring memorable journeys for their guests.
• Globus redefines touring with Choice tours, allowing guests to customize their experience with included excursions.• Avalon debuts Storyteller cruises with celebrity hosts and FlexDining for greater dining freedom.• Globus streamlines its offerings, folding Monograms into Independent tours and City Stays.• In 2021, the company launches The Lighthouse Project, promoting sustainable, responsible travel.
