Globus and Cosmos began with a dozen motor coaches in Switzerland and in the following 75 years has grown into a worldwide travel empire carrying over 500,000 passengers annually.
Antonio Mantegazza started carrying commercial goods across Lake Lugano in a rowboat in the 1920's and in 1928 expanded his business to transport people. With the purchase of 12 motor coaches Globus Viaggi was born to operate Swiss excursions for European Travellers.
Business boomed over the next several decades and by 1950 there were 33 coaches operating in France, Italy and Switzerland. By 1960 business partner Werner Albek had introduced the concept of Grand European Touring to North Americans and in 1961 they added Cosmos, a division geared towards more independent travellers who wanted to spend less on hotels and have more free time.
Through the 1960's and 1970's Globus and Cosmos added southern European sun destinations and Monarch Airlines. Under the direction of Antonio's son, Sergio Mantegazza, Globus branches out with packages to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and Southeast Asia. Since then the company has expanded to include tours on every continent from Africa, Antarctica, South and North America to Europe, the South Pacific and Asia.
Today Globus and Cosmos has local offices in 37 countries and operates over 4,400 worldwide tours ranging from multi-country, city stay, LeisureStyle and Regional Discovery holidays. In Canada, Globus and Cosmos is located at 1061 Eglington Avenue West in Toronto (416-787-1281).
