TORONTO — Globus’ 2018 Religious Travel brochure covers 14 tours in the new and old world, available through both Globus and value-brand Cosmos to destinations from Italy, Israel and Jordan to Mexico and Poland.

Tours range from six to 20 days and several feature stops in Lourdes, which in 2018 will mark the 160th anniversary of the Apparitions there. Many of the itineraries are geared to Roman Catholic travellers and include masses.

The company also has the most tour options to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany taking place in 2020, including one featuring an Avalon Waterways European river cruise.

“We take enormous effort to create a balance between faith and fun,” says Stéphanie Bishop, Managing Director for the Globus family of brands in Canada.

Cosmos’ always-popular guaranteed share program matches solo travellers of the same sex in order to save them the single supplement. There’s also the chance to Get Out and Give Back with a half-day of light volunteer work in its Israel and Jordan itineraries. Globus tours feature VIP access to must-see sites and behind the scenes local experiences.

Bishop says these tours are popular with groups, including church groups, and discounted rates are available for groups as small as eight people. She adds that the company is happy to provide its expertise in customizing a group tour for as few as 20 travellers. “The opportunities are almost endless, thanks to our worldwide network and buying power,” says Bishop. Such tours include Argentina with a focus on Pope Francis, the shrines of French Canada, England’s Christian heritage and California Missions.

With the company’s Early Booking Bonus program, clients booked on any 2018 Globus Europe (excluding Escapes by Globus and 2020 Oberammergau tours) or North America tour by Sept. 12 this year will save 10%. Cosmos clients who book between June 21 and July 11 this year save $50 per person.