They include the brands Globus, Cosmos,[1] Avalon Waterways[2] Archived 2015-04-15 at the Wayback Machine Independent Traveler[3] The Globus family of brands traces its history to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza started using a rowing boat to transport commercial goods across Lake Lugano in Switzerland.

[4] Over time, Mantegazza acquired motorcoaches to transport tourists around the Lake Lugano area in southern Switzerland.

Boasting a fleet of 12 coaches, operating local excursions for European tourists in Switzerland, Mantegazza called his new venture Globus Viaggi.

The companies’ escorted and independent vacations offer nearly 10,000 departures and over 400 different itineraries, covering more than 65 countries on six continents.

Combined, the travel brands carry nearly 500,000 passengers per year, making Globus the largest tour operator worldwide.