Globus is expanding its Asia and Africa portfolio for 2027 with new small-group tours designed for travelers who want more time, richer logistics support and deeper experiences in long-haul destinations. The tour operator will debut four Small Group Discovery itineraries across Japan, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania, and Namibia and South Africa, with trips ranging from 12 to 13 days.
The strategy reflects a growing shift in escorted travel. Many travelers still want bucket-list destinations, but they increasingly want trips that feel less rushed and less generic. Asia and Africa can be difficult to plan independently because of long distances, language barriers, transport complexity and the need for reliable local expertise. Globus is positioning its guided model as a way to remove that friction while giving guests more time on the ground.
Chief marketing officer Steve Born said the destinations “reward travelers who slow down and stay awhile,” a message that runs through the 2027 expansion. Instead of treating major sights as quick stops, the new programs combine iconic landmarks with hands-on cultural moments, wildlife viewing and local community encounters.
Four New Trips Anchor the 2027 Lineup
The new Legacy of Japan with Hokkaido itinerary runs from Tokyo to Kyoto and adds a stronger northern Japan focus. Travelers visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo, with highlights including a meeting with the Ainu, Japan’s Indigenous people, at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. The itinerary also includes a sake brewery tasting, a soba-making class, a maiko dance performance, a Shinkansen ride to Kanazawa, a gold leaf craft class and hands-on woodcarving in Inami.
Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals & Wild Kingdoms blends archaeology, religion, wildlife and tea country. Guests visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa and see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The trip also includes game drives focused on wild elephants, leopards and birds, making it a culture-and-nature itinerary rather than a standard sightseeing loop.
In Africa, the Kenya & Tanzania Safari Expedition is designed exclusively for the small-group collection and is capped at 24 guests. Travelers explore six parks, reserves and conservancies over 13 days, with wildlife experiences focused on the Big Five, endangered elephants and giraffes. Accommodations include boutique lodges and luxury tented camps.
Namibia: Land of Contrasts with Johannesburg travels roundtrip from Johannesburg and highlights Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park. The itinerary includes red dunes, savannah landscapes, Indigenous cultural encounters, desert-adapted wildlife and ancient rock carvings.
Extensions Point to Slower Long-Haul Travel
Globus is also adding more than two dozen itinerary variations across Asia and Africa. Japan programs will gain options that include Hiroshima, Osaka and Seoul, while South Korea tours will offer extensions to Tokyo, Japan and Jeju Island. Timeless India will expand with combinations featuring Dubai, Mumbai, Udaipur and Kathmandu.
In Africa, the company is adding more safari combinations around Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Uganda gorilla trekking. Sister brand Cosmos is expanding too, with new tours including Essential China and added options tied to Japan, India and Kenya.
The expansion shows how tour operators are adapting to travelers who want structure but not speed. For Globus, the opportunity is to make complex destinations feel easier while giving guests enough time to understand why those places are worth the long journey.
