TORONTO — Globus family of brands is keeping the faith with the launch of its 2019 Religious Travel brochure, featuring a total of 10 tours that explore the roots of Christianity.

Offered by both Globus and its value-brand cousin Cosmos, the escorted tours are available throughout Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland, as well as to Israel and Jordan. Cosmos has three new tours: the week-long ‘Shrines of Alpine Europe’, the nine-day ‘Shrines of Northern Italy & Rome’, and the 14-day ‘Shrines of Italy’.

Tours range from six to 20 days, with many that include masses geared toward Roman Catholic travellers. Cosmos’ ‘Biblical Israel’ tour, meanwhile, caters specifically to Protestants.

The company also features 14 itineraries plus one Avalon Waterways European river cruise to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, taking place in 2020.

“We are the only mainstream tour operator to have a faith-based division,” said Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands in Canada. Bishop also adds that when planning its religious itineraries, the company takes “enormous effort” to create a balance between faith and fun. For example, a tour may include a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi as well as a private boat excursion in Venice.

While Globus tours feature VIP access to attractions and behind-the-scenes local experiences, Cosmos has the popular guaranteed share program whereby the company will match solo travellers of the same sex in order to save them the single supplement. There’s also the new CosmosGO app, which helps clients make the most of their free time while in destination.

Discounted rates are available for groups as small as eight. The company can also customize groups for as few as 20 travellers. New this year, Globus is able to make any of its itineraries private for two to 24 passengers.

As extra incentive, the company’s Early Booking Bonus program includes up to 10% off. Clients can book any 2019 Globus Europe (excluding Escapes by Globus and 2020 Oberammergau tours) by Nov. 27, 2018 to receive the discount. With Cosmos, bookings must be made by Oct. 23, 2018 to receive a savings of $50 per person.

For more details go to https://www.globusjourneys.ca/religious-vacations/.